After the sweltering heat of a Georgia summer, fall feels like the sweetest reward. The air finally turns crisp, the trees start showing off their fiery colors, and suddenly the thought of cozy sweaters and apple cider sounds just right. What better way to soak in the season than with a day trip to one of Georgia’s charming apple orchards?
Within just a couple of hours from South Atlanta, you can wander through rows of apple trees, fill your basket with just-picked fruit, and savor fresh cider against a backdrop of mountain views. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a cozy couple’s escape, these orchards make it easy to turn an ordinary Saturday into a memory worth keeping.
From bustling family-friendly farms to tucked-away orchards with artisanal charm, there’s an apple adventure waiting for everyone this fall.
Ellijay (≈ 2 hr)
B.J. Reece Orchards
Orchard Overview: Over 20 apple varieties, including Honeycrisp and Red Delicious, on 120 scenic acres.
What to Do: Enjoy apple picking, fried apple pies, a petting farm, wagon tours, jumping pillows, and even pig races! Weekends are lively and full of fun, while weekdays offer a quieter experience.
Planning Tip: U-pick season opens August 23rd and runs through October 31st. Hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 6pm; Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.
Hillcrest Orchards
Orchard Overview: Daily U-pick from early fall, with vibrant orchards and farm activities.
What to Do: Petting farm, wagon and tractor rides, playgrounds, corn maze, jumping pillows, family games, and freshly baked cider donuts and pies.
Planning Tip: U-pick runs from August 30 to November 30th. In September and October, hours are from 9am to 6pm. In October, hours are from 9am to 5pm.
Red Apple Barn
Orchard Overview: Over 20 apple varieties in a scenic orchard surrounded by mountain views.
What to Do: Enjoy a tractor ride to the orchard, then relax with cider, apple cider donuts, fried pies, or caramel apples. Activities also include pumpkin picking and games for kids.
Planning Tip: Apple Picking opens August 23rd and hours are Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Labor Day u-pick runs from 10am to 4pm.
R & A Orchards
Orchard Overview: A family-owned orchard offering both U-pick and pre-picked apples, along with seasonal produce.
What to Do: Stop by the farm market for fried pies, cider slushies, jams, jellies, and honey. The orchard also hosts fall family events and hayrides.
Planning Tip: U-pick season runs every Saturday and Sunday from August 30th through October 26th. Hours are from 9am to 5pm.
Blue Ridge (≈ 2 hr)
Mercier Orchards
Orchard Overview: Over 40 apple varieties in a 300-acre orchard, plus fresh produce and locally made treats.
What to Do: Pick your apples, indulge in bakery favorites like cider doughnuts and fried pies, explore the farm winery, and take tractor or blossom tours.
Planning Tip: Apple picking season runs August through October. Hours are Monday – Thursday from 10am to 4 pm; Friday – Sunday from 9am to 4:30 pm.
McCaysville (≈ 2 hr)
The Folk Collaborative
Orchard Overview: A charming Appalachian orchard on the Georgia–Tennessee border with a mix of apples and local artisan experiences.
What to Do: U-pick apples, tractor rides, enjoy fried pies, browse a mercantile with locally grown goods, and take part in seasonal events like fall yoga or outdoor movie nights.
Planning Tip: Ideal for couples or anyone seeking a calmer, artisanal orchard experience. Apple picking season typically runs late August to late October.
Need a Place to Stay?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too! Head on over to our local weekend getaways blog, where we lay out lots of great options near these apple-picking destinations!
What to Do with All Those Apples!
After a day of apple picking, you might find yourself with more fruit than you know what to do with, but don’t worry! Fresh Georgia apples are perfect for all kinds of sweet and savory treats. From warm, comforting desserts to quick snacks and even fun twists on everyday meals, these recipes let you enjoy the flavors of fall long after your trip to the orchard. Grab your basket of apples, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to turn your harvest into delicious memories.
Classic Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter, softened
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place apples in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over apples.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients:
- 4–5 large apples, peeled, cored, chopped
- ½ cup water
- 2–3 tbsp sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a pot.
- Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until apples are soft.
- Mash with a fork or blend for a smooth texture.
- Serve warm or refrigerate for later.
Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ apple, thinly sliced
- Butter
Directions:
- Butter the outside of each bread slice.
- Layer cheese and apple slices between bread.
- Cook on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Slice and enjoy a sweet-savory treat!
Spiced Apple Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 ½ cups peeled, chopped apples
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Fold apples into batter.
- Spoon into muffin tin and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon
- 3–4 apples, cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Toss apple slices with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Great as a snack or topping for oatmeal or yogurt!
Savor the Season, One Bite at a Time
Apple picking isn’t just about filling a basket; it’s about creating moments you’ll savor long after the season ends. Whether you’re wandering through the orchard with a warm cider in hand, snapping photos under the golden canopy, or sharing laughs over a fresh-baked apple crisp at home, these simple pleasures are what autumn is all about.
Happy apple-picking,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
