It’s getting on toward apple season again, and that means it’s a wonderful time to get outdoors to one of the best apple orchards in Georgia. While Georgia may not be the first state to spring to mind when you think of apple orchards, it sure is home to some great ones.
We adore apple season around here, whether we’re just stopping by for a visit or spending the whole day out on the farm with family and friends. While Georgia may not get the cool temperatures or the spectacular leaf color changes that the states to the north do, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the fall in style—on a good old-fashioned apple farm! Read on for some ideas to plan your next family day trip.
Here are 11 of the best apple orchards in Georgia that you should check out this fall.
1. Hillcrest Orchards
Ellijay, Georgia
This family-owned and operated farm in Ellijay is filled with activities for everyone in the group, including live music, a giant slide through the mountain, and the state’s only apple tree maze! That’s what makes it number one on my list of best apple orchards in Georgia. Pick from several apple varieties including Gold Rush and Mutsu when you visit Hillcrest Orchards on the weekends.
Typically, tons of activities are included with general admission, making this one of the best apple orchards in Georgia, and a great place to plan a day trip to.
2. B.J. Reece Orchards
Ellijay, Geogria
Easily one of the best apple orchards in Georgia is B.J. Reece Orchards which offers u-pick apples like Crimson Crisp and Rome Beauty throughout the week and all season long. Weekends at the orchard come with a zip line, a corn maze, wagon rides, pig races, and much more.
If you’re not sure what type of apple you’d prefer, you’re welcome to taste them in the apple house, where you can also watch the workers make fried apple pies. Plus, leashed dogs are also welcome in the orchards, just not in the apple house!
3. Mercier Orchards
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Third on my list of best apple orchards in Georgia is Mercier Orchards. This 300-plus acre orchard, located in Blue Ridge, is in its fourth generation, celebrating over 70 years of Georgia-grown apples. Mercier Orchards are known for their seasonal fruits and vegetables, with new varieties of apples coming in monthly. Opportunities for u-pick will start in August, including their much sought-after Honeycrisp variety.
There’s also a Farm Winery, a bakery and market, and a deli on-site where you can pick up apple butter, jams, jellies, and more. While you’re there, stop for breakfast or lunch at the Farm Café!
4. Deep Roots Orchard
McCaysville, Georgia
While most people think almost exclusively of Ellijay when they think of apple picking in Georgia, this old-fashioned, family-run apple orchard in McCaysville is a wonderful day-trip destination to visit one of the best apple orchards in Georgia! Deep Roots Orchard offers tons of local produce, u-pick apples, wagon rides, and more all in a scenic hillside setting.
Pack up the family and come spend a few hours in the sun and among the trees, and we’re sure you’ll be right there with us in the fall spirit.
5. Red Apple Barn
Ellijay, Georgia
Next in my list of best apple orchards in Georgia is Ellijay’s Red Apple Barn: a great destination for apple picking, tractor rides, a farm tour, games, as well as cider and donuts. While it doesn’t have the fanfare of some other apple orchards in the state, it’s still a great place for some amazing apples.
6. R&A Orchards
Ellijay, Georgia
R&A Orchards (also in Ellijay!), is a great option for those who just want to pick some great apples. The orchard’s website even helps you work out the harvest time of your favorite varieties, with types like Red Delicious and Golden Delicious available earlier than, say, Granny Smith apples.
While there isn’t much else in the way of activities at the farm, you will want to plan to eat lunch there since they have a delicious restaurant on-site—complete with apple cider donuts! No wonder it’s one of the best apple orchards in Georgia!
7. Hillside Orchard
Lakemont, Georgia
While there’s sadly no u-pick available at Hillside Orchard in Lakemont, you can still choose from Gala, August Crisp, and other varieties of apples—or other produce entirely when you visit.
The farm store has a little something for everyone, from salad dressings to jams and jellies. There’s even a train and hayrides available during the apple season. Kids can also have a ball in the giant sandbox and play area, or learn a little history by exploring some of the antique farm equipment. Certainly one of the best apple orchards in Georgia!
8. Jaemor Farms
Alto, Georgia
Family-owned since 1912, Jaemor Farms offers a laundry list of fruit in addition to apples, including watermelons, peaches, and pumpkins. While they don’t offer as much as some other apple farms in the state, they do have some cozy and rustic offerings like farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes, putting them pretty high on our list of best apple orchards in Georgia.
Currently, u-pick is only offered on certain weekends, so be sure to check the orchard’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
9. Panorama Orchards
Ellijay, Georgia
While u-pick isn’t yet available at Panorama Orchards, their convenient location—in Ellijay, just off of highway 515—makes them a great option for a quick stop along the way to a larger adventure. They offer more than 20 varieties of apples to choose from, as well as other fall favorites and homemade treats.
There’s even an ice cream shop complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain!
10. Aaron’s Apple House
Ellijay, Georgia
Aaron’s Apple House in east Ellijay is another great option if you’re looking for a quick stop as part of a larger adventure or a longer trip. While there aren’t many additional activities at Aaron’s, they are a fantastic choice for some local, home-grown apples, fresh eggs, and other homemade treats and produce. Don’t forget to stop by to see the goats!
11. Penland’s Apple House
Ellijay, Georgia
Penland’s Apple House is a great pit stop in Ellijay on your next seasonal vacation. Offering a variety of apples and apple-based treats for the road, Penland’s Apple House has two locations for your convenience—one on highway 515 near the Panorama Farm Market, and the other on highway 282 near Red Apple Barn.
Visit the Best Apple Orchards in Georgia!
So, there it is: the 11 best apple orchards in Georgia you and your family and friends can visit this fall! There’s something for everyone out there, whether you’re searching for a “bells and whistles” autumn experience or a more low-key experience.
Want more apple content? Keep reading to learn all about apples: apple varieties, apple orchards, apple recipes, and more!