Photo: Thomson M, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ellijay calls itself Georgia’s apple capital, and from late summer through fall the roads around this Gilmer County town fill with orchard markets, U-pick fields and cider. It is about 77 miles north of Atlanta, roughly 1 hour 35 minutes without traffic, with a quiet courthouse square, the deepest lake in Georgia nearby and some of the best mountain biking in the Southeast. Here are the best things to do in Ellijay, checked in October 2026.
- From AtlantaAbout 77 miles, 1 hour 35 minutes without traffic
- CountyGilmer County
- Known forApple orchards, the Georgia Apple Festival, mountain biking and nearby Carters Lake
Top Things to Do in Ellijay
1. Pick apples
The orchards along the highways around Ellijay sell apples, cider and baked goods from late summer through fall, and several offer U-pick. Our best apple orchards in North Georgia guide covers the big names.
2. Georgia Apple Festival
Held over two weekends in mid-October at the Ellijay Lions Club fairgrounds, with a free arts festival downtown at the same time. In 2026 it runs October 10 and 11 and October 17 and 18; admission is $10, and children under 12 are free.
3. Carters Lake
A 3,220-acre Corps of Engineers lake on the Coosawattee River between Ellijay and Calhoun. It is the deepest lake in Georgia, with steep bluffs, no shoreline development and excellent fishing for Alabama bass, stripers and walleye.
4. Bear Creek and the Pinhoti Trail
West of town, riders link the Bear Creek Trail with the Pinhoti for loops of roughly 15 to 22 miles, past the Gennett Poplar, an immense old-growth yellow poplar. See the best mountain biking trails in Georgia.
5. Fort Mountain State Park
Across the county line toward Chatsworth, a stone CCC fire tower, a mysterious 855-foot rock wall and a west overlook with long views. $10 ParkPass per vehicle.
6. Cohutta Overlook
A free roadside stop on GA 52 between Ellijay and Chatsworth, with a five-minute walk up to a wide mountain view.
Advertise in Ellijay
Own a cabin rental, inn, restaurant, shop or outfitter in Ellijay? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Apple season peaks in September and October, and the Georgia Apple Festival takes over two mid-October weekends. Fall color usually follows in late October; see our fall color report.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Pair Ellijay with Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, McCaysville, or compare all of them in our 10 best North Georgia mountain towns. For the bigger picture, see 20 best things to do in North Georgia, the North Georgia map and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is Ellijay, GA known for?
Ellijay is best known for apple orchards, the Georgia Apple Festival, mountain biking and nearby Carters Lake.
How far is Ellijay from Atlanta?
Ellijay is about 77 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 1 hour 35 minutes by car without traffic.
When is apple season in Ellijay?
Apple season around Ellijay runs from late summer through fall, with the most orchards open and the widest variety in September and October. The Georgia Apple Festival is held over two weekends in mid-October.
Why is Ellijay called the apple capital of Georgia?
Gilmer County, with Ellijay as its county seat, is the center of Georgia’s apple growing, and Ellijay hosts the Georgia Apple Festival every October.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked on October 15, 2026. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Explore Georgia: 2026 Georgia Apple Festival dates and admission
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Carters Lake
- Georgia State Parks: Fort Mountain; 2026 ParkPass rate
- U.S. Census Bureau: 2024 population estimate (1,923)
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.