Things to Do in Ellijay, Georgia

B.J. Reece Orchards

2640 Old Hwy 5 N, Ellijay, GA 30536

One of Ellijay's premier apple orchards, B.J. Reece spans over 200 acres and grows more than 30 different apple varieties. The U-Pick experience runs September through October, allowing families to handpick their favorite apples right from the trees. Don't miss their famous bakery where you can watch signature fried pies being made from scratch. Cross the street to visit Reece's Cider Company for a flight of award-winning hard apple ciders.

🌟 Don't Miss: Fresh-made fried apple pies and apple cider slushies

Hillcrest Orchards

9696 Hwy 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30540

Perfect for families with kids! Hillcrest offers much more than apple picking. From September to November, enjoy U-Pick apples along with a petting farm where children can interact with friendly farm animals, watch entertaining pig races, and take scenic wagon rides through the orchard. The farm market sells fresh apples, homemade apple butter, jams, and other local products.

🌟 Family Favorite: Pig races and petting zoo make this a hit with kids

Red Apple Barn

3379 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

A complete farm experience in the North Georgia mountains. Red Apple Barn offers apple and pumpkin picking (seasonal), flower picking, fun games, and picnic areas with beautiful mountain views. Their farm store is stocked with fresh apples, homemade pies, apple cider, preserves, and mountain crafts. A great destination for a full day of family fun.

🌟 Bonus: Beautiful picnic areas with mountain views

Panorama Orchards & Farm Market

Hwy 52 E, Ellijay, GA

Stunning panoramic mountain views complement your apple-picking experience at this scenic orchard. Browse their farm market for fresh apples, apple products, and local honey. The friendly atmosphere and breathtaking vistas make this a memorable stop on your Ellijay adventure.

Mercier Orchards

8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (20 minutes from Ellijay)

A 4th-generation family farm just a short drive from Ellijay. Mercier offers U-Pick experiences, fishing, tractor tours, and blossom tours (spring). Their expansive market and bakery serve up incredible apple cider donuts, fresh-baked pies, and treats. Visit their winery and hard cidery to sample handcrafted beverages made from their own apples.

🌟 Must-Try: Apple cider donuts - locals say they're the best!

Cress Creeks Sheep Farm

6450 Yukon Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

A real working sheep farm open to the public! Cress Creeks offers hands-on farm experiences for the whole family. Take hayrides down to visit the sheep, learn about farm life, and shop their farm store for exceptional butter, cheese, meat products, and homemade ice cream. This unique agritourism destination provides an authentic taste of mountain farm living.

🌟 Local Favorite: Their ice cream and artisan cheeses are addictive!

Boating & Water Sports

Carters Lake is perfect for powerboating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The clean, calm waters and scenic mountain backdrop create ideal conditions for all water activities. A full-service marina offers boat rentals, boat ramps are located around the lake, and there's ample space to enjoy the water without crowds.

Fishing at Carters Lake

Anglers love Carters Lake for its diverse fish population. Major species include striped bass, hybrid bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish. The Georgia DNR stocks the lake annually with stripers and hybrids and maintains the walleye population. Local fishing guides describe it as "deep-sea fishing in the mountains" due to its exceptional depth and trophy fish potential.

🎣 Fishing Tip: Book a guided fishing trip to learn the best spots and techniques

Hiking Trails at Carters Lake

Tumbling Waters Nature Trail: An easy 1-mile roundtrip hike featuring cascading waters of Tails Creek, a towering 30-foot wooden bridge with beautiful lake and creek views, and remnants of an old sawmill with an unusual undershot wheel. This moderate trail is perfect for families and nature photographers.

Hidden Pond Songbird Trail: An exceptionally peaceful 1-mile loop beginning at Carters Lake South Reregulation Park. This easy trail offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities, particularly for bird enthusiasts. The serene atmosphere makes it ideal for a relaxing nature walk.

Amadahy Trail: A 3.5-mile loop at Woodring Branch Recreation Area, excellent for beginners with flat to rolling terrain. Experience diverse plants, animals, and scenic lake views on this family-friendly trail.

