Oconee River
🏔 Scenic River
Clarke / Oconee Co. · 220 mi · Class I–II
450CFS/ 3.82 ft
Flood
→Stable
Optimal: 500–3000 CFS · USGS #02218300
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
220 mi
Length
Class I–II
Difficulty
500–3000 cfs
Optimal
1,600 cfs
Avg Flow
1,440 cfs
Hist. Median
#02218300
USGS Gauge
Oconee River Greenway · Georgia Scenic River candidate

A classic Georgia Piedmont river flowing through Athens and the red-clay heart of the state. The Oconee offers excellent bass fishing and easy Class I–II paddling through forested bottomlands and university-town charm.

Trip sections
Athens to Barnett Shoals — 15 mi, university corridor, Class I–II
Barnett Shoals to Milledgeville — 60 mi, Piedmont forest float
Outfitters
Big Dogs on the River
Athens-based canoe and kayak rentals
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.