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Where to Go Apple Picking in Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia

There’s nothing that signals the start of fall better than apple season! And when apple picking in Georgia, there’s no place better to go than to Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia. Here are some of the best apple orchards for apple picking in Ellijay.

For fall and winter, I love surrounding myself with apple things — warm apple cider, delicious baked apples, and apple scented air fresheners fill my house.

But I had never been apple picking until just a few years ago. Kevin and I met up with a couple of friends and ventured up to North Georgia to Ellijay to pick apples.

B.J. Reece Orchards Apple Picking, Ellijay, Georgia

Since then, it’s been a yearly tradition to head up to Ellijay during apple season to pick some apples, grab gallons of spiced apple cider, and get a dozen apple cider donuts.

If you’re looking for a place to go apple picking in Ellijay, Georgia, then read on for some of the top picks!

Apple Picking in Ellijay: Top Apple Orchards

Looking for the best apple orchards in Ellijay for picking your own apples? You’ve come to the right place!

B.J. Reece Orchards

B.J. Reece Orchards Apple Picking, Ellijay, Georgia

A family owned and operated orchard, B.J. Reece Orchards has so much to enjoy over its 120 acres. The main highlight, the U-Pick orchards, lets you pick your own apples from 20 different varieties and fill whatever size peck bag you choose.

U-Pick Apple Fields at B.J. Reece Orchards

The U-Pick Apple Season at B.J. Reece Orchards is from August 26, 2023 to October 29, 2023, or until the orchards are all picked over. So it’s definitely best to get an early start picking your own apples!

The orchard is open for picking every day, on Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission for the farm costs $13-$26 depending on all the farm fun activities you want to do. Apple picking bags come in sizes half-peck for $10, peck for $20, and half bushel for $40.

The basic Farm Fun General Admission includes the u-pick, farm slide, petting farm, wagon ride, pig races, cow milking, corn box, and rubber duck race for $13. The Super Farm Fun Admission includes everything in the general admission plus the jumping pillow and cow train ride for $18. The Mega Fun Admission (Do it all) includes everything in the Super Farm Fun plus 3 apples in the apple cannon, a scavenger hunt, a pony ride, and the mega slide.

All of these Farm Fun Activities are available from August 26, 2023 to October 29, 2023.

Market & Bakery at B.J. Reece Orchards

In the market, you’ll find a fresh bakery selling apple pies and pastries, along with other fruity baked goods, ciders, jams, salsas, and local crafts.

The market is open on Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hillcrest Orchards and Farms

B.J. Reece Orchards Apple Picking, Ellijay, Georgia

Hillcrest Orchards and Farms is a family-owned and operated apple orchard in Ellijay that’s been growing apples since 1946. They offer u-pick apples, farm fun, a market, and even an Apple Pickin’ Jubilee.

U-Pick Apple Fields at Hillcrest Orchards

The U-Pick Apple Season at Hillcrest Orchards is from September 2, 2023 until the apples are all gone (generally into November).

The orchard is open for picking every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September and October, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November.

Admission for the farm costs $12 on Mondays through Fridays and $18 on Saturdays and Sundays. Apple picking bags are available for purchase.

Included in your weekday admission are swimming pig races, petting farm, wagon rides, playground, giant slides, trike rides, jumping pillows, ball zone, soccer challenge, ping pong, corn hole, zipper swings, and the fairy tale trail. Weekend admission includes all these plus extra fun like cow milking, apple tree maze, vortex tunnel, pedal cart rides, cow train rides, Barney the talking bull, an apple museum, a moonshine museum, a shooting gallery, and mini golf.

Hillcrest Farm Market and Bakery

The Farm Market and Bakery are open every day during the apple season. You can watch the bakers as they make apple cider doughnuts and fried apple pies from scratch.

They also have jams, jellies, apple butter, kitchen gadgets, candy apples, fudge, ice cream, handmade crafts, and more.

Red Apple Barn

Ellijay Apple Picking at Panorama Orchards, Ellijay, Georgia

The history of the Red Apple Barn and the Pritchett family apple orchard and farm dates back to 1927. The barn was built in 1971 to sell their apples and cider. Today, the Red Apple Barn offers u-pick apples, a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, and more.

U-Pick Apple Fields at Red Apple Barn

The U-Pick Apple Season at Red Apple Barn is from August 26, 2023 through October or early November.

The orchard is open for picking on weekends: Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission for the farm costs $10.50. Apple picking bags come in sizes quarter peck for $6, half-peck for $10, peck for $20, and half bushel for $32.

Your admission includes an apple from the orchard, a tractor ride to and from the orchard, a cup of apple cider and an apple cider doughnut, 3 flowers, animals at the Orchard Barn, playgrounds, tractor tire swings, picnic areas, and access to the pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch is open late September or early October.

Apple House Farm Market

In the market, you’ll find fresh apple pies, baked goods, ciders, jams, salsas, honey, gift baskets, and their very own cookbook with local recipes.

The market is open on Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ellijay Apple Picking Season

B.J. Reece Orchards Apple Picking, Ellijay, Georgia

You’ll want to make sure you go apple picking early enough in the season that the apples aren’t all picked out! When we went in mid-October, there were some slim pickin’s on the trees. I recommend going in September for the best selection.

If you didn’t find the apples you were looking for in the orchards, you can buy them by the peck or bushel from the market.

We made out with a half peck of apples each (some of which I made into baked apples using my Granny’s recipe), a gallon of apple cider (all for me), fresh apple pies and tarts (which we devoured before we even got in the car), and a dozen apple cider donuts (great for breakfast).

Read next: 10 Incredible Fall Destinations in Georgia

Ellijay — the Apple Capital of Georgia

B.J. Reece Orchards Apple Picking, Ellijay, Georgia

Driving up to the mountains and seeing the foliage begin to change, it is easy to see why Ellijay is considered the Apple Capital of Georgia. The road to Ellijay is dotted left and right with signs for roadside apple stands, apple markets, and pick-your-own apple orchards.

Ellijay and Gilmer County reportedly produce over 250,000 bushels of apples a year. And the biggest event of the season is the annual Georgia Apple Festival. Held during the second and third weekends of October, the Georgia Apple Festival is one of the state’s largest festivals with hundreds of vendors selling food, art, crafts, and of course apples.

Ellijay Apple Picking Map

Ready to go apple picking in Ellijay? Use the map below to find these top apple orchards in Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia!

I hope you have a fantastic time enjoying the fall fun and apple picking in Ellijay!

Where to Stay in Ellijay

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Ellijay, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More Things To Do In Ellijay

Just can’t get enough of this mountain Georgia town? Check out these other Ellijay itineraries.


Ready to visit Ellijay, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

Apple Picking in Ellijay, the Apple Capital of Georgia

Have you ever been apple picking in Ellijay? Let me know in the comments!

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2 Comments

    1. We just bought some apple cider donuts last weekend! They were so good! I’m all about getting a few jugs of apple cider; it’s my favorite thing for fall.

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