25 Free & Budget Friendly Things To Do In Ellijay
While in Ellijay, a plethora of budget-friendly and FREE activities await, allowing you to make the most of your visit. Reconnect with nature as you hike or bike along the picturesque trails of the North Georgia mountains. Discover local shops and peruse through antique markets and boutiques in the heart of Downtown Ellijay. No matter where your adventures take you, you can’t miss visiting these picture-perfect spots to capture unforgettable memories of your trip to Ellijay.
Explore Ellijay’s Outdoors
1. Bike through the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia
Gilmer County is renowned for its mountain biking trails, and for good reason! Ellijay’s trails are perfect for beginners and experienced riders. Not sure where to get started? Visit the experts at Cartecay Bike Shop for gear, maps, and more!
2. Tumbling Waters Trail
If you love exploring new trails, you won’t want to miss all the awesome trails Ellijay has to offer. Located in Ellijay’s Carters Lake, this trail includes a bridge with amazing views and is the perfect outdoor adventure for a family trip to Ellijay!
3. Big Acorn Trail
Also located in Carters Lake, Big Acorn Trail is one of our family favorite hiking trails. This beginner-friendly trail is approximately 2/3 miles round trip, and ends at a lake-view overlook. Don’t forget to stop and read the informative postings along the trail with the little ones!
4. Bear Creek Trail
Located just 5 miles west of Downtown Ellijay, Bear Creek Trail provides some of the most beautiful woods and trees around, including the Gennett Poplar, the state record Tulip Poplar, the second tallest tree in Georgia!
5. Tubing and Kayaking on the River
With three rivers and a lake, there are ample opportunities for making a splash in Ellijay. If you’re looking for a tubing or kayaking adventure, Cartecay River Experience will drop you off and pick you back up right on some of the most serene waterways the North Georgia Mountains have to offer!
6. Carters Lake
If you prefer boating, you won’t want to miss Carters Lake, also known as Georgia’s deepest lake. Carters Lake Marina offers a selection of boat rentals in various sizes and occupancies to fit your crew’s needs. Carters Lake is perfect for boating, swimming, and having fun!
7. Fishing on the Lake
When you’re ready to try your hand at fly fishing, be sure to book a guided experience with a local fly fishing guide like Reel ’em In Guide Services to get access to some of the area’s best fishing holes. Catch largemouth bass, catfish, and more in the lakes surrounding Gilmer County.
8. Golf in the Clouds
If you have a budding Masters champ in your crew, you won’t want to miss a chance to play a few rounds at Whitepath Golf Course. The rolling terrain and the scenic views of the Cohutta Wilderness make Whitepath one of the most picturesque golf courses in all of North Georgia.
9. Explore Ellijay’s Scenic Parks
Take a peaceful stroll through Harrison Park, a serene park just a short walk from Downtown Ellijay. For more recreational activities, head to River Park, located along the scenic Coosawattee River. Enjoy its playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, and walking trails- perfect for your furry friends.
Discover the Heart of Downtown Ellijay
10. Antiquing in Downtown Ellijay
Explore all the fascinating antiques across Ellijay and East Ellijay. Our antique stores offer unique finds and treasures such as beautiful vintage and repurposed furniture, fine porcelain, stained glass, jewelry, collectibles, and so much more! Sign up for the FREE Antiques Trail Mobile-Pass, earn points for each purchase, and redeem your points to receive a one-of-a-kind Antiques Trail prize!
11. Trendy Boutiques
Spend a leisurely day strolling through downtown Ellijay, where you can browse the creations of local artisans, uncover hidden treasures in eclectic shops, or seeking out the latest trendy pieces to add to your collection.
Picture Perfect Murals
12. Welcome to Ellijay Coca-Cola Mural
With its charming shops and friendly atmosphere, Downtown Ellijay offers a plethora of photo opportunities at every corner.
13. Balloon Mural
This beautiful mural is around the corner from Artful Ellijay– a local home provisions store featuring local artists, hand-crafted accessories and much more. Did you know? Kelsey Montague, also painted the WhatLiftsYou wings mural at The Gulch in Nashville!
14. Apple Sign at the Downtown Welcome Center
The Apple sign is the perfect first stop for your adventures in the Apple Capital of Georgia! This sign is conveniently located in the front lawn of the Downtown Ellijay Welcome Center.
15. Mountain Bike Capital Mural
Did you know Ellijay is the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia? After you hit the trail, don’t forget to stop by this mural!
16. Flower Fields at Ellijay Orchards
You’ll be amazed by the beautiful sunflowers Aarons Family Orchards has to offer. Along with rows upon rows of vibrant sunflowers, visit their store for fresh apples, canned goods, and other fresh produce grown on the farm.
17. Christmas Tree in Downtown Ellijay
During the holiday season, don’t forget to take photos by the beautiful Christmas Tree in Downtown Ellijay! Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual tree lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving!
18. Expedition: BIGFOOT!
Expedition: BIGFOOT is the perfect adventure for everyone! This complex is filled with genuine artifacts, life size displays, a mini research vehicle, full size Sasquatch, FL/Ga sighting maps, “Sasquatch Theater”, and more!
Seasonal Events
19. Woofstock
Get ready for a doggone good time in downtown Ellijay this spring as a plethora of partying pets promenade in apparel for a paws cause! Bring your four legged party animals and let the good times roll and do a good deed for the dogs and cats in need in the process.
20. Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market
Are you a fan of fresh produce, unique crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere? Look no further than the Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market! This local gem is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of the best that Ellijay has to offer.
21. Fourth of July Celebration
The annual July 4th parade is a great opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate our country’s independence. The downtown Ellijay fireworks display takes place after sunset. Both activities are family-friendly and free!
22. Georgia Apple Festival Parade
The annual Georgia Apple Festival parade is a great opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate with the Apple Capital! This event is family-friendly and free and is the perfect way to kick off fall in Ellijay.
23. Apple Arts Festival
This sister festival is located behind the Downtown Ellijay Welcome Center and adds fun arts & crafts and food to the downtown scene on the same times and dates as the Georgia Apple Festival. Apple Arts is pet-friendly, accessible, and admission is free!
24. Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off your holiday season in the heart of downtown Ellijay with an authentic Ellijay Christmas celebration! Don’t miss the magical moment when Santa himself lights the Ellijay Christmas tree in the square, signaling the start of the season’s festivities.
25. Christmas Market & Parade
The Light Up Ellijay Market & Parade is yet another can’t-miss event of the holiday season! The downtown streets will come alive with festive vendor booths and delicious treats as Santa takes photos on the courthouse steps with the little ones. Complete with brightly lit floats, jolly characters, and all the holiday magic you could wish for, this is another event you can’t miss!
Featured Partners
