Cartecay, GA

Blackberry Falls

Blackberry Falls
Photo by Greg Watson taken 1/6/07 @ 2.00

Gauge Information

River Description

Gauge Description:
The official gauge is located at the East Ellijay city limits on Highway 52 - about 1/4 mile east of the Highway 515 bridge. The unofficial gauge, listed above, provides a good estimate.
Minimum Suggested Level: 1.2'

Special Event:

Atlanta Whitewater Club's Cartecay Cleanup Event

Date and Time:
Earth Day 2008
April 19th
11:00 AM

Location:
Cartecay Watershed Outfitters
River Left at Lower Cartecay Road

Organizers:
Club members Mark and Diane Neisler
Mobile: 404-606-1010
Email: markn@ellijay.com
 

Most of this section of the Cartecay River runs through a residential area. There are no restrooms after you put in and most of the river banks are on private property. Local outfitters have restrooms and changing rooms.  So, please take care of these needs before putting on.  The outfitters are located on Lower Cartecay Road. You will paddle past cabins and homes on both sides of the river for most of this section. Most of the homeowners are friendly toward the boating community, but they do not want to see you nude, nor do they want you going to the bathroom in their yard. It is recommended that you keep your groups small and quiet and not stay too long at any one spot. In short, please be respectful to the home owners.

Put in at the bridge on Lower Cartecay Road. There are put-ins on river right and river left. Managed by commercial outfitters these access points have their own sets of rules. If you prefer, you can put in at Highway 52 and paddle the extra mile down to Lower Cartecay Road, but be prepared to portage because this section will likely have some strainers (deadfall) on on it.

The Stegall Mill Road takeout is just past the bridge downriver from "Blackberry Falls" on river right. Please do not change clothes at the takeout.  You should be aware that there are only two parking spaces at this takeout and one is reserved for the handicapped. If you take out here, you will probably need to arrange for someone to pick you up after you get off the river. Both outfitters provides shuttle services for a fee.

When the level is 1.8' or better it is worth it to paddle on down to the DNR takeout.