15 Best Things to Do in Ellijay, Georgia (2026 Local Guide)
Ellijay is one of those North Georgia mountain towns that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
Known as Georgia's Apple Capital, Ellijay is surrounded by apple orchards, vineyards, rivers, hiking trails, lakes and beautiful mountain scenery. Downtown Ellijay adds locally owned restaurants, shops and galleries, while the surrounding mountains offer plenty of opportunities to get outside.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic weekend or a relaxing river getaway, there's plenty to discover.
And the best part? You don't have to fill every minute of your trip. Some of the best Ellijay memories come from simply sitting beside the river, enjoying a glass of wine or relaxing on the porch.
Planning your Ellijay getaway?
1. Explore Downtown Ellijay
Start your visit by spending some time in historic downtown Ellijay.
You'll find locally owned restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, specialty stores and places to stop for coffee or dessert.
Give yourself time to wander rather than rushing through. Grab lunch, browse the shops and enjoy the small-town atmosphere that makes Ellijay different from larger mountain destinations.
2. Enjoy the Cartecay River
The Cartecay River is one of the things that makes Ellijay such a special destination.
During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and wading in appropriate areas, or simply relaxing along the river.
The river winds through the North Georgia mountains, offering a beautiful setting for an outdoor adventure or a peaceful afternoon.
If you're staying at Cartecay Landing, you don't even have to drive to enjoy the river. The cabin sits directly on the Cartecay River with its own riverfront shoreline.
→ Read our Complete Cartecay River Guide (Coming Soon)
3. Experience Ellijay's Apple Country
You can't visit Ellijay without experiencing the area's apple-growing heritage.
The region is home to numerous orchards where visitors can find fresh apples, cider, baked goods and seasonal activities. Depending on the time of year, you may also find apple picking, wagon rides, corn mazes, farm animals and other family activities.
Fall is the most popular time to visit, but many orchards and farm markets offer something throughout the year.
→ Read our Complete Guide to Ellijay Apple Orchards (Coming Soon)
4. Explore North Georgia Wine Country
Ellijay is surrounded by vineyards, making wine tasting an easy addition to a mountain getaway.
Spend an afternoon visiting a vineyard, sampling locally produced wines and enjoying the mountain scenery.
Some of the wineries in the Ellijay area include Cartecay Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, Roo Mountain Vineyards, Ott Vineyards & Winery and Buckley Vineyards.
Each has its own atmosphere, so you can choose between a relaxed afternoon outdoors, live music, mountain views or a more upscale wine-and-dining experience.
→ Read our Best Wineries Near Ellijay Guide
5. Hike the Tumbling Waters Trail
Looking for a hike that's manageable without committing to an all-day mountain adventure?
Tumbling Waters Trail at Carters Lake is a scenic option. The trail follows Tails Creek and includes a long bridge crossing above the creek, along with overlooks and water views.
It's a good choice when you want to get outside and enjoy the scenery without tackling one of the area's more challenging mountain hikes.
6. Hike Bear Creek Trail
For a more adventurous hiking experience, Bear Creek is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail travels through the Chattahoochee National Forest and follows Bear Creek. One of the highlights is the enormous Gennett Poplar, one of Georgia's largest trees.
Be prepared for creek crossings and uneven terrain, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Tip: The road to the trailhead can be rough, so check conditions before heading out and consider the capabilities of your vehicle.
7. Explore the Cohutta Mountains
The Cohutta Wilderness and surrounding mountains offer some of the most rugged scenery in the region.
You'll find miles of trails, streams, mountain overlooks and opportunities to get away from the crowds.
This area is best suited to visitors who are comfortable with more remote outdoor adventures. Bring plenty of water, navigation tools and appropriate hiking gear.
8. Spend a Day at Carters Lake
Carters Lake is one of the largest attractions near Ellijay and offers more than 3,000 acres of water surrounded by mountains.
Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking and scenic views.
You can also rent a pontoon boat through the local marina for a relaxing day on the lake.
9. Go Mountain Biking
Ellijay and the surrounding mountains have become a popular destination for mountain biking.
The area offers trails for different experience levels, from easier rides to more challenging mountain terrain.
For visitors who want a guided or supported mountain biking experience, Mulberry Gap is another popular North Georgia destination.
10. Visit Mountain Valley Farm
For families—and anyone who enjoys a taste of farm life—Mountain Valley Farm is a fun stop.
This working family farm offers visitors an opportunity to see farm animals and browse the farm store, which features locally produced meats and other provisions.
