Top Things to do in Ellijay



Not far from Blue Ridge surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the beautiful Ellijay, GA. Known as the apple capital of Georgia, Ellijay, has many apple orchards perfect for visiting in the fall; as well as awesome mountain biking trails, charming wineries, and a trendy Downtown area with great shops and amazing food. See what Ellijay has to offer: 

Cover photo courtesy of @pickellijay & @droneguynab

Mountain Biking Trails

Photo Courtesy of Gary Johnson

Not only is Ellijay known as the Apple Capital of Georgia but it is also known as the Mountain Biking Capital of Georgia because it has more than 100 miles of mountain biking trails to explore! Ellijay offers many challenging courses to really test your mountain biking skills and some beginner level trails as well. Some of our favorites include; Cartecay Loop, Mulberry Gap, Pinhoti Trail, and the oldest mountain biking trail in the state: River Loop. Have a blast on miles and miles of winding trails through the beautiful mountains. 

Want to get into biking but need a mountain bike for your adventure? Cartecay Bike Shop is the place to go! Not only do they offer the best bike brands in the industry and service/repairs but they also offer classes for the newest of riders. You can even download mountain biking trails & maps from their website to take with you on your journey. So what are you waiting for? Hop on your bike & ride! 

Winery Hopping 

Photo Courtesy of Engleheim Vineyards

Ellijay is home to some of the finest wineries in all of North Georgia. Sip on high quality wines surrounded by the beautiful mountains at Engelheim Vineyards, voted the 2018 Georgia Winery of the Year. Not only did they win for best winery in 2018 but Engelheim Vineyards have also won over 20 awards for their amazing wines. Come on out for a great time and even better wines! Dogs are welcome & there’s live music at the vineyards every weekend. 

Another favorite winery of ours is Cartecay Vineyards. Cartecay is a popular spot among all of our guests; so popular they even opened a Blue Ridge location downtown. At the Vineyards you’ll fall in love with the picturesque views and delicious wines. Relax in the tasting barn or in one of their outdoor venues. 

Other honorable mentions to check out are Ellijay River Vineyards, Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery, Ott Farms and Vineyards, and Reece’s Cider Company. Make a day out of visiting all the local wineries and sip to your heart’s content! 

Apples Galore

Photo Courtesy of BJ Reece Orchards

Ellijay has many great apple orchards and each fall they host the Georgia Apple Festival. The festival usually takes place in mid October and is an event filled with live music, hundreds of vendors, a parade, and lots of apples! Pick apples all autumn long at any of Ellijay’s wonderful local orchards. There’s Hillcrest Orchards and Farms, who’ve been in business for over 70 years. Not only can you pick apples here but you can also have fun on the farm with pony rides, cow milking, pig racing and more. Be sure to stop by the bakery as well for one of their famous apple fritters!  And every weekend in September & October they host their Apple Pickin’ Jubilee where you can enjoy live music, cloggers, and carnival style food. 

We also love B.J. Reece Orchards. The mountain views here are stunning and you’ll be in awe of row after row of apple trees spread out on over 120 acres. They even grow over 20 types of apples! B.J. Reece Orchards also has farm fun on the weekends with a petting farm, apple cannons, farm tours, and more! 

Want to make a weekend out of apple picking? Check out these other great Ellijay orchards; R & A Orchards, Red Apple Barn, and Panorama Orchards & Farm Market

Lake Time

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Carter’s Lake offers fun times spent on the water or admiring its beauty from the shore. The lake covers 3,200 surface acres and is more than 450 feet deep. And the Carter’s Dam is the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi. You’ll have plenty to do and experience on this beautiful lake. Head to Carter’s Lake Marina & Resort for boat rentals and docks to cast off from. Rent a pontoon and bring all your family and friends along for a day on the water. Prefer to stay close to the shore? Do some fishing or have a picnic by the lake. Then when you need a break you can cool off by taking a quick dip in the water. You can even hike and do some bird watching at Carter’s Lake. It’s the perfect place to spend the summer! 

