Imagine the gentle crunch of leaves underfoot, the cool breeze whispering through the apple orchards, and the sweet scent of ripe apples filling the air. Yes, you’re about to embark on a delightful journey to find the best apple picking in north Georgia. But when is the best time to pick apples in north Georgia? Let’s unravel this together, step by step, orchard by orchard.
Key Takeaways:
- Seasonal Timing: Late August to early November marks the optimal season for apple picking in North Georgia, with different apple varieties reaching their peak at various times within this window.
- Orchard Highlights: From Ellijay to Alto, North Georgia is home to a rich tapestry of orchards including Mercier Orchards and Jaemor Farms, each offering a unique blend of apple varieties and family-friendly activities.
- Local Insights: Enhance your apple-picking adventure with tips from the locals: arrive early during the Apple Festival to avoid traffic and don’t miss the chance to taste the fresh bakery treats available at many orchards.
The Perfect Season: Best Time to Pick Apples in North Georgia
In North Georgia, the apple season kicks off in late August and stretches until early November, offering a generous window for apple enthusiasts to plan their visit. Different varieties have their peak times, allowing for a fresh pick throughout the season. Here’s a little guide to help you plan your visit:
- Late August to Early September: Gala and Honeycrisp Apples
- Late September to Early October: Mutsu and Ginger Gold Apples
- Late October to Early November: Fuji and Pink Lady Apples
The Best Apple Picking in North Georgia: A Guide to the Premier Orchards
North Georgia stands as the epitome of apple picking adventures. As the harvest season approaches, the orchards in this region come alive with apples in various hues and flavors. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the premier orchards that promise the best apple picking in North Georgia.
Orchards Galore: Your Guide to the Best Apple Picking Spots in North Georgia
The region is home to several great orchards, each with its own unique offerings and specialties. From family-run farms to expansive orchards, here are some destinations that promise a fulfilling apple picking experience in North Georgia:
Mercier Orchards:
Nestled in the heart of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this 4th generation family and veteran-owned orchard has been a beacon of apple excellence since 1943. Founded by Bill and Adele Mercier, it has blossomed into a top tourist attraction in the state. Beyond the apple-picking adventure, the orchard invites you to explore a range of activities and offerings, including U-Pick events, a bakery, a market cafe, and a farm winery. They grow a delightful variety of fruits including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and of course, apples. Don’t forget to check their activities page for ongoing events and offerings. The orchard operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, promising a day filled with fun and fruitful harvest. For a glimpse of what’s currently available in their market, click here.
R & A Orchards:
Step into the heart of Ellijay, GA, where the family-owned R & A Orchards has been delighting visitors year-round with its vibrant offerings. This bustling apple house is not just a place to pick the freshest apples; it’s an experience that encapsulates the spirit of Georgia.
From September to October, during the weekends, you can immerse yourself in the joy of U-Pick apples, choosing from a variety of apples including Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mutsu, September Wonder, and Granny Smith. But the fun doesn’t stop there! You can also create your own beautiful flower bouquet in their flower fields, offering a selection of zinnias, sunflowers, and wildflowers.
Enhance your visit with a tractor ride & farm tour, which takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey through their 160-acre orchard. These tours are available during the apple blossom season (dates to be determined) and during the apple season weekends.
The orchard operates daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, offering a market, bakery, and cafe that are open year-round. Here, you can find a selection of jams, jellies, pickled fruits, veggies, and more. For more details, you can contact them at 706-273-3821 or via email at shoprandaorchards@gmail.com.
R & A Orchards invites you to be a part of their tradition, where every visit is a memory in the making.
Hillcrest Orchards:
Welcome to a place where apple-picking is more than just a seasonal activity; it’s a cherished tradition. Situated near Ellijay, Georgia, Hillcrest Orchards promises a delightful day out for families, adults, and seniors alike. This 4th generation adventure farm has been nurturing joy and apples since 1946, offering a plethora of activities to immerse yourself in.
From September 2nd until the apples are all picked, you can indulge in the U-Pick Apples festival every day. The early season promises the best picking experience, so make sure to mark your calendars. The farm is open from 9 AM to 6 PM in September and October, and until 5 PM in November.
During your visit, don’t miss the chance to witness the swimming pig races and cow milking events that add a touch of excitement to your day. The farm market and bakery are open daily during the season, offering you a glimpse of the making of apple cider doughnuts and fried apple pies (which are actually baked!). And here’s a tip: order them hot for a delightful treat.