It's a nice change of pace from hiking and outdoor adventures and makes an especially good stop for families traveling with children.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Golfers can enjoy a round at Whitepath Golf Course, an 18-hole public course surrounded by North Georgia mountain scenery.
It's a nice way to spend a few hours outdoors while still enjoying the mountain setting.
12. Catch a Show at Gilmer Arts
The George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse brings community theater and local arts performances to downtown Ellijay.
Check the current schedule before your trip to see what's playing during your stay.
It's a great option when you're looking for something to do after dinner or when the weather isn't cooperating.
13. Visit Expedition: Bigfoot!
For something completely different, head to nearby Cherry Log and visit Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum.
This unusual attraction explores the legend of Bigfoot through displays featuring artifacts, photographs, maps and stories surrounding reported sightings.
It's quirky, entertaining and particularly popular with families and kids.
14. Attend the Georgia Apple Festival
If you're visiting Ellijay in October, try to plan your trip around the Georgia Apple Festival.
The festival celebrates Ellijay's apple-growing heritage with vendors, food, arts and crafts, entertainment and other activities.
It's one of the biggest events of the year in the Ellijay area and a fun way to experience the town's apple-country heritage.
Tip: Fall weekends can be extremely busy, so book your cabin and plan your activities early.
15. Take a Scenic Mountain Drive
One of the easiest ways to enjoy Ellijay is simply to get in the car and explore.
Drive through the surrounding mountain roads and you'll find mountain overlooks, farms and orchards, vineyards, forests, creeks and rivers, and small country roads.
Fall is especially beautiful, but the scenery changes with every season.
Sometimes the best itinerary is simply choosing a direction and seeing where the road takes you.
Don't Forget to Slow Down and Enjoy the River
After all the hiking, sightseeing, wine tasting and exploring, don't forget to leave some time to do absolutely nothing.
If you're staying at Cartecay Landing, you can spend an afternoon enjoying the riverfront setting, relaxing on the porch, fishing right outside your door, soaking in the hot tub, grilling dinner or gathering around the fire pit.
You don't have to drive somewhere every day to have a memorable North Georgia vacation.
Sometimes the best part is simply sitting beside the river and enjoying the people you're with.
Our Favorite Ways to Spend a Day in Ellijay
Not sure how to fit everything into your trip?
Here are a few easy combinations.
For Families
Apple orchard → Downtown Ellijay → Ice cream → River time at the cabin
For Couples
Breakfast downtown → Winery → Scenic drive → Dinner → Hot tub
For Outdoor Lovers
Morning hike → Lunch → Cartecay River → Relax at the cabin
For a Fall Weekend
Apple orchard → Georgia Apple Festival → Winery → Downtown Ellijay → Fire pit
For a Relaxing Weekend
Coffee on the porch → River time → Winery → Dinner → Hot tub
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ellijay?
There really isn't a bad time to visit, but each season offers something different.
Spring
Spring brings green mountains, blooming trees and comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Summer
Summer is perfect for tubing, kayaking, boating, fishing and enjoying the rivers and lakes.
Fall
Fall is Ellijay's busiest season for good reason. Apple orchards, wineries, comfortable hiking weather and colorful mountain foliage make October especially popular.
Winter
Winter is quieter and perfect for a cozy cabin getaway. Spend the day exploring when the weather cooperates, then come back to the cabin for a relaxing evening.
Staying in Ellijay
If you're looking for a place where you can combine outdoor adventure with a peaceful place to relax, Cartecay Landing puts you right on the Cartecay River while keeping you close to everything Ellijay has to offer.
You'll have:
- Direct riverfront access
- Private hot tub
- Fire pit
- Arcade games
- Separate guest cottage
- Space for families and groups
- Easy access to tubing
- A short drive to downtown Ellijay
After a day exploring the mountains, it's nice to come home to the river instead of another busy tourist area.
Plan Your Ellijay Getaway
Ellijay may be best known for apples, but there's much more to discover.
Spend your days hiking mountain trails, floating the Cartecay River, tasting wine, exploring orchards, boating on Carters Lake or wandering downtown. Then slow things down in the evening and enjoy the peaceful side of mountain life.
That's what makes Ellijay such a special place to visit—and why so many people come back year after year.
Related Articles
Best Restaurants in Ellijay, GA
Best Wineries Near Ellijay, GA (Coming Soon)
Complete Guide to Ellijay Apple Orchards
Best Hiking Trails Near Ellijay (Coming Soon)
Complete Cartecay River Guide (Coming Soon)
Perfect Weekend in Ellijay (Coming Soon)
15 Best Things to Do in Ellijay, Georgia (2026 Local Guide)
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