Tucked in the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about an hour’s drive north of Atlanta, Ellijay, Georgia welcomes visitors with unparalleled beauty, quaint small-town charm, and friendly, mountain hospitality. Opportunities to explore the great outdoors are abundant. The best active adventures in the state include the many fantastic Ellijay hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding; river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and some of the country’s finest bass and fly fishing.
Ellijay Hiking
Ellijay is the epicenter for some 29 North Georgia trails ranging in length from 0.2 miles to 75.4 miles. Five of the most popular Elijay hiking trails (ranked by level of difficulty) include: Lake Conasauga Songbird Trail (Easy, 1.7 miles RT). As the name promises, this scenic trail attracts many songbirds. Hikers are also rewarded sights of beaver ponds and a high-elevation bog. Long Creek Falls Trail(Moderate, 1.9 miles RT) covers a section of the Appalachian Trail. The lush woodlands wind around beautiful waterfalls. Emery Creek Falls Trail (Difficult, 6.2 miles RT) scenic trail through forests featuring bubbling creeks, native flowers, and a cascading double waterfall. Amicalola Falls Trail (More Difficult, 2.1 miles RT) this trail takes a bit of effort, but the rewards are spectacular mountain views as you reach the top of the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain Trail (Most Difficult, 15.5 miles RT) Representing the southernmost section of the Appalachian Trail, Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain is one of the most difficult and beautiful among the Ellijay hiking trails.
Things to Do in Ellijay
Interesting things to do in Ellijay are not limited to a walk in the woods. The region boasts several challenging golf courses, award-winning wineries, antique and craft shops, spas, craft breweries, and great restaurants. Each season unveils special events and festivals for visitors and locals alike.
Apple Capital of Georgia Nicknamed the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” thousands of apple trees put on a spectacular floral display for the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival held each spring in Ellijay. Autumn paints the mountains with glorious fall colors and brings leaf peepers for nature’s show and festival lovers to the annual Georgia Apple Festival.
Changing Seasons Summer is an active season for Ellijay’s Farmers Market, the Plein-Air Art in the Mountains Show, and of course the excitement of the Gilmer Country Fair. Not to be outdone, winter brings plenty to “wine about” in Ellijay. Breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, the dazzle of the holiday season, an official Chili Run, and the much-anticipated Wine About Winter Weekend featuring games, food, tastings, tours, music and much more.
North Georgia Cabins
Whether you choose to sleep under the stars at a rustic campsite, explore the wilderness in search of Bigfoot, rush a river’s whitewater, or simply get away for some R&R in one of the many cozy cabins, Ellijay and the surrounding area is a wonderland of adventure for every taste here at North Georgia Vacation Spots.