Find the Tallest Waterfall

Photo Courtesy of @ancole78

Amicalola waterfall is located between Ellijay and Dawsonville, and is just 20 minutes away. This stunning waterfall is truly a sight to behold, standing 729 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Georgia! If you’re up for a short but steep hike to the top of the falls and then back down, it will be well worth it. People come from all over to see these tall & mesmerizing falls in person, so it’s definitely something to put on your list of things to see! 

Explore a State Park

Photo Courtesy of Fort Mountain State Park

The beautiful Fort Mountain State Park is also nearby, sitting between Chatsworth and Ellijay. Here you can explore over 50 miles of trails and the old stone fire tower. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower for an amazing view of the surrounding countryside. Or make your way to the peak of Fort Mountain where the views are incredible; the sunsets here are particularly beautiful. You can also mountain bike, horseback ride, or kayak on the lake at Fort Mountain. It’s truly a nature lover’s dream here! You might even come across a mysterious 855 foot long wall at the park, which was said to have been built by the American Indians who called the Blue Ridge Mountains their home long ago. And if you want to leave all the work for the younger folks or just have a relaxing day admiring the views instead, you can take a scenic drive on Highway 52 where you can admire all the beauty of Fort Mountain from the comfort of your own car! 

The Art Scene 

Photo Courtesy of Gilmer Arts

Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association creates an amazing art scene for Downtown Ellijay. They offer everything from literary to visual arts to performing arts as well. Their building holds a lovely art gallery, a small stage for plays and musical performances, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Artists and art lovers alike are welcome here! 

Shop & Dine

Photo Courtesy of @pickellijay & @droneguynab

Downtown Ellijay is the place to be! With many fun & trendy places to shop and amazing places to dine you could spend all day here just enjoying what the downtown has to offer!

Ladies stock your closet with trendy clothes from Belle’s Boutique or 28 Main. For something new, Live the Trail offers a little bit of everything from books, jewelry, outdoor inspired apparel & gear, and so much more. At Live the Trail general store you can bring back awesome souvenirs or pick up the perfect gift for someone special back at home. And for something old check out Main Street Antiques & Collectibles. Discover beautiful & unique items from the store’s 2 floors filled with goodies! Mountain Treasures is another great spot to explore. They offer rustic furniture, ladies apparel, specialty gifts and even olive oil & wine tastings! 

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping treat yourself to a nice meal at one of these great downtown restaurants. Open for both lunch & dinner, Cantaberry Restaurant offers homemade soups and gourmet sandwiches; they even have a sister restaurant in Blue Ridge. The Roof Ellijay is a southern rooftop kitchen and bar, with awesome views of the downtown streets below. Dinner here offers a fun & energetic environment and plenty of southern hospitality. Enjoy a delicious Appalchian inspired meal and pair it with one of their amazing craft cocktails. You’ll love the food, drinks, and atmosphere here! For Asian Fusion dishes The Shack of Ellijay has got you covered! They serve delicious poke bowls and hot noodle bowls that will make your mouth water. For more culture and more great food options check out the Cajun Depot Grill. Feel like you’ve left North Georgia for the night and ended up in New Orleans, feasting on delicious Cajun & Creole inspired eats. Need some comfort food? You can’t go wrong with Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza! They offer delicious neapolitan style, wood fired pizzas and amazing pasta dishes. 

Ellijay Cabins

The scene is picture perfect: you’re high on a hillside with a lush green cow pasture below, a magnificent long-range Cohutta mountain vista in the distance, and the Ellijay River flowing a few hundred yards away. At Highland Harmony, this idyllic setting can be the backdrop for the vacation of your dreams.  Located in Ellijay nine miles from downtown Blue Ridge, this gorgeous custom tri-level cabin offers you the ultimate in stress-free relaxation, surrounded by nature’s natural beauty!

