Complete Guide to Ellijay Apple Orchards (2026)

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Complete Guide to Ellijay Apple Orchards (2026)

If you're planning a trip to Ellijay in late summer or fall, visiting an apple orchard should be near the top of your list.

Ellijay and Gilmer County are known as Georgia's Apple Capital, and apple season turns the surrounding mountain roads into one of North Georgia's most popular fall destinations. Depending on the orchard, you can pick apples straight from the trees, take a wagon ride, visit farm animals, browse a country store, enjoy fresh cider and finish the day with an apple cider donut or warm fried pie.

But the orchards are not all the same. Some are best for families looking for a full day of activities, while others are better for a quieter stop at a farm market and bakery.

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When Is Apple-Picking Season in Ellijay?

Apple season generally begins in late summer and continues through the fall. Many orchards begin offering apples and fall activities in August, with September and October being the heart of the apple-picking season.

The exact timing changes from year to year and from orchard to orchard because different apple varieties ripen at different times. Weather and crop conditions can also affect what is available.

Important: If you have a specific apple variety or want to pick your own apples, check the orchard's current U-pick calendar before you go. Availability can change quickly once a variety is picked.

Apples growing in an Ellijay Georgia orchard

1. B.J. Reece Orchards & Farm Market

B.J. Reece Orchards is one of the best-known apple destinations in Ellijay and a particularly good choice for families looking for more than just apple picking.

The farm offers U-pick apples along with a market and bakery. During the fall season, visitors can also enjoy a variety of farm activities, with additional activities offered on weekends.

For 2026, B.J. Reece says its U-pick season and farm activities begin August 29 and run seven days a week during September and October. Its market and bakery are open year-round.

Don't Miss Reece's Cider Co.

For adults looking to extend their orchard visit, Reece's Cider Co. is just across the street from B.J. Reece Orchards. The cider house offers craft cider, tastings and a relaxed place to sit and enjoy the mountain setting, with seasonal live music and entertainment.

It's an especially nice way to finish an afternoon of apple picking—let the kids enjoy the farm activities while the adults settle in with a cider and enjoy the music.

2026 Tip: The orchard does not require advance reservations for U-pick; tickets are purchased at the gate. Check the current U-pick calendar before visiting.

B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay Georgia

2. Hillcrest Orchards

Hillcrest Orchards has been growing apples since 1946 and combines apple picking with a large collection of family activities.

In addition to U-pick apples, Hillcrest offers wagon rides, a petting farm, playgrounds, slides, games and other farm attractions. Weekend visits in September and October include even more activities and entertainment.

The farm market and bakery are also worth a stop, with apple cider, cider donuts, apple fritters, pies and other treats.

Good to know: Hillcrest lists September and October as daily operating months, with November hours continuing for the market and orchard activities. U-pick continues while apples are available.

3. R & A Orchards

R & A Orchards offers a different feel from the larger, activity-heavy farms. The orchard grew from an FFA school project and now includes more than 60 acres of apples, along with peaches and nectarines.

Visitors can find apples, other produce, preserved goods and seasonal farm offerings. Apple picking and flower picking are among the experiences highlighted for visitors.

Tip: Because U-pick availability and individual varieties change throughout the season, check the orchard's current information before making a special trip.

4. Panorama Orchards & Farm Market

Panorama Orchards & Farm Market is a great choice if your idea of an apple-country outing involves a farm market, bakery and plenty of treats.

The family fruit farm dates back to the 1920s and grows more than 20 apple varieties. The market sells fresh apples, seasonal produce and a wide selection of homemade baked goods and apple-related products.

Don't leave without checking out the fried pies, apple cider donuts, breads, fudge and homemade ice cream.

Apple tip: Panorama publishes a harvest calendar showing when different apple varieties are generally available, which can be especially helpful if you're looking for a favorite variety.

Panorama Orchards and Farm Market in Ellijay Georgia

5. Red Apple Barn

Red Apple Barn is another family-friendly choice, with apple picking, farm activities and a market featuring products made with the farm's produce.

The experience includes a tractor ride to the orchard, an apple, apple cider, an apple cider donut and access to the orchard barn animals and children's play areas, with additional activities depending on the season.

For 2026, Red Apple Barn says its farm market is planned to open July 23 and apple picking is planned to begin August 22.

What to Expect at an Ellijay Orchard

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is assuming every orchard offers the same experience. They don't.

