Adventure Awaits in Ellijay

With nine area orchards, Ellijay has been the beloved Apple Capital of the Peach State for generations. Whether you’re looking to pick apples for a delicious apple pie or looking for a fun family activity, you can’t go wrong at any of Ellijay’s orchards. If you’re looking for lots of fun family activities, don’t miss BJ Reece Orchards or Hillcrest Orchards. For more fun farm experiences like flower picking, check out R&A Orchards or Red Apple Barn.

Home to three rivers, miles of hiking and biking trails, and Georgia’s deepest lake, Ellijay truly is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Known as the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia, trails like Bear Creek Trail are perfect for both hiking and mountain biking. Ellijay is even home to the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Springer Mountain, which straddles the Gilmer/Fannin County border. If you’re looking for a great way to experience local waterways, consider letting a service like Cartecay River Experience drop you off and pick you up right on the river for a phenomenal tubing or kayaking experience.

With 13 area vineyards (and counting) Ellijay is a bona fide gateway to Appalachian Wine Country. Each with its own distinct atmosphere, Ellijay area vineyards offer something for everyone. Chateau Meichtry feels like being transported to the French countryside with pristine gardens, a greenhouse, and even highland cows and chickens. Engelheim Vineyards offers award-winning wine paired with artisan-made truffles from The Bavarian Chocolatier. Grapes & Ladders Vineyard offers several types of wine slushies you can mix to fit your taste. You can even book a shuttle service to organize a tour of area wineries and breweries.

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures, don’t miss out on some of Ellijay’s unexpected adventures. Did you know that our area is home to some of Appalachia’s most elusive residents? Take a hike to the stone wall at Fort Mountain State Park located just a short drive from downtown Ellijay to learn more about the Moon-Eyed People. Cherokee legend says this nocturnal people group built the wall around 400 A.D. Or journey over to Expedition: Bigfoot to learn more about area encounters with Bigfoot. After visiting the museum, fans of Sasquatch can visit downtown Ellijay vendors like Hemlock Bazaar to try a Bigfoot Latte (think a velvety mocha with a cayenne kick).

If you’re a fan of memorable lodging that invites you to unwind and reconnect, Ellijay is the place for you. With 2000 area cabins, there is one perfect for every adventure crew! Whether you’re looking for a secluded geodome perfect for you and your love, a pet-friendly cabin by the creek, or a sprawling lodge perfect for reunions and retreats, the vast array of options won’t disappoint.

When it comes to delicious dining, Ellijay truly is a dark horse. Sure, Ellijay has no shortage of barbecue and Southern sides. (Don’t miss Poole’s or Pink Pig.) However, Ellijay is also home to elevated dining options led by classically trained chefs like The Butcher and Bottle. Within one block you can take your pick of the crowd favorite Cantaberry Restaurant’s famous soups and sandwiches, the panoramic mountain views and the famous bologna sliders at The Roof, or some of the most deliciously inventive burgers and cocktails you’ve ever seen at River Street Tavern. Outside of downtown Ellijay, you won’t want to miss Raspados Celeste’s decadent birria tacos or The Chili Dog’s massive house-made cinnamon rolls.

Whether you love arts & crafts festivals, pet parades, or music festivals, Ellijay has something fun in every season. While the Georgia Apple Festival every October and Apple Blossom Festival every May are among the most famous, festivals like Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival are perfect for art enthusiasts. Music lovers won’t want to miss Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival.

Get more ideas on Ellijay adventures here.