Coosawattee River
Gilmer / Murray Co. · 50 mi · Class I–III
949CFS/ 5.54 ft
Optimal
Stable
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #02383500
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
50 mi
Length
Class I–III
Difficulty
200–1500 cfs
Optimal
580 cfs
Avg Flow
522 cfs
Hist. Median
#02383500
USGS Gauge
Carters Lake (USACE) · Chattahoochee National Forest

A north Georgia mountain river flowing from the Blue Ridge through Carters Lake tailwater to the Oostanaula River at Calhoun. Below Carters Dam, the tailwater provides cold, clear water year-round with excellent trout fishing. Above the reservoir, the upper Coosawattee runs through remote mountain valleys with Class II–III whitewater. The river's name comes from the Cherokee word meaning 'old place.'

Trip sections
Above Carters Lake — 15 mi, Class II–III, mountain whitewater
Carters Dam tailwater — 10 mi, Class I, cold tailwater trout fishing
Below tailwater to Calhoun — 25 mi, Class I–II, piedmont transition
Outfitters
Carters Lake Marina
Kayak rentals and tailwater access near Carters Dam
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.