Area Spotlight: CARTECAY RIVER EXPERIENCE

July 7, 2025

Chase the Current: Tubing & Kayaking Adventures on the Cartecay River

A man is riding a wave in a kayak on a river.

Just a stone’s throw from Diamond Lure Campground, the Cartecay River beckons thrill-seekers with its sparkling rapids and emerald-shaded bends. Whether you’re hurtling through Class I–II chutes in a kayak or drifting with the flow in a trusty inner tube, every twist and turn of this 19-mile waterway promises an unforgettable rush.


Two Distinct River Adventures


1. Adventure River Experience

  • Distance & Rapids: Put in at Lower Cartecay Road for about 3 miles of Class I–II whitewater. Expect fun chutes, playful drops, and enough swirls to keep your heart pounding.
  • Duration: Roughly 2–3 hours in a tube, 1.5–2 hours in a kayak. Perfect for first-timers who want a taste of real rapids.


2. Lazy River Experience

  • Distance & Flow: A gentler 1.5-mile float with barely a bump—ideal for families, photo ops, and spotting blue herons dipping in the shallows.
  • Duration: About 1–1.5 hours. Bring a snack, drift prone on your tube, and let the river carry your cares away.


For full rental rates, shuttle info, and add-ons (push sticks, coolers, etc.), check out Cartecay River Experience’s Rentals page. cartecayriverexperience.com


A Quick Snapshot of the Cartecay River


Length & Location: 19.1 miles in Gilmer County, flowing from headwaters in the Chattahoochee National Forest down to Ellijay, where it joins the Ellijay River to form the Coosawattee River en.wikipedia.org.


  • Watershed: Encompasses roughly 135 square miles, bordered by State Route 52 and punctuated by tributaries like Clear Creek and Anderson Creek.
  • Character: Scenic forest corridors, occasional private-bank residential stretches, and a handful of shoals that make for just enough challenge.


FAQ


Q: When is the season?
A: Late April through late September. Weekends 9 AM–4 PM, weekdays 10 AM–3 PM.


Q: How much does it cost?
A: Tubes from $15 cash/$18 card; kayaks $30 cash/$34 card. Shuttle-only rides are $7 cash/$10 card
cartecayriverexperience.com.


Q: What should I bring?

  • Swimsuit, water-shoes (no flip-flops), biodegradable sunscreen
  • Small dry bag or personal cooler (no glass)
  • Water bottle, snack, and a sense of adventure


Q: How hard is it?

  • Adventure: Moderate—Class I–II rapids, some maneuvering required.
  • Lazy: Easy—your tube does all the work!


Q: Where do I put in and take out?

  • Adventure: Put in at 1554 Lower Cartecay Road; take out at the rental site on Hwy 52 East.
  • Lazy: Both launch and pickup happen at the Hwy 52 site.


Ready to answer the river’s call? Head over to the official site for full details, directions, and that all-important “no-reservation” policy:
👉
Cartecay River Experience

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