The admission fee on weekdays is $12 per person (walking age and up), and $18 on weekends, with a range of attractions and entertainment options to enjoy. For a detailed guide on the attractions and food options available, check out their visitor’s guide.
Red Apple Barn:
A trip to Ellijay, Georgia, would be incomplete without a visit to the renowned Red Apple Barn. This family-friendly destination is not just an apple orchard but a place where memories are woven with every apple picked.
The Red Apple Barn invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of apple picking season, which runs from August through December. The orchard is open from Monday to Saturday between 9 AM and 6 PM, and on Sundays from 1 PM to 5:30 PM, offering you ample time to soak in the beauty of the mountains while enjoying a day of apple picking.
The apple picking experience here is enhanced with wagon rides, allowing families to explore the orchard in a fun and engaging way. And don’t miss the Pumpkin Patch, which opens on weekends from late September to October, adding a splash of orange to your apple-picking adventure.
If you’re planning a visit, make sure to check their Farm Tours and Field Trips for a deeper insight into the workings of the orchard. And for a glimpse of other attractions in Ellijay, you can explore the Things To Do In Ellijay section on their website.
Panorama Orchards:
A family fruit farm since the 1920s, Panorama Orchards stands as a testament to Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage. Situated in East Ellijay, this orchard has evolved from a primarily wholesale business to a diversified retail store that welcomes visitors with open arms.
Today, the orchard offers more than 20 varieties of apples, along with peaches and a selection of fall vegetables. But it’s not just about the fresh produce; the orchard is also home to a bakery that crafts a wide variety of goods, including apple sauce bread, apple cinnamon bread, and seasonally available pecan pies and marinated fruit cakes.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat with their homemade ice cream, available in 12 delightful flavors, and their freshly made fudge, which comes in 12 flavors year-round, making for a perfect holiday or birthday gift.
The orchard operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, remaining open year-round except for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Days.
Jaemor Farms:
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of North Georgia, Jaemor Farms stands as a beacon of family tradition and agricultural excellence. This family-owned produce farm and market is perfect for those seeking the freshest fruits and vegetables, including their homegrown Ginger Gold and Arkansas Black apples. These are are harvested in late September to early October and sold in their market. Although you can’t actually pick apples here, you can join them in other seasons to pick peaches, strawberries and fresh flowers.
The farm operates from Monday to Saturday between 7 AM and 6 PM, and on Sundays from 1 PM to 6 PM, offering visitors a chance to experience the joy of farm-fresh produce amidst the serene surroundings of Alto, Georgia. You can find them at 5340 Cornelia Hwy, Alto, GA 30510, a location that promises a delightful day out for families and individuals alike.
But Jaemor Farms is not just about apple picking; it’s a celebration of all things fresh and local. From their annual Harvest Celebration featuring a corn maze to a vibrant market that offers a range of homemade products including ice creams and baked goods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
To stay updated with their events and offerings, you can follow them on Instagram where they share glimpses of the farm life and their fresh produce.
Tip: To make the most of your visit, check the websites of these orchards for the latest updates on apple availability and ongoing events.
Savor the Flavor: Locally Grown Apples in North Georgia
Embarking on an apple-picking adventure in North Georgia is like stepping into a world brimming with flavors and vibrant colors. The region is home to a delightful array of apple varieties, each boasting its unique flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at the apple varieties you can find, with a special spotlight on the offerings at Jaemor Farms, a place where the apple season comes alive in the most delightful way.
Main Apple Varieties Grown in Georgia:
- Gala Apples: A fine balance of sweet and tart, these apples are perfect for snacking and a favorite among kids.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Offering a crisp texture and a honey-sweet flavor, these are hard to resist.
- Mutsu Apples: Versatile and great for both eating fresh and baking.
- Fuji Apples: Renowned for their sweetness, these apples are a delightful addition to salads and desserts.
- Pink Lady Apples: Standing out with their vibrant pink hue and a flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy.
- Granny Smith Apples: If you love a good tart apple, Granny Smith is your go-to, excellent for pies and applesauce.
Other Notable Varieties of Apples Grown in Georgia:
- Ginger Gold Apples: A true early bird of the season, these apples are known for their sweet and mildly tart flavor. Harvested in late September to early October, they are a Jaemor Farms specialty.
- Arkansas Black Apples: These apples are a late-season treat, offering a tart and sweet flavor with a firm texture. Make sure to mark your calendar for late September to early October to enjoy this exclusive variety at Jaemor Farms.
