Apple Country Agritourism: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ellijay Day Trip Experience
U-pick orchards, the Georgia Apple Festival, farm stores, and cider tastings in Gilmer County
Key Points
Primary Destination: Ellijay, Georgia, known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia," located approximately 70 miles west of Helen via a scenic mountain route.
Peak Season: Apple harvesting runs from late August through November, with peak tourism and fruit variety occurring in October.
Introduction
Every fall, the North Georgia mountains shift from summer recreation mode to apple season, and no town does apple season better than Ellijay. The county seat of Gilmer County calls itself the "Apple Capital of Georgia," and it earns the title every September and October when the orchards along Highway 52 are packed with visitors picking their own bags and loading up on cider, fried pies, and apple butter. From Helen, it is about a 70-mile drive west through beautiful mountain terrain.
This guide covers the drive from Helen, profiles the major orchards (Hillcrest, B.J. Reece, and Mercier), explains the Georgia Apple Festival, and highlights what to eat and explore in downtown Ellijay.
The Scenic Drive: Transiting from Helen to Ellijay
The drive from Helen to Ellijay is half the fun. You cross the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, passing through national forest land, small mountain towns, and some of the best scenery in the state.
Route Logistics and Topography
The drive is about 70 miles and takes roughly an hour and forty minutes. You head generally west from Helen, winding through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The primary corridor for this journey involves traversing the mountain gaps between the distinct valleys of White, Lumpkin, and Gilmer counties. Travelers often utilize GA-75 and GA-11/US-129, connecting to Georgia State Route 52 (GA-52). GA-52 is a designated scenic byway that is favored by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts for its "mellow curves to challenging hairpins" and long straightaways rolling over Appalachian foothills.
Key Waypoints: Amicalola Falls and Fort Mountain
If you want to add a scenic stop, Amicalola Falls State Park is roughly midway between Dahlonega and Ellijay along GA-52. The park has the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet and serves as the approach trail for the Appalachian Trail. A full hike takes a while, but it is worth a quick detour.
You will also pass near Burt's Pumpkin Farm outside Dawsonville, which is a popular stop for pumpkins, fall decorations, and pumpkin-based baked goods before you continue on to the apple orchards.
Apple Seasonality and Harvest Timing
Timing matters. Different apple varieties ripen at different times, and which ones are available when you visit shapes the whole experience.
The Harvest Calendar
The apple houses usually open in late summer, and the varieties roll in waves:
Late August to Early September: The season kicks off with early varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp. It is still warm, the crowds are lighter, and you get a first taste of fall.
Mid-to-Late September: This is prime picking time. The weather starts to cool down, and mid-season varieties like Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and McIntosh come in.
October: This is the peak window for tourism, coinciding with the Georgia Apple Festival. Varieties such as Fuji, Rome Beauty, Jonagold, and Granny Smith are typically harvested during this month.
November: As the season winds down, late-harvest varieties like Arkansas Black, Yates, and Pink Lady are available. Crowds diminish significantly after Halloween.
The "Apple Alley" Phenomenon
The concentration of orchards is highest along Highway 52 East, colloquially known as "Apple Alley." This corridor, located east of downtown Ellijay, contains the highest density of roadside markets and u-pick operations, including B.J. Reece, Hillcrest, and R&A Orchards. During October weekends, this two-lane highway experiences significant traffic congestion due to the influx of visitors.
Detailed Orchard Profiles
The orchards around Ellijay and Blue Ridge range from straightforward pick-your-own operations to full-blown family entertainment destinations. Here are the big ones.
B.J. Reece Orchards
Location: 9131 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, GA.
Operational Focus: Family-centric Agritourism and U-Pick.
B.J. Reece Orchards is a cornerstone of the Ellijay apple economy, operating since the early 1960s. It is renowned for offering a comprehensive "farm fun" experience alongside agricultural sales.
U-Pick Experience: The orchard is open for u-pick activities daily during September and October (weather permitting). They cultivate over 20 varieties of apples across 120 acres.
Attractions: The site features an extensive array of activities designed for families, including apple cannons, wagon rides, a petting farm, cow milking demonstrations, pig races, and a giant farm slide.
Pet Policy: Notably, B.J. Reece is dog-friendly in the orchards (leashed), though pets are restricted from the market and petting zoo areas.
Hillcrest Orchards
Location: 9696 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, GA.
Operational Focus: Festival-style Entertainment ("Apple Pickin' Jubilee").
Hillcrest Orchards, owned by the Reece family (a prominent agricultural surname in the region) since 1946, differentiates itself by transforming the orchard experience into a festival atmosphere.
Apple Pickin’ Jubilee: On weekends in September and October, Hillcrest hosts this ticketed event. It features live bluegrass music, cloggers, and carnival-style foods.
Unique Attractions: Hillcrest is the only orchard in the region to host swimming pig races, a distinct spectacle where pigs race around a track and swim through a water channel. Other attractions include the "Apple Tree Maze," cow milking, and a moonshine museum.
U-Pick: While entertainment is a primary draw, daily u-pick is available during the season. The admission fee on weekends ($22) covers entertainment and activities, distinct from the pay-per-bag model of smaller stands.
