Ellijay Where Waters Meet Spring, Ellijay, GA 30540

## Overview Nestled in the heart of Ellijay, Georgia, this public drinking spring sits at one of the most geographically significant spots in Gilmer County — the confluence where the Ellijay River and the Cartecay River merge to form the Coosawattee River. This meeting of three waterways has been a landmark in the region for centuries, and the spring itself lies only a few hundred yards from this dramatic junction. Ellijay, known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," is set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an area rich in natural springs fed by the ancient Appalachian geology. The surrounding terrain of metamorphic and sedimentary rock formations provides natural filtration, and springs in this region have historically been valued by both Cherokee inhabitants and early European settlers as reliable sources of fresh water. The spring is open to the public and has been used as a local drinking water source by area residents and visitors. ## Directions 1. Head to **River Terrace** in Ellijay, GA 30540. The spring is located near **26 River Terrace**, close to the point where the Ellijay River and Cartecay River converge. 2. From downtown Ellijay, make your way toward the river confluence area — the spring is only a few hundred yards from the Coosawattee River, right where the two tributary rivers meet. 3. GPS coordinates: **34.682102, -84.49254** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss if you're unfamiliar with the area. ## What to Expect The spring is situated in a scenic riverside setting where two mountain rivers come together. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, typical of the North Georgia mountains, with hardwood forests and riparian vegetation lining the riverbanks. The confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers is a notable natural feature in its own right, making this a worthwhile stop even beyond the spring itself. As a publicly accessible spring, it can be visited year-round, though water flow may vary seasonally — springs in this part of the Appalachian foothills tend to flow most strongly in late winter and spring following periods of rainfall. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, though water conditions can change over time. The area around Ellijay offers plenty of additional outdoor recreation, including hiking, tubing on the Cartecay River, and exploring the scenic mountain roads of Gilmer County. The spring makes a convenient stop for those already enjoying the rivers or visiting the charming downtown area.