Ga Mountains Guide

Apple Picking in North Georgia

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As the weather starts to cool, and the air fills with the sweet scent of ripened fruit,  🍏🍎 it’s the perfect time to visit North Georgia’s apple-picking orchards.

North Georgia U-Pick Apple Orchards

North Georgia U-Pick Apple Orchards

Whether you prefer to spend a quiet weekday strolling through apple trees on a local farm or get caught up in the excitement of a local harvest festival, there are many great ways to enjoy the apple harvest.

Use the guide below to find great places to enjoy the apple harvest in North Georgia.

Apple Houses in North Georgia

The late Summer/Autumn apple harvest is the most popular time to visit well-known large farms, such as Mercier Orchards, or some of the smaller orchards in North Georgia. These family-friendly places let you pick your apples from dozens of varieties. Plus, some orchards have u-cut flowers, u-pick pumpkin patches, and more!

North Georgia Apple Pies Fritters

North Georgia Apple Pies Fritters

These beautiful apple orchards and farms offer u-pick apples, and many also include additional family attractions, such as games and hayrides. Learn more about these pick-your-own fruit farms and plan to visit your favorites during the beautiful fall harvest season.

As fruit availability varies depending on factors including weather, overall season yield, and customer farm attendance, be sure to contact each farm in advance of your trip to confirm their hours and produce availability.

NOTE: North Georgia orchards may adjust their schedules due to unexpected weather events. Please call to confirm open hours before starting your trip.

 

Map of North Georgia Apple Houses  🗺️

🗺️ Use the North GA apple orchard map to find a great place to spend an autumn afternoon in the mountains, either picking your own apples or purchasing some from a North GA apple house. Click the top left of the map for a legend and interactive features.

 

North Georgia U-Pick Apple Orchards

Ellijay, Georgia, is the “Apple Capital of Georgia” with the most apple options during peak apple-picking season, but there are also apple houses in other parts of North Georgia, too! Choose your favorite and arrive early on the weekends to get ahead of the crowds.

 

BJ Reece Orchards

🍎 Fresh-pressed apple cider donuts and a massive U-pick orchard that’s a fall must-do.

BJ Reece Orchards Ellijay GA

BJ Reece Orchards Ellijay GA

BJ Reece Orchard is an Ellijay farm market that is open daily throughout the year. During the late summer and fall harvest season, BJ Reese Apple Orchard hosts u-pick apple events that begin in late August and run through late October (with selected attractions open through late December).

Enjoy a variety of fun and unique family-friendly activities at BJ Reece Orchards, perfect for creating lasting memories. Weekday attractions include U-pick admission, a farm slide, a petting zoo, the distinctive “corn box” attraction, and a rubber duck race. Visit on the weekends for additional attractions, including the wagon ride, pig races, cow milking, cow train ride, jumping pillow, apple cannon, corn maze scavenger hunt, and pony rides!

While you’re there, visit the market to stock up on fresh, seasonal produce 🌽🥜🍑🍓🫐and bakery items, including fried pies, cider donuts, and loaves of freshly baked bread!

🐕‍🦺 Leashed dogs are permitted in the orchards (dogs are not allowed in the market or petting zoo area).

Contact this Ellijay u-pick apple orchard with questions or follow on social media for the latest updates.

 

Hillcrest Orchards and Farms

🐐 Visit North Georgia’s only Apple Tree Maze plus U-pick apples, petting farm, and over 20 family fun attractions and activities!

Hillcrest Orchards Ellijay GA - Apple Trees

Rows of Ripening Apple Trees at Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay GA

The Hillcrest Apple Orchard in Ellijay, GA, provides many unique autumn farm experiences for families — including the south’s first Apple Tree Maze (open on select weekends)! The farm market and bakery are open daily, featuring farm-produced products such as apples, pies, fritters, cider donuts, jams and jellies, cider, and other gourmet foods.

The Apple Pickin’ Jubilee at Hillcrest is their annual apple-picking festival that includes extra opportunities for family fun. This festival features local fall favorites 🐄🐖🌽, including u-pick apples, live entertainment, cow milking, daily pig races, a kiddie corn maze, mini golf, wagon rides, and a petting farm. No pets are allowed at Hillcrest Orchards.

📆 2025 Pick Your Own Apples starts August 30th and lasts until all apples are picked.

Contact this U-pick apple orchard in Ellijay or follow them on social media for the latest news and reviews.

