Apple-picking season seems to sneak up on me every year. While fall doesn’t seem to officially arrive in Atlanta until mid-October, the season’s most emblematic fruit is ready to harvest as early as late August.
Over the last few post-pandemic years, I’ve learned to schedule my annual apple-picking adventure as soon as Labor Day Weekend hits. I find that mid-September is the best time to head into the North Georgia mountains and play farmer for a day among the region’s well-established family-owned farms and orchards, and hand-pick my apples for the next few weekends of fall-inspired baking.
So if you’re ready to don your finest flannel and head for the hills, here are my picks for where to go apple picking near Atlanta this fall.
Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge)
One of Georgia’s most famous family-owned farms, Mercier Orchards has been growing over 50 varieties of juicy apples (not to mention blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and other fruits throughout the year) in the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 80 years. When fall rolls around, Mercier fires up the tractors and taxis guests from its market up into the hills to harvest whichever apples are ripe for the picking. During my last two mid-September visits, this meant we picked exclusively Crimson Crisps, a hearty varietal that works beautifully for baking but also offers a sweeter snacking alternative to Granny Smiths.
Photos courtesy of Mercier Orchards
A $10 admission fee covers your tractor ride through the farm (and back) and a 1/4 peck bag (large enough for about 6-9 apples). On my most recent visit, Mercier was running a special where for an additional $10, I got a full peck bag as well. So for $20, I went home with more than 30 apples and plenty of prime fall photos.
Post-picking, be sure to stop by the shop for an apple cider donut or fritter from the bakery and a six-pack of Mercier’s own house-brewed hard apple cider.
Where is Mercier Orchards?
Mercier Orchards is located at 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge
When can I pick apples at Mercier Orchards?
Mercier Orchards offers U-Pick apples from August through early November. The orchard’s hours are 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday, and 9 AM to 5 PM Friday through Sunday.
How much does it cost to pick apples at Mercier Orchards?
A $10 admission fee gets you access to the orchard, a tractor taxi to and from the pickup point, and a bag to carry your apples.
BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market (Ellijay)
It doesn’t get much more scenic than apple picking in the rolling hills of BJ Reece Orchards in Ellijay. This family-owned 120-acre orchard in the North Georgia mountains is a hub of fall fun from late August through October when the apple trees are so fruit-laden that they practically fold in half.
Photos by Sarah Bisacca
Visit early to get the best pick of the crop — check BJ Reece’s online Apple Picking Calendar to see which of the 20 varietals will be ripe during your visit — and to snap gorgeous photos over the rolling North Georgia hills from your perch atop the orchard. If you have little ones in tow, activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, an apple cannon, and more are available for an extra dose of fall family fun. When you’ve picked your fill of apples, head to the farm market to pick up homemade cider, fried hand pies, and a half-dozen apple cider donuts for the trip back to Atlanta.
Where is BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market?
BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market is located at 9131 Hwy. 52 E. Ellijay GA 30536.
When can I pick apples at BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market?
BJ Reece Orchards offers U-Pick apples from August 24 through October 31. Apple picking is available from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 1 PM to 6 PM on Sundays.
How much does it cost to pick apples at BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market?
To pick apples at BJ Reece Orchards and Farm Market, you first need to purchase a Farm Fun Package that includes U-Pick admission plus a handful of other fall farm activities. The packages start at $8 on weekdays and $13 on weekends. You then have the option to choose which size produce bag you’d like: Pick a 1/2 peck (around 10 to 15 apples) for $10, 1 peck (around 20 to 25 apples) for $20, or 1/2 bushel (around 50 apples) for $40.
The Folk Collaborative (McCaysville)
For an apple-picking adventure with a side of Appalachian authenticity, head north nearly to the Tennessee border to visit The Folk Collaborative. The 130-acre orchard grows roughly 20 varieties of apples, including two heirloom varieties unique to the property. In fact, The Folk Collaborative prides itself on its hyper-local touch. Every single product sold at the farm stand, from herbal poultices to teas and coffee, was made either on-site or by a Southern Appalachian producer.
Photos courtesy of The Folk Collaborative
This is the kind of place you visit when you want to slow down and soak up every fall-tinged moment — slow-paced extras like wagon rides, farm tours, and noshing on freshly baked pastries (gluten-free and vegan options are available) round out the enchanting mountain experience. Pop over the Tennessee border to Copperhill to shop for uniquely Southern souvenirs at The Folk Collaborative Apothecary.
Where is The Folk Collaborative?
The Folk Collaborative is located at 2984 Mobile Road, McCaysville, Georgia 30555.
When can I pick apples at The Folk Collaborative?
The Folk Collaborative offers U-Pick apples from late August through October but highly recommends visiting in mid-September to find the best (and most) fruit. U-Pick is available Thursday through Monday with varying hours. The orchard opens at 10 AM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday (11 AM on Sundays) and apple picking ends half an hour before the orchard closes.
How much does it cost to pick apples at The Folk Collaborative?
The Folk Collaborative charges a $5 admission fee plus the price of your bag. Prices range from $6 for a 1/4 peck (about 5 to 8 apples) to $55 for a bushel (around 110 to 115 apples).
Hillcrest Orchards (Ellijay)
Those looking for a full day of fall family fun should make a beeline to historic Hillcrest Orchards. Tucked into the rolling hills of Ellijay, this family-owned and operated orchard hosts an annual Apple Pickin’ Jubilee every weekend in September and October, complete with U-Pick apples. Between plucking ripe Rome Beauty and Golden Delicious apples, you can catch live Bluegrass music, cheer on your favorite swine in a swimming pig race, and dig into carnival-style foods like candy apples and smoked turkey legs.
Photos courtesy of Hillcrest Orchards
What sets this orchard apart from the pack is its huge array of onsite activities for the whole family, including a petting zoo packed with kid-size goats, mini golf, an enchanting Fairy Tale Trail, an apple tree maze, and, of course, hayrides.
Where is Hillcrest Orchards?
Hillcrest Orchards is located at 9696 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, Georgia 30536.
When can I pick apples at Hillcrest Orchards?
Hillcrest Orchards offers U-Pick apples daily from 9 AM until 6 PM during September and October, though the orchard cuts off the season once all of the apples have been picked. Come earlier in the season to get the most out of your apple-picking experience.
How much does it cost to pick apples at Hillcrest Orchards?
Admission to Hillcrest Orchards is $22 on weekends and includes access to all attractions and live shows during the Apple Pickin’ Jubilee. Weekday admission is $14 per person and includes access to the onsite attractions. To pick your own apples, you’ll just need to purchase a U-Pick bag at the store. Prices vary by size.
R&A Orchards (Ellijay)
Sprawling across 160 rolling acres just west of Ellijay, R&A Orchards has been growing North Georgia apples, flowers, and other farm-fresh produce since 1947. Today, the family-owned orchard invites you to pick your own apples and cut your own flowers every weekend between Labor Day and Halloween. Between plucking your produce and peonies, climb aboard the signature tractor ride and farm tour for a behind-the-scenes peek at the goings on at this family-run farm. Swing by the market to pick up a jug of house-made apple cider, preserves, and even a low-key lunch with a Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop.
Photos courtesy of R&A Orchards
Where is R&A Orchards?
R&A Orchards is located at 5505 Highway 52 in Ellijay, Georgia.
When can I pick apples at R&A Orchards?
R&A Orchards offers U-Pick apples every weekend in September and October. The orchard opens for apple picking at 9 AM and the last admission is sold at 4:30 PM.
How much does it cost to pick apples at R&A Orchards?
Admission to R&A Orchards is $6, plus the price of your U-Pick bag. Pick a 1/2 peck (around 10 to 15 apples) for $12 or a full peck (around 20 to 25 apples) for $20.
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