The Ridge Carlton offers luxury like no other. Gaze at the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, roast marshmallows at the firepit, and relax in the 6 person hot tub. Even better? The Ridge Carlton is just 15 minutes from both the heart of Ellijay and Downtown Blue Ridge, so you’ll have easy access to everything here. 

And at Legend there’s plenty of space for the whole family to spread out, because this amazing cabin sleeps up to 13 guests! A stay here is like staying in a 5 star resort. You are close to so many great activities and have awesome amenities right from the comfort of the cabin. Catch a fish in the stocked trout stream right outside your door, explore the hiking trails on the property or enjoy the views from the covered porch. Then head inside for dinner made in the huge gourmet kitchen and a movie night in the theater room! This truly is a “legendary” cabin! 

Ellijay is a great place to stay! Not only are you surrounded by wonderful parks, biking trails, wineries, orchards and more but you are just 15 minutes away from Blue Ridge as well! You can explore all the fun of both towns and then come back to your quiet & peaceful cabin in Ellijay for a good night’s sleep, for your next day of adventures.

Hiking out the Back Door



When you come to the mountains, you come to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get out in nature. So it’s important that you’re close to all the trails and outdoor adventures that Blue Ridge has to offer; www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/seven-blue-ridge-hikes.

But what if these trails were right outside your cabin doors? Step outside and start on the trails, no driving necessary! Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and get moving with access to miles worth of trails, right in your backyard.  These 6 cabins are the perfect retreat for all the outdoor lovers and hikers out there! 

Aska Adventure Lodge

This beautiful cabin is right in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area and less than 5 minutes from Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge, and town. Just off of the vast, wraparound porch, you’ll find yourself just steps from The Benton MacKaye Trail. Along the trail, you might run into Fall Branch Falls, Long Creek Falls, Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, and even Springer Mountain. You’re also close to many great tubing and canoeing opportunities.

After a long day on the trails, lay back and soak in the hot tub or play a game of pool in the game room. Even inside you won’t feel far from the outdoors, with themed rooms like “Trout Camp”, a bear room, and an all-around rustic, natural look throughout. Aska Adventure Lodge sleeps up to 10 people, so grab a group of your favorite hikers and get ready to adventure! 

TreeTops

Perched high on the mountain overlooking the Aska Adventure Area, this classic mountain cabin is close by to a variety of great outdoor activities! Tube down the Toccoa River, catch fish in Lake Blue Ridge, or walk down the driveway to Long Mountain Trail which connects to both the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Aska Adventure Trail, where all kinds of beautiful hikes await you!

Even enjoy a long, scenic ride on the winding Aska Road to Highway 60 and take in all the mountain views. TreeTops also has a hot tub and game room; perfect for unwinding after a busy day. You can even bring your furry friend along to join in all the fun! 

An Owl’s Perch

Perched on a mountaintop more than 3,000 feet above the trees with dramatic, sweeping long-range mountain vistas in the distance, An Owl’s Perch is like a magnificent picture postcard come to life. Located northeast of Lake Blue Ridge on a large lot in Morganton that borders unspoiled U.S. Forest Service land, it’s a calm oasis far removed from stressful city life, but just a short drive away from the shops and dining of downtown Blue Ridge.

The western-facing view from the cabin offers you magical sunrises, revealing the mountains as the fog lifts across the lake, and spectacular sunsets that will take your breath away. The cabin can easily accommodate big families and groups, sleeping 10 guests in four bedrooms. And An Owl’s Perch is pet friendly as well, so be sure to bring your pup along with you to adventure on the trails! Hike, relax, and escape at this wonderful cabin!

