Known as the apple capital of Georgia, the charming small mountain town of Ellijay GA offers a historic downtown, beautiful views, plenty of outdoor activities, delicious restaurants, vineyards and more! We visited Ellijay for the first time in the summer of 2023 and really enjoyed our stay.
Ellijay GA is home to many apple orchards where visitors can pick apples in season, plus vineyards with some of the best locally made beverages in the country, and also delivers plenty of outdoor fun with parks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers for fishing and boating,.
In our guides to Ellijay Georgia, we'll cover where to stay, what to do, dining options, and other tips to help make your visit to Ellijay, GA a memorable one. This is all based on our own personal visits to this amazing, small Georgia mountain town.
Let's explore all that Ellijay Georgia offers!
Our Video
Here is our YouTube video from our visit to Ellijay GA.
Where is Ellijay GA?
The small mountain town of Ellijay GA is located about 80 miles north of Atlanta Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Ellijay, located at the meeting point of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers, serves as the county seat for Gilmer County. With its mountain backdrop and proximity to Atlanta, it's the ideal retreat from the fast-paced city.
With its central location, Ellijay provides easy access to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountian foothills and the warm, familiar comforts of a small town. This town, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning apple orchards, is a destination of choice for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore trails, rivers, and waterfalls that characterize the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you're coming to enjoy the annual Georgia Apple Festival or simply to take in the stunning mountain views, Ellijay’s location makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking the best of what North Georgia has to offer.
About Ellijay GA
Ellijay is a charming small mountain town in the north Georgia Mountains and surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop while you enjoy the city's many attractions.
Ellijay is the county seat of Gilmer County and is situated approximately 80 miles north of Atlanta and just a short drive from Blue Ridge, GA.
One of the major draws of Ellijay is its many apple orchards. Ellijay Georgia, is known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia" and is home to several orchards that offer apple picking, apple cider, apple pies, and other apple-related products in the Fall.
Besides the apple orchards, Ellijay is also home to several wineries, breweries, and distilleries that offer tastings and tours.
For those who love the outdoors, Ellijay has plenty to offer. The city is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Nearby Carters Lake is also a popular destination for hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Ellijay is also rich in history and culture. The city has several museums and historic sites, including the Tabor House and Civil War Museum, which tells the story of the Civil War in north Georgia.
Our Ellijay GA Travel Guides
Here are all of our Ellijay GA Travel guide articles and travel blogs about our visits to one of our favorite Georgia mountain towns:
Where to stay?
Finding a great place to stay in Ellijay GA is one of the most important parts of planning a trip to the area. Whether choosing a hotel or vacation rental, there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from.
Many locations offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provide easy access to the many outdoor activities available in Ellijay GA. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of town, while still experiencing all the wonders that Ellijay has to offer.
During our visit, we stayed at Out of the Bleu cabin, which was absolutely amazing! Great views, beautiful home, wildlife, and even a hot tub!
Things to do
Although Ellijay GA is considered a small mountain, it offers a ton of fun things to do and see, including a Bigfoot museum, beautiful waterfalls, a historic downtown, antique stores, fantastic restaurants, and vineyards.
See our 21+ Great Things to do in Ellijay GA guide for the full scoop!
Where to eat?
From fine dining to classic burgers and fries, Ellijay delivers several locally owned and fantastic places to eat. Just outside of Ellijay in Cherry Log, you'll find one of the very best BBQ restaurants we've ever eaten at.
We were amazed by the abundance of great food Ellijay has to offer. Trust us, if you stay as busy as we did during our visit, you'll be hungry for some great food too!
See our personal top picks for the 11+ Best Restaurants in and around Ellijay, Georgia
Events in Ellijay
We love Ellijay for its vibrant events scene. There's always something happening in the charming town of Ellijay GA, from live music performances to food festivals to outdoor activities and many other events and activities.
One of the most popular events in Ellijay is the annual Georgia Apple Festival. Held every fall, this festival celebrates the town's rich apple-growing heritage. Visitors can enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, plenty of delicious apple treats. If you're in town during the festival, be sure to check it out.
Ellijay also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival in the spring and the Taste of Ellijay food festival in the summer.
Nearby Destinations
When visiting Ellijay, we highly recommend taking some time to explore the many nearby destinations. Luckily, there are plenty of options within driving distance that offer a change of scenery and unique experiences.
Blue Ridge Georgia
One popular destination is Blue Ridge Georgia which is just a short drive away. Blue Ridge offers a nice downtown, a scenic railroad (the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway), mountain views, outdoor activities, and restaurants.
Enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring antique stores in the quaint downtown area.
Dahlonega Georgia
Dahlonega is a historic town located around 35 miles southwest of Ellijay. Dahlonega GA is widely known for its gold mining history, charming downtown area, and picturesque surroundings.
The town's gold rush heritage is celebrated in the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which is housed in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the area's gold mining history and even try their hand at panning for gold.
Dahlonega's downtown square is a hub of activity, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The square has a vibrant atmosphere and is a popular spot for festivals and events throughout the year. You can browse unique shops, sample local wines, and enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries.
Wine enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Dahlonega. The area is dotted with wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings, tours, and picturesque views of the vine-covered hills. It's a great opportunity to sample regional wines and learn about the local winemaking process.
For outdoor adventure, the town is located near the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Amicalola Falls State Park, with its stunning waterfall and hiking trails, is also worth a visit.
Atlanta Georgia
For those looking for a city experience, Atlanta is just over an hour's drive from Ellijay. Explore the city's rich history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or the Atlanta History Center.
Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, or catch a game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And of course, no trip to Atlanta is complete without trying some of the city's famous Southern cuisine.
Blairsville Georgia
Finally, Blairsville GA is a nearby small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia. It offers a tranquil and scenic setting, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
One of the main attractions in Blairsville is Vogel State Park. It is one of Georgia's oldest and most beloved state parks, offering a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking in the park's beautiful surroundings.
Another notable destination near Blairsville is Brasstown Bald. As the highest point in Georgia, it provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A visit to Brasstown Bald is a must if you're in the area.
In downtown Blairsville, you'll find quaint shops, local restaurants, and historic landmarks. The town square is a focal point, hosting various events throughout the year, including the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games.
Blairsville is also known for its abundance of outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which passes close by. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, or simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.