Ellijay – Hiking, Rivers and Culture in North Georgia

Ellijay combines the mountain landscape of North Georgia with rivers, hiking trails, regional history and culinary discoveries. The town lies between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers, which together form the Coosawattee River. At the same time, Ellijay is located on the edge of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This gives visitors different reasons to travel here: You can plan long hikes, explore the history of the region or combine your stay with apples, wine and the Georgia Apple Festival.

Hiking at Springer Mountain

Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,100-mile long-distance trail that runs north to Maine. The Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail and the AT Approach Trail also meet on the mountain. The area around Springer Mountain offers loop hikes ranging from five to ten miles.

This information can help you plan your trip if you want to focus on hiking. You can choose between a stay with longer stretches on the trail and a trip that combines individual nature experiences with culture or regional cuisine. When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home in Ellijay, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine your planned daily itinerary and then choose the right location within the destination.

Rivers, Museum and Theater

On the water, Cartecay River Experience offers a shuttle service for visitors who bring their own inflatable boat or kayak.

The Tabor House Museum adds a historical focus to the nature experiences. You can take a self-guided tour there or join a tour led by a volunteer. Tabor House is a Victorian-era home and displays artifacts relating to Cherokee history, early settlers, the region, the Civil War and military history. The Ellijay area had long been inhabited by the Cherokee and was first mentioned as a village and trading center.

Another cultural venue is the George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse. The community theater has served Ellijay and Gilmer County since 1992. This allows a trip that alternates between mountain trails and rivers during the day to also include regional culture.

Apples, Wine and Local Traditions

Ellijay’s agricultural character is particularly evident at B.J. Reece Orchards. It offers homemade fried apple pies, as well as hayrides and farm tours. Apple picking is available from late August through the end of October. Those traveling during this period can therefore combine their stay with a seasonal visit to the farm.

Another culinary highlight is Engelheim Vineyards. The wine is grown, produced and handcrafted directly at the vineyard. During personalized wine tastings, visitors are accompanied by specialists in the tasting room.

Events and the Right Location for Your Accommodation

The Georgia Apple Festival has been held every October in Gilmer County for more than 50 years. The program includes handcrafted arts and crafts, live music, on-site demonstrations and food. A stay in October therefore has a different focus than a trip for apple picking from late August through the end of October or a hiking excursion to Springer Mountain.

When choosing your vacation rental in Ellijay, consider which experiences should be at the center of your trip: long-distance trails and loop hikes, river activities, history and theater, or apples and wine. For further orientation within the town, you can also explore East Ellijay.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gilmer County.