The Complete Guide to Mercier Orchards: North Georgia's Apple Picking Destination

Mercier Orchards is the largest apple orchard in the Southeast and one of North Georgia's most popular agritourism destinations, with year-round farm experiences including seasonal fruit picking, award-winning baked goods, Georgia's first hard cider, and wide-open Blue Ridge Mountain views. Founded in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, this fourth-generation, family-owned and veteran-operated farm has grown from a humble roadside stand into one of the region's top attractions, welcoming over 600,000 visitors annually.

Mercier Orchards is located at 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, approximately 8 minutes north of downtown Blue Ridge along Blue Ridge Drive. The orchard is easily accessible from North Georgia's main tourist areas, making it a convenient day trip for visitors staying in Blue Ridge, the surrounding mountain towns, or even day-trippers from Atlanta.

Phone Number: 706-632-3411

Website: mercier-orchards.com

General Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Friday–Sunday: 8 AM to 5:30 PM

Specialized Hours by Activity

Different activities at Mercier operate on varying schedules. The Market & Bakery follow the general hours above (9 AM–5 PM Mon–Thu; 8 AM–5:30 PM Fri–Sun), while U-Pick events have different hours:

Monday–Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Friday–Sunday: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Tractor Tours (available spring through fall) operate Friday–Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The Hard Cider & Wine Tasting Room maintains its own schedule:

Monday–Thursday: 11 AM to 4:45 PM

Bill and Adele Mercier purchased the property in 1943 and began with a modest roadside stand selling apples from their orchard. Today, more than 80 years later, the farm spans 300 acres and is run by the fourth generation of the Mercier family.

The orchard's expansion reflects the broader evolution of North Georgia tourism. As Blue Ridge has grown into a beloved mountain destination, Mercier has diversified its offerings while maintaining its core mission of connecting visitors with fresh, farm-grown fruit. The farm now includes a full-service bakery, café, farm winery, hard cidery, market, and multiple U-Pick experiences - all while remaining true to its agricultural roots.

Apple U-Pick is the main event on Mercier's seasonal calendar, typically running from August through October, depending on weather and harvest conditions. Fall visitors arrive from across the Southeast to experience the quintessential Southern harvest tradition in the mountains.

Mercier grows more than 40 apple varieties on the majority of its 300-acre property. The farm harvests between 65,000 and 75,000 bushels annually, yet visitors appreciate having genuine variety in the field. The most popular varieties include Pink Lady, Fuji, Mutsu, and Cameo - a mix of sweet, tart, and balanced flavors. Other favorites mentioned by visitors and staff include Crimson Crisp, Gold Rush, and Granny Smith.

U-Pick Logistics & Pricing

Cost: $15 per person (includes a picking container); children 4 and under are free.

What to Expect: Upon arrival, visitors receive a clear bag or container for collecting apples. The farm provides tractor-drawn wagon rides through the orchard rows, where staff share farming history and techniques. You're then free to roam the fields and fill your container with whatever varieties appeal to you. The experience typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how thoroughly you explore.

Pro Tips for Apple Pickers:

Arrive early on weekends for the best selection of fruit and to avoid peak-hour crowds

Wear closed-toe shoes, as orchard rows can be dewy or muddy, especially in morning hours

Check weather before you go - U-Pick is cancelled during rain or unsafe conditions for safety reasons

Tractor Tours When Fruit Isn't Available

When U-Pick isn't in season, tractor-drawn wagon tours are available spring through fall. These 20-30 minute scenic rides cover the 300-acre property with Blue Ridge Mountain views the whole way. Tours run Friday–Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM and cost $8 per person (children 2 and under are free). Tours are an excellent option for visitors seeking the farm experience without the physical exertion of picking, or for families with mobility concerns.

Mercier Orchards' bakery has earned Southern Living Magazine's recognition as a "favorite roadside apple market," but the baked goods alone merit the visit. The team arrives early each morning to produce fresh baked items, and the bakery cases fill with a rotating selection of apple-centric treats and seasonal specialties.

Signature Items & Must-Tries

Apple Cider Donuts are the bakery's crown jewel - and the menu offers three varieties to choose from: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and old-fashioned cake. These warm donuts are particularly beloved in fall and pair perfectly with hot apple cider.

Fried Pies are perhaps Mercier's most legendary product, available in rotating flavors including apple, peach, blueberry, chocolate, and coconut. Visitors often buy extra pies to take home, as they freeze beautifully and reheat well. During fall, look for seasonal variations like Cranberry Apple Pecan.

Additional bakery favorites include:

Apple fritters

Muffins and breads (apple-based and traditional varieties)

Whole fresh-baked pies

The Candy Kitchen

The on-site candy kitchen produces small-batch treats including hand-dipped caramel apples in various styles, homemade fudge (apple and other flavors), gelato, sorbet, brittle, and glazed nuts. These make excellent souvenirs or gifts.

Best Times for Bakery Shopping

The bakery opens at 9 AM (8 AM Friday–Sunday), and fresh items are available throughout operating hours. Popular items, especially on weekends, sell out by mid-afternoon. Arrive early for the fullest selection, or call ahead to reserve items like whole pies or large fried pie orders.