Explore the Ellijays in 2025

Looking for a fresher perspective on life? You’ve picked the right place. Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta, Ellijay sits nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Long known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” families flock to Ellijay to pick apples, reconnect with nature, and experience life less complicated.


Appalachian Mysteries

bigfoot museum
📍 Expedition: BIGFOOT!

Ellijay brims with mystery and folklore, especially when it comes to that large-footed mountain wanderer, Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch. At Expedition: Bigfoot, skeptics and believers can explore the history, culture, and research technology around this mystical cryptid, along with possible recordings and footprints.

Vineyards, Orchards, & More

📍 Engelheim Vineyards

Bachelorettes and anniversaries are more fun in Ellijay, where you can take advantage of more than 17 vineyards, distilleries, and cideries. Enjoy delicious sips and food at Roo Mountain Vineyards or see where art and drinks combine at downtown’s 29 North. For seasonal goodies, Ellijay’s farm stores can’t be beat – with fresh mushrooms from Ellijay Mushrooms, tender pork and mutton from Cress Creeks Farm, and grass-fed beef from Mountain Valley Farm. Of course, you can’t forget Ellijay’s nine orchards, like B.J. Reece and Hillcrest, for apple picking, wagon rides, petting farms, and other can’t-miss autumn fun.

Fun For All Seasons

girls at apple festival
📍 Georgia Apple Festival

No matter what time of year, Ellijay has something to celebrate. Bring in the fall weather with sensational music and wine at Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival, feel the joyous spirit at Holiday Lights of Ellijay, join the pet party at the springtime Woofstock, or savor summer’s bounty during the Ellijay Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market. Vino fans can participate in grape-stomping at Cartecay Crush Fest, while bacon lovers can sample pork-themed dishes at Ellijay Bacon Fest. And of course, it wouldn’t be the Apple Capital of Georgia without the Georgia Apple Festival and Apple Arts on the Square.

Rediscover the Great Outdoors

📍 Bear Creek Trail

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And in Ellijay, that means that anyone looking for outdoor adventures won’t leave disappointed no matter their experience level. For hiking enthusiasts, Ellijay is home to everything from beginner-friendly trails to Springer Mountain’s Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Avid mountain bikers will find more than 100 miles of trails just begging to be explored, from the lakeside Amadahy Trail to the bike park at Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery. For water adventures, set out from Carters Lake Marina & Resort for a day of paddling and splashing or take it easy on a lazy-river tubing excursion with Cartecay River Experience.

The Perfect Place to Reconnect

a family picking apples
📍 R&A Orchards

With more than 1,500 rustic and luxury cabins spread out amid some of the most beautiful places you’ll find in North Georgia, you are sure to find the perfect place to cozy up with your crew. Whether you want to relax by the waterfront, watch the sun dip behind forested peaks, or snuggle by a fireplace with your pup on a snowy day, Ellijay cabins are the ideal place to reconnect with those you love.