Tubing the Cartecay River in Gilmer County, Georgia, is a summer trip with one company: Cartecay River Experience, the only tube and kayak rental we could verify on the river. It rents from 2400 Hwy 52 East in East Ellijay (706-531-4746) and is open Memorial Day to Labor Day (Cartecay River Experience). As of this check in late October it is closed. The outfitter says the weekends around both holidays depend on the weather, so call before you drive up.
Lazy River or Adventure: the two floats compared
The outfitter runs two floats from two put-ins. The Lazy River float is about 1.5 miles and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours (Cartecay River Experience). The Adventure float is about 3 miles and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on a tube, or 1.5 to 2 hours in a kayak (Cartecay River Experience). The outfitter rates the Adventure float as Class 1 and 2 whitewater and calls the Lazy River float calm (Cartecay River Experience).
| Lazy River | Adventure River | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 1.5 miles | About 3 miles |
| Time on the water | About 1 to 1.5 hours | About 2.5 to 3 hours by tube, 1.5 to 2 hours by kayak |
| Put-in | The base at 2400 Hwy 52 East | 1554 Lower Cartecay Road |
| Water | Calm | Class 1 and 2 whitewater (the outfitter’s rating) |
| Ages | Tubes 5 and up, kayaks 10 and up | Tubes 5 and up, kayaks 10 and up |
| Price | Same for both floats (below) | Same for both floats (below) |
The put-in addresses come from the outfitter’s directions page (Cartecay River Experience), and both put-ins are for its customers. On weekends, Adventure guests ride the shuttle from the Hwy 52 base out to Lower Cartecay Road. OpenStreetMap marks the Lower Cartecay Road bridge closed, so follow the outfitter’s directions rather than a phone map that tries to route you across it.
Prices, as listed
These are the prices as listed on the outfitter’s website, which prints no year, checked October 18, 2026 (Cartecay River Experience). Prices can change, so treat them as a guide and confirm by phone.
| Item | Cash | Credit card |
|---|---|---|
| Tube rental, either float, shuttle included | $15 | $18 |
| Kayak rental, either float, shuttle included | $30 | $34 |
| Shuttle only, with your own tube or kayak | $7 per person | $10 per person |
Cash is cheaper on every line, and the shuttle-only fare applies if you bring your own tube or boat (Cartecay River Experience). The weekend early-bird deal is cash only too: arrive within the first hour of opening, mention the special, and the outfitter takes $2 off per person (Cartecay River Experience). It also lists push sticks at $3 to rent or $5 to buy. Published hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Friday (Cartecay River Experience).
No reservations: first come, first served
Cartecay River Experience doesn’t take reservations or advance bookings, even for large parties (Cartecay River Experience). If you are bringing a big group on a summer weekend, the early-bird hour gets you both a head start and the cash discount.
Who can go: ages, weight, waiver and life jackets
- Tube renters must be 5 or older, and kayak renters 10 or older (Cartecay River Experience).
- The manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight is 350 pounds.
- Everyone signs a waiver, and minors need an adult’s signature (Cartecay River Experience).
- Safety gear comes with every rental, and the outfitter says it has life jackets to fit everyone, children included (Cartecay River Experience).
We couldn’t find a published dog policy. Ask before you bring one.
The outfitter’s river rules
Coolers and glass
Cartecay River Experience says a county ordinance bans coolers and glass on the river. Each guest may carry one 32-ounce non-alcoholic drink and a small dry bag (Cartecay River Experience). We could not find the ordinance text on an official Gilmer County site, so read this as the outfitter’s rule and its stated reason, not a law we have checked.
Keep floating
Both banks are private property, and riders may not stop on them. The outfitter puts it bluntly: “You MUST keep floating” (Cartecay River Experience). Its FAQ says there are no places to get out along the float for the same reason (Cartecay River Experience).
Don’t miss the take-out
If Adventure floaters miss the designated take-out, the outfitter says the next one is roughly 6 to 8 hours downriver (Cartecay River Experience). Ask at check-in what the take-out looks like from the water.
Water temperature and what to bring
The outfitter says the river usually runs between 62 and 68 degrees (Cartecay River Experience). Compare that with a normal July high of 84.5°F at the nearby Jasper weather station (NOAA NCEI), and you can see why the first splash gets a reaction. Pack light: cash for the lower rate, one 32-ounce non-alcoholic drink, and a small dry bag for keys and a phone. Leave the cooler and anything glass in the car.
