Discover Family Friendly Adventures in Ellijay, Georgia 🍂👣

family taking a selfie at the Apple Festival

Searching for a family-friendly adventure? Explore the serene trails of the state’s deepest lake, and enjoy the charm of Ellijay’s u-pick apple orchards, navigate an apple maze, and visit a petting farm – all in Ellijay, Georgia! Don’t miss out on fall festivals, savoring homestyle meals at family-owned restaurants, and discovering local museums. To fully immerse yourself in all that Ellijay has to offer, follow this three-day itinerary perfect for adventure seeking families.

a family walking through an apple orchard

A visit to Georgia’s “Apple Capital” isn’t complete without exploring its U-Pick apple orchards. Start your morning by wandering through Hillcrest Orchards’ apple maze and interactive petting farm, the first of its kind in the Southeast. Before you leave, explore nearby orchards for flower picking and tractor rides. And don’t forget to stop by Cress Creeks Farm for a fun corn maze to complete day one!

various bowls of food

Grab lunch at The Shack, and savor Thai chicken or a seafood bowl featuring jalapeños, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and sesame chili oil. Walk it all off at the Tumbling Waters Trail, a 1.3-mile, family-friendly path that offers breathtaking views of Carters Lake, creeks, and waterfalls. End your day with a cozy fireside dinner under the stars at your cabin.

Is there a better way to say “good morning” than with homemade Southern-style biscuits? Kickstart your second day with breakfast at Mr. P’s, then get ready for more apple season fun with a stop by the Georgia Apple Festival! The folksy gathering has something for all ages, including a parade, a car show, and, of course, plenty of apple-inspired goodies.

After you hit the fairgrounds, mill around Apple Arts Festival in downtown, where the mood is upbeat and the arts and crafts are one-of-a-kind. end your day with a delicious dinner of ribs, brisket, and homemade peach cobbler at the family-owned favorite, The Pink Pig.

children standing next to carved statues of Bigfoot

Cap off your trip with a relaxed breakfast at the cabin, then impress curious minds with a trip to Expedition: BIGFOOT!, an impressive 3,700-square-foot wonder that holds the title of the world’s largest Bigfoot museum, features cool interactive exhibits, and houses the U.S.’s biggest collection of Bigfoot casts! Wrap up the evening back at the cabin, relishing the crisp fall air and basking in the season’s charm. You’ll head home knowing you’ve aced the ultimate fall family adventure!