There’s something special about apple season in the North Georgia Mountains. Cooler temperatures begin to arrive, the mountains start showing their fall colors, and the orchards around Ellijay and Blue Ridge come alive with fresh apples, cider, fried pies, and plenty of family fun.
Ellijay is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, and for good reason. The area is home to generations-old family farms growing dozens of apple varieties throughout the season. Whether you want to pick apples straight from the tree, take the kids on a wagon ride, shop for locally made treats, or enjoy a beautiful fall day in the mountains, there is an orchard for you.
Many of Ellijay’s most popular orchards are located along Highway 52 East, making it easy to visit more than one during your stay. Blue Ridge visitors also have one of North Georgia’s best-known orchards, Mercier Orchards, right in town. And if you’re staying with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals, we’ve included some of our cabins that make especially convenient home bases for exploring North Georgia apple country.
Planning Tip: Apple varieties, U-pick availability, activities, and hours can change throughout the season depending on the harvest and weather. Check with the individual orchard before heading out.
Quick Guide to North Georgia Apple Orchards
| B.J. Reece Orchards | Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay | U-pick apples, petting farm, wagon rides, farm activities, and bakery |
| Hillcrest Orchards | Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay | U-pick apples, family activities, petting farm, wagon rides and bakery |
| R & A Orchards | Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay | U-pick apples, U-cut flowers, tractor rides, cow train, market and café |
| Aaron Family Orchards | Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay | Apples, bakery, seasonal farm experiences and traditional farm market |
| Mack Aaron’s Apple House | Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay | Apples, cider and traditional North Georgia farm-market shopping |
| Panorama Orchards & Farm Market | Ellijay | More than 20 apple varieties, cider, bakery treats and farm market |
| Penland Orchards & Farm Market | Ellijay | Apples, cider, fried pies, fritters, produce and local products |
| Red Apple Barn | Ellijay | U-pick apples, pumpkins, tractor rides, games and farm market |
| Mercier Orchards | Blue Ridge | U-pick apples, market, bakery, cider and fishing pond |
B.J. Reece Orchards – Ellijay
9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
706-276-3048
B.J. Reece Orchards is one of the most popular places in Ellijay for families who want to make a full day out of apple picking.
Located along Highway 52 East, the orchard offers U-pick apples throughout the fall season, along with a wide variety of farm activities. Depending on the day and admission package, activities can include wagon rides, a petting farm, farm slides, cow milking, a jumping pillow, cow train, corn maze, apple cannon, pig races, and more.
Their farm market and bakery are open year-round, so even if you aren’t visiting during U-pick season, you can stop in for apples, locally made products, apple cider doughnuts, and their well-known fried pies.
B.J. Reece is also one of the more dog-friendly orchard options. Leashed dogs are allowed in the orchard, although they are not permitted inside the market or petting zoo.
Hillcrest Orchards – Ellijay
9696 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
706-273-3838
Hillcrest Orchards is another longtime Highway 52 East favorite, especially for families traveling with children.
Apple-picking season begins around September, and Hillcrest’s popular Apple Pickin’ Jubilee takes place on fall weekends. In addition to U-pick apples, admission during the Jubilee includes an impressive collection of farm activities such as the petting farm, wagon rides, cow train, giant bubbles, mini golf, Ball Zone, apple tree maze, pig races, cow milking, and much more.
One of our Morning Breeze guests summed up the experience perfectly: “This is a must-stop when traveling with the kids. The petting zoo, wagon rides, giant slides, cow milking, Ball Zone, and all the other activities kept them occupied for hours. It was well worth it!”
With so much to do, Hillcrest can easily turn into a half-day or even full-day fall adventure. Don’t forget to visit the farm market and bakery before leaving for fresh apples, cider, apple cider doughnuts, and fried apple pies.
R & A Orchards – Ellijay
5505 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
706-273-3821
R & A Orchards is another Morning Breeze favorite and a great choice for families traveling with several generations.
