Things to Do in Ellijay, GA: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Ellijay, in the North Georgia mountains, is the self-proclaimed Apple Capital of Georgia. Pick-your-own orchards, the October Georgia Apple Festival, tubing on the Cartecay River, a growing wine trail, Carters Lake and nearby Amicalola Falls make it a favorite fall getaway from Atlanta, about 80 miles away.
This guide covers the best things to do in Ellijay, GA, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Ellijay, GA
Apple orchards
Pick-your-own and cider.
Downtown Ellijay
Historic square.
Cartecay River
Tubing and kayaking.
North Georgia wineries
Mountain vineyards.
Carters Lake
Boating and hiking.
Amicalola Falls
Georgia's tallest waterfall.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Train from nearby Blue Ridge.
Ellijay River Walk
Riverside trail.
Ellijay, GA in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Orchards
Spend the morning on Highway 52's 'Apple Alley', picking apples at orchards like Hillcrest or Penland's, with hayrides, cider slushies and fried apple pies in season. Lunch at an orchard market. In the afternoon, browse antiques on the downtown square and dine at a local grill in the evening.
2Day 2 · River day
Go tubing or kayaking on the gentle Cartecay River with a local outfitter, a perfect summer activity for families. Lunch at a riverside spot. In the afternoon, walk the Ellijay River Walk and finish with a wine tasting at Cartecay Vineyards or another winery on the North Georgia wine trail.
3Day 3 · Amicalola Falls
Drive to Amicalola Falls State Park to see Georgia's tallest cascading waterfall at 729 feet, climbing the staircase or taking the easier trail to the viewing platform. Lunch at the lodge with mountain views. Return via Dawsonville and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
Ellijay, GA in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Blue Ridge
Head to nearby Blue Ridge for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River to McCaysville on the Tennessee border, where you can stand in two states at once. Lunch in Blue Ridge. Browse galleries and shops before returning to Ellijay.
5Day 5 · Carters Lake
Spend a day boating, swimming or fishing on Carters Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Georgia, and hike the Talking Rock Nature Trail. Picnic lunch. Watch the sunset from the overlook before dinner in town.
Ellijay, GA in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Wine trail
Visit several North Georgia wineries, including Engelheim and Chateau Meichtry, with tastings and views. Lunch at a vineyard. Evening at a cabin with a fire pit under the stars. Many wineries offer live music on weekends and picnic areas with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge foothills.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a downtown café, last stop at an orchard stand for apple butter, cider and pies to take home, and a farewell dinner with Southern barbecue before the drive back to Atlanta.
What to do in Ellijay, GA on a weekend
Things to do in Ellijay, GA on a weekend? Saturday: orchards and downtown. Sunday: Cartecay River and wineries.
The Georgia Apple Festival is held over two weekends in October.
What to do in Ellijay, GA in the evening
In the evening, cabin fire pits and winery sunsets.
Live music downtown.
Ellijay, GA for couples
For couples, a mountain cabin, wineries and Amicalola Falls.
Ellijay, GA with kids
With kids, apple picking, hayrides, tubing and the scenic railway.
What to eat in Ellijay, GA
Fried apple pies
Orchard classic.
Apple cider
Fresh pressed.
Barbecue
Southern style.
Boiled peanuts
Roadside snack.
Local wine
North Georgia.
Where to stay in Ellijay, GA: best areas
Cabins
Mountain views.
Downtown
Walkable.
Blue Ridge
Nearby town.
Lake area
Water.
What to do in Ellijay, GA when it rains
Things to do in Ellijay when it rains? Antique shops, wineries, orchard markets and the railway.
How much does a trip to Ellijay, GA cost?
Expect $150–300 per night for cabins.
Practical tips for Ellijay, GA
Best time to visit
September–October.
Getting around
Car essential.
Our practical tips
- Visit on weekdays in October.
- Bring cash for stands.
- Book cabins early.
- Tube in summer.
- Wine trail driver.
- Check orchard seasons.
Mistakes to avoid
- Festival weekend traffic.
- Driving after tastings.
- Expecting apples in spring.
- Skipping Amicalola.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Ellijay, GA?
Apple orchards, tubing and wineries.
When is apple season?
August to November.
How far from Atlanta?
About 80 miles.
Things to do with kids?
Apple picking and tubing.