As the days begin to get shorter and the air becomes a little crisper, it is a sure sign that fall cannot be far away and that it’s apple picking time in Georgia. And with it come lots of things to do around our area, especially the activities included in our series on Fall Things to Do. One popular weekend excursion is to the Georgia mountains for apple picking in Gilmer County – Georgia’s Apple Capital, and there are two weekends this fall to choose from. With over ten apple orchards and more than 20 varieties of apples, visitors have lots of options. Named Apple Orchard Alley, there are 8 apple locations on Georgia Highway 52 East just outside of Ellijay, GA offering items such as fried apple pies, apple funnel cake, apple cider, apple milk shake and more. Some have petting farms, hayrides, and entertainment. A map of the orchards is available from the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.

Annual Georgia Apple Festival

Mark your calendars for one of the highlights of apple season – the Annual Georgia Apple Festival, offering over 300 vendors with handmade items, as well as many on-site demonstrations of how selected types of crafts are made. See below for information on some the different varieties of apples you may find. Make sure you check the website for details.
DATES:
October 13-14, 20-21
LOCATION:
Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds
1729 South Main Street
Ellijay. GA
HOURS:
Sat. 9a – 6p
Sun. 9a – 5p
CONTACT:
706-636-4500
[email protected]
http://www.georgiaapplefestival.org/

Apple Picking

The following is a list of area orchards offering u-pick apples. Please check the individual websites for information about pricing, additional activities, exact dates and times, as well as any other information you might need.

B.J. Reece Orchards
9131 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-276-3048
APPLE VARIETIES:
Gala, Crimson Crisp, Jonathans, Mutsu, Red Delicious & September Wonders,
http://www.reeceorchards.com/

Hillcrest Orchards
9696 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-273-3838
APPLE VARIETIES:
Arkansas Black, Cameo, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Mutsu, Rome Beauty & Yates
http://www.hillcrestorchards.net/

Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
800-361-7731
APPLE VARIETIES:
Ambrosia, Cameo, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jona Prince, Jonahold, Mcintosh & Mutzu
http://www.mercier-orchards.com/

R&A Orchards
5505 Highway 52 East
Ellijay, GA 30536
706-273-3821
APPLE VARIETIES:
Arkansas Black, Detroit Red, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Golden, Gold Rush, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jona Gold, June Apple, Limbertwig, Lo Di, Mutsu, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Rome Beauty, Stayman Winesnap & Yates
http://randaorchards.com/

Red Apple Barn
3379 Tailscreek Road
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-635-5898
Farm tours and U-Pick every weekend in September & October (or until there are no apples left)
APPLE VARIETIES:
Arkansas Black, Cameo, Crimson Crisp, Detroit Red, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Golden Supreme, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Mutsu, Pink Lady, Pritchett Golden, Red Delicious, Rome Beauty, September Wonder, Staymen Winesap, Suncrisp, Winecrisp & Yates
https://www.redapplebarn.com/