Keep a lookout on each orchard's website or social media page as apple-picking days vary, as well as crop statuses. September to late October are the best times to pick apples so start finding those tasty apple pie recipes now. There's more seasonal info in our fall guide!

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Apple Picking Near Atlanta with Kids

B.J. Reece Orchards —Ellijay

2024 Dates: August 24-October 31

B.J. Reece posts its u-pick calendar so kids and families know which apple varieties are available to pick on certain days. Everyone over the age of 2 pays $8 per person on weekdays and admission includes farm slide, corn box, duck races, and petting farm play time. On weekends visitors pay $13-$26, depending on activities. (The Mega Farm package, $26, includes weekday attractions as well as a pony ride, apple cannon and mega slide.) U-pick apples measured in bushels and pecks and cost between $10-$40. B.J. Reece allows leashed dogs into the orchard!

B.J. Reece Orchards has a tasty on-site bakery and market, open Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday, 1-6 pm, selling the yummiest apple-filled baked goods (we seriously recommend the apple cider donuts).

Hillcrest Orchards offers great attractions, including cow train rides. Photo by author

Hillcrest Orchards —Ellijay

2024 Dates: August 31-November 30 (until crops are picked)

Hillcrest Orchards kicks off apple-picking season on Saturday, August 31, and runs every day until the apples are gone.  Hillcrest features apple varieties including Rome Beauty, Mutsu, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Cameo and many more. Every weekend during the apple season, Hillcrest puts on the Apple Pickin' Jubilee with fun attractions like cow train rides, swimming pig races and a giant slide. Families pay $22 per per person on weekends and $14 on weekdays for admission to the fun park. (U-pick priced seperately.) 

The bakery is open daily 9am-6pm and features delicious treats that will get you in the fall spirit. Hillcrest Orchards and Farms makes apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, and their famous apple fritters. Another great part of the bakery is you get to watch the bakers at work making their apple creations

R&A Orchards —Ellijay

2024 Dates: Weekends, August 31-End of October 

Located a few miles east of Ellijay, R&A Orchards has been an apple-picking destination and family-run business for more than 50 years. Every weekend in September and October, visitors pay $5 for admission (which includes a family-friendly tractor ride) and head to the orchard for apple picking. Available apples vary throughout the month, but may include Rome Beauty, Ginger Gold, Honey Crisp, Gala, and more. Flower picking is also offered. R&A has a market that is open seven days a week, 9am-6pm. 

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Red Apple Barn —Ellijay

2024 Dates: Weekends August 24 - Early November (or until crops are picked)

Spend the weekend at Red Apple Barn: Saturday, 10:30am-5pm and Sunday, 1-4pm. Admission is $11.25, which includes a tractor ride, one apple from the orchard, a cup of apple cider, an apple cider doughnut, four flowers, pumpkin painting, games, access to the new playground, and more (kids under 2 are free). Purchase additional apples in bins at the orchard by the quarter peck ($6), half peck ($10), peck ($20), and half bushel ($34). The market, open Monday - Saturday, 9am-6pm, and Sunday, 1-5:30pm, sells yummy apple products, including apple breads, apple chips, apple cider and doughnuts, and more. 

The apples are gorgeous and delicious at Mercier Orchards.

Mercier Orchards —Blue Ridge

2024 Dates: August 19-Until crops are picked (usually early November) 

Located a few miles north of Ellijay, by the Blue Ridge mountains, sits Mercier Orchards. The family-run orchard is well known for its lush grounds, u-pick options, market store, and hard cider. For $10 per person, guests may pick varieties such as Blondee, Golden Supreme, McIntosh, and September Wonder. The u-pick fee includes a tractor tour plus a bag for picking. Mercier is also known for their market and bakery, which boasts apple pies, jams, jellies, cider, wine, and even cider slushies. 

Apple Season Events Near Atlanta

Georgia Apple Festival —Ellijay

Happening in Ellijay, across two weekends in October, Georgia Apple Festival is a celebration of fall, great food, art vendors, and of course, apples! Occurring October 12-13 and 19-20, Georgia Apple Festival costs $10 admission for adults and free for children under 10. Events include Apple Arts (arts and crafts in downtown Ellijay), Apple Classic Auto Show, a 5K, live music, and much more. 

Apple Pickin' Jubilee at Hillcrest Orchards - Ellijay 

On weekends during apple season families head to Hillcrest Orchards for this fun event. For $22 per person, get access to many attractions, including the apple tree maze, cow train rides, cow milking, mini golf, wagon rides, and more, as well as live shows, like pig racing. This is also the only time visitors can pick apples at Hillcrest. 

Remember to check each orchard's website and/or social media as weather and other factors can affect crop availability, hours of operation, and event programming.