East Ellijay is a small city in Gilmer County, Georgia. Its population is 546, down from 707 in 2000. There are many things to see and do in the area. These include Harrison Park, Hillcrest Orchards, Whitepath Golf Club, and Fort Mountain State Park. There are also many historic sites worth visiting. If you’re looking for a unique place to vacation in Georgia, you’ve come to the right place.
Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain State Park is a 3,712-acre state park located between Chatsworth and Ellijay. It was founded in 1938 and is known for its 885-foot rock wall. The park also boasts many hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
The park is open every day from seven in the morning until 10 at night. The park office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort Mountain once had a stone fire tower that spotted fires as far as 40 miles away. Construction was led by local stone mason Arnold Baily, who also carved a heart into the tower as a tribute to his sweetheart.
Fort Mountain State Park has a beautiful lakeside beach and full-equipped cabins for rent. The park also has a campground and backpacking sites. Located near the Cohutta Wilderness, the park is a great place for outdoor activities.
The area has plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic round of golf on nearby Whitepath Golf Course. The course has been meticulously maintained and features small creeks and ponds. The course is difficult for lower handicap golfers but friendly for higher handicappers as well.
Fort Mountain State Park offers a scenic loop trail that connects three separate hiking trails. This 1.6-mile loop starts near the upper cabins of Fort Mountain State Park. It passes Goldmine Creek and ends at the Gahuti Trail, which leads back to the upper cabins. The loop has many options for hiking, and the scenery is truly beautiful. So, if you’re looking for a scenic place to visit in East Ellijay, make sure to check out Fort Mountain State Park.
While you’re hiking, don’t forget to take plenty of water and bring plenty of snacks. Throughout the day, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets. The state park also offers many educational programs and horseback riding trails.
Harrison Park
Harrison Park is a dog-friendly neighborhood park, a community hub, and a popular spot for people to meet and mingle. It offers paved trails, picnic tables, and riverside benches. The park is home to a variety of community events, including live music and the Sasquatch Strut Fun Run. The Friends of Harrison Park have raised funds to build permanent stages and improve park infrastructure.
The