Located along Highway 52 East, the farm offers seasonal U-pick apples, U-cut flower fields, and tractor rides through its orchard. Younger visitors especially enjoy the cow train. One of our Morning Breeze team members recently shared: “My grandkids love this orchard! The cow train is so cute and was a big hit with the 3- and 5-year-olds. I personally enjoy the U-pick flowers, and of course the apple pies are amazing!”
R & A also has a farm market, bakery, and café, so it’s a good option if some members of your group would rather shop and eat while others head out into the orchard.
Aaron Family Orchards – Ellijay
8350 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
706-273-3180
Longtime Ellijay visitors may remember this farm as Aaron’s Apple House. Today, it is known as Aaron Family Orchards, with a new generation of the Aaron family carrying on a farming tradition that dates back more than 80 years.
The orchard has been growing its farm experience in recent years with new apple plantings, a bakery, flowers, and family activities while continuing to offer apples, seasonal produce, and locally made goods. Aaron Family Orchards is a nice stop for visitors looking for a more traditional North Georgia farm experience along the Highway 52 East apple corridor.
Mack Aaron’s Apple House – Ellijay
8955 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA
706-273-3600
Mack Aaron’s Apple House is a separate business from Aaron Family Orchards and has been part of Ellijay apple country since the 1940s.
This is more of a traditional apple house and farm-market stop than a large agritourism attraction, making it perfect for anyone who simply wants to browse local apples and seasonal products without spending several hours at an orchard. It’s also conveniently located along Highway 52 East, so it’s easy to combine with other orchard stops during your day.
Panorama Orchards & Farm Market – Ellijay
63 Talona Mountain Road, Ellijay, GA
706-276-3813
Panorama Orchards has been growing fruit in the North Georgia Mountains since the 1920s.
Today, Panorama grows more than 20 varieties of apples, along with peaches and other seasonal produce. Apple varieties ripen throughout the season, from early apples in August to late-season favorites including Fuji, Pink Lady, and Arkansas Black. Panorama is an especially good stop for visitors who want to shop rather than spend the day at a large U-pick attraction. The farm market offers fresh apples, apple cider, fried pies, apple cider doughnuts, apple breads, fudge, ice cream, and plenty of treats to take back to your cabin.
Penland Orchards & Farm Market – Ellijay
Highway 515 Location
41 Talona Mountain Road, Ellijay
706-635-5110
Highway 282 Location
7678 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay
706-635-5100
Penland Orchards is a fifth-generation family farm that has been serving the Ellijay area for decades.
The family grows more than 30 varieties of apples along with peaches and nectarines, and their markets are filled with fresh fruit, cider, fried apple and peach pies, apple fritters, breads, jams, jellies, and other local products. Penland currently has two Ellijay farm-market locations, making it an easy stop from several parts of the area.
Red Apple Barn – Ellijay
3379 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay, GA
706-635-5898
Red Apple Barn is another family-owned Ellijay orchard where fall visitors can enjoy the traditional North Georgia apple experience.
Depending on the season and crop availability, the farm offers U-pick apples, pumpkins, tractor rides, and family activities. Their market is also a great place to pick up apples, cider, fritters, breads, jams, jellies, and other fall treats. Apple picking is generally offered on select days during the fall and is dependent on weather and crop conditions, so this is one orchard where we especially recommend checking availability before you go.
Where to Stay Near the Highway 52 East Apple Orchards in Ellijay?
If apple picking is one of the main reasons for your North Georgia getaway, choosing a cabin near the Highway 52 East orchard corridor can make your trip even easier.
Several Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals are located in the Cartecay River and Walnut Mountain areas, giving you convenient access to B.J. Reece, Hillcrest, R & A, Aaron Family Orchards, and Mack Aaron’s Apple House.
Cartecay Area Cabins
Waterwheel on the Cartecay
Stay along the beautiful Cartecay River while keeping many of Ellijay’s Highway 52 East apple orchards within easy reach.
