How ‘bout them apples? A guide to the apple orchards you should visit as a day-trip from Atlanta.
We have choices. I’m here to help you figure out which choice you should make! I have personally visited quite a few different apple orchards for u-pick apples and to buy from their markets. Apples are picked August-October in our climate. Given that, you probably cannot wear your cute flannels to pick apples until mid to late October, so plan accordingly if you hope it get those cute photos in your booties and shackets. Now, I’ll give you the reasons I go to each place.
The prettiest orchard:
Apples in the Orchard at Mercier Orchards
Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge is drop dead gorgeous if you ask me. Beautiful terraced land that makes you double-take from the road. They do offer u-pick, but you can also buy many varieties (and taste test them) from their market. Mercier also makes their own cider (and hard cider). Don’t forget to grab a fried apple pie or apple cider donuts while you’re in the bakery. This is one place you can also find a handful of other fruits and veggies in season, probably some okra, peppers, and squash this time of year.
The most active orchard:
B.J. Reece in Ellijay is THE place if you’re looking for things to keep the older kids busy. They have so many things to do, but that also means that they get BUSY. So, plan for patience as you get there. Watch for traffic, too. Once you’re on the farm, you’ll find ample activities like a petting zoo, apple cannons, a corn maze, a big farm slide…you can even milk a cow! Some of these activities are only on the weekends, so check their calendar to verify. And then plan to stick around for a pig race while you’re there. They also offer u-pick apples of many varieties, but I think most people go for the farm activities.
The festive orchard:
Hillcrest in Ellijay goes for festive better than anyone. Drop in for a weekend of “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee” where you’ll find the farm is lively with entertainment and probably some live music. They also have tons of activities so you can definitely spend the full day at the farm. The littlest ones will even have a great time because there are dwarf apple trees just for them to pick from. Hillcrest also has pig races, and so many other things to do, even 18 holes of minigolf. They have many food options on-site, so you truly don’t need to leave for anything.
The most homey orchard:
Red Apple Barn in Ellijay is giving homey and family. It’s cute and calm, and that should be why you visit. They have an excellent selection of apples, plus pumpkins starting in late September. If you want to get away from the busyness of the city and not be in giant crowds, this is your place. I’ll also give them the note of being picturesque. This is a place you can enjoy a morning or afternoon without feeling rushed. Sit by the creek if you really want serene while you visit.
The most colorful orchard:
R & A is getting this credit because they put their flowers front and center, and they’re another very good photo backdrop. Plenty of apples to pick from, but you can also pick flowers while you’re there. You definitely have to get some of their soft serve ice cream or a slushy while you’re there. You know it’s going to be hot enough to still enjoy that! They have a full cafe on-site, so if you want to stay through lunch or start at lunch, that’s absolutely doable. This is one of those stops that should be on your list year-round just for the cafe. Go hiking nearby while you’re out there!
The orchard that makes you feel one with nature:
After Apple-Picking at The Folk Collaborative
The Folk Collaborative is absolutely one of my favorite places I’ve been. They do NOT offer you-pick right now (2026) to allow the orchard to heal after many years of picking. They DO still have apples for sale in their market along with the apothecary, the bakery & coffeehouse. You want to talk about regenerative agriculture, caring for the land that cares for you, and mountain medicine…you need to visit them. My witchy friends — you would love it here. They offer farm-to-table dinners, breakfasts in the orchard, field guide journaling, murder mystery dinners, etc. They’ve pivoted to more events-based activities and leaned into their cafe/bakery and it’s just such a good spot.
Now, you can certainly check out their websites for more details, but most of them keep their social media pages more up-to-date. Happy Apple-Picking!
