If u plan to use a spotting scope, there would be no problem from shore. If your plan is photography, a boat is advised. I put mine in at the marina right in Coboconk and followed the river up to Ligtning point and Juniper road. If you follow either of these roads, they will take you to good viewing areas. There is private property in these areas and I asked for permission before entering. There is a spot on a bridge where you can see the islands quite well on Juniper road. I ended up heading up myself today thinking I was going to be boating by myself. When I drove in and turned around to come back to the main highway, low and behold a familiar face was walking toward me on the road, Jody Melanson. We teamed up and had a pretty good day, he was wondering how he was going to get to the island and I was wondering how I was gonna lift the boat into the water by myself. So it worked out great, we(or I,lol) could have got some better shots, but it was a good day.
Thanks Jody
Art