Apple picking near Atlanta is one of our favorite things to do as a family in the fall. It’s a chance to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, let the kids run around, and bring home a bag of fresh apples.
If you’re looking for a fall day trip from Atlanta, most of the area’s best-known apple orchards are in the North Georgia mountains, particularly around Ellijay. Depending on where you live in the Atlanta area, you’re generally looking at about an hour to an hour and a half in the car.
And honestly, the drive is part of the fun.
Once you leave Atlanta and start heading toward the mountains, everything begins to feel a little slower. The roads get quieter, the landscape changes, and eventually you’re surrounded by apple trees instead of traffic.
For many Atlanta families, apple picking has become an annual fall tradition. But after years of visiting the same orchard, I’ve learned that the experience can be very different depending on where you go and when you visit.
This year, we tried somewhere new, and it reminded me why I love this tradition in the first place.
Apple Picking Near Atlanta at a Glance
- Best area to visit: Ellijay and the North Georgia mountains
- Distance from Atlanta: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on where you’re starting
- Apple-picking season: Generally late August through October
- Best time to go: A weekday if you prefer fewer crowds
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and a little patience for walking on uneven ground
- Before you go: Check the orchard’s website for current U-pick dates, apple varieties, prices, and activities
Apple availability changes throughout the season, so if you’re hoping to pick a particular variety, always check before making the drive.
Best Apple Orchards Near Atlanta
Most of the apple picking near Atlanta is concentrated around Ellijay, which has become one of the easiest places for Atlanta families to find several orchards in one area.
Here are a few North Georgia orchards worth putting on your list.
B.J. Reece Orchards — Ellijay
B.J. Reece Orchards was our family’s go-to destination for years. We’ve been visiting for about eight years, even before I had children, and it’s one of the first places that comes to mind when people talk about apple picking in Ellijay.
The orchard offers much more than U-pick apples. There are activities, rides, animals, food, and entertainment, making it easy to spend an entire day there with kids.
There’s also a market and bakery where you can stop for apple cider donuts, fried pies, and other treats.
I’ll share more about our experience there and why we decided to try another orchard this year below.
Red Apple Barn — Ellijay
Red Apple Barn is another popular option for apple picking in Ellijay.
In addition to apples, the farm offers experiences such as tractor rides, animals, playgrounds, cider, cider donuts, and other seasonal activities.
One thing worth checking before you go is the approximate picking schedule for different apple varieties. If you have your heart set on Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, or another particular apple, it’s helpful to know what’s available before making the trip.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially if you’re visiting with little ones.
Hillcrest Orchards — Ellijay
Hillcrest Orchards is another well-known destination for North Georgia apple picking. The farm offers apples along with a variety of family activities, making it a place where you can easily spend several hours.
We finally visited Hillcrest this fall, and it turned out to be one of our favorite family outings of the season.
I’ll share more about our experience below, but if you’re looking for an orchard with plenty for the kids to do, it’s worth considering.
R & A Orchards — Ellijay
R & A Orchards is another North Georgia farm offering U-pick apples and a variety of other farm experiences. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy tractor rides, a cow train, and U-cut flowers, along with the orchard itself.
It’s a good option if you want to explore a working farm rather than simply stop by to buy apples.
Mercier Orchards — Blue Ridge
If you’re willing to drive a little farther, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge is another beautiful North Georgia option.
Mercier is a fourth-generation family-owned farm and grows more than 40 varieties of apples. Their apple U-pick season generally falls between August and October, depending on the weather and what’s ripe.
A visit here can easily become more of a day trip. There is a market, bakery, mountain scenery, tractor rides, and plenty of reasons to stay longer than just the time it takes to fill a bag of apples.
It’s farther from Atlanta than the Ellijay orchards, so I would consider this one if you want to make the drive part of the experience.
Our Experience: Eight Years at B.J. Reece and a New Favorite at Hillcrest
For years, we went to B.J. Reece Orchards every fall. It was our tradition, and for a long time, I didn’t see a reason to go anywhere else.
But lately, the experience has started to feel different.
The crowds have become overwhelming. Sometimes it feels more like going to a state fair than visiting an apple orchard. There are people everywhere, and it can be difficult to relax and enjoy the day.
The prices have also continued to climb.
During our visits, the tiered admission packages have made it harder to decide what to buy. You might think a smaller package will be enough, only to discover that there’s an activity your child wants to try that isn’t included. Before you know it, you’re considering the highest package because you don’t want your kids to miss out.
Even little ones under two need passes for the activities they want to enjoy, and parents need to pay for full passes to accompany or watch their children in the activity areas.
The package we were looking at cost more than $30 per person, before buying any apples.
With three children, that adds up quickly. And the apple picking itself isn’t included in that price.
I understand that running a farm with so many activities costs money, and we’ve enjoyed our visits there over the years. But when you’re dealing with enormous crowds and rising prices, it becomes harder to justify the expense.
I’d been hearing about Hillcrest for a while. We hadn’t originally planned to go there, but during fall break, I realized it was an option for a weekday visit. That worked perfectly for our schedule, so we decided to give it a try.
I’m so glad we did.
Hillcrest Orchards: A Much More Relaxed Experience
There were hardly any people there when we visited. After years of navigating crowds at B.J. Reece, the difference was incredible. We could move around at our own pace, enjoy the activities, and let the kids explore without feeling like we were part of a huge production.
The staff were so incredibly nice and welcoming. The whole place felt more like a family-owned farm than a large-scale attraction. And the price was another pleasant surprise. We paid a little over $50 for the four of us, including me and my three kids, plus $22 for a bag of apples to pick. That’s a fraction of what we would have spent at B.J. Reece.
Of course, prices and admission packages can change, so check the current rates before you visit. But based on our experience, the value was excellent. There was also so much for the kids to do. Tractor rides, slides, bubbles, bouncing pillows, and plenty of other activities kept them entertained.
My favorite part, though, was the petting farm. My kids absolutely love farm animals. Maybe it’s their Eastern European blood coming through! They got to pet baby chicks and goats, and the staff were wonderful with them. They were attentive, patient, and happy to let the kids spend time with the animals.
It didn’t feel rushed. We could stay as long as we wanted and enjoy the experience. We ended up staying until closing. In fact, we were the last people to leave! For me, that’s a pretty good sign that we had a wonderful day.
I’m not saying everyone will have the same experience, and B.J. Reece may still be the right choice for families who want a busy day filled with activities. But for our family, Hillcrest offered the combination I was looking for: plenty for the kids to do, friendly staff, fewer crowds, and a much more manageable price.
If you’re planning a weekday outing during fall break or simply want to try a different orchard near Atlanta, I’d put Hillcrest on your list.
Our Trip Home Took an Unexpected Turn
Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a little adventure. On the way home, I got a flat tire.
I was driving alone with the boys, we were a long way from Atlanta, and it was getting dark. I started worrying about how I was going to get everyone home.
My Tesla doesn’t have a spare tire, so I needed to be towed to a tire shop. Unfortunately, all the tow trucks seemed to be busy.
Thankfully, Bradburn’s Towing came just in time to get us to Mavis Tire, where I was able to get a new tire and get back on the road.
A huge shoutout to Bradburn’s Towing for coming through when I really needed help. When you’re traveling with three kids and you’re far from home, having someone show up makes all the difference.
It wasn’t the ending I had planned for our day, but we made it through, and the boys were safe.
If you’re heading into the North Georgia mountains for a family day trip, it’s worth knowing what roadside assistance options you have before you leave.
When Is Apple-Picking Season in Georgia?
Apple-picking season in North Georgia generally begins in late August and continues through September and October.
The exact timing changes from year to year because of weather, growing conditions, and the particular apple variety. Different apples ripen at different times, so what’s available in early September may be different from what’s available in October.
If you have a favorite apple, check the orchard’s current U-pick calendar before you leave.
And don’t assume that because an orchard is open, every variety will be available for picking.
Apple Picking Near Atlanta With Kids
Apple picking is one of those activities that works surprisingly well with young kids because there isn’t much they actually have to do.
They can walk around, run between the trees, look for the biggest apple, and pick something from a tree with their own hands. And, of course, there’s usually a cider donut involved.
If you’re visiting with toddlers, I’d keep the plan simple. Comfortable shoes are important, especially at orchards with hills or uneven ground. Bring water, dress for the weather, and don’t pack the day so full that a relaxing fall outing turns into another thing everyone has to survive.
I’d also check the admission packages carefully if you’re visiting an orchard with lots of activities. Find out which activities are included, whether young children need their own passes, and whether apple picking is charged separately.
Those details can make a significant difference in the total cost for a family.
If your schedule allows, consider visiting on a weekday. Our experience at Hillcrest was a good reminder that a quieter day can make the entire outing feel more enjoyable.
What to Bring Apple Picking
You really don’t need to bring much, but a few things can make the day easier.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Water and sunscreen
- A hat for sunny days
- A small bag for personal items
- Snacks if your children need them
- A cooler for the drive home if you’re bringing home a large amount of fruit
Check the orchard’s website before you leave. Picking dates, available varieties, admission, activities, and hours can all change based on weather and crop conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Picking Near Atlanta
Most of the best-known apple orchards near Atlanta are in the North Georgia mountains, particularly around Ellijay. B.J. Reece, Hillcrest Orchards, Red Apple Barn, and R & A Orchards are all options to research. Blue Ridge is another option if you’re willing to drive farther.
Many major apple orchards in Ellijay are roughly an hour to an hour and a half from Atlanta, depending on where you live and traffic.
Apple picking in North Georgia generally begins in late August and continues through September and October. Individual apple varieties ripen at different times, so availability changes throughout the season.
If you want to avoid some of the busiest crowds, consider going early or visiting on a weekday. September and October weekends can be especially busy at popular orchards.
Honeycrisp is one of the apple varieties grown in North Georgia, although availability depends on the orchard, timing, crop, and current U-pick schedule.
Yes. Apple picking can be a great outdoor activity for toddlers because they can walk, explore, and participate without needing a complicated itinerary. Just keep in mind that some orchards have hills or uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are important.
It depends on the orchard. Some allow visitors to purchase admission when they arrive, while others may have specific ticketing or reservation requirements. Always check the orchard’s current website before you go.
During our visit, Hillcrest cost a little over $50 for the four of us, plus $22 for a bag of apples. The B.J. Reece activity package we were considering was over $30 per person, before buying apples. Prices and packages can change, so compare current admission details before deciding.
I’m Trying to Remember What Childhood Actually Felt Like
I think that’s really what all of this is about for me.
As parents, we put so much pressure on ourselves to make childhood magical. We look for activities, experiences, camps, festivals, memberships, birthday parties, and places to take our kids. We want to give them everything.
But when I think about my own childhood in Lithuania, the things I remember most weren’t elaborate experiences. I remember being outside, spending summers by the water, and planting apple trees with my dad.
When I was about five years old, my dad bought a small piece of land outside the city. It wasn’t somewhere people lived permanently. It was simply a place where you grew fruits and vegetables, spent your summers, and enjoyed being outside. Ours was right next to the water, and it became a very special place for me.
My dad and I planted apple, cherry, and plum trees together. I was a total daddy’s girl, and I remember spending a lot of time with him. I can still picture us buying those little trees and planting them together.
Of course, planting them was only the beginning. During the winter, we would go back and wrap the trees to protect them from rabbits and other wild animals, especially during the colder winters. Then, when fall came, we’d return to pick the fruit.
It’s been more than 40 years since we planted those trees, and they’re still standing.
I Didn’t Know Apple Picking Was a Thing
I Didn’t Know Apple Picking Was a Thing
When I first came to the United States, I honestly didn’t know that apple picking was a thing. In Lithuania, almost every house has a few apple trees. You don’t make an event out of picking apples. You just go outside, pick them from the tree, and bring them home.
I briefly lived in Indiana, and that’s actually where I first learned about American apple picking. I remember thinking it was such an interesting concept because, to me, picking apples was simply something you did if you had apple trees.
When I moved to Georgia, I was excited to discover that apple picking near Atlanta could become our own fall tradition, too.
When we visit Lithuania with my boys in August, the vegetables are usually ready, but the fruit isn’t quite there yet, so we don’t always get to recreate the apple-picking part of my childhood with them.
Apple picking in Georgia gives me a little piece of that back. I get to give my boys something that was part of my own childhood without trying to recreate it exactly.
It doesn’t have to be an elaborate experience or another expensive activity. Sometimes it’s enough to spend a few hours outside, carry home a bag of apples, let the kids get their shoes dirty, enjoy some fresh air, and maybe stop for a cider donut along the way.
I think sometimes we make childhood much more complicated than it needs to be. Kids don’t need us to create magic every weekend. They need time outside, room to run, opportunities to get dirty, and the chance to pick something with their own hands.
And maybe we need those things, too.
So this fall, I’m still looking for that version of apple picking: a little quieter, a little simpler, and a little less about everything else and more about being outside together.
Our visit to Hillcrest reminded me that a memorable day doesn’t have to cost a fortune or involve fighting through crowds. Sometimes, it’s just about finding a place where your kids can run, explore, and be kids.
And if you find a quiet little orchard where the apples are good and the kids can run, let me know. I’m always happy to discover another place to make memories with my boys..
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If you’re looking for more simple ways to spend time together around Atlanta, you might also enjoy:
- Best Stroller-Friendly Walks and Trails in Atlanta — Easy places to get outside with little ones and enjoy a walk together.
- Best Atlanta Splash Pads for Kids — Fun ways to cool off and spend a summer day outside with toddlers and young kids.
- Feldwood Farms: Blueberry Picking Near Atlanta — Another favorite seasonal activity for families who enjoy getting outside and picking your own fruit.
- Best Baby and Toddler Activities in Atlanta — Ideas for getting out of the house with little ones without needing an elaborate plan.
If you’re looking for fall family photos in Atlanta, this is one of my favorite times of year to photograph families. And if you’re expecting a baby, I also offer relaxed, in-home newborn photography in Atlanta, with a mix of natural family moments and timeless portraits of your baby.
