I’m bringing this post back for Fall 2026 because it’s one of my daughter’s and my favorite traditions: we take a day trip up to Ellijay, Georgia (just about an hour north of Atlanta), and spend the whole day exploring orchards, sampling apples, and soaking in the best of fall.
This year is extra special because the 2026 Georgia Apple Festival is back on October 10–11 and October 17–18, with the big parade happening Saturday, October 10 at 10 AM. This is the 55th annual festival, and if you love arts, crafts, apple treats, and a true fall festival atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to plan your visit around it.
But if you’re like us and want to make a full day out of apple orchard hopping, here’s the exact route we do every single year:
🍏 Our One-Day Apple Orchard Route
1. BJ Reece Orchards
We always start here! BJ Reece is one of Ellijay’s most popular orchards for a reason. With 120+ acres of U-Pick apples, more than 20 varieties, plus hayrides, a petting farm, a bakery, and even apple cannons… It’s the ultimate first stop. Their 2026 apple season runs August 29 through November 1.
2. Hillcrest Orchards & Farms
Just a short drive from BJ Reece, Hillcrest is where the fun really kicks in. Their Apple Pickin’ Jubilee weekends are famous for live music, pig races, apple fritters, and wagon rides. It’s got that true family fall-festival vibe, and we never skip it.
3. Mac Aaron’s Apple House
Next, we stop at Mac Aaron’s, a classic Ellijay apple house. It’s not a huge orchard with activities like Reece or Hillcrest, but it’s the perfect place to grab apples, fried pies, and homemade goodies to take home… a simple, must-do local stop.
Related Read: The Best Apple Orchards to Visit in Ellijay, Georgia, This Fall (2024)
4. R&A Orchards
Family-run since 1947, R&A always feels like stepping back in time. They offer U-Pick apples, tractor rides, and a great farm market with pies, jellies, and fresh produce. In the fall, their fields are overflowing with beautiful pumpkins and unique gourds, and we love choosing a few to bring home for decorating.
5. Red Apple Barn
Another favorite of ours is the Red Apple Barn. If we make it here before the season winds down, we love picking wildflowers and pumpkins right from the field—it feels like the perfect fall photo spot! They also have a tractor ride that makes the experience even more fun, along with a small but super cute farm shop full of pies, jams, and baked goods.
6. Penland’s Apple House
This one is all about tradition. It’s a small roadside stop, but they have delicious apples and old-fashioned fried pies. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s family kitchen.
7. Panorama Orchards & Farm Market (Our Candy & Treat Stop!)
Right next door to Penland’s is Panorama, so if you’re short on time and can only hit two spots, these neighbors are the perfect pair! Panorama is famous for its farm market full of fresh apples, cider, baked goods, and a huge selection of old-fashioned candy. They also have an ice cream bar, homemade fudge, and shelves full of canned goods like jams, jellies, and sauces. It’s always our final stop, and we never leave without a bag of sweets for the ride home.
Related Read: Discover the Top 5 Hikes in North Georgia for Summer Adventure
🍎 Bonus Stop: Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge)
If you have extra time or want to make this a two-day trip, Mercier Orchards in nearby Blue Ridge is worth checking out. It’s a fourth-generation family farm with over 300 acres, U-Pick events, hard cider tastings, a bakery, and a huge market. We haven’t added it to our personal loop yet, but it’s on my list for this year!
🎉 Don’t Miss the Georgia Apple Festival 2026!
Ellijay is home to the Georgia Apple Festival, and it’s happening October 10–11 and October 17–18, 2026. Expect:
- 🍏 Apple everything—pies, fritters, cider, and candied apples
- 🎶 Live entertainment and craft vendors
- 🎉 A parade on Saturday, October 10, at 10 AM
- 🎨 The Apple Arts Festival (free admission!) is running alongside the main event
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your fall orchard adventure.
Related Read: How to Host the Ultimate Gilmore Girls Watch Party This Fall
✨ Why We Love This Tradition
Every fall, my daughter and I look forward to this day trip. It’s our way of kicking off the season: breathing in crisp mountain air, tasting fresh apples, and making memories together. If you’re in Georgia (or even nearby states), I can’t recommend this little fall getaway enough.
Comment down below and share your favorite fall traditions.
Have a blessed fall season!
Xoxo,
Kelly
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