Tip: When you visit, don’t hesitate to ask the farmers for recommendations based on your taste preferences. They’d be more than happy to guide you to your perfect apple match!
Source: Georgia Grown
Tips and Insights from the Locals for Apple Picking in the North Georgia Mountains
Embarking on an apple-picking journey in North Georgia is more than just about the apples; it’s about soaking in the local culture, the vibrant festivities, and the warm hospitality. To ensure you have a memorable and smooth experience, we’ve gathered some golden nuggets of advice from the locals. Let’s dive in!
Traffic Advisory During the Apple Festival
The Apple Festival, held in Ellijay during the second and third weekends of October, is a grand celebration that attracts visitors from all corners. While the festival offers a rich experience with its array of apple products, crafts, and entertainment, it also means bustling streets and a surge in traffic. Here’s what the locals suggest:
- Early Bird Advantage: Arrive early to avoid the peak traffic hours, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend.
- Alternate Routes: Consider exploring alternate routes to bypass the main traffic congestion. Local apps or GPS can be handy in finding the quickest route.
- Parking Spots: Keep an eye out for parking spots available in the vicinity of the festival. Local businesses often offer parking spaces at a nominal fee.
Apple Availability and Timing Your Trip
When it comes to apple picking, timing is everything. The availability of apple varieties can fluctuate based on several factors including the weather conditions of the year. Here are some insights to keep in mind:
- Seasonal Varieties: Different apple varieties have their peak seasons. Check the orchard websites for the latest updates on apple availability.
- Early Season Visits: If you’re an enthusiast of Ginger Gold or Arkansas Black apples, plan your visit around late September to early October, especially if you’re heading to Jaemor Farms.
- Late Season Insights: For a late-season visit, consider varieties like Fuji and Pink Lady which are usually available until early November.
Additional Fun Activities at the Orchards
The apple orchards in North Georgia offer much more than just apple picking. Here’s a glimpse of the additional activities you can indulge in:
- Tractor Rides: Enjoy scenic tractor rides around the orchard, a fun activity for both kids and adults.
- Petting Zoos: Some orchards, like Hillcrest, offer petting zoos where kids can interact with friendly farm animals.
- Pig Races: A unique and entertaining activity available at certain orchards, sure to bring a smile to your face.
- Farm Markets: Don’t forget to visit the farm markets where you can buy fresh produce, apple products, and unique crafts.
- Picnic Spots: Many orchards offer picturesque picnic spots where you can relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature.
Tip: Always check the orchard websites for the latest updates on activities and events.
Explore Further: Beyond the Orchards
After a delightful day of immersing yourself in the best apple picking in North Georgia, the region invites you to explore its other treasures, each promising a unique and enriching experience. From picturesque hikes to serene vineyards, North Georgia is a canvas of vibrant experiences waiting to be explored. Let’s venture beyond the orchards to discover what else this vibrant region has to offer:
Strawberry Picking in Atlanta
If the apple-picking adventure has kindled a love for fruit-picking, why not extend your journey to the vibrant city of Atlanta? Dive into a delightful read on Strawberry Picking in Atlanta, where you can plan your next fruitful adventure amidst strawberry fields that promise sweetness and joy.
Wildflowers Native to Georgia
Complement your apple-picking day with a picturesque journey through Georgia’s lush landscapes adorned with native wildflowers. Embark on a visual treat with our guide on Wildflowers Native to Georgia, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances that add a touch of magic to your North Georgia adventure.
Easy Hikes in North Georgia
After a day filled with apple delights, stretch your legs and embrace the natural beauty of the region with some easy hikes. Discover the Easy Hikes in North Georgia that promise breathtaking views and tranquil moments amidst nature, offering a perfect balance to your fruit-picking adventure.
North Georgia Wine Country
As the day winds down, let the serene vineyards of North Georgia beckon you for a relaxing retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the North Georgia Wine Country, where the wine flows as freely as the conversations, offering a perfect ending to a vibrant day.
20 Things to Do in North Georgia
Your apple-picking adventure is just the beginning of a journey filled with diverse experiences in North Georgia. Dive into our comprehensive guide to 20 Things to Do in North Georgia, ensuring that your exploration of this vibrant region is rich, fulfilling, and leaves you with cherished memories.
So, as the sun sets on your apple-picking day, remember that North Georgia’s charm doesn’t end with its orchards. There’s a whole world of experiences waiting for you. Dive in, explore, and let every moment in this great region become a cherished memory. Happy Trekking!