The outfitter’s site says nothing about footwear. Judging by this fence, loose flip-flops don’t always make it home.
Does the water level matter?
The card below shows the latest reading from the USGS gauge near Ellijay, so you can see whether the river is running high or low for the month. Whether the outfitter runs trips on a given day is its call, not the gauge’s. If the river looks high after rain, phone 706-531-4746 before you go. Our water levels and safety page explains what the numbers mean.
Cartecay River flow now
109 cfs
Close to the usual October flow.
Gage height 1.45 ft. American Whitewater lists 1.8 to 6 ft for the Middle Cartecay; this reading is below that range. Reading taken Oct 18, 8:15 PM ET. Provisional data. Source: USGS gage 02379500 · What it means for a trip
Which trip fits your group
Pick how you want to do the river and who is coming, and the matcher points you to a trip using the outfitter’s, DNR’s and American Whitewater’s own figures.
Decision tool · plan a day on the river
Which Cartecay trip fits you?
Pick how you want to do the river, then who is coming. Every answer comes from the outfitter, Georgia DNR or American Whitewater, with a link to check it yourself.
How do you want to do the river?
Who is coming? (optional)
If you want to float it in a tube
- Ages 5 and up
- 1 to 3 hours
- Memorial Day to Labor Day
Rent a tube from Cartecay River Experience, the one verified rental on the Cartecay. Its Lazy River float is about 1.5 miles of calm water; the Adventure float is about 3 miles with Class 1 and 2 whitewater. The shuttle is included and there are no reservations.
With kids: Tube renters must be 5 or older, and the outfitter says it has life jackets in children's sizes. Georgia also requires children under 13 to wear one while a vessel is under way. (Cartecay River Experience)
With a dog: The outfitter's website publishes no dog policy, so call before you bring one: 706-531-4746. (Cartecay River Experience)
With a big group: It is first come, first served with no advance bookings, even for large parties, so arrive early; weekend early arrivals get $2 off per person, cash only. (Cartecay River Experience)
Cartecay River Experience (rental base and Lazy River put-in)
Tube and kayak rentals on the Cartecay with two floats: a calm 1.5-mile Lazy River float (about 1-1.5 hours) and a 3-mile Adventure float with Class 1-2 whitewater (tubes 5+, kayaks 10+); first come, first served, no reservations.
Source: Cartecay River Experience website (home, rentals, FAQ, directions pages), checked Oct 18, 2026
- The Lazy River Experience is about 1.5 miles long and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
- The Adventure River Experience is about 3 miles long and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by tube or 1.5 to 2 hours by kayak.
- Cartecay River Experience lists tube rentals at $15 cash or $18 by credit card and kayak rentals at $30 cash or $34 by credit card, for either float, with the shuttle bus included (its site shows no year on these prices).
- Riders may not stop on the banks, which are private property; the outfitter says "You MUST keep floating!"
If you want to paddle a rental kayak
- Ages 10 and up
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Memorial Day to Labor Day
The same outfitter rents sit-on-top kayaks for the 3-mile Adventure float, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by kayak.
With kids: Kayak renters must be 10 or older; younger children can tube instead. (Cartecay River Experience)
With a dog: No dog policy is published, so ask the outfitter first. (Cartecay River Experience)
With a big group: No reservations are taken, even for large parties. (Cartecay River Experience)
Cartecay River Experience (rental base and Lazy River put-in)
Tube and kayak rentals on the Cartecay with two floats: a calm 1.5-mile Lazy River float (about 1-1.5 hours) and a 3-mile Adventure float with Class 1-2 whitewater (tubes 5+, kayaks 10+); first come, first served, no reservations.
Source: Cartecay River Experience website (home, rentals, FAQ, directions pages), checked Oct 18, 2026
- Cartecay River Experience lists tube rentals at $15 cash or $18 by credit card and kayak rentals at $30 cash or $34 by credit card, for either float, with the shuttle bus included (its site shows no year on these prices).
- The Adventure float includes Class 1 and 2 whitewater; the Lazy River float is calm.
