Apple Picking Georgia: Your Official Guide

Looking for the best apple-picking orchards in Georgia? Then this is the blog for you! When it comes to apple picking, Georgia is underrated. However, North Georgia boasts some of the best apple orchards in America. The apples here are so good, in fact, they’re the theme of one of the region’s biggest annual events: the Georgia Apple Festival. Many orchards in North Georgia offer “U-Pick” options, where guests can pick fresh apples right off the trees. So, whether you’re a local looking for a weekend diversion or you’re looking for a fun activity to add to your Georgia vacation itinerary, keep reading to learn about the best apple-picking orchards in Georgia, apple-picking etiquette, and more!

An Introduction to Apple Picking in Georgia

North Georgia’s climate, soil, and topography make it ideal for growing apples. Ellijay, the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” produces the most, with no fewer than 11 orchards spread across its 3.6 square miles. Ellijay also hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival, held during the second and third full weekends in October.

Georgia produces several varieties of apples, including Ozark Gold, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Yates, and more. In short, whether you like your apples sweet or sour, red, gold, or green, you’re sure to find the perfect variety for you!

Top U-Pick Apple Orchards in Georgia

As previously mentioned, many orchards in North Georgia offer U-Pick apples. Here are the best North Georgia orchards where you can pick your own apples:

• Hillcrest Orchards and Farms (Ellijay): Family-owned and -operated orchard with a weekend Apple Pickin’ Jubilee offering U-Pick apples, fresh produce, apple fritters, wagon rides, an apple tree maze, a petting farm, swimming pig races, a farm market and bakery, and mini golf.
• Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge): Family-owned, Veteran-operated U-Pick orchard in the North Georgia mountains offering tractor rides, a farm store with baked goods, world-famous fried pies, a tasting room with hard cider and wine, and more.
• R&A Orchards (Ellijay): U-Pick flowers and apples, apple butter, farm tours, tractor rides, and more!
• B.J. Reece Orchards (Ellijay): Over 20 varieties of U-Pick apples, as well as activities like cow milking, apple cannons, and pig races.
• Red Apple Barn (Ellijay): Family farm offering tractor rides to and around Red Apple Barn, apple cider donuts, games, and more.
• The Folk Collaborative (McCaysville): Locally owned orchard with wagon rides, fried apple pies, recipes, apple seeds, and apple cider donuts.

The Georgia Apple Festival

The Georgia Apple Festival is held in Ellijay, Georgia, on the second and third full weekends in October. An annual tradition dating back to 1971, the festival is a celebration of apples, which kept the local economy afloat when boll weevils destroyed Georgia’s cotton crops in the 1920s.

Today, the Georgia Apple Festival draws anywhere from 50,000 to 55,000 guests during its two-day engagement. Over 300 vendors and exhibitions set up shop for the festival. While pies, fritters, and other apple-based treats are the stars of the show, you’ll also find artisan candles, handmade hats, and woodwork, as well as glass blowing and blacksmith demonstrations.

What Is the Best Time for Apple Picking in Georgia?

Apple season in North Georgia runs from mid-August through November. However, different varieties ripen at different times. Here’s a breakdown of variety-specific ripening windows:

• Mid to Late August: Paula Red, Zestar
• Late September Through October: Honeycrisp
• Late October and Early November: Granny Smith, Arkansas Black

Georgia Apple-Picking Etiquette

Apple picking is a popular pastime in North Georgia, and you’ll undoubtedly be sharing the farm with many other pickers. Moreover, the orchards that offer U-Pick aren’t just attractions; they’re real, working farms. Thus, it’s important to practice proper etiquette when picking apples in Georgia. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you and your fellow visitors, as well as generations to come, can enjoy this unique activity:

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Georgia Apple-Picking Experience

Want to get the most out of your day of apple picking? Keep these tips in mind as you plan your visit and tour the farms:

• Plan to get there early if you want the best selection of fruit.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Take your time to savor the fresh mountain air and scenic views.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions; the staff are apple experts and are happy to share their expertise!

Where to Stay When Apple Picking in Georgia

Dunya Camp

Looking for a unique place to stay near the North Georgia apple-picking action? Look no further than Dunya Camp! This upscale glamping retreat is located in Summerville, less than an hour and a half from Ellijay in the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Overlooking 42 acres of pine-covered foothills, it’s the ultimate place to unplug and unwind. Meanwhile, modern amenities both on-site and in-unit offer resort-like comfort and luxury.

Accommodations at Dunya Camp

The safari-style tents at Dunya Camp certainly put the “glam” in glamping. Choose from the Sunset or Grand Sunset Tent and enjoy a variety of home-like comforts, as well as a few upscale touches you might not find at home. In-unit amenities include:

The Grand Sunset Tent features all the same amenities as the Sunset Tent, as well as a private barrel sauna and more expansive views.

Dunya Camp Amenities

When you aren’t apple picking, you’ll find plenty to do onsite at this North Georgia retreat. Dunya Camp boasts private hiking trails you can use to explore the 42-acre grounds, as well as a variety of add-on experiences designed to help you leave feeling better than when you arrived. Experiences must be booked ahead of time. They include:

• Breakfast Hamper: Curated collection of savory, sweet, and wholesome breakfast items including bagels with cream cheese, dried fruits and nuts, smoked sausage, and more.
• Picnic Lunch Hamper: Elevated picnic meal featuring artisan salami, truffle crisps, smoked cheese, pickled vegetables, fresh fruit, as well as sparkling juices.
• Personal Chef Dinner: Choose from a delicious three-course meal, a generous four-course gustatory journey, or Dunya Camp’s signature Persian Feast.
• Smores Magic: Smorgasbord of quality s’mores ingredients paired with the perfect wine.
• Ritual Bath: Includes a Japanese Onsen bath tap, as well as bath flowers, bath bomb, and healing crystals.
• Sauna Aromatherapy: Guests who book the Grand Sunset Tent can enhance their barrel sauna experience with essential oils and face masks.
• In-Tent Massage: Professional massage for two in the comfort of your safari tent. Available in 60- or 90-minute sessions.
• Private Yoga Session: Certified yoga instructor guides you through a bespoke yoga practice under the open sky.

North Georgia Attractions (Besides Apple Picking) Near Dunya Camp

In addition to apple picking, Dunya Camp boasts convenience to premier Georgia attractions you’re sure to love. Here are just a few of the other fun things to do near Dunya Camp:

• Little River Canyon National Preserve: Miles of hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking views.
• De Soto Falls: Picturesque, three-tiered cascading waterfall with a dramatic free-fall finish.
• Wildflower Cafe: Hippie-chic dining with live music and a country store.

Nook Outdoors: Hand-Picked Accommodations in the Great Outdoors

Picking apples is easy. But picking a great place to stay on your outdoor vacation is more complicated. At least, it used to be. At Nook Outdoors, we’ve done the legwork for you, hand-picking the best outdoor accommodations from across the country. But don’t just take our word for it. Browse our complete collection of accommodations at the link below, and book your outdoor vacation today!