Updated for 2020!
It may be too early for colored leaves, but there’s another reason to head to the north Georgia mountains over the next few weekends — it’s apple picking time!
The town of Ellijay in Gilmer County is the center of Georgia’s apple-growing region – it produces 600,000 bushels of apples each year, according to the local Chamber of Commerce. But Habersham County and other neighboring counties are not far behind.
During October, many orchards open their gates so you can have a real farm experience — complete with petting zoos, hayrides, and activities for the kids.
If you don’t want to pick your own, you’ll find farm markets at the orchards, along with small roadside stands and farmers selling apples or fresh cider from the backs of pick-up trucks.
Please remember that the availability of fresh produce isn’t guaranteed. We recommend checking with the orchard before you go — please call or visit the website or Facebook page for updates on hours and apple varieties currently available. Inclement weather might also affect farm hours.
You may also be interested in:
- Over 100 Halloween events, plus ideas for safer celebrations
- 20+ FREE trick-or-treat events for kids
- Discounts for Stone Mountain's Pumpkin Festival "Glow by Night" attraction
- Best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted attractions in 2020
- 2020 guide to apple festivals and U-pick orchards
- Discounts for the Buford Corn Maze & Haunted Forest
- Fall farmers markets around Atlanta
- Free and cheap things to do this week
Apple Festivals
48th annual Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay
Canceled for 2020
U-pick apple orchards
Jaemor Farm
5340 Cornelia Hwy
Alto, GA 30510
(770) 869-3999
Apple picking is just one weekend — September 26th and 27th, 2020.
Hours:
♦ Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. or till picked out
♦ Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. or till picked out
If you visit the corn maze, your wristband gets you into the orchard for free.
Otherwise, it’s $4 per person (age 2 and under is FREE)
It’s $8 for a half peck bag and $16 for a peck.
Hillcrest Orchards
9696 Highway 52
Ellijay, GA 30536
(706) 273-3838
Open daily for u-pick and activities. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open through October or until the apples are gone.
Weekday admission is $8 for limited activities.
On Saturdays and Sundays, admission is $14 per person, including kids.
The list of weekend activities and entertainment included with admission is seemingly endless:
- apple picking
- bluegrass bands
- clogging performances
- pig races
- jumping pillow
- cow milking
- apple tree maze
- giant slides
- corn maze
- moonshine museum
- enchanted forest trail
- pedal carts
- wagon rides
- and more…
There is also a wide variety of food available at the cafe: hot dogs, burgers, barbecue sandwiches, carnival foods, and sweet treats.
The farm market sells a wide variety of apple-based food products, crafts, toys, t-shirts, and more.
Go to the website OR visit the Facebook page
Red Apple Barn
3379 Tails Creek Rd
Ellijay, Georgia
(706) 635-5898
This is a pick-your-own orchard that is open every weekend in October or until the apples have all been picked.
- Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Weekdays by appointment only
There is a $9 admission fee per person. It includes a tractor ride to and from the orchard, plus water, cider, and a doughnut when you’ve finished picking. Also included in the fee: rock & pumpkin painting, games, picnic areas, and playground for the kids.
There is also a farm market and pumpkin patch.
Preview your orchard experience:
B.J. Reece Orchards
9131 Highway 52 E
East Ellijay, Georgia
(706) 276-3048
This orchard is open everyday through October 27th, as long as the apples are available. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A handy calendar online tells you which apple varieties you can expect to be ready on which dates.
Admission is $2 on weekdays and includes the the wagon ride to the orchard and the petting zoo.
Weekend admission is $5, and includes several farm activities, like cow milking and pig races. Other Farm Fun activities have an added fee — these include a petting zoo, pony rides, and zipline. View the price list.
Age 2 and under are FREE.
Many varieties of apples are available at the farm market. There is a gift shop and concession stand, as well as a picnic area.
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Dr
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Before you go, check the Mercier u-pick page for hours and availability. The last time we checked, u-pick was not available.
Admission is $5 per person, plus the cost of the apples you pick. Children age 2 and under are free.
Prices:
- $8 for half peck
- $16 for a peck
- $20 for a half bushel
You’ll also find a bakery and deli, a market store, and a farm winery.
You may also be interested in:
- 12+ FREE streaming services for movies and TV shows
- Stream the Hamilton movie with original Broadway cast for $7
- 2020 guide to free and cheap outdoor movies
- Regal Cinemas hosts $5 Flashback Features
- $5 Friday night movies at SCADshow
- AMC Theatres reopen with tickets just $3 to $5
Stay in the know! Subscribe to our newsletter.