Camp Cartecay
Camp Cartecay makes a great North Georgia home base for guests who want to enjoy the Cartecay area while exploring nearby orchards, wineries, hiking, and downtown Ellijay.
JW Hidden Lakes
Enjoy a peaceful North Georgia mountain setting while staying convenient to the orchards and attractions around Ellijay.
The Boonedocks
Spend your day exploring Ellijay’s apple country, then return to the privacy and comfort of your own mountain cabin.
Walnut Mountain Cabins Near the Ellijay Apple Orchards
Walnut Mountain is another excellent location for guests who plan to spend time exploring the orchards along Highway 52 East. Morning Breeze offers several cabin rentals in this popular gated mountain community:
- Almost Heaven
- Heaven’s Edge
- Lakeview Retreat
- Deer Ridge
- Stardust Ridge
- Starlight Mountain
- Wind Rush
- Walnut Mountain Lodge
Staying in the Cartecay or Walnut Mountain area makes it easy to build an entire day around the orchards. Pick apples in the morning, visit a winery or downtown Ellijay in the afternoon, and then return to your cabin for a relaxing evening in the North Georgia Mountains.
Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge
8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA
706-632-3411
If you’re staying in Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchards is a must-see for many fall visitors.
This fourth-generation, family-owned orchard has been growing fruit in Blue Ridge since 1943 and has become one of the most recognizable orchards in North Georgia. Apple U-pick generally takes place from late summer through October, depending on the weather and the amount of ripe fruit available. Guests take a tractor ride into the orchard before picking from the apple varieties available that day.
Mercier grows dozens of apple varieties and also has an extensive market and bakery filled with fresh fruit, cider, jams, jellies, baked goods, and other local products. And there’s more to Mercier than apples. The farm has a stocked pond where visitors can enjoy free catch-and-release fishing during regular market hours. Bring your own fishing gear and make an afternoon of it.
One Morning Breeze family shared this after visiting Mercier: “Our entire family loved visiting Mercier Orchards! We all picked apples, the kids fished in the pond, and my parents leisurely walked through the store, sampling cider, apples, and every other treat they could get their hands on. We highly recommend stopping by when you’re in Blue Ridge.”
Where to Stay Near Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge?
Planning to include Mercier Orchards in your Blue Ridge vacation? Several Morning Breeze cabins make convenient home bases for visiting the orchard while keeping you close to downtown Blue Ridge and other North Georgia attractions.
Appalachian View
Enjoy North Georgia mountain scenery while staying close to Mercier Orchards, downtown Blue Ridge, and everything the surrounding area has to offer.
Cozy Creek
Spend the morning exploring Mercier Orchards and return to your cabin to unwind beside the creek.
Creekside Hideaway
Combine apple season with a relaxing Blue Ridge cabin getaway at Creekside Hideaway, conveniently located for exploring Mercier Orchards and the surrounding Blue Ridge area.
Wild Forest Lodge
Wild Forest Lodge makes a comfortable home base for families planning to experience Mercier Orchards, downtown Blue Ridge, and other North Georgia Mountain attractions.
Wakin’ on a Pretty Day
Pick apples, browse the market, and enjoy an afternoon at Mercier Orchards before returning to your own peaceful Blue Ridge mountain retreat.
When Is Apple Season in North Georgia?
North Georgia apple season begins in late summer, but September and October are generally the heart of apple-picking season in Ellijay and Blue Ridge.
Different apple varieties ripen at different times. Early-season apples can begin appearing in August, while some of the later varieties aren’t harvested until October or November.
If you have a favorite apple, whether it’s Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Arkansas Black, check the orchard’s current harvest information before planning your trip.
September and October also bring cooler temperatures and the beginning of fall color, making apple season one of the most popular times of year for a North Georgia cabin vacation.
When is the 2026 Georgia Apple Festival?
If your trip falls in October, you may also be able to experience the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay.
