Apple country
From the chamber and the state
- The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce says Gilmer County is known as the 'Apple Capital' of Georgia, with more than 22 apple varieties harvested from June to November. Gilmer County Chamber, checked 2026-10-16
- Explore Georgia lists 'Apple Orchard Alley' on Hwy. 52 E. and says most of the county's apple orchards are in the valley along State Hwy. 52. The chamber lists Aaron Family Orchards, B.J. Reece Orchards, Hillcrest Orchards, Mack Aaron's Apple House and R & A Orchards at Hwy 52 E. addresses. Explore Georgia, checked 2026-10-16
The Apple Festival
Georgia Apple Festival (55th)
Published by the organizerThe county’s big October weekends. Book showings around them: traffic and lodging fill up.
Source: Georgia Apple Festival, checked 2026-10-16
If you are touring cabins from out of town, plan around these two weekends: traffic into town and lodging fill up.
Rivers, a lake and forest
Water and woods
- USGS records place the mouths of the Ellijay River and the Cartecay River, and the source of the Coosawattee River, at the same point in the City of Ellijay. That is where the two rivers join to form the Coosawattee. Downstream, the Coosawattee is impounded by Carters Dam, which forms Carters Lake. USGS place names (GNIS), checked 2026-10-16
- Carters Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District project on the Coosawattee River. The Corps' pertinent-data sheet lists 3,275 acres at maximum power pool (elevation 1,074 ft) and 62.7 shoreline miles at that elevation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, checked 2026-10-16
- The USDA Forest Service lists Cohutta Wilderness trailheads in Fannin, Gilmer and Murray counties. It describes the wilderness as 37,000 acres with 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, managed through the Conasauga Ranger District (3941 Highway 76, Chatsworth). USDA Forest Service, checked 2026-10-16
- The New Georgia Encyclopedia lists 'a large portion of the Chattahoochee National Forest' among Gilmer County's points of interest. New Georgia Encyclopedia, checked 2026-10-16
A county of second homes
The 2020 Census counted 17,717 housing units in Gilmer County. Of these, 12,832 were occupied and 3,336 were vacant units held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use, about 19 percent of all units. (U.S. Census Bureau, checked 2026-10-16)
Roots
History in brief
- Gilmer County was formed in December 1832, when the original Cherokee County was divided, and was named for George R. Gilmer, who served as governor of Georgia. New Georgia Encyclopedia, checked 2026-10-16
- Ellijay is the seat of Gilmer County. The New Georgia Encyclopedia says it became the county seat in 1834. New Georgia Encyclopedia, checked 2026-10-16
- The New Georgia Encyclopedia says the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad (later the L&N) reached Ellijay in 1884. New Georgia Encyclopedia, checked 2026-10-16
Questions buyers ask
Is Ellijay really Georgia’s apple capital?
The Gilmer County Chamber says Gilmer County is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, with more than 22 varieties harvested from June to November.
Source: Gilmer County Chamber
When is the Georgia Apple Festival in 2026?
October 10-11 and 17-18, 2026, at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, according to the festival.
Source: Georgia Apple Festival
How many second homes are in Gilmer County?
The 2020 Census counted 3,336 housing units held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use, about 19 percent of the county’s 17,717 units.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
What are Georgia Apple Festival hours and admission?
Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm, per the festival’s FAQ. Admission is $10 per person and children 12 and under are free.
Source: Georgia Apple Festival
Where do I park for the Georgia Apple Festival?
The Gilmer Chamber lists five shuttle lots around town plus five within walking distance. Shuttles are free, lot fees vary and cash is preferred, and the advice is to arrive early because lots fill up quickly.
Source: Gilmer County Chamber
Rules and fees change. Every rule on this page links to the office that sets it; confirm with that office before you rely on it.
