Historic Barnett Shoals, GA

07/31/2024

Guided Historic/Eco Paddle Trip... Saturday 8/3

Paddle Guide: Oconee Joe

Gateway to the Oconee National Forest: Barnett Shoals Dam to Scull Shoals.

I’m back from a coastal hiatus and ready for a big river day out on the Oconee once again! This is a special trip exploring the river between the Star Thread Mill Ruins at Historic Barnett Shoals, GA, the Scull Shoals Indian Mounds, and the Scull Shoals Archeological Area.

***Update: 7 spots remain!***

$145 per person. Professional guides, boats, gear, complimentary drinks and snacks, and shuttle to Put-In provided.

To book your spot contact us at: OconeeJoe.com or (706)614.8928 text or call.

One of my personal favorite sections that I do not run often. We will be exploring the unique and historical Barnett Shoals mill town area then heading down river into the Oconee National Forest. We will pass by many other historic sites and discuss their significance to our region, such as Fort Matthews (1790), Wirebridge (early 1900s), Scull Shoals Indian Mounds (1250), and the Scull Shoals mill town/Fort Clarke (1786-1840). It will be also be a unique nature trip as we paddle through the Oconee National Forest and look for the late summer migrating birds currently occupying the Upper Oconee Watershed. Of course there will be deer, turtles, fish, and maybe even feral hogs along this section… Looking forward to sharing the waters with you all!

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06/08/2024

After over a year hiatus from writing I’m back with article in Classic City News. I was finally able to articulate somewhat where I have been and what I have been experiencing out here on these waters. I hope this story is able to take folks on a little journey. It’s got it all. Ancient Peoples, Space Time, and even mental breakdowns… Of course I hope you enjoy it too as I sincerely appreciate everyone’s faithful support and most of all patience.

Why Don’t I Write You More?

By Oconee JoeWhy don’t I write you more? Tell you of places, stories, and faces along the Oconee River shore. Why can’t I open the door? Take you through history, lost timelines and new mysteries, downriver for the Grand ol’ Tour… ​​Long after the Great Appalachian-Caledonian Range had f...

06/03/2024

I would like to wish my wife, Sarah, a very happy and bountiful Birthday! She is the fire in the hearth of our home giving warmth and light to our family and the friends who gather around her. She has been by my side since we were just young saplings… our roots have intertwined into the same soil. Around rock and planted by the river. We have stood through the lean seasons and grown in strength. A Mother to our little acorns she provides shade and shelter to all who seek it. She is what keeps me driving hard with my message of The Oconee when I feel like tossing out an anchor. My river trips run smooth out on the water because of the work she puts in off water. From booking and logistics, to supplies and consumables, she keeps each expedition on track for success. Thank you “Sweets”, my best friend, my soul. Long after I am just a stump… I Will Love You Forever.

05/20/2024

Take Off Tuesdays, May 21, 2024. Half Day Ecology/History Paddle Trip. 10am-3pm
(+/ 4 Hours)

***Update: 4 spots remaing***

$125 per person. All boats, gear, professional guides, and shuttle to put in provided. Complimentary light snacks and beverages included.

Let’s switch things up from Lake Oconee and get back upstream on river in the Athens/Oconee area…. We expect to observe and learn much about the Spring migration along the Oconee Watershed. Heron Rookery, Prothonotary, Hooded Warblers, Northern Parula, Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, Spotted Sandpipers, and many more bird species.

To reserve your freedom boat call: (706) 614.8928 or Go to OconeeJoe.com

Section: The Middle Oconee Medley...

We will be running a half-day (+/-4 hour), 8 mile section on the Middle Oconee & Main Oconee Rivers. It is all flat, moving water with no rapids. We will be observing a herony with multiple great blue heron nests from a respectful distance. They will be on their nests incubating this Spring’s young. Bring binoculars and a good camera. Lots of early Spring flora and fauna can be seen. We’ll paddle along the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA, and venture down into the Whitehall Forest of University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry. Here we will pass under the old train trestle linking Watkinsville to Athens, and stop over at White’s Dam for a brief history on the impact and importance of this site. After that we will meet at the Confluence with the North Oconee and witness the beginning of the Main Oconee River. Let’s explore and help me kick this paddle season into high gear!

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02/07/2024

River Boat Trip!
No paddling, just boat riding and a little walking!

Oconee River/Lake Oconee: Dyar Pasture Delta
Thursday , February 8th, 2024 12pm to 3pm
*Update: only 4 Seats Remaining!

$95.00 Per Person.

Limited Seating Book Today!
Go to link below, fill out information & submit

www.oconeejoe.com/rsvp
Or Text/Call: (706) 614.8928

Complimentary Light Snacks and Beverages Provided.

Shove off with me for a rare warm weather February afternoon via guided motorized boat ride down the Oconee River, through the marsh and backwaters of Lake Oconee. Stay warm and dry via boat as we explore the river/lake region and stop over for a snack picnic on a marsh island I love to visit… Also, Winter Migratory Birding: Many different migrating species may be observed… Osprey, waterfowl - Ducks, Bald Eagles, Egrets, Various Herons. Come on and get a taste of the River Life!

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08/15/2023

Bounty Photo Contest Time! 🐊

First one to send me a confirmation photo of a gator on the North Oconee River in Athens I’ll pay cash money! How’s $200? Click my link for details and submission rules…

It’s a rare sighting this far north of what is known as Georgia’s Fall Line, what scientists say was the prehistoric shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

02/24/2022

Happy Thursday Morning!!! ☀️ Looks like we’ve got some good weather through Saturday, so if you need to get out 🚶🌲, then head on over to Historic Barnett Shoals!

The gate will be open from 8:00am-sunset the rest of the week. 🤗 We do ask for a $10 donation per person for a day pass (all kids under 16 are FREE).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy Walking!!!

09/24/2021

☑️ It’s Friday
☑️ The sun is out
☑️ It’s not 100 degrees

Come out and take a walk at HBS!!!

04/05/2021

What a BEAUTIFUL first half of the week!!! 🤗 I’ll be doing a riding, one hour tour tomorrow (Tuesday, 4/6) if Historic Barnett Shoals!

Feel free to comment or send me a message if you’d like to go...I have 4️⃣ spots!

03/22/2021

***edited...1️⃣ spot left

☀️ Happy Monday ☀️

Since the rest of the week seems a little iffy with weather, I’m going to be doing a one hour riding tour TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 23rd from 12:30-1:30. 🤗 Take a middle of the day break, and come check out the old town!!!

I have 4️⃣ spots available. If you’d like to reserve one, please comment or send us a message.