By Denver Cameron Jernigan
Georgia’s apple season is in full swing, so it's only appropriate to provide a list of fun spots to check out in north Georgia. Along and near Highway 52 through the north part of the state, you will find more than 10 apple orchards that offer a variety of activities for all.
Follow along as we guide you through the apple band of north Georgia and highlight a few fun facts about each location.
Beginning about as north and central as you can go, you will find The Folk Collaborative, in the location that formerly housed C&C Mountain View Orchards, tucked away in McCaysville. You can expect to find fresh baked goods, fresh-pressed cider, self-care products, and u-pick orchards all while taking in a gorgeous view of the Appalachian Mountains along with new adventures at The Folk Collaborative. Find Mountain View Orchards at 2984 Mobile Road in McCaysville, or give them a call at 706-492-7753.
Located about 12 miles south of C&C Mountain View Orchards, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge is known for tractor rides and u-pick orchards. You can also visit their large market store and winery on site. Visit Mercier Orchards at 8660 Blue Ridge Dr. Blue Ridge, Georgia, or give them a call at 800-361-7731.
If you head southwest from Mercier Orchards and US 76 E and drive about 22 miles, the next apple orchard you will come to is the Red Apple Barn. Here you can find an event venue, u-pick orchards, freshly made ciders and more. Red Apple Barn is located at 3379 Tailscreek Road in Ellijay. If you need more info before you go, give them a call at 706-635-5898.
Just six miles further south is Panorama Orchard and Farm Market. Homemade ice cream, fried pies and baked goods can be purchased in their store, so your sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied after this stop. Find Panorama Orchards and Farm Market at 63 Talona Mountain Road in Ellijay, or give them a call at 706-276-3813.
Located less than ten miles east is R & A Orchards, where you can find dried apples, apple butter and fresh apple cider. This orchard is open year-round, making it easy to satisfy your apple cravings in or out of apple picking season. Visit R & A Orchards at 5505 Hwy. 52 East in Ellijay or give them a call at 706-273-3821.
Another stop just off Highway 52 near Ellijay is Seller's Apple House. Ciders, jams, and fried pies are popular items at Seller's. Find Seller's Apple House at 255 North Park Drive, or call them at 706-273-3026.
Continuing east on Highway 52 will bring you to Hudson Apple House. Here you will find another u-pick orchard, more homemade jams, ciders and much more. Visit Hudson's Apple House at 8036 Hwy. 52, Ellijay, or give them a call at 706-273-3160.
Up next, you'll arrive at Aaron's Apple House, which is less than half a mile east of Hudson Apple House. Here you can find gifts galore including canned goods, gift baskets for all, and of course, fresh apples. The address is 8350 Hwy. 52 East, and their phone number is 706-273-3180.
Mack Aaron's Apple House is the place to be if you are looking for an old-fashioned fried apple pie. You can find over 15 apple varieties, jellies, cider and more at their location just over half a mile from Aaron's Apple Orchards. Mack Aaron's Apple House is located at 8955 Hwy 52 East and can be contacted by phone at 706-273-3600.
Once you have had your fried-pie fix, you can walk over to BJ Reece Orchards just one-fifth of a mile east of Mack Aaron's. Here you will find a u-pick orchard and loads of family-friendly fun including a petting zoo, wagon rides, scavenger hunts and more. BJ Reece is located at 9131 Hwy. 52. Give them a call for more info at 706-276-3048.
Just up the road at Hillcrest Orchards, you will find apple tree mazes, a petting zoo, and all the field trip fun a kid can imagine. along with their apples and apple products. Hillcrest is located at 9696 Hwy. 52 in Ellijay. Reach them by phone at 706-273-3838.
Next, Hillside Orchard Farms can be found just off Highway 52 at 18 Sorghum Mill Drive in Lakemont. Nestled in the northeast corner of Georgia, at Hillside Orchard Farms you will find an abundance of freshly made goods, u-pick orchards and a farm train on the last stop of your "Peach State" apple tour. Find out more by calling 706-782-2776.
Finally, Penland's Apple House has homemade fried pies, whole pies, apple fritters, doughnuts, slushies, jellies, jams, and preserves in addition to locally processed sausage, bacon, and pork chops. They grow around 25 different varieties of apples. Penland's Apple House has two locations in Ellijay. One is located at 7678 Tails Creek Rd, and the other is located at 41 Talona Spur.
Comment on our Facebook page with your favorite apple memory, tell us which is your favorite orchard to visit, or let us know about other apple orchards in Georgia that we did not mention.