BJ Reece Orchards — Best Apple Picking Near Atlanta (Ellijay, GA)
U-pick apples, petting zoo, family rides, fried pies & cider — your perfect North Georgia fall day.
Why go: Just ~1.5 hours from Atlanta, BJ Reece Orchards packs classic North Georgia fall vibes — apples, animals, rides, and warm treats — with easy add-ons in Ellijay & Blue Ridge for a cozy weekend.
📍 Quick Info
9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536
~1.5 hrs from Atlanta (I-575 → Hwy 515 → Hwy 52 E)
Typically daily in peak season; verify the morning of your visit.
Early–mid Oct for prime apples + color
Table of Contents
🍏 U-Pick Apple Experience
Rows of crisp apples run into late October during the Georgia apple season. Arrive early for easy parking & the freshest rows. Bring your own basket or purchase onsite; varietal availability is posted at the entrance.
- Pick by weight/size — signs list pricing & varietals.
- Mind orchard etiquette: stick to marked rows; no climbing.
- Keep a small towel/hand wipes for sticky fingers.
🐐 Petting Zoo & Farm Animals
Goats, sheep, bunnies & more. Feed cups keep little hands busy — and your camera roll full.
- Wash/sanitize hands after animal areas.
- Closed-toe shoes recommended (dusty/uneven ground).
🎠 Family Rides & Activities
- Jumping Pillow & Mega Slide
- Milk-the-Cow Experience
- Corn Box & Duck Races
- Wagon Rides & Cow Train
- Apple Cannons & Pony Rides (seasonal)
🛍️ Country Market & Treats
Stock up on seasonal Georgia produce, jams, apple butter, and fall gifts. Make it a weekend with a cozy base in Ellijay or Blue Ridge.
🍻 Reece’s Cider Company (21+)
Right across the street — try a cider flight to cap the day. Always designate a driver if tasting.
🧭 Pro Tips
- Weekdays = lighter crowds & easier parking.
- Bring layers, sun protection, and cash for small extras.
- Strollers work on main paths, but fields can be bumpy.
- Portable phone charger saves the day for photos & maps.
💲 Budget & Tickets
Expect a family-friendly day without big-city pricing. Final costs vary by picking weight & activities, but you can roughly plan:
- Per person: ~$15–25 (admission + basic picking)
- Activities: ~$2–5 each (varies)
- Family of four: ~$75–150 total day
🗓️ 1-Day Itinerary (From Atlanta)
Sample Schedule
- 7:30 AM — Depart Atlanta after breakfast.
- 9:00 AM — Arrive & park; bathroom break & map check.
- 9:15 AM — U-pick apples (bring wipes/snacks).
- 11:00 AM — Petting zoo & kid activities.
- 12:30 PM — Fried apple pies + cider break.
- 1:30 PM — Market browse; gifts & pantry stock-up.
- 2:30 PM — Optional: Downtown Ellijay coffee stop.
- 3:30 PM — Head home or continue to Blue Ridge.
🎒 Packing List (Amazon)
🌄 Nearby Add-Ons
- Downtown Ellijay (shops & dining)
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (foliage trains)
- Amicalola Falls State Park
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Mercier Orchards
🚗 Getting There
I-575 N → Hwy 515 N → Hwy 52 E. Mountain views pop by October — bring a camera!
❓ FAQs
Is it stroller-friendly?
Main paths are manageable; fields can be uneven. A lightweight stroller or carrier works best.
Do I need cash?
Cards are widely accepted, but small cash helps for parking, snacks, or small vendors.
What if it rains?
Operations can change quickly in bad weather. Check official updates the morning of your visit.