The 2026 festival takes place over two weekends: October 10–11, 2026 and October 17–18, 2026
The festival brings hundreds of vendors, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, and plenty of apple-inspired treats to Ellijay each fall. Because these are some of the busiest weekends of the season, we recommend reserving your North Georgia cabin well in advance if you plan to visit during the Apple Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Picking in Ellijay & Blue Ridge
What are the best apple orchards in Ellijay, Georgia?
Popular Ellijay orchards include B.J. Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards, R & A Orchards, Aaron Family Orchards, Red Apple Barn, Panorama Orchards, Penland Orchards, and Mack Aaron’s Apple House. Some offer U-pick apples and extensive family activities, while others are better suited for shopping for fresh apples, cider, and baked goods.
Which Ellijay apple orchards are located on Highway 52 East?
B.J. Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards, R & A Orchards, Aaron Family Orchards, and Mack Aaron’s Apple House are all located along Highway 52 East in the Ellijay area. This makes it easy to visit several orchard stops during the same day.
Which Ellijay apple orchard is best for young children?
Several Ellijay orchards are very family-friendly. Hillcrest offers an especially large selection of children’s activities, while B.J. Reece combines U-pick apples with numerous farm attractions. R & A is another favorite for families, particularly because of its cow train, tractor rides, and U-cut flower fields.
Can you pick your own apples in Ellijay?
Yes. Several Ellijay orchards offer seasonal U-pick apples, including B.J. Reece, Hillcrest, R & A, and Red Apple Barn. U-pick availability changes as different apple varieties ripen and can also be affected by weather and crop conditions.
What month is best for apple picking in Ellijay?
September and October are generally the best months for apple picking in Ellijay. Different varieties ripen throughout the season, so there isn’t one perfect weekend for every type of apple.
Is there apple picking in Blue Ridge, Georgia?
Yes. Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge offers seasonal U-pick apples, generally from late summer through October, depending on the weather and availability of ripe fruit.
Can you fish at Mercier Orchards?
Yes. Mercier Orchards has a stocked pond offering free catch-and-release fishing during regular market hours. Visitors should bring their own fishing equipment.
Are North Georgia apple orchards dog-friendly?
Pet policies vary by orchard. B.J. Reece allows leashed dogs in the orchard but not inside the market or petting zoo. Mercier Orchards does not permit pets in the orchard or market except qualifying service animals. Always check the individual orchard’s current pet policy before bringing your dog.
Do I need reservations to pick apples?
It depends on the orchard. Some allow visitors to purchase admission upon arrival, while others have different procedures for special activities or busy fall weekends. U-pick can also sell out when the day’s ripe fruit is gone, so arriving early and checking current conditions is a good idea.
What Morning Breeze cabins are close to the Ellijay apple orchards?
Morning Breeze cabins that are convenient to the Highway 52 East orchard area include Waterwheel on the Cartecay, Camp Cartecay, JW Hidden Lakes, and The Boonedocks.
Our Walnut Mountain cabins are also convenient for exploring Ellijay apple country and include Almost Heaven, Heaven’s Edge, Lakeview Retreat, Deer Ridge, Stardust Mountain, Starlight Mountain, WindRush, and Walnut Mountain Lodge.
What Morning Breeze cabins are close to Mercier Orchards?
Morning Breeze cabins convenient to Mercier Orchards include Appalachian View, Cozy Creek, Creekside Hideaway, Wild Forest Lodge, and Wakin on a Pretty Day.
Make Apple Picking Part of Your North Georgia Mountain Getaway
Apple season is one of our favorite times of year in the North Georgia Mountains. Spend the morning picking apples, treat yourself to a fried apple pie or cider doughnut, visit one of our local wineries, explore downtown Ellijay or Blue Ridge, take a hike through the mountains, and then head back to your cabin for a relaxing evening.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a fall getaway with friends, Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals offers cabins throughout Ellijay, Blue Ridge, the Cartecay River area, and Walnut Mountain, putting you close to the orchards and many of the experiences that make fall in North Georgia so special.
Come for the apples, stay for the mountains; we’d love to welcome you to North Georgia this fall.
