Ellijay is a quaint town located in Gilmer County, about 80 miles north of Atlanta. It is known as the apple capital of Georgia, producing more than 600,000 bushels of apples every year[1]. Ellijay is home to more than a dozen apple orchards, where you can pick your own apples, sample apple cider and donuts, and buy apple-themed products. Some of the most popular orchards include Hillcrest Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, and R&A Orchards[2].

Ellijay also hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival, which attracts more than 300,000 visitors every October1. The festival features hundreds of vendors selling arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. You can also enjoy a parade, a car show, an antique tractor show, and a quilt show[3].

If you are looking for outdoor activities, Ellijay has plenty to offer. You can explore the Chattahoochee National Forest, which covers more than 750,000 acres of land and offers spectacular views of the fall foliage[4]. You can also hike to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, such as Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River[5], or Long Creek Falls, which is located along the Appalachian Trail[6]. For more adventure, you can try mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, or zip-lining[7].

Talking Rock: The Third Smallest Town in Georgia

Talking Rock is a tiny town located in Pickens County, about 15 miles south of Ellijay. It is the third smallest town in Georgia, with a population of less than 100 people[8]. Talking Rock has not changed much since its beginning in 1883, when the train was the lifeline of the town[9]. The town’s name is derived from either the noise of the water rolling over the rocks in the creek, or the habit of people sitting on a rock to chat with a neighbor[9]

Talking Rock is a place where you can experience the charm and friendliness of a small town. You can stroll along the Main Street and visit the antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. You can also stop by the Talking Rock General Store, which sells local products and souvenirs. If you are hungry, you can enjoy some southern cuisine at the Talking Rock Cafe or some barbecue at Poole’s BBQ.

Talking Rock also hosts the Heritage Days Festival every October, which is one of the town’s annual highlights. The festival features vendors from around the state selling crafts, food, and music. You can also enjoy live entertainment, games, and demonstrations.

If you want to explore the nature around Talking Rock, you can visit the Talking Rock Park, which has a pavilion, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a creek. You can also drive to nearby attractions such as Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery, where you can taste some award-winning wines and enjoy live music on weekends, or Carters Lake, which is the deepest lake in Georgia and offers fishing, boating, camping, and hiking.

Conclusion

North Georgia is a wonderful place to visit during the fall season. You can witness the amazing colors of the fall foliage and enjoy various activities and events. Ellijay and Talking Rock are two towns that showcase the best of North Georgia’s culture and nature. They are both worth a visit if you want to experience some of the most beautiful and authentic aspects of this region.

[1] atlantafi.com

[2] onlineathens.com

[3] lakerabunhotel.com

[4] atlantamom.com

[5]  blueridgemountainstravelguide.com

[6] talkingrockga.com

[7] exploregeorgia.org

[8] distance-cities.com

[9] tripadvisor.com