- Every participant must sign a waiver, and minors need an adult's signature.
If you want to run it in my own boat
- Experienced paddlers
- Check the gauge
- Private banks
American Whitewater describes two runs: the Middle Cartecay to the Mulkey Road take-out and the Lower Cartecay to the Georgia DNR launch on the Rich Mountain WMA Cartecay Tract, the one public launch an official source confirms. Check the gauge first: the readings American Whitewater lists are for its gauge, which sits downstream of both runs.
With kids: Georgia requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a boat is under way. (GA eRegulations)
With a dog: Most banks are private, so plan on no stops along the way. (American Whitewater)
With a big group: American Whitewater asks paddlers to keep groups small and quiet and not to linger at any one spot. (American Whitewater)
Rich Mountain WMA: Cartecay Tract canoe/kayak launch (DNR / "WMA take-out")
The one state-run public access on the Cartecay: a Georgia DNR canoe/kayak launch on the 2,142-acre Cartecay Tract, used as the take-out for the Lower Cartecay and as the Paddle Georgia 2026 start.
Source: Georgia DNR WRD Cartecay Tract page and map; Georgia Rivers Paddle Georgia 2026 page, checked Oct 18, 2026
Mulkey Road take-out at the Blackberry Mountain Drive bridge (Stegall Mill Road / "Blackberry")
American Whitewater's take-out for the Middle Cartecay and put-in for the Lower, just below Blackberry Falls on river right; parking is limited and the lot is closed Friday-Monday in summer. Ownership/public status not confirmed by an official source.
Source: American Whitewater, checked Oct 18, 2026
- American Whitewater lists the Middle Cartecay, from Lower Cartecay Road to Stegall Mill Road, as Class I-II+ (III), 2.3 miles long with an average gradient of 28 feet per mile.
- American Whitewater lists the Lower Cartecay, from Stegall Mill Road to the WMA take-out, as Class II (III) and 4.7 miles long.
- American Whitewater's recommended range for the Middle Cartecay is 1.8 to 6 feet on the USGS gauge (02379500); its page showed 1.45 ft, "below recommended," on Oct. 18, 2026.
- To use the Cartecay Tract, visitors need a Georgia hunting license, fishing license or Lands Pass.
If you want to fish for trout
- Fishing + trout license
- Stocked March to August
- Mostly private banks
Georgia DNR stocks the Cartecay once a month from March through August, and trout season is open all year. Most banks are private; the DNR's Cartecay Tract lists river fishing among its activities. A private, guided stretch is also offered by a fly-fishing guide.
With kids: Anglers 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license (and a trout license on designated trout waters); younger children do not. (GA eRegulations)
With a dog: Check the WMA's posted rules on the DNR page before you go. (Georgia DNR WRD)
With a big group: Each angler 16 or older carries their own license. (GA eRegulations)
Rich Mountain WMA: Cartecay Tract (archery range and trails)
DNR wildlife management area beside the river with hiking, biking and horse trails, archery hunting (deer and bear archery only), river fishing and canoe access; trails close before 10 a.m. in deer, bear and turkey seasons.
Source: Georgia DNR, checked Oct 18, 2026
Reel 'Em In Guide Service (Farm on the Cartecay private water)
Fly-fishing guide service with a private, trophy-managed, catch-and-release half mile of the Cartecay on a 200-acre farm about 15 minutes from Ellijay; guided trips only, Georgia fishing license with trout required.
Source: Reel 'Em In Guide Service – Wade Trips and Private Waters pages, checked Oct 18, 2026
- Georgia DNR's 2026 trout stocking list includes the Cartecay River (Gilmer County) in its Table 3 group, "stocked once each month from March-August."
- Resident anglers 16 and older need both a Georgia fishing license and a trout license to fish in designated trout waters or to fish for or keep trout.
- Georgia's daily limit for trout (brook, rainbow, brown and their hybrids) is 8, with exceptions only on listed special waters.
- DNR warns that many trout streams are on private property, that anglers are responsible for knowing when they cross a property line, and that they must get landowner permission before entering or fishing private land.
If you want to just see it and spend the day nearby
- No gear
- Year-round
- Apples June to November
The Cartecay runs beside Highway 52 east of Ellijay, the road the county's apple houses line, and it ends in town where it meets the Ellijay River. Pair a drive along the valley with an orchard or a winery, then downtown Ellijay.