 

Hillside Orchard Farms

🚂 Ride the farm train through the orchard before grabbing jams, jellies, and treats in the country store.

Hillside Orchard Farms offers pick-your-own berries in midsummer, and in previous years, it has also included u-pick options for grapes and beans. Enjoy the Corn Maze, take a ride on the leisurely farm train, and enjoy a hayride. Also, take kids to the indoor gem mine 💎 and watch for special shows!

📆 Look for fresh apple fritters to be available in the late summer. In 2024, the pick-your-own apples were only available for field trips — stay tuned for updates about the 2025 u-pick season.

Contact this Ellijay u-pick apple house or follow on social media for the latest updates. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

 

Mercier Orchards

🥧 The largest apple orchard in the Southeast, famous for its fresh fried pies from the bakery and annual orchard activities.

Mercier Apple Orchard Blue Ridge GA

Sampling apple varieities at Mercier Apple Orchard, in Blue Ridge, GA

Mercier Orchards is the place for apples in Blue Ridge, GA. Although this 300-acre orchard is known for apples, there are also fresh flowers, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries🌼🫐🍒🍓. The family-friendly destination opens early and invites you to visit the large bakery and cafe, shop in the market store, enjoy catch-and-release fishing in their on-site ponds 🎣, and sample hard ciders and fruit wines in the tasting room!

Pets are allowed in approved outdoor areas (the deck and the pond only), but are not permitted in the orchards, cafe, or market.

📆 The 2025 U-Pick Apples event began in early August and will continue until all apples are picked.

The U-pick calendar is posted online and updated weekly when apple varieties are available. Contact this Blue Ridge u-pick apple orchard or follow social media for the latest updates.

 

R&A Orchards

🥗 Pick your own apples, then enjoy a cafe lunch with a mountain view right on the orchard.

The R&A Orchards market, bakery, and cafe are open daily year-round. During the Spring apple blossom season, 🚜 try the Tractor Ride & Farm Tour. Guests can experience U-Cut Flowers (zinnias, sunflowers, & wildflowers) and U-Pick Apples during the peak Fall season.

📆 2025 U-Pick Apples (and u-pick flowers) begin on Labor Day weekend (Saturday, August 30, 2025). No pets allowed.

Contact R&A Orchards and Market Store in Ellijay with your questions, or follow them on social media for ongoing updates.

  • ☎️ Phone: +1 (706) 273-3821
  • 📌 Address: 5505 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
  • 🌐 Website: randaorchards.com
  • 👍 Facebook: R&A Orchards has 28,000+ likes
  • 🧭 TripAdvisor: R&A Orchards is rated 4.5 with 25+ reviews

 

Red Apple Barn

💐 Enjoy autumn apple picking plus pick-your-own flowers for a colorful take-home bouquet.

Red Apple Barn in the North Georgia Mountains

Fall day at Red Apple Barn in the North Georgia Mountains

Spend a fun day picking your own apples, pumpkins, and flowers 🌷at the farm at Red Apple Barn in Ellijay, GA. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery on a wagon ride behind the tractor up to the apple orchard. When you finish in the orchard, return to the Red Apple Barn to enjoy a pie, fritter, or a cup of cold cider.

Take your time and enjoy the “Family Fun Barn” while playing a friendly game of cornhole or horseshoes after apple picking in Ellijay, Georgia, at Red Apple Barn.

📆 The 2025 season opening dates for The Red Apple Barn are:

  • August 1, 2025: The Red Apple Barn market opens
  • August 23, 2025: UPick / Pick Your Own Apples begins
  • Late September: The Pumpkin Patch opens

Contact the Ellijay U-pick Red Apple Barn with questions, or connect on social media.

 

The Folk Collaborative Apple Orchard

🎨 U-pick meets art space — pick apples, browse local crafts, and soak in the creative vibe.

The scenic Folk Collaborative Apple Orchard features ~20 varieties of apples, two of which are found nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a variety of festivals, workshops, and classes throughout the year, and spend a relaxing day picking apples from August to October. Visit the old apple barn (now an herbal apothecary) or purchase freshly made treats from the Bakery / Coffeehouse. 🍰☕

📆 Check the online calendar to see which apples are available during U-pick events running from about August through October.

 

North Georgia Apple Markets

For the times that you simply want to pick up freshly made baked goods or the freshest apples around, these North Georgia Apple Houses are the perfect choice! The following North GA apple houses do not offer “you-pick” fruits, but they are still fantastic places to get fresh produce!

 

Aaron Family Orchards

🚗 A roadside tradition for fresh apples, boiled peanuts, and other local favorites.

Aaron Family Orchards offers a diverse selection of apples, ciders 🍺, pies, and canned goods. U-cut flowers are available May – October.

📆 Open daily from late summer to fall (August – December). Open by appointment from January to July.

 

Jaemor Farms

🍑 Much more than apples — this massive market and attraction includes peaches, produce, legendary fried pies, a seasonal pumpkin train, and more!

Jaemor Farms GA Local Foods

Jaemor Farms GA Local Foods

View the online Produce Calendar to see which items arrive the soonest (strawberries) to the latest (pumpkins) and plan your trip to the farm! There are no u-pick apples at Jaemor Farms, but the online calendar can let you know about U-pick events for u-pick strawberries 🍓, u-pick tulips🌷, u-pick flowers 🌺, and u-pick peaches 🍑.

📆 The market, bakery, and eatery are open daily year-round. See the website for hours of operation for their seasonal attractions.

  • ☎️ Phone: +1 (770) 869-3999
  • 📌 Address: 5340 Cornelia Highway/ GA Hwy 365, Alto, GA
  • 📩 Email: carli@jaemorfarms.com
  • 🌐 Website: jaemorfarms.com 
  • 👍 Facebook: Jaemor Farms has 94,000+ followers
  • 🧭 TripAdvisor: Jaemor Farms is rated 4.4 with 225+ reviews
    • Ranked #1 for Food & Drink in Alto

 

Mack Aaron’s Apple House

🥮 Pick up fresh produce all year and enjoy at least 11 types of homemade baked fried pies from this family-run spot.

Mack Aaron's Apple House Ellijay GA

Mack Aaron’s Apple House Ellijay GA

This apple house is open daily throughout the year and offers fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, preserves, ciders, honey, boiled peanuts 🥜, and at least 11 kinds of freshly handmade fried pies. 🥟

📆 Pick up fresh peaches in midsummer (July – Labor Day) and fresh apples in early fall (August – November).

 

Panorama Orchards

🧀 Known for their old-fashioned apple cider and shelves full of mountain-made goodies.

Panorama Farm Market Ellijay GA Christmas Fruit Cakes

Christmas Fruit Cakes at Panorama Farm Market, Ellijay, GA

Panorama Orchards is known for its fresh cider 🍺, made from a blend of sweet and tart apples with no additives, offering pure apple flavor that changes subtly throughout the harvest. Their market kitchens produce the famous Panorama Fried Pies daily, along with other scratch-made treats, such as homemade ice cream, applesauce bread, apple brandy cake, and baked apple pie, all made with their fruit. Visitors can even watch the baking process through viewing windows.

📆 Open daily all year long. The apple harvest calendar is posted online.

 

Payne’s Apple Orchard

🍎 Fresh self-serve produce stand on the honor system — a slice of small-town trust.

This “serve yourself” location is open daily with fresh fruit and produce. 🍎🍏 Check the Facebook page for updates on fresh fruits and vegetables available in the market store.

  • ☎️ Phone: +1 (706) 633-7185
  • 📌Address: 326 Tankersley Ln, Epworth, GA
  • 📩 Email: cpayne226@gmail.com
  • 👍 Facebook: Payne’s Apple Orchard has 1,500+ followers

 

Penland’s Apple House

🥜 Classic roadside apple house with fresh apples, boiled peanuts, and a wide variety of locally made treats.

Penland Apple House Ellijay GA

Penland Apple House Ellijay GA – main 515 location

Purchase fresh produce and locally made goodies in these Penland’s North Georgia apple houses. Sit at covered picnic tables behind the apple house and play games of cornhole along with a fried pie, apple fritter, caramel apple 🍏, or other freshly-made treat.

📆 Penland’s has two Ellijay locations open daily from mid-May through November.

  • ☎️ Phone: +1 (706) 635-5110
  • 📌 The “515” or “Main” Location: 41 Talona Mountain Road, Ellijay, GA
  • 📌 The “282” Location: 7678 Tails Creek Road, Ga Hwy 282, Ellijay, GA
  • 📩 Email: penland@ellijay.com
  • 🌐 Website: penlandorchards.com
  • 🧭 Facebook: Penland’s Apple House has 8,800+ followers

 

Frequently Asked Questions About North GA Apple Orchards

Planning a trip to North Georgia’s apple orchards? 🍎 The rolling hills around Ellijay — the Apple Capital of Georgia — are packed with U-pick apple farms, roadside apple houses, and family-friendly fall festivals. Whether you’re looking for the best apple orchards near Ellijay, want to pick your own apples in Georgia, or crave a warm apple cider donut, this FAQ covers the essentials.

 

When to Go Apple Picking in North Georgia

  • When is apple season in North Georgia? Generally, North GA apple season runs from late summer through mid-autumn, depending on weather and crop conditions (late August through late October, with some varieties available into early November).
  • What month is best for apple picking in Georgia? 🍎🍏 September offers the widest variety of apples, along with excellent local weather conditions.

 

Planning Your Apple Orchard Trip

  • Which North GA apple orchards offer U-pick apples? 🤏 You can pick your own at BJ Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards, Hillside Orchard Farms, Mercier Orchards, R&A Orchards, Red Apple Barn, and The Folk Collective Apple Orchard.
  • Do I need reservations for apple picking in Georgia? Most orchards accept walk-ins, but some require tickets; check for details before you go.
  • What should I wear to an apple orchard? Dress according to the day’s weather forecast and wear shoes that are suitable for uneven farm paths. 🥾
  • What should I bring for apple picking? Bring items for personal outdoor comfort and safety (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water).
  • Are pets allowed at North Georgia apple orchards? Some orchards permit leashed dogs in outdoor areas, while others do not allow pets at all. 🦮 Confirm the rules before bringing a pet.
  • What’s the cost for apple picking in Georgia? Prices vary, but most U-pick orchards charge a per-person admission, plus the cost of the apples you pick.
  • Which orchards are best for kids and families? Hillcrest Orchards, BJ Reece Orchards, and Red Apple Barn receive high marks for kid-friendly activities, including petting zoos, wagon rides 🚜, and playgrounds. 🛝

 

Orchard Treats & Market Finds

  • Do the orchards and markets sell more than just apples? Definitely! 🍩🍎🥟🍏🥧 You’ll find freshly baked goods, fruit jams, handmade crafts, and plenty of local treats.
  • Which Apple House treats are must-try? 🏆 Popular options include apple cider donuts, apple fritters, and fried fruit pies, all made fresh daily.
  • Can I buy pre-picked apples instead of picking my own? Yes, all markets above sell fresh apples in their stores.

 

Practical Tips for Visiting

  • Are apple orchards open in the rain? Yes, most orchards remain open during light rain — bring a raincoat and wear waterproof shoes. ☂️ Severe weather may cause temporary closures.
  • Do orchards stay open after apple season ends? Many farm markets and bakeries remain open year-round 🌸☀️🍂❄️, even after the harvest season comes to an end.

 

Lodging Near the North GA Apple Orchards

Be sure to plan ahead and book lodging in advance for peak harvest and festival weekends in the autumn. Enter your travel dates in the interactive map below to find great lodging near Ellijay, Ga, the “Apple Capital of Georgia.”

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Apple Picking in North Georgia Mountains

Apple Picking in the North Georgia Mountains

Check out these other Georgia mountain Fall favorites:

Which North Georgia farms or events look the most interesting for your group?

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45 Responses

  1. ReeceMichael says:
    October 20, 2020 at 11:04 am

    It’s really good to get basic information about some places before you visit so you don’t fall victim to crime in another mans land while you are ignorant of the rules and all. I have had to pay a fine when I travel to a place and I didn’t know I wasn’t meant to park there. So seeing all of this information to about the Georgia mountains is an additional knowledge to us all. 

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 20, 2020 at 3:53 pm

      That is certainly sound advice for anywhere you travel — know the rules and respect the local culture. If you have any specific questions about your trip to the Georgia mountains then please let me know and I’ll try to add some clarity. 

      Reply
  2. DarmiMaddie says:
    October 20, 2020 at 11:03 am

    Seriously, the more I am reading about the Georgia mountain here us the more I am feeling like I have never being there even though I have been there once in my life. Seriously it just feels like you know every little details that I never tend to pay attention to when I visited and I’m adding more and more things to my bucket list of to-do things when back there. Thanks

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      October 20, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Hello! I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying learning more about all of the great things to do in the Georgia mountains. The Autumn is the peak tourist season for the North Georgia mountains and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the Harvest festivities. The weather cools a bit (but still stays pleasant) and the trees put on a show with their bright, beautiful, multi-colored leaves. 

      Reply
  3. Claudio says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    Hello!

    How happy I am to have found your place full of pure nature with fruit trees that give it very beautiful colors. I have been a grower and exporter of blueberries here in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

    There is nothing that matches the taste of a freshly harvested fruit. All the farms you show are very nice to spend a full day with the family. The harvest season is a unique moment and how nice it is to share it with other families. 

    Excellent article. Claudio

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 16, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Claudio, I imagine you have some wonderful scenery at your farm in Argentina as well. Thanks for visiting and sharing how wonderful it is to sample fruit that is fresh from the farm!

      Reply
  4. Jason says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    I’ve always loved this time of year and the festivals that come along with it. They always bring me back to my childhood when we would all go with our family and our church to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Living up north has some decent festivities as well but I always think about our Pastor and the good times we had with our family and church down south. I hope to one day bring my grandchildren to experience all the great times I had as a child in Georgia.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 16, 2019 at 5:22 pm

      This is definitely a wonderful place to bring your children (and your parents too). I’ve had many great times in North Georgia with 4 generations of family members making wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!!

      Reply
  5. Bryan says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    I love visiting Mercier Orchards and the Red Apple Barn whenever we decide to take a weekend cabin trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

    Burt’s Farm has some of the best pumpkins to choose from.  Whenever we visit there, we love take a KFC bucket of chicken and have a nice lunch in the picnic area.  Finishing off with the hayride makes a great way to wrap up the day.

    I’ve lived in Georgia for 21 years and this is the first I have heard of the Apple Festival in Ellijay.  I can’t believe I have missed out on this event all these years.  

    The Blue Ridge/Ellijay area is such a beautiful place to visit.  Anyone wanting a Georgia mountain experience needs to check out these places.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 16, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Bryan, the apple festival is definitely a big deal for the area — when the weather is so nice, having another excuse to go outside and enjoy it is hard to resist! I like your idea of taking a bucket of chicken to enjoy too!!

      Reply
  6. Jordan Smith says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    Awesome! I remembered 2 years ago, My wife and I spent some time picking apples in Hillside Orchard Farms. It was a great activity that we really enjoyed doing together. In fact we ended up picking lots of apple.The Hillside Orchard staff were polite and also very professional and offered to answer any questions we had about picking apples. Great family activity. We might consider Burt’s farm this year.

    Regards!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 16, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      Thanks for sharing that memory! It’s great to hear that you both enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to visiting more farms in the North Georgia mountains!

      Reply
  7. Nazmun Nahar says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    Wow, it was totally unknown to me about Georgia Mountains Harvest festival and fruit picking. My brother in law going there recently. He said he already decided where he will visit and where he will stay. But I am pretty sure he don’t know about this harvest festival and he can pick fruits as well. I am going to share this post with him. And I know he will be glad. Thanks for this post.

    Reply
  8. Jim says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    Hi Alyce. Thank you for you’re amazing blog. The photo’s are simply breathtaking. My wife and  I will be visiting your country in about eighteen months time. Georgia is one of the states we wish to see. After looking at your images we are even more certain  that we need to check out your beautiful state. We have a background in horticulture so we would love to see some of those lovely farms. But we would also like to experience any of the festivals there. The annual Georgia Apple festival is a must see. The BJ Reece Orchards also look like they will be worth a visit. We are fascinated by the mountain views from this orchard. Thank you so much for highlighting these fabulous places. We will come back to your website as soon as we have decided on an exact time frame for our trip. Thanks Jim

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 16, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      Thanks Jim! The Georgia mountains are beautiful all year, but they are busiest during the Fall when people arrive to view the gorgeous Autumn colors and enjoy the harvest.

      Reply
  9. Pentrental says:
    September 16, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    Wow another great activity in the Georgia Mountains! You are making me want to move there with all these great posts. Some of my favorite things are festivals, and you’ve provided an excellent and comprehensive list here. Orchards and apple picking are right up my alley too as I’m a big fan of apple cider donuts. The Georgia Apple Festival looks particularly inviting, and I might just have to make a point to get there. Thanks for the great recommendations!

    Reply

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