Putting in at Hwy 82, this section of the Middle Oconee can take you on a remarkable river wilderness experience. Evidence of modern civilization is rare and there are many vistas of natural riparian forests. There are a few short shoals that are easily run. You may occasionally encounter river wide trees which could pose a hazard at higher water (> 1000 cfs). There are remnants of at least one, possibly two, Native American fish weirs. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys, they are commonly seen on this section.
Both the put-in and take-out are steep, muddy and difficult which is one of the reasons this section is pristine. If you are interested in efforts to establish permanent public river launch sites on this or other stretches of the Oconee, visit the Upper Oconee Water Trail website or contact them at .
The last 1/2 mile above Hwy 330 is inundated by the Tallassee Shoals dam. The dam is 0.5 miles below Hwy 330. Do exercise caution if you decide to approach the dam as it is 25 feet high and can have a dangerous hydraulic at higher flows.