With kids: Many orchards offer U-pick in season. (Gilmer Chamber)
With a dog: Check each orchard's or winery's own rules before you go. (Gilmer Chamber)
With a big group: Downtown Ellijay is the county seat and the easiest place to meet up. (City of Ellijay)
Cartecay-Ellijay confluence (start of the Coosawattee River)
Where the Cartecay ends and, with the Ellijay River, forms the Coosawattee; the Cherokee town that preceded Ellijay stood here. No official public river access point is published at the confluence.
Source: City of Ellijay; USGS GNIS; OpenStreetMap, checked Oct 18, 2026
- The Gilmer Chamber's orchard list includes several apple houses with Hwy 52 E addresses east of Ellijay, the road that follows the Cartecay valley.
- Gilmer County calls itself the "Apple Capital" of Georgia, with more than 22 apple varieties harvested from June through November and many orchards offering U-pick.
- The City of Ellijay describes the town as located between the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers, where they join to make the Coosawattee River.
Prices and seasons are as the outfitter, Georgia DNR and American Whitewater publish them, checked October 18, 2026. Whether the river is fit to float on a given day is the outfitter's call (or yours, in your own boat).
Where the outfitter is
Outfitter
Cartecay River Experience (rental base and Lazy River put-in)
Tube and kayak rentals on the Cartecay with two floats: a calm 1.5-mile Lazy River float (about 1-1.5 hours) and a 3-mile Adventure float with Class 1-2 whitewater (tubes 5+, kayaks 10+); first come, first served, no reservations.
- Memorial Day to Labor Day (surrounding weekends weather-dependent; call first)
- Sat 9AM-4PM; Sun-Fri 10AM-3PM
- Tube $15 cash / $18 credit card; kayak $30 cash / $34 credit card; shuttle bus included. Own tube/kayak shuttle $7 cash / $10 card per person. Push stick rent $3 / buy $5. Weekend early-bird $2 off per person, cash only. No year printed on the site.
- 2400 Hwy 52 East, East Ellijay, GA 30540
- 706-531-4746
Source: Cartecay River Experience website (home, rentals, FAQ, directions pages), checked Oct 18, 2026
Put-in
Cartecay River Experience Adventure River put-in (Lower Cartecay Road)
The outfitter's put-in for its 3-mile Adventure float; on weekends guests shuttle here from the Hwy 52 base. Customers only; bring-your-own boaters pay the shuttle fee.
- Memorial Day to Labor Day
- 1554 Lower Cartecay Road, Ellijay, GA (the outfitter prints both 30540 and 30536)
- 706-531-4746
Source: Cartecay River Experience – Directions page, checked Oct 18, 2026
Bringing your own boat? See kayaking and paddling and where the public can get on. For drive times, the season and what else is open nearby, see plan your visit and the river map.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to tube the Cartecay River?
Cartecay River Experience lists tube rentals at $15 cash or $18 by credit card, and kayaks at $30 cash or $34 by card, for either float with the shuttle bus included. Its site prints no year on these prices (checked October 18, 2026), so confirm before you go.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026
When is tubing season on the Cartecay River?
Cartecay River Experience is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it says the weekends around those dates depend on the weather, so call first. Outside that window, including late October, there are no rentals.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026
Do you need a reservation to tube the Cartecay?
No. Cartecay River Experience works first come, first served and does not take reservations or advance bookings, even for large parties.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026
Can you bring a cooler or alcohol tubing on the Cartecay?
No coolers. Cartecay River Experience says a county ordinance bans coolers and glass on the river, and each guest may carry one 32-ounce non-alcoholic drink and a small dry bag. We could not find the ordinance text on an official county site.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026
How old do kids have to be to tube the Cartecay River?
Tube renters must be 5 or older and kayak renters 10 or older, according to Cartecay River Experience. Every participant signs a waiver, and minors need an adult's signature.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026
What happens if you miss the take-out?
Cartecay River Experience says that if Adventure floaters miss the designated take-out, the next one is roughly 6 to 8 hours downriver. The banks are private, so you cannot simply climb out early.
Source: Cartecay River Experience, checked Oct 18, 2026