Oak Ridge Nature Trail: Another great option at Woodring Branch with wide plant and animal diversity and beautiful overlooks.

Camping at Carters Lake

Carters Lake offers 8 campgrounds ranging from developed sites with full facilities to primitive backcountry camping. Popular options include Woodring Branch Campground (with boat ramps and hiking trails) and Harris Branch Beach & Camp Ground (10 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis, plus a public swimming beach). Camping reservations open months in advance - book early for peak season!

Cartecay River Experience

77 Depot St, East Ellijay, GA 30540 | (706) 635-2000

Float down the beautiful Cartecay River on tubes, kayaks, or rafts! This family-friendly outfitter offers tube and kayak rentals for a relaxing 2-3 hour float through scenic North Georgia mountains. The river features gentle Class I rapids perfect for beginners and families with children. The water is clean, cool, and refreshing - perfect for hot summer days.

Season: May through September (weather dependent)

What to Bring: Sunscreen, water shoes, dry bag for valuables, cooler with drinks (no glass)

💧 Pro Tip: Check the live river levels before your trip! Water levels affect float time and difficulty.

Springer Mountain (Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail)

The legendary start (or end) of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail! Hike 8.5 miles roundtrip on the Springer Mountain Approach Trail to reach the famous bronze plaque marking the southern terminus. This moderately difficult trail gains 2,200 feet in elevation and rewards hikers with spectacular mountain views and the satisfaction of standing at this iconic trailhead. Many thru-hikers begin their journey to Maine here every March and April.

🥾 Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for solitude and to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

Amicalola Falls State Park

30 minutes from Ellijay | 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA

Home to Georgia's tallest waterfall - a spectacular 729-foot cascade! Walk the paved trail to see the falls from below, or climb the 604 steps to the top for breathtaking views. The park also offers the West Ridge Falls Trail (a moderate 5-mile loop), the visitor center with exhibits about the AT, and the famous Amicalola Falls Lodge with restaurant and stunning views.

Park Features: Zipline canopy tours, camping, cabins, picnic areas

Fort Mountain State Park

30 minutes from Ellijay | 181 Fort Mountain Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA

This mysterious park features an 855-foot stone wall of unknown origin - built centuries ago by Native Americans for purposes still debated today. Hike to the wall on an easy trail, explore the 37-acre lake with paddleboat rentals, climb the stone fire tower for 360-degree views, and enjoy camping, cabins, or picnic areas. Mountain biking trails and geocaching add to the adventure.

🏰 Mystery: Who built the ancient stone wall and why? Theories abound!

Bear Creek Trail

A 4.2-mile loop showcasing old-growth forest and the Gennett Poplar - Georgia's state record tulip poplar tree at 30+ feet in circumference! This moderate trail in the Rich Mountain Wilderness features scenic creek crossings, diverse wildlife, and towering hardwoods that create a cathedral-like canopy. A true gem for nature lovers and photographers.

Blood Mountain

At 4,458 feet elevation, Blood Mountain is Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail. The 4.4-mile roundtrip hike is strenuous but incredibly rewarding - summit views stretch across multiple mountain ranges. The historic stone Blood Mountain Shelter (built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps) sits near the peak. Spring wildflowers and fall colors make this trail exceptionally beautiful in those seasons.

⛰️ Challenge: Gain 1,400 feet to reach the summit - bring plenty of water!

Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way

400 Mulberry Gap Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540 | (706) 276-2555

Voted one of the best mountain biking destinations in the Southeast! Mulberry Gap offers 60+ miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly flow trails to expert-level technical singletrack. The property includes bike rentals, guided rides, skills coaching, on-site lodging (cabins and bunkhouses), camping, and a restaurant. Perfect for a full mountain biking vacation or day trip.

Trail Highlights: Bear, Pinhoti 2, Pinhoti 3, Stanley Gap, and more

🚵 Bike Park: Ellijay is known as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia!

Stanley Creek Trail System

Part of the Chattahoochee National Forest trail network, Stanley Creek offers 15+ miles of singletrack perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. Expect challenging climbs, fun descents, and beautiful forest scenery. The trails are well-maintained by local mountain biking clubs.

