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.

Fruit picking in the North Georgia Mountains

Apple picking in the North Georgia Mountains

Whether you prefer to spend a quiet weekday strolling through apple trees on a local farm or get caught up in the excitement of an apple 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 like 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 like 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 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

BJ Reece Orchards Ellijay GA

BJ Reece Orchards Ellijay GA

The BJ Reece Apple Orchard in Ellijay, GA, is a u-pick apple farm that opens for the season during late August and runs through late October (with selected attractions open through late December). Enjoy family-friendly activities at BJ Reece Orchards, including apple cannons, wagon rides, pony rides, petting farm, scavenger hunt, zipline, pig races, giant slide, and more! Stock up on fresh seasonal produce and bakery items like fried pies, cider donuts, and loaves of bread!

Leashed dogs are permitted in the orchards (dogs are not allowed in the market).

  • BJ Reece Orchards is one of the first places to enjoy u-pick apples for the 2023 season
    • Family Fun Activities start on August 26 and run through October 31
  • The 2023 U-pick calendar is posted online (with apple varieties available)

 

BJ Reece Orchards Reviews and Contact Info

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

 

Hillcrest Orchards and Farms

Hillcrest Farms Ellijay GA

Hillcrest Farms Ellijay GA

The Hillcrest Apple Orchard 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 is open daily and features farm-produced products, including apples, pies, fritters, cider donuts, jams and jellies, cider, and other gourmet foods.

Visit during their annual apple picking festival in Georgia — the “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee.” This festival happens during September and October weekends for u-pick apples, live music, cow milking, swimming pig races, kiddie corn maze, mini golf, wagon rides, petting farm, and more.

No pets are allowed at Hillcrest Orchards.

  • 2023 Pick Your Own Apples run every day starting September 2nd until they are all picked
  • Seasonal hours during the peak seasons of September, October, and November
    • September and October: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
    • November: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Hillcrest Orchards and Farms Reviews and Contact Info

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

 

Hillside Orchard Farms

Hillside Orchard Farms hopes to have u-pick events for 2023. Previous years have included u-pick options for grapes and beans as well. Stay tuned 2023 u-pick event details at Hillside Orchard Farms and make plans to visit the scenic Hillside Orchard Farms and enjoy the Corn Maze and other attractions including a train, hayride, a herd of nanny goats, Festus the Donkey, an indoor gem mine, plus a show performed by Miner Jim and Donkey!

Look for fresh apple fritters to be available starting September 1, 2023. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

 

Hillside Orchard Farms Reviews and Contact Info

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

 

Mercier Orchards

Mercier Apple Orchard Blue Ridge GA

Mercier Apple Orchard Blue Ridge GA

Mercier Orchards is back to offering U-Pick events at their orchard, while the fruit lasts! Check online for updates on availability and u-pick schedules.

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

You can walk in approved outdoor areas with your pet (the deck and the pond). Only service animals are allowed indoors.

 

Mercier Orchards Reviews and Contact Info

Contact this Blue Ridge u-pick apple orchard and market store or follow on social media for questions and the latest updates.

 

R&A Orchards

The R&A Orchards market, bakery, and cafe are open daily year-round, but on weekends, from Labor Day Weekend through October, you can experience U-Cut Flowers, U-Pick Apples, plus a Tractor Ride & Farm Tour. The last ticket is sold at 3:30 pm each day.

  • 2023 U-Pick APPLES run on weekends from Labor Day weekend through the end of October
  • 2023 U-Cut FLOWERS run on weekends from September – October

 

R&A Orchards Reviews and Contact Info

Contact R&A Orchards and market store in Ellijay with your questions, or connect through social media for ongoing updates.

 

Red Apple Barn

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, a cup of cold cider, or one of the other freshly made local treats.

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.

 

Red Apple Barn Reviews and Contact Info

Contact the Ellijay U-pick Red Apple Barn with questions, or connect with social media to receive orchard updates.

 

 

The Folk Collaborative Apple Orchard

Enjoy a variety of festivals, workshops, and classes throughout the year, and enjoy a relaxing day of u-pick apples during September and October. Visit the old apple barn (now an herbal apothecary) and purchase home-baked treats from Mae’s kitchen.

Visit the website to learn how to participate in unique orchard events like group wagon rides, movie nights, picnics, unique storytelling options, yoga classes, and more.

Check the online calendar to see which apples are available during U-pick events starting September 1, 2023, and running until Thanksgiving.

 

The Folk Collective Apple Orchard Reviews and Contact Info

 

 

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

Aaron Family Orchards has a nice variety of apples, ciders, pies, and canned goods. Open daily for the season (August – December) from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm or by appointment from January – July (call 706-273-8456).

Aaron Family Orchards Reviews and Info

 

Jaemor Farms

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 strawberries (May), Flowers (July), and Peaches (July).

