As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Atlanta has a long and storied history – offering much in the way of culture, history, and nature to both locals and tourists alike.
One aspect of the south that remains very much intact is its relationship to agriculture, with apple picking in particular remaining a strong American pastime.
But this begs the question: what are the best apple picking spots in Atlanta, Georgia, and what makes them so special?
Where Is Atlanta?
Atlanta is the capital city of the state of Georgia – a pivotal state in the history of the American south, and one that is steeped in cultural, agricultural, and human history.
A major location during the American Civil War, and one that has remained a cultural hub within the arts and wider culture throughout much of the 20th and 21st centuries, Atlanta is perhaps best known for being the home of Coca-Cola, and for being a popular movie double for New York City – being featured in numerous films, including those within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Known as the ‘Hollywood of the south’, amongst numerous other nicknames, Atlanta remains a popular place for tourists from all over the world, and represents the perfect coming together of urban and natural environments – having more green space than any other city in the United States.
The 10 Best Apple Picking Spots
Now that we know a little more about the city of Atlanta itself, it’s time to take a look at some of the best apple picking farms in the region.
First on our list we have Hillcrest Orchards – a popular farmers market and orchard located in Ellijay, Georgia, and one filled with all manner of wholesome, family friendly activities and entertainment.
With petting zoos, a park, tours, gift shops, and of course orchards for apple picking, this really is like something from a fairy tale, allowing people of all ages to frolic in the sunshine, handle fresh homegrown produce, and take something special home to enjoy later.
There are also numerous activities throughout the year, including pig races, corn mazes, wagon rides, mini golf, cow train rides, and all manner of museums – including one’s dedicated to apples (of course), moonshine, and the farmhouse itself.
Address: 9696 Highway 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536-8078
Next we have Reece Apple House – also located in Ellijay, Georgia.
Another great spot to take the family, the Reece Apple House has large orchards for apple picking, petting zoos for the children and animal lovers alike, seasonal activities to keep people entertained, and all manner of family friendly activities to keep people of all ages satisfied and happy.
With all manner of restaurants and businesses located nearby, this is also a great place to spend the day, taking in the local sites of rural Georgia, and enjoying some homegrown local produce in the process.
Address: 9131 Highway 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536-8052
Another orchard located in Ellijay, Georgia, R&A Orchards are the place for family friendly fun, great homegrown produce, and the luscious nature of the Georgia countryside.
Family owned, and with 150 acres of property to explore, R&A Orchards have over 30 varieties of apples, 30 varieties of peaches, and 8 varieties of nectarines, all of which are able to be picked by visitors, purchased, and taken home to enjoy.
They also have fresh vegetables, homemade honey and jam, and numerous types of preserves for people to purchase and enjoy. For wholesome fun and good, honest produce, this is the place to be.
Address: 5505 Highway 52 E, Ellijay, GA 30536-6935
Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia, Mercier Orchards are a great local farm that is nestled in the North Georgia mountains.
Open for the entire year, and perfect for family orientated fun and education, Mercier Orchards offers handpicked seasonal fruits, homemade fruit pies in the on-site bakery, their own restaurant, as well as a store – where people can buy produce, gifts, and preserves.
There are also other activities throughout the year, including tractor rides and nature walks – both of which are great fun for all the family.
Address: 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513-4117
Next on our list, we have Burt’s Pumpkin Farm. As you can imagine, their main selling point is their pumpkins – however for the rest of the year they also have numerous fresh fruits ripe for the picking, as well as numerous family friendly activities to enjoy.
With one of the largest selections of fruit and vegetables, Burt’s is a great place to bring the kids and the family, and select some great produce to take home with you.
There are also numerous activities throughout the year, as well as a store selling preserves, honey, and other artisan products.
Address: 4801 Highway 52, Dawsonville, GA 30534-1217
If you are looking for a more seasonal event, then why not try the Georgia Apple Festival?
Once again located in Ellijay, Georgia, the Apple Festival is a great place for apple picking, as well as activities, vendors, and crafting fun – allowing people of all ages to enjoy community focused activities, enjoy local culture, and enjoy some fresh, domestic produce.
There is also a fun fair for the kids, and numerous activities to keep people entertained – regardless of age.
There are also numerous educational opportunities, allowing interested parties to learn more about the state’s relationship with apples, and the practices that are still involved.
Next on our list we have the Red Apple Barn, located in Ellijay, Georgia once again.
With flower picking, pumpkin patches, and of course apple orchards, there are numerous things for visitors to enjoy and sample.
There are also numerous family friendly activities, seasonal events throughout the year, and a little something to keep everyone entertained.
What’s more, Red Apple Barn has its own general store, where guests can purchase produce, preserves, jams, honey, and all manner of artisan gifts and crafts.
Address: 3379 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540-2025
Located in McCaysville, Georgia, Deep Root Orchard is a great, lowkey family business with much to offer visitors of all ages.
Offering tours, activities, and of course apple picking, Deep Roots Orchard is a great place to bring the family, enjoy some wholesome activities as a group, and even learn a little more about the apple growing process.
There is also a general store, where visitors can purchase anything from homegrown produce, preserves, jams, honey, and baked goods – all of which can be enjoyed in house or taken home and saved for later.
Address: 2984 Mobile Rd, McCaysville, GA 30555-1823
Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia, The Folk Collaborative has a simple ethos – and one that can be aptly summed up by the name.
Here they encourage community values, looking after the land, and ensuring wholesome, inclusive fun for everyone involved – and really what could be better?
With a focus on bridging the gaps between communities in Appalachia, and the surrounding regions, as well as introducing people to local Georgia produce, The Folk Collaborative is certainly one of the noblest on this list, offering a great place to have fun, meet new people, and of course, pick apples.
What’s more, they also offer numerous activities, forms of entertainment, nature experiences, and much more, allowing people of all ages to have fun with others, enjoy the fruits of nature, and learn more about the world around them.
Last on our list, but by no means least, we have Penland’s Apple House – located once more in Ellijay, Georgia.
At Penland’s, you really get a down to Earth, rural experience – with apple picking, nature walks, and even a general store, where there are numerous baked goods, products, preserves, and gifts to take your fancy.
One common factor amongst all of these orchards and farms, is the wish to publicize what Georgia has to offer – and this is exactly what Penland’s does, taking the land they love the most, and showing visitors and locals alike the fruits of their labor.
Address: 41 Talona Mountain Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536-6734
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about Atlanta, Georgia, and the best apple picking spots in the city.
It’s true that Atlanta has a long and storied history – one steeped in agricultural tradition and southern cuisine – and what better way to explore these traditions than with the best homegrown apple picking farms in the region?
So if you want to check out the perfect apple picking spots in Atlanta, then be sure to give these locations a try!
Hi, my name is Amelia Haslehurt and I am a food blogger. As you can guess, I am passionate about what I eat, but what is most important to me when reviewing is high quality, fresh, organic, delicious ingredients.
I wanted to create an online space where others could sample some of my favorite recipes, and share in my passion for home-grown produce.
Whether you are looking for vegan recipes, easy recipes, healthy recipes or your favorite yummy snacks to brighten your day, I can help you out here at LocallyGrownGardens.com