Local Stables & Trail Rides

Several area stables offer guided horseback rides through the North Georgia mountains. Rides range from 1-hour scenic tours to half-day trail adventures. Experience beautiful mountain vistas, cross mountain streams, and explore forest trails on gentle, well-trained horses. Perfect for families and riders of all experience levels.

🐴 Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially during peak fall season

Engelheim Vineyards

5943 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

Award-winning family-owned vineyard with stunning views and over 20 wines to taste. Try their signature Vidal Blanc or sweet Muscadine wines. Live music every weekend, food trucks, and special events year-round. Very pet-friendly - dogs love roaming the grounds!

Cartecay Vineyards

5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

Estate-grown wines with breathtaking vineyard views. All wines are grown, fermented, produced, and bottled on-site. Don't miss their dry Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Weekend live music and a downtown tasting room in Ellijay offer two ways to enjoy their wines.

Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery

90 Meichtry Ln, Ellijay, GA 30540

Family and pet-friendly vineyard nestled in the Appalachian foothills. Sample their Swiss-inspired wines while enjoying views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Meet their resident Highland Cow! Summer Concert Series brings nationally-touring artists. Reservations recommended for weekends.

Buckley Vineyards

4236 S Main St, Ellijay, GA 30540

Relaxing atmosphere with award-winning wines, craft beers, and wine slushies! Live music Friday and Saturday, food trucks on weekends, and beautiful outdoor seating. Try their Norton wine - a unique American varietal rarely found in Georgia.

Reece's Cider Company

2640 Old Hwy 5 N, Ellijay, GA 30536

Hard apple cider made from fresh-pressed apples grown across the street at B.J. Reece Orchards! Sample a flight of ciders ranging from bone-dry to sweet, with unique seasonal flavors. The outdoor seating area overlooks the orchard - perfect for fall afternoons.

House of Applejay Distillery

6300 Highway 515 S, Ellijay, GA 30540

Georgia's first legal distillery producing award-winning apple brandy and moonshine! Tour the distillery to learn the craft of small-batch distilling, then enjoy tastings of their spirits made from Ellijay apples. The Apple Pie moonshine is legendary. Gift shop with spirits, cocktail mixes, and apparel.

🥃 Signature: Try the Apple Jack brandy - smooth and oak-aged to perfection

Antique Shops

Ellijay is an antique lover's paradise! Multiple shops offer vintage furniture, collectibles, mountain memorabilia, and rare finds. Browse for hours through multi-dealer malls and specialty shops. Look for vintage apple-picking equipment and old orchard signs - unique Ellijay souvenirs!

Art Galleries

Local artists showcase mountain-inspired paintings, photography, pottery, wood carvings, and handmade jewelry. Many galleries feature works by regional Appalachian artisans. You'll find everything from landscape paintings of the Blue Ridge to functional pottery to whimsical folk art.

Mountain Crafts & Gifts

Discover authentic Appalachian crafts including handwoven baskets, quilts, wood carvings, candles, soaps, and gourmet foods. Perfect for gifts or mementos of your mountain getaway. Many shops feature items made by local artisans and craftspeople.

Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market

Saturdays, May through September, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fresh produce from local farms, artisan baked goods, handmade crafts, live music, and community atmosphere. Meet the farmers and artisans who make Ellijay special. Arrive early for the best selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables. A true mountain market experience!

Gilmer Arts Playhouse

208 Yukon Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

Community theater presenting plays, musicals, and special performances throughout the year. The George Link Jr. Playhouse hosts talented local actors in productions ranging from classic dramas to contemporary comedies. Check their schedule for upcoming shows and special events.

Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum

1934 Highway 515 S, Cherry Log, GA 30522 (10 minutes from Ellijay)

The world's only Bigfoot research and museum! Explore the country's largest permanent display of Bigfoot footprint casts, life-size exhibits, interactive displays, and a Sasquatch theater. Whether you're a believer or skeptic, this quirky museum offers fun for the whole family. The gift shop sells exclusive Bigfoot merchandise you won't find anywhere else.

🦍 Fun Fact: North Georgia has numerous Bigfoot sightings reported over the years!