A Cub’s Retreat

A Cub’s Retreat is the best place to spend your vacation with family and friends and provides you a serene, relaxed, and rejuvenated environment! As you pull up to the cabin, you’ll immediately notice the true log cabin construction and the incredible mountain views visible from every angle. Step inside and immediately feel at ease as you walk into the great room and gaze through a wall of windows and doors that overlook unobstructed mountain views. So bright and welcoming, you’ll feel lighter the second you walk in.

This stunning retreat is located right near the Benton Mackaye Trail, which is excellent for hiking and taking in all of the beautiful local nature and scenery. The cabin is close to various trails, creeks, and streams in the Cashes Valley area, too. You’re also not too far from Blue Ridge and Ellijay, with just a 10-minute drive to either location and all of the fun. Pack your bags and get ready for a retreat you will never forget. A Cub’s Retreat is perfect for your escape to Blue Ridge!

As its name implies Take a Hike is perfect for all the hikers out there! Located in the Cohutta Wilderness and on Mt. Pisgah, you’ll experience stunning mountain views from any of the cabin’s 3 decks and be fully immersed in nature. Right from your cabin, step on the trails and enjoy an easy hike to a waterfall, cave, and even Colonel Magnum’s memorial. Or take a quick drive to get to any of the major trails in the Cohutta Wilderness like Daily Gap, Jacks River, Benton MacKaye, and Hemptop.

Also enjoy fantastic mountain biking trails around the mountain base. And within just 20 minutes from the cabin, you’ll find fishing, boating, and rafting adventures at the Ocoee River, Lake Blue Ridge, and Fighting Town Creek. You’ll have a full day of fun and adventure in store with so many great outdoor opportunities so close by.

When your day of hiking, biking, fishing, and boating is done enjoy dinner with a view at the picnic table and rocking chairs on the back deck. You’ll get cozy by the outdoor fireplace and watch the sunset. Then after dinner is done and the sun has set, step on down to the yard for s’mores by the fire or a dip in the hot tub. This cabin was truly made for outdoor lovers and adventurers! 

The Overlook 

Last but not least on our list is the beautiful and secluded cabin, The Overlook. It gets it’s name because it overlooks the Aska Adventure Area, Lake Blue Ridge, and has panoramic mountain views. And lucky for you outdoor lovers, it’s in short walking distance to the Benton McKaye trail, which takes you to past numerous falls, rivers, and mountain hikes. Its prime location and easy access to the trails makes this cabin the ideal escape for hikers.

Even while at the cabin you can take full advantage of the great outdoors by sitting out on the deck in a rocking chair and taking in the views. Or soak in the hot tub to warm up and relax after a long day on the trails. You’ll absolutely love having your own private and secluded oasis, far away from the rest of the world! 

11 Memorable Mountain Biking Trails



The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the terrain, views, and challenge that all mountain bikers search for. The back country trails and systems will have bikers pedaling through a series of rocks, roots, and jumps. Pick from the variety of trails near Blue Ridge and the adrenaline rush will quickly follow! Grab your bike and helmet and get ready to experience the easy to rigorous trails in North Georgia for an adventure that will keep you itching to return!

Long Branch Loop

Photo Courtesy @LostJustpastnowhere

If you are looking for a nice easy intro trail, the wide singletrack of Longbranch Loop is a great starting point. A staple in the Aska Adventure Area Trail System, the shady trail keeps obstacles limited and the fun rolling! (Easy)

Amadahy Trail

Photo Courtesy of Brian Powell

Beautiful and fun, the Amadahy Trail in Ellijay is perfect to take your kids out for a ride and develop their passion for mountain biking. Wrapping around the edge of Carters Lake, this loop is extremely picturesque, but still offers a few easy uphill and downhill sections. (Easy-Intermediate)

Jackrabbit Mountain

Lakeside Views on Jackrabbit Courtesy of jackrabbit Bruce Sheridan

If you’re a beginner to mountain biking and hoping to have an easy ride, this is a great spot to start. The 15-mile trail system at Jackrabbit Mountain offers stunning views of Lake Chatuge throughout. There are simple inclines and declines throughout this scenic trail system. It’s located on the North Carolina/Georgia border, making it accessible for visitors near and far. (Easy – Intermediate)

