Apple Picking in Georgia: The 8 Best Orchards and Farms

picture of a Ripe Apples in Orchard ready for harvesting,Morning shot
© agrofruti/Shutterstock.com

Written by Larissa Smith

Updated: October 16, 2023

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Apple pie, apple cider, candy apple, pureed apple – the list goes on and on! Fall is when apples are abundant, and in Georgia, there are apple orchards and farms to take your loved ones apple picking.

Apple picking involves visiting orchards and farms to handpick fresh, juicy apples directly from the trees. This popular activity allows visitors to experience nature’s beauty and engage in a fun and interactive way of getting delicious, juicy fruit!

Whether you’re looking for a specific apple variety, want a memorable day trip with your loved ones, or simply want to indulge in a cup of crisp apple cider, plenty of options are available in The Peach State.

So grab a basket and get ready to embark on a memorable apple-picking adventure in Georgia’s beautiful countryside!

1. Hillcrest Orchards

Hillcrest Orchards, located in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains, not only offers a traditional apple-picking experience but also treats visitors to a host of activities and attractions. From wagon rides and farm tours to delicious apple pies and homemade treats, this family-owned orchard truly embraces the spirit of apple season. But hurry, as U-Pic apples are only available until all the apples are gone!

Apple pie with slices of apple, close-up

Bite into delicious apple pies and homemade treats at Hillcrest Orchards!

©Tom Kelley Archive/Retrofile RF via Getty Images

The bakery allows visitors to enjoy an educational experience by watching them bake their famous fried apple pies and apple cider donuts from scratch. So make sure you order one while they’re still hot!

Hillcrest Orchards is located in the North Georgia Mountains near Ellijay, Georgia.

2. Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards is another must-visit apple-picking orchard in Georgia. Here, apple lovers can enjoy a wide range of apple varieties, including Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Crimson Crisp.

In addition to apple picking, the orchard offers activities such as seasonal wine and hard cider tastings for adults, picnic areas to enjoy with your family, and a market to buy freshly baked goods. The orchard ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Indulge in adult beverages at Mercier Orchards with its seasonal wine and hard cider tastings.

©iStock.com/alicjane

Mercer Orchards is nestled in the charming town of Blue Ridge.

3. Red Apple Barn

Red Apple Barn, situated in the scenic North Georgia Mountains, is a family-run farm that prides itself on providing visitors with a unique apple-picking experience.

In addition to a wide variety of apple trees, Red Apple Barn also offers exciting activities such as tractor tire swings and in-season pumpkin painting. Visitors can also indulge in fresh apple products as part of their entrance fee, including apple cider donuts and a cup of apple cider.

Autumn Leaf Peeping

Enjoy apple cider donuts and a cup of apple cider at Red Apple Barn.

©Kristin Utzinger/iStock via Getty Images

In addition, visitors receive three flowers and one apple from the orchard and can enjoy the various activities available.

Take a scenic drive through the North Georgia Mountains to find Red Apple Barn.

4. B.J. Reece Orchards

B.J. Reece Orchards is a family-owned farm in Ellijay, Georgia, that has been ranked one of the state’s top ”fun get-a-way” destinations. With 60 varieties of apples available for picking during the different seasons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From classic favorites like Pink Ladies and Golden Delicious to varieties such as Honey Crisp, this orchard has an impressive selection of apples.

Fresh delicious natural apples different varieties in a basket close - up - yellow, green, red.

There are 60 apple varieties at B.J. Reece Orchards available for picking.

©Simol1407/Shutterstock.com

B.J. Reece Orchards offers various activities for visitors, including jumping pillows, petting zoos, and even apple cannons! In addition, the orchard serves delicious homemade baked goods like apple fritters, donuts, and pies.

Spend the day at the B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay, Georgia.

5. R & A Orchards

R & A Orchards is another family-owned farm located in Ellijay, Georgia. Founded in 1947, the farm has several types of fruit and vegetables available throughout the year, including 38 varieties of apples, eight varieties of nectarines, and 30 varieties of peaches.

Red apples in baskets and boxes on the green grass in autumn orchard. Apple harvest and picking apples on farm in autumn.

©JACEK SKROK/Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day of apple picking, R & A Orchards has it all! The orchard offers various farm tours for schools, churches, and large groups, tractor rides, and picnic spots to enjoy a lazy afternoon with delicious homemade baked goods from the on-site café.

R & A Orchards sits on 150 acres in North Georgia.

6.      The Folk Collaborative

If you’re looking for a place to slow down from a fast-paced lifestyle, then The Folk Collaborative is the place to be! The farm offers apple picking throughout the fall, picnics in the orchard, tractor rides, and s’mores around a campfire.

Smore Cooking Over Campfire

The Folk Collaborative creates a unique, relaxing experience for its visitors, with s’mores around a campfire.

©adogslifephoto/iStock via Getty Images

In addition to apple picking and fun activities, the bakery offers an array of deliciously baked goods such as pies, breads, and other foods, including soups and salads. There is also an apothecary with a wide range of handmade products for body care, cleaning, and medicinal use.

You will find Folk Collaborative on a hillside in the southern Appalachia.

7.      Hillside Orchard Farms

Hillside Orchard Farms has recently introduced apple picking from their farm in Georgia. In addition to apple picking, the farm has a variety of outdoor activities for you to enjoy the day in the crisp mountain air. These activities include train and hay rides, getting lost in a corn maze, feeding farm animals, and watching your kids have fun on the playground.

Small Goats at Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, MO

Get the full farm experience and feed farm animals at Hillside Orchard Farms.

©Jon Kraft/Shutterstock.com

The farm has an indoor gem mine where residents put on a show for visitors. You can also buy homemade goods like apple butter from the retail store. In addition, Hillside Orchard Farms offers field trips for schools and birthday parties.

Travel to Rabun County in Lakemont, Georgia, to experience a fun-filled day at Hillside Orchard Farms.

8.      Jaemor Farms

Located on a sprawling 350-acre property, Jaemor Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1912. But this place isn’t just your average apple-picking destination. Alongside the apple orchards, Jaemor Farms boasts a charming roadside market with an impressive array of fresh fruits, veggies, mouthwatering snacks, and much more!

Back view of family walking among the dried corn stalks in a corn maze. Little boy and his father having fun on pumpkin fair at autumn. Traditional american amusement on pumpkin fair.

Get lost in a corn maze at Jaemor Farms.

©Maria Sbytova/Shutterstock.com

Jaemor Farms transforms into a pumpkin paradise with its annual pumpkin patch every fall. And if you’re feeling adventurous, get lost in their corn maze, where twists and turns are waiting at every corner.

Bring your family and friends for a day of fun at Jaemor Farms in North Georgia.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to apple picking, Georgia’s apple orchards and farms offer some of the best experiences around. So why not grab your loved ones and head to one of Georgia’s best orchards and farms for a day of apple picking? No matter which orchard you choose to visit, treat yourself to fresh air and beautiful scenery, create lasting memories, and you’ll also get to indulge in the fresh, delicious fruits of your labor!

Summary of the Best Apple Picking Farms and Orchards in Georgia

Farm/OrchardActivities
1Hillcrest OrchardsWagon rides, farm tours, apple tree maze, giant slides, cow milking
2Mercier OrchardsSeasonal wine and hard cider tastings, picnic area, farm tours
3Red Apple BarnTractor rides, farm tours, pumpkin patch, playground
4B.J. Reece OrchardsPetting zoo, jumping pillows, pony rides, apple cannons
5R & A OrchardsFarm tours, tractor rides, picnic areas
6The Folk CollaborativeTractor rides, picnic areas, campfires and s’mores, cider tours
7Hillside Orchard FarmsCorn maze, train rides, hay rides, feed farm animals, playground, gem mine
8Jaemor FarmsCorn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, live entertainment, food trucks, farm games
Summary of the 8 best apple-picking farms and orchards in Georgia.


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About the Author

Larissa Smith is a writer for A-Z Animals with years of experience in plant care and wildlife. After years spent in the South African bush while studying Nature Conservation, she found her way to writing about animals and plants in her work. She hopes to inspire others to appreciate and care for the precious world around them. Larissa lives in Florida with her two sons, a miniature golden retriever named Pupples, and a colorful succulent garden. In her spare time, she is tending to her garden, adventuring with her kids, and hosting “Real Housewives” watch parties with her friends.

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