The “Apple Capital” of Georgia Has Great Food, Mountain Biking Trails, and a Bigfoot Museum

Ellijay, Georgia

Before it became Georgia’s apple capital in the 1930s, Ellijay was a Cherokee trading post named Elatseyi or ‘green earth’ in the native language.

Today, this mountain town ships over 600,000 bushels of apples, hosts the state’s biggest apple festival, and serves as the gateway to the Bear Creek-Pinhoti system.

Cherokee History Runs Deep

Before Europeans arrived in 1832, at least five Cherokee settlements existed along the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers.

The tribe lived in settlements around Ellijay like Board Town, Mountain Town, Turnip Town (now White Path) and Cherry Log. In 2011, 37 artifacts were unconvered near the river junction, including 1300 AD pottery.

The courthouse square now sits where Chief Whitepath, a respected leader, once lived with 200 families before the tragic Trail of Tears forced removal in 1838.

Three Rivers Come Together Downtown

Right in town, you’ll see the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers join to form the Coosawattee River, making this a perfect spot for water fun.

The Cartecay stretches 19 miles with gentle Class I-II rapids. You can rent tubes or kayaks for water trips that take about 2-3 hours.

Summer’s the best time to go, when water temps hit a comfortable 65°F.

Georgia’s Deepest Lake Minutes Away

Carters Lake covers 3,200 acres and plunges 450 feet deep with 62 miles of natural shoreline protected by the Army Corps of Engineers. Created in 1977 when they built Carters Dam (445 feet high), it’s Georgia’s deepest lake.

Want to get on the water? Carter’s Lake Marina rents boats for $65-$350, depending on size. Fishing fans will love the 31 fish species, including spotted bass that have grown to record sizes over 8 pounds.

The Second-Biggest Tree in All of Georgia

The massive Gennett Poplar stands 170 feet tall with an 18-foot trunk, making it Georgia’s second-largest living tree.

This ancient yellow poplar is over 350 years old. The hike to see it is 2.5 miles and moderately tough, with six creek crossings.

Keep an eye out for the Forest Service sign when you pass through the valley which explains the significance of the tree to the area.

Locals Make Award-Winning Hard Cider

Reece’s Cider Company grows authentic apples on its 125-acre family orchard, producing over 35,000 gallons yearly.

Founded by third-generation grower Tanner Reece, their tasting room offers flights of four ciders for $12. Try their popular Apple Pie or Poppy’s Pick (5.2% alcohol).

Throughout the year, they make 12 different seasonal varieties.

Bike Over 100 Miles of Trails

Ellijay holds the title of ‘Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia’ with five major trail systems.

River Loop Trail, Georgia’s oldest bike path, runs 3.75 miles with challenging downhills along the Cartecay River.

It connects to the 130-mile Pinhoti Trail network. P1 has a steep 1,205-foot climb, while P2 is popular for its fast descents.

When you need gear or advice, head to Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery at 135 North Dalton Street for rental equipment, trail maps, and fresh craft beer.

Local Bike Shop Serves Craft Beer

Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery combines bikes and beer. They rent from their fleet of 45 mountain bikes starting at $45 for half a day.

Since opening in 2019, they’ve used their 7-barrel brewing system to make eight rotating craft beers, including their popular Switchback IPA and Pine Mountain Porter.

Don’t miss their Thursday group rides at 6 pm, followed by $4 pint specials.

A Rooftop Restaurant With Mountain Views

At The Roof on 10 River Street, you can enjoy stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views from the third-floor deck with both warm indoor and outdoor seating.

Their menu features Appalachian-inspired dishes like local trout ($24) from nearby streams and their famous Rooftop Burger ($16) made with local beef.

You can visit Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 9 pm.

Your Kids Can Ride Camels at a Festival

During the Georgia Apple Festival (celebrating 54 years in 2025), your children can enjoy camel rides for $10 each in the kids’ activity area.

The festival runs October 11-12 and 18-19 this year at Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds and draws over 50,000 visitors with 300 vendors.

Beyond this, the kids’ zone features rock climbing walls, bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, and a train that circles the grounds.

Adults pay $10 to enter, while kids under 12 get in free.

Famous Appalachian Trail Outside Town

Springer Mountain sits just 8.5 miles north of Ellijay at 3,782 feet high, marking where hikers begin the 2,190-mile journey to Maine.

Ellijay’s also a key stop for two other major trails, the Benton MacKaye and Pinhoti, connect, creating a three-trail meeting point.

Visiting Ellijay, Georgia in 2025

Location: Gilmer County, North Georgia Mountains 30540

Accessibility:

• By Car: Easily accessible via U.S. Highway 76 and Georgia State Routes 52 and 515
• From Atlanta: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours drive north
• Nearest Major Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

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