10 Awesome Water Adventures Near Mulberry Gap in Ellijay, Georgia
When most people think about North Georgia adventure, they think mountain biking, hiking, gravel riding, and campfires. But once summer rolls around, the rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and swimming holes near Mulberry Gap become some of the best ways to cool off after a day on the trails.
From lazy tubing floats to whitewater rafting, hidden swimming holes, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even cliffside lake adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to get wet in the North Georgia mountains.
Here are 10 of our favorite water adventures within easy driving distance of Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp.
1. Float the Cartecay River
Nothing says summer in Ellijay quite like grabbing a tube and floating down the Cartecay River. The Cartecay offers everything from mellow family-friendly floats to splashier sections with Class I and II rapids. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to spend a hot afternoon nearby.
We usually recommend:
Lazy floats for relaxing afternoons
Kayaks for a little more adventure
Post-float tacos and ice cream in downtown Ellijay
Check out our friends at Cartecay River Experience
2. Swim at Holly Creek
Only a few minutes from Mulberry Gap, Holly Creek is one of those classic
North Georgia hidden gems. Cold mountain water, smooth rocks,
shaded forest, and plenty of spots to cool off after a ride.
It’s not fancy. That’s the point.
Bring:
Water shoes
Snacks
A hammock
A willingness to embrace “mountain swimming hole energy”
3. Hit Up the Gilmer County Swimming Pool in Ellijay
Looking for an easy family-friendly way to cool off in Ellijay?
The Gilmer County Swimming Pool is a longtime local favorite with a
waterslide,
diving well,
plenty of room to swim, and
shaded seating areas for relaxing between cannonballs!
It’s an affordable, laid-back option for families wanting a break from
the trails, river adventures, or summer heat while still
soaking up a classic North Georgia summer afternoon.
4. Whitewater Raft the Ocoee
Ready for bigger adrenaline?
The Ocoee River — home of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events —
is less than an hour away and offers one of the most iconic rafting
experiences in the Southeast.
Big rapids. Huge splashy sections. Full-send energy.
Our guests regularly head over to:
Rolling Thunder River Company
And yes… you’ll probably be sore from laughing afterward.
5. Spend a Day at Carter’s Lake
Massive cliffs. Deep clear water. Pontoon days. Hidden coves.
Carter’s Lake feels wildly different from most Georgia lakes because it’s one of the deepest lakes in the state and has almost no shoreline development.
Great options include:
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Pontoon rentals
Swimming
Cliffside picnics
Fishing
This is a favorite for guests wanting a quieter, less crowded lake day.
6. Explore Lake Blue Ridge by Pontoon
Lake Blue Ridge is postcard-level beautiful with clear mountain water surrounded by forested ridges.
You can:
Rent pontoon boats
Rent kayaks
Paddleboard
Swim
Cruise around hidden coves
Pack a floating picnic
Check out:
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking
Or rent directly from the marina area for a
full lake day.
7. Explore the Conasauga River Blue Hole Snorkel Area
One of the most unique water adventures in North Georgia is hidden along the
Conasauga River. The Blue Hole Snorkel Area offers incredibly clear water
where you can slip on a mask and snorkel alongside dozens of species of colorful
native fish in their natural habitat. The calm pools, rocky riverbanks, and cool
mountain water make this a fun and surprisingly peaceful way to experience the
Cohutta Wilderness — especially on a hot summer afternoon.
8. Chase Waterfalls in the Cohuttas: Hike to Emery Creek Falls
If your ideal summer adventure includes waterfalls, creek crossings, and cold mountain water,
Emery Creek Falls is hard to beat. This beautiful trail winds through the forest alongside
Emery Creek, crossing the water multiple times before reaching two stunning cascades
tucked deep in the mountains. At the base, you’ll find a cool splashable catch pool perfect
for cooling off after the hike. Just be prepared — it’s about three miles on foot to the falls
and three miles back to your car, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
9. Cool Off at Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain combines mountain views and water access in
one easy family-friendly stop. You’ll find:
A swimming beach
Kayak rentals
Canoes
Paddleboards
Pedal boats
Picnic areas
It’s especially great for families wanting an easier “all-in-one” outdoor day close to Ellijay.
10. Spend a Day at Lake Conasauga
Tucked high in the mountains and surrounded by forest,
Lake Conasauga is the highest elevation lake in Georgia and
one of the most peaceful spots in the Cohutta Wilderness.
This small mountain lake offers swimming, kayaking, fishing,
picnic areas, and quiet shoreline views surrounded by cool
mountain air and towering trees. It’s the perfect place to slow
down, unplug, and enjoy a classic North Georgia summer
day away from the crowds.
Make Mulberry Gap
Your Adventure Basecamp
Whether you’re chasing rapids, floating rivers, paddleboarding mountain lakes, or cooling off in hidden swimming holes, Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp makes the perfect centrally located home base for North Georgia water adventures.
Ride all morning. Swim all afternoon. Hot tub all evening.
That’s a pretty solid summer day if you ask us.