U-Pick Apples

Some orchards offer pick-your-own apples during the fall. The varieties available for picking can change from week to week, so check the current orchard information before you go.

Farm Activities

Larger family-oriented orchards may offer wagon rides, petting farms, playgrounds, corn mazes, games and other seasonal attractions.

Farm Markets & Bakeries

Even if you don't want to pick apples, the farm markets are worth visiting. Fresh apples, cider, fried pies, apple cider donuts, jams, breads and other seasonal treats are a big part of the Ellijay apple-country experience.

Scenic Mountain Drives

Part of the fun is getting there. Many orchards are located along the roads east of Ellijay, where you'll pass farms, mountains and other roadside produce stands along the way.

Which Ellijay Orchard Is Best for You?

Best for Families

B.J. Reece or Hillcrest are great choices if you want apple picking combined with plenty of farm activities and things for children to do.

Best for a More Relaxed Visit

R & A Orchards or Panorama may be a better fit if you'd rather browse, shop, eat and enjoy the apple-country atmosphere without spending the entire day at a large farm attraction.

Best for a Classic Family Farm Day

Red Apple Barn is a good choice if you like the idea of a tractor ride, orchard visit, animals, playgrounds and a picnic-style setting.

Best for Apple Treats

Panorama Orchards is especially appealing for visitors who want to stock up on apples, baked goods, fried pies, apple cider donuts, ice cream and other treats.

Best for Adults & Couples

B.J. Reece + Reece's Cider Co. is a particularly fun combination for adults and couples who want to make an afternoon of it. Start with the orchard, then cross the street for cider, tastings, seating and live music.

Tips for Visiting Ellijay Apple Orchards

  • Go early. Fall weekends can be crowded, especially during peak leaf season.
  • Check the orchard before you leave. Apple varieties, U-pick availability, activities and hours can change with the crop and weather.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Orchards are working farms, and the ground can be grassy, gravelly, muddy or uneven.
  • Bring layers. Fall mornings in the mountains can be cool even when afternoons are warm.
  • Bring cash just in case. Most larger orchards accept cards, but having some cash is useful for roadside stands and smaller vendors.
  • Don't wait until late afternoon for U-pick. Some orchards stop selling picking tickets before the farm closes.
  • Plan for traffic. Apple season and fall foliage overlap, so roads around the orchards can be busy on October weekends.
  • Take a cooler. If you're buying apples, cider, pies or other perishables, a cooler can make the trip home easier.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ellijay Apple Country?

Late August

Some early varieties begin appearing, and several orchards begin their fall operations. This can be a good time to visit if you want to beat the biggest crowds.

September

September is one of the best months for apple picking, with many orchards fully into their fall season.

October

October brings the classic Ellijay fall experience: apples, mountain color, cooler temperatures and the Georgia Apple Festival. It is also the busiest time of year, so expect more traffic and crowds on weekends.

November & December

Fresh-picked apples and apple products can continue into the later fall and winter months, although U-pick activities are generally seasonal and variety availability changes as the harvest progresses.

Make It an Apple-Country Day Trip

You don't have to spend the entire day at one orchard. One of the best ways to experience Ellijay apple country is to combine a few stops.

Family Day

B.J. Reece or Hillcrest → lunch → Panorama for treats → downtown Ellijay → back to the cabin

Relaxed Apple-Country Day

Panorama → R & A Orchards → scenic drive → downtown Ellijay → dinner

Fall Weekend

Apple orchard → Georgia Apple Festival → winery → dinner → fire pit or hot tub

Stay Right on the Cartecay River

After a day of apple picking and exploring, it's nice to have a peaceful place to come back to.

At Cartecay Landing, you can spend the evening beside the Cartecay River, relax on the porch, enjoy the hot tub, grill dinner or gather around the fire pit.

And if you're visiting during apple season, you can stock the kitchen with fresh apples, cider, pies and other treats from the orchards you visit during the day.

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Plan Your Ellijay Apple-Country Getaway

Ellijay's apple orchards are about more than picking apples. They're about slowing down, enjoying the mountain scenery, eating something delicious and spending time together.

Whether you're looking for a full family farm day, a quiet stop at a country market or a fall weekend filled with apples and mountain views, there's an orchard experience to fit your trip.

And once you've had your fill of apple picking, come back to the river and enjoy the quieter side of Ellijay.

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