Orchards Near Me
Apple Picking Near Atlanta: What You Need to Know
Atlanta's greatest advantage for apple picking may be its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the orchards of Ellijay—known as the Apple Capital of Georgia—produce hundreds of thousands of bushels each season just ninety minutes north of the city. The drive up from Atlanta through the foothills is itself part of the experience, with roadside stands and farm markets appearing with increasing frequency the further north you travel.
Apple Growing in the Southeast
Apple growing in the southeastern United States is concentrated in the mountain counties where elevation moderates the regional heat enough for orchards to thrive. The Blue Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains, and Appalachian foothills that run through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia all host apple orchards, many of which have been family-operated for multiple generations. The season here runs slightly earlier than in the north—late August and September are typically peak—and the mountain setting adds a scenic dimension to pick-your-own visits that flat-country orchards can't match. Varieties grown in the Southeast tend toward those that can handle heat and humidity, including Stayman Winesap, Granny Smith, and some proprietary varieties developed specifically for southern growing conditions.
Best Time to Go Apple Picking Near Atlanta
August through October in the North Georgia mountain orchards, with the highest-elevation farms running their season deepest into fall.
Tips for Your Atlanta Apple Picking Trip
The drive from Atlanta to Ellijay through the foothills is itself a fall highlight, with the roadside stands and the transition from suburban sprawl to mountain farmland happening gradually and beautifully. Plan to spend the whole day—visit an orchard in the morning, have lunch in town, and return with as many apples as you can carry. The cider there is exceptional.