Ellijay, GA
Georgia's Apple Capital, with family orchards, cider flights and farm-to-table food.
Ellijay is Georgia's Apple Capital, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Spend the day at the orchards on Highway 52, taste cider where it's made, then head downtown for dinner with a view.
This page pulls every Ellijay guide into one place: the full day plan, which orchard fits your crew and the mushroom farm tour.
- Drive time
- About 90 minutes north of Atlanta
- Best time to go
- September and October for apple picking. October weekends are packed, so go early or on a weekday.
- Bring
- Some cash. Small shops and farm stands don't always take cards.
- Pair it with
- Blue Ridge, Amicalola Falls or Carters Lake, all under an hour away.
Start here
The whole day, planned in order.
Things to Do in Ellijay, GA
Hillcrest Orchards, a cider flight at Reece's, an art studio, the mushroom farm and dinner at The Roof.
Read the guideExplore more around Ellijay
Orchards, farms and a big waterfall nearby.
Ellijay Apple Orchards
Every orchard worth your time, and which U-pick farm fits your day.
Ellijay Mushrooms
Walk into the grow houses and watch shiitake, oyster and lion's mane grow.
Amicalola Falls
The tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, at 729 feet.
Want the whole Ellijay trip planned for you?
Ellijay is one of five trips in North Georgia Weekends ($79): a full Friday to Sunday with three places to stay and a rain plan for each stop.
Where to eat in Ellijay
All four are in the Ellijay guide.
- Reece's Cider CompanyHighway 52. Hard and non-alcoholic ciders brewed on site. Start with a flight.
- The Roof EllijayDowntown dinner with views over town. The burger is the order.
- Cantaberry RestaurantLunch downtown. Known for its tomato basil soup and chicken salad.
- The Shack of EllijayAsian fusion, like birria ramen.
Ellijay, GA FAQ
Is Ellijay worth a day trip?
Yes. Apple houses, great food, mountain views and state parks close by make it worth a day, or a whole weekend.
What's the best apple orchard in Ellijay for kids?
Hillcrest Orchards. It has u-pick apples plus pig races, a petting farm, wagon rides and live music on fall weekends.
When is apple picking in Ellijay?
U-pick runs mostly in September and October. Check what is ready before you drive, since it changes week to week.
How far is Ellijay from Atlanta?
About 90 minutes north.
More North Georgia towns
Each one has a local's guide with what to do, where to eat and how to plan the day.
Want company on the trail?
The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.
More in North Georgia, or find a trip by drive time.