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!

Amicalola Falls State Park

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534 (30 minutes from Ellijay)

Home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet! The Base of Falls Trail is a short but strenuous 1-mile hike featuring nearly 200 stairs to reach the spectacular base of Amicalola Falls. The two-mile East Ridge Loop Trail extends through the Chattahoochee National Forest and connects to the famous Appalachian Trail. The park also features ziplining adventures for thrill-seekers.

📸 Photo Op: Multiple viewing platforms offer stunning waterfall photography

Fort Mountain State Park

181 Fort Mountain Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 (30 minutes from Ellijay)

Over 10 miles of hiking trails wind through this beautiful park. The Stone Tower Loop (1-mile) takes you to an old stone fire tower and natural rock gardens - popular with families and moderately difficult. The Lake Loop Trail (1.2 miles) circles the park's lake and is open to both hikers and mountain bikers. The park's mysterious 855-foot ancient stone wall has baffled archaeologists for centuries. Enjoy camping, scenic overlooks, and spectacular mountain vistas.

Bear Creek Trail - Gennett Poplar

Bear Creek Recreation Area, Chattahoochee National Forest (30 minutes from Ellijay)

Hike approximately 3 miles roundtrip to see the famous Gennett Poplar, the second-largest tree in Georgia standing 100 feet tall. This moderate trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest rewards hikers with the awe-inspiring sight of this ancient giant. A must-see for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Cohutta Overlook

A short uphill trail leads to this stunning overlook where you can see multiple mountains and valleys stretching across the horizon on clear days. Perfect for sunrise or sunset viewing and a relatively easy hike suitable for most fitness levels.

Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia

Did you know Gilmer County is the mountain biking capital of Georgia? The area features challenging trails for experienced riders and beginner-friendly routes. The famous Mulberry Gap Road is a nearly one-mile dirt road track through the North Georgia Mountains that attracts serious biking enthusiasts. Carters Lake offers a lung-busting 5.6-mile roller coaster ride around the lake for experienced riders. Visit the full-service downtown bike shop (Cartecay Bike Shop) for rentals, trail maps, and expert advice on the best routes for your skill level.

Engelheim Vineyards

127 Lakeview Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

A German-themed "farm winery" where the entire winemaking process from vine stem to glass stem happens on the estate. Enjoy wine tastings in their charming tasting room, take vineyard and winery tours, and savor award-winning wines. The German influence adds a unique cultural flair to your wine-tasting experience.

Grapes and Ladders Winery

Short drive from downtown Ellijay

A beautiful family-friendly vineyard! Grapes and Ladders offers a variety of wines for adults and amazing wine slushies. Kids and teens can enjoy grape slushies, making this a perfect destination for families. Sample wines on the barn deck, then take your favorites to the patio to enjoy live music on weekends. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery make this a local favorite.

🌟 Signature Drink: Wine slushies - refreshing and delicious!

Roo Mountain Vineyards

4 miles from historic Downtown Ellijay

Your destination for comfortable luxury with breathtaking, pristine views of the Blue Ridge foothills. Taste and savor curated selections of wines and hard ciders, fresh from the vineyard and made by experienced in-house winemakers. Explore the winery, tasting room, and rooftop garden bar. Once you've found your favorite glass, sit back and enjoy some of North Georgia's most spectacular mountain views.

Ott Vineyards and Winery

Family-owned and operated on 20+ acres featuring one of North Georgia's most beautiful 180-degree mountain views. They currently grow 8+ acres of French-American hybrids and Vinifera grapes. Open 7 days a week with live music on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and special holidays. A wonderful place to spend an afternoon sipping wine and soaking in mountain scenery.

Chateau Meichtry

A family-owned winery and vineyard nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The rolling hills provide perfect conditions for growing quality wine grapes. Come for a tasting or enjoy a glass while taking in beautiful scenery. Live music entertainment from talented Georgia musicians every Saturday & Sunday from 1:30-5:30 PM adds to the ambiance.

Buckley Vineyards

Located on the old Henry Evans homestead property with a beautiful Turkey Creek setting and mountain views. This special place was created from a love of gardening that led to planting a vineyard. Now visitors can enjoy fabulous wines in this gorgeous mountain location. The family atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a memorable stop on your wine trail adventure.

Downtown Shopping & Attractions

Main Street Antiques: Browse fun knick-knacks, vintage treasures, and collectibles lining the shelves of this popular antique shop.

Unique Ellijay Record Store: Crate dig through dusty vinyl records and discover musical gems from decades past.

Mountain Treasures: Check out unique taxidermy head mounts and mountain-themed gifts.

Ellijay Marketplace: Pick up souvenirs, local crafts, and gifts to remember your visit.

Das Kaffee Haus: Don't miss snapping selfies in front of the iconic painted Coca-Cola mural on the side of this local coffee shop!

Tabor House & Civil War Museum

Downtown Ellijay

The Tabor House Museum honors the history and heritage of Gilmer County and the region. The museum contains artifacts and donated items related to Cherokee history, early settlers, local history, the Civil War era, and the development of Ellijay. A fascinating stop for history buffs and those wanting to learn more about the area's rich past.

Historic Ellijay Railroad Depot

Built in 1910, this historic depot stands as a testament to the railroad era that transformed Ellijay. The depot is a reminder of when the Louisville and Nashville Railroad brought prosperity and connected this mountain community to the wider world.

Boardwalk & River Park

Stroll along the boardwalk beside the Ellijay River - a great place to walk with your favorite beverage in hand. River Park hosts live music on select Tuesdays throughout the year, featuring local (and some not-so-local) talent. It's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Expedition Bigfoot! Museum

1934 Hwy 515, Cherry Log, GA 30522 (9 miles from Ellijay)

One of the most unique and entertaining experiences in the area! This quirky museum is dedicated to the legendary Bigfoot/Sasquatch and features an impressive collection that will make you question everything you thought you knew about this urban legend. According to local lore, adventurers in the region have encountered this elusive creature. Even if you're skeptical, the museum provides plenty of evidence (and fun!) that Bigfoot might be lurking somewhere in these North Georgia mountains. A must-visit for families and anyone looking for something truly different.

🦶 Visitor Favorite: Fun for believers and skeptics alike!

Georgia Pinball Museum

Next door to Expedition Bigfoot, Cherry Log, GA

A one-of-a-kind attraction featuring vintage pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s! The best part? You can play all of the machines, which are lovingly restored and maintained to play just like they did when first released. Classics include KISS, Twilight Zone, wide-body machines, and the Black Knight. Open seven days a week from 11 AM - 6 PM with affordable admission, making it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who appreciate retro gaming.

House of Applejay Distillery

Ellijay's cozy hidden gem during Wine About Winter events. This local distillery crafts spirits using North Georgia apples and offers a warm, welcoming tasting room experience. Perfect for those looking to sample something beyond wine - discover handcrafted moonshine, apple brandy, and creative cocktails.

Whitepath Golf Course

Just 10 minutes up Highway 515 from downtown

Take a swing at this scenic mountain golf course. The challenging holes and beautiful mountain views make for a memorable round. Whether you're a serious golfer or just enjoy hitting the links, Whitepath offers a great day on the course surrounded by North Georgia beauty.

Cartecay River Experience

Float, paddle, or tube down the beautiful Cartecay River! This outfitter offers friendly and helpful staff who create a fun family atmosphere. They provide safe and proper equipment with all safety gear included in rentals. Life jackets are available to fit everyone, including children. River tubing and kayaking are excellent ways to cool off on hot summer days while enjoying the mountain scenery.

Georgia Apple Festival

October (2nd and 3rd full weekends)

For more than 50 years, the Georgia Apple Festival has proven why Ellijay is the Apple Capital of Georgia! This nationally recognized celebration attracts visitors from across the nation—even as far as Hawaii and Alaska. The festival spans two full weekends in October and is filled with activities for the entire family.

Festival Highlights:

• More than 300 vendors at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds selling crafts, art, food, and every apple product imaginable
• Downtown parade and antique car show
• Live music playing all weekend
• Kids' section with bouncy houses, petting zoo, camel rides, and mini-train rides
• Apple picking at local orchards
• 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.

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, 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