Pinhoti Trail

Overlook on the Pinhoti Courtesy of @pinhed

This 350-mile stretch of trails that venture from Georgia to Alabama makes it one of the most popular trail systems in the southeast for a series of reasons.  With access points throughout its length, the entry near Dalton takes bikers along a mountainous journey with paved sections as well. The Mountaintown Creek Trail, part of the Pinhoti Trail System, is 11 miles out-and-back with rushing waterfalls and backcountry views that make it perfect for a day trip. (Intermediate)

Tanasi Trail System

The Bridge crossing the Ocoee River Courtesy of tanasi trails Steven Durr

This system in the Tennessee River Valley has over 30 miles of rushing trails that bikers of all skill levels can enjoy. Only a half-hour from Blue Ridge, this well-maintained set of trails provides captivating overlooks of the Ocoee River and secluded vistas of the Tennessee wilderness. This year-round trail system is filled with advanced climbs, thrilling jumps, and short bridges to keep the adventure going. (Intermediate)

Tsali Trail System

Tsali Overlook Courtesy of Thomas Kreutzer

Located only 2 hours away from our cabins in Blairsville, this is a must-ride trail system that is unforgettable for all those who cross it. There are four intermediate to moderate loops within this 40-mile trail system and each provides a unique encounter with nature. Bikers can expect jaw-dropping views of Lake Fontana and the Smokey Mountains while on these Western North Carolina trails. Its reputation still stands as one of the best mountain bike trails in the Southeast! (Intermediate)

Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park Courtesy @jfrench3

While on this 8-mile loop, riders can expect rewarding descents with an assortment of tough climbs, switchbacks, and berms. This trail is not too crowded and is suitable for mountain bikers of any kind. Located on the outskirts of Helen, Unicoi State Park offers lake views and challenging paths for an exhilarating day of adventure! (Intermediate-Difficult)

Bear Creek Trail

River Crossing at Bear Creek Courtesy of Jeff Bartlett

The view at this trail’s peak is what makes the climb on this pathway all worth the travel. Bear Creek Trail, located in Ellijay, offers beautiful views of Fort Mountain and has several switchbacks to keep the adventure interesting. There are several creeks along the 10-mile loop that offer a change in scenery and help bikers cross through. (Intermediate-Difficult)

Stanley Gap 

Trail Head Photo Courtesy of Kristie Young

If you’re looking to go downhill fast, the trails at Stanley Gap can provide that experience for you! This intermediate trail in Blue Ridge is 10 miles out and back, and lets bikers have plenty of opportunities to ride through the trees. With steady inclines and sections suitable for a rest stop, the Stanley Gap trail does not disappoint. (Difficult)

Bull and Jake Mountain

Bull and Jake Mountain Courtesy of Leslie Kehmeier

This connecting system only a few miles from Dahlonega offers fast descents, wildlife sightings, and plenty of ground to uncover! The Jake Mountain Trail System and the Bull Mountain Trail System merge to form over 30 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The picturesque sights make this trail system for intermediate and advanced bikers hard to forget. (Difficult)

Hickory Nut Trail

Hickory Nut Trail Courtesy of @jbone09

With 2,500 feet of climbing, this trail is for serious mountain bikers only. The 19-mile loop in Helen features multiple obstacles including falling rocks, a steep uphill trek, and speedy descents. This blood rushing trail will test, stretch, and grow your mountain biking limits! (Very Difficult)

Whether you’ve been biking for years or hoping to begin a new hobby, these trails are only a short drive away from Blue Ridge. One of the few activities that combines exercise with breath-taking views, the southeast mountain ranges make mountain biking accessible for all ages. Take a risk and experience what mountain biking can do for you while conquering these trails. We’ll see you out there!