Open daily until 6:00 pm. No pets are allowed in the corn maze, around farm games, in the pumpkin patch, or on hayrides.

Jaemor Farms Reviews and Info

  • 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 76,000+ likes
  • TripAdvisor: Jaemor Farms is rated 4.5 with 225+ reviews
    • Ranked #1 for Food & Drink in Alto

 

Mack Aaron’s Apple House

Mack Aaron's Apple House Ellijay GA

Mack Aaron’s Apple House Ellijay GA

Open daily all year from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm! Pick up fresh peaches from July – Labor Day, fresh apples from August – November, and at least 11 kinds of hand-made fried pies!

 

Mack Aaron’s Apple House Reviews and Info

 

Panorama Orchards

Panorama Orchards Ellijay GA

Panorama Orchards Ellijay GA

Panorama Orchards farm market features fresh ciders, baked goods, fried pies, homemade fudge, and 20+ varieties of apples! Open all year from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm every day.

 

Panorama Orchards Reviews and Contact Info

Contact the orchard directly with any additional questions.

 

Payne’s Apple Orchard

Open daily with fresh fruit and produce – follow social media for updates on the freshest fruits available in the market store.

 

Payne’s Apple Orchard Reviews and Info

  • Phone: +1 (706) 633-7185
  • Address: 326 Tankersley Ln, Epworth, GA
  • Email: cpayne226@gmail.com
  • Facebook: Payne’s Apple Orchard is rated 5 with 25 reviews and 1,100+ likes

 

Penland’s Apple House

Penland Apple House Ellijay GA

Penland Apple House Ellijay GA – main 515 location

Penland’s has 2 Ellijay locations open daily during the harvest season (summer – late fall) from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Purchase fresh produce and locally made treats in these 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 Apple House Reviews and Info

  • 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
  • Facebook: Penland’s Apple House is rated 4.4 with 350 reviews and 6400 likes
  • TripAdvisor: Penland’s Apple House is rated 4.5 with 15 reviews

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Make sure you feel prepared with these products to make your harvest adventure even more memorable!

 

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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Which North Georgia farms or events look the most interesting to you? Are you also planning to try other mountain Fall favorites including:

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45 Responses

  1. Tripp Anderson says:
    August 25, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    Hey there, it’s Tripp! I was super happy that I came across this article and website as I used to live in Georgia. Now when I go visit my family and friends I know exactly what to do and where to go – these apple houses look like a great place to spend the afternoon outside. Just wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you put into making this article for people like me!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      August 25, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      Hi, Tripp! The North Georgia apple houses are fun to visit to pick up fresh baked goods (for now) and packaged items to enjoy later at home with family and friends. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  2. riya says:
    October 25, 2022 at 8:29 am

    I like these topics very much. I would like to see such topics daily, this post is very good indeed. There are people like you in the world who put forth their views. Thank you so much for posting such a great post.

    Reply
  3. Jamie says:
    September 23, 2021 at 8:42 pm

    Apple picking is a lot of fun for the whole family. I didn’t realize Georgia was known for its apples. I guess I always thought peaches. Anyway, this is a great article for anyone in Georgia looking to spend an afternoon gather some apples. I went apple picking here in Oregon a few years ago and it was amazing how much better they tasted right off the tree.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 24, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Hi Jamie, Thanks for sharing your apple picking experience!

      You are correct that Georgia is known as “the peach state”, but Gilmer County (including Ellijay) in North Georgia is better known as the “apple capital of Georgia”. 

      Reply
  4. Sariyah says:
    September 22, 2021 at 3:56 pm

    Hey thanks again for this post! I was on your other post about mazes and found it contained a lot of useful details so obviously I decided to visit another page. My favourite apple type is the Fuji apple and pink lady, this is what we call them in the UK. I’m not to sure how different they are from the American apples.

    I would love to visit these apple gardens and collect some apples as well as other fruits and other fun activities!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 23, 2021 at 11:10 am

      Hi Sariyah, There are lots of different apple varieties grown in North Georgia. BJ Reece orchards have 30 types of apples — including your favorite Pink Ladies. 

      Reply
  5. Matiss says:
    September 20, 2021 at 3:25 pm

    Wow, those apple orchards sound like a great place to visit with the whole family. I mean, I have been looking into places like this but with two small children, I feel family attractions are kind of a must. 

    I loved the idea of an apple tree maze. I mean, personally, I’m a huge fan of mazes. One made of apple trees I have not had the chance to visit yet. Swimming pig races also sound really fun. I bet my kids will absolutely love that. And petting farms are always nice for kids. Yeah, I think Hillcrest Apple Orchard is something we’ll 100% visit. Thank you!

    And I think that’s good advice. We’ll definitely call ahead. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      September 20, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      Hi Matiss, Most of the orchards will have a shorter u-pick season this year due to a late frost in April. The sooner you can go, the better! Enjoy!!

      Reply

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