Play in Ellijay - the Pick of Gilmer County

Every Fall Ellijay is the perfect pick for everyone looking to enjoy the Apple Capital of Georgia. Agritourism is just one of Gilmer County's many attractions that provide more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain-grown apples each year. Valleys also abound with peaches, blueberries, a variety of vegetables, flower-picking fields, and several vineyards for wine tasting.

What makes Ellijay more unique is the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that make it a great place for playing in wide open spaces. Gilmer County has over 276,000 acres of diversified landscapes and waterways to hike, bike, see waterfalls, enjoy the lake, or just relax viewing majestic mountains for scenery.

OUTDOOR RECREATION for Gilmer County is a bonus with 100 + miles of single-track mountain biking trails known as Georgia’s “Mountain Biking Capital” Maintained year-round Trails like Bear Creek or Pinhoti offer 6-10 mile rides for intermediate to advanced riders.

Waterways offer a broad variety of options for fishing, tubing, & and kayaking on the Coosawattee, Ellijay, and Cartecay. Enjoy catching bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and trout. Recreational areas like Harrison Park have walking trails and wildflowers while River Park, located near the Cartecay River and fairgrounds, offers playgrounds and other family activities.

If your path is a fairway, Whitepath Golf Course is Gilmer County's public 18-hole golf course with rolling hills and beautiful mountain views.

CARTERS LAKE is one of the deepest reservoir lakes in North Georgia with 62 miles of shoreline. Enjoy camping, hiking, bird watching, boating, biking, fishing, hunting and picnicking. Although fishing is popular; visitors can access the lake by canoe, kayak, powerboat, or sailing. Several campgrounds with many amenities are located around Carters Lake including Doll Mountain, Woodring Branch, and Harris Branch Beach.

FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 52 near the Cohutta Wilderness to 2,850 ft above sea level, at Fort Mountain. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will find beautiful trails and streams encircling a lake. Scenic views, a stone fire tower & ancient rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain. Go to GaStateParks.org for more information.

APPLE ORCHARDS Every year harvest season is fluttering in the “Fall” to a variety of activities from “You Pick”, music, hayrides, petting farms, games, and baked goodies. Sample apples and produce from Red Apple Barn, B.J. Reece, Panorama, Hillcrest, Aaron Family Orchards, R & A Orchards, and Mack Aaron’s or Penland's Apple House.

WINERIES, BREWERY & DISTILLERS Fertile soil, hillsides, and temperatures help to grow award-winning wines. Gilmer Co. wineries celebrate with live music & and food at several facilities including Engelheim, Cartecay Vineyards, Buckley Vineyards, Ellijay River Vineyards, Grapes & Ladders, Roo Mountain Vineyards, and Ott Vineyards & Winery. Additional hospitality continues for brewery, distillery, and hard cider at Cartecay River Brewing, Whitepath Distillery & Reece Cider Co. Nearby Vineyards are also located in Talking Rock, Jasper, & Blue Ridge.

DOWNTOWN ELLIJAY: Experience a true “Main Street” community. Receive welcoming hospitality at accommodations that include quaint B&B's, cabins, hotels, or camping.

Festivals happen throughout the year including Georgia Apple Blossom Festival, July 4th, Apple Festival in the Fall + Holiday Lights of Ellijay start Nov. 20th – Dec. 23.

Shopping and dining are the heart of Downtown with many antique stores, galleries, and great food at the local restaurants and taverns. Other fun places like Expedition: BIGFOOT! (outside town) offer interesting exhibits and Mountain Cinemas has the latest movies.

GILMER ARTS offers a wide variety of performances throughout the year! The Gallery shows annual juried art exhibitions + quilt and fiber art shows. The George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse in downtown Ellijay venue brings the finest in musical and theatrical entertainment.

Whether you are out for a weekend destination or vacation, be sure to “Pick” Ellijay and have a fabulous Stay!

See us at 696 1st Avenue, East Ellijay, or Downtown Welcome Center, 10 Broad Street, Ellijay

For more information about Ellijay, Call 706-635-7400

Visit www.pickellijay.com