The Cartecay river is an intermediate level river near Ellijay, Ga on Hwy 52. It has multiple unique river features as well as scenic for most of the paddle. A great river to bring people on that has had some experience on moving water and wants to step it up a level. This river has two paddle sections, Lower Cartecay Road to Stegall Mill Road (aka Blackberry) and Stegall Mill Road to DNR. The first section can be done at lower river levels than the next section to DNR.
At 2.5′ (420cfs), the rocky nature of the Cartecay starts to transition into a bit more of a pushy stream. The lines are not as tight, but the currents are stronger. At S-Turn, the center line is very runnable and is a good alternative for newer paddlers. Whirlpool is pushy with a good size hole. Stegal Mill Falls is still a slide into a large foam pile.
- River Difficulty: Intermediate (Class II)
- Distance: 2.25 miles (Lower Cartecay Rd. to Stegall Mill)
- Avg Gradient: 24 fpm
- Max Gradient: 50 fpm
- Minimum Suggested Level: 1.2′ (1.4′ or higher preferred)
River Information:
- Water Levels
- Put In / Take Out Location
- Nearby Outfitters
- Article Search
- Images/Video Search
- AW Information
USGS Water Gauge:
Put In / Take Out Location:
The put in for this river is located at the outfitters. The takeout is at Stegall Mill Road, or you can add the next section to DNR. Stegall Mill Road has almost no parking for boaters, generally you will run the river and have a outfitter provide you shuttle back to the put in.
Nearby Outfitters:
Cartecay River Experience
Phone: 706-698-ROLL
Website: www.cartecayriverexperience.com
Rents: Kayaks, Sit On Tops, Tubes
Location: From Hwy 5, turn onto Highway 52. Go 1 mile. On the right just past old outfitter location.