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge, GA (20 minutes from Ellijay)

Step back in time on a vintage train ride through the North Georgia mountains. The 4-hour roundtrip journey follows the beautiful Toccoa River, offering stunning scenery and a relaxing way to experience the mountains. Themed rides include the fall colors excursion, Santa Express (winter), and special event trains. First-class and coach seating available.

Gold Panning

North Georgia was the site of America's first gold rush in the 1820s! Several locations near Ellijay offer gold panning experiences where you can try your luck finding real gold flakes. Educational and fun for kids and adults. Some sites also offer gemstone mining where you sluice for sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones.

Scenic Drives

Richard Russell Scenic Highway: One of Georgia's most beautiful mountain drives with overlooks, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails.

Cohutta Wilderness Loop: Remote forest roads through one of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern U.S.

Apple Orchard Loop: Self-guided driving tour visiting multiple orchards and farm markets (map available at visitor center).

🍂 Best Time: Mid-October to early November for spectacular fall foliage!

Georgia Apple Festival

Two weekends in October (2nd and 3rd weekends) | Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds

Ellijay's signature event! This 54-year tradition draws over 300,000 visitors during two fall weekends. The festival features 300+ vendors selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and mountain goods. Watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts, enjoy multiple stages of live music, eat delicious festival food, and soak up the fall mountain atmosphere.

What to Expect:

• Hundreds of arts & crafts vendors with handmade items
• Live bluegrass, country, and mountain music on multiple stages
• Apple-themed foods and treats from local vendors
• On-site craft demonstrations (pottery, woodworking, weaving)
• Kids' activities and entertainment
• Fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, apple butter, candied apples, and more

🍎 Plan Ahead: Book accommodations early - this is Ellijay's biggest event!

Georgia Apple Blossom Festival

May (first weekend)

Celebrate spring in apple country! This festival in downtown East Ellijay features food, arts and crafts, live music, and many family activities as the apple orchards bloom with beautiful blossoms. It's a lovely time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

Woofstock Ellijay

April (late month) | Downtown Ellijay

A pet festival celebrating our furry friends! Features include a pet parade, costume contests, dock diving competitions, pet vendors, food trucks, and live music. All proceeds benefit Friends of Gilmer Animal Shelter. Bring your dog and join the fun!

🐕 Pet Parents: Check out our Pet-Friendly Ellijay Guide for more!

River Park Live Music Series

Select Tuesdays throughout the year at River Park

Mark your calendars for this community tradition! Each event features local (and some not-so-local) talented musicians sharing live music while visitors enjoy the evening. Bring snacks and beverages and relax by the river for a perfect mountain evening.

Wine About Winter

Winter season

Explore Ellijay Wine Country during the cozy winter months. Participating wineries offer special tastings, events, and experiences. Visit multiple wineries, enjoy winter wines, and discover hidden gems like House of Applejay Distillery.

Best Times to Visit

Peak Apple Season (September - October): Experience apple picking at its finest, Georgia Apple Festival, perfect fall weather, and beautiful autumn colors.

Summer (June - August): Ideal for water activities at Carters Lake, river tubing, hiking without the crowds, and enjoying wineries with outdoor seating.

Spring (April - May): Apple blossoms bloom, Apple Blossom Festival, wildflowers cover the mountains, and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.

Winter (November - March): Cozy cabin stays, Wine About Winter events, fewer crowds, and peaceful mountain experiences.

Getting Here

Ellijay is easily accessible from all directions with scenic mountain drives. Choose your starting point below for turn-by-turn directions:

💡 Tip: The drive to Ellijay is part of the experience! All routes offer beautiful mountain scenery, especially during fall foliage season (mid-October to early November).

Nearby Attractions

Ellijay's central location makes it easy to explore other North Georgia destinations:

• Blue Ridge (20 minutes): Scenic railroad, downtown shops, additional wineries
• Amicalola Falls State Park (30 minutes): Georgia's tallest waterfall
• Fort Mountain State Park (30 minutes): Mysterious ancient stone wall
• Chattahoochee National Forest: Surrounds Ellijay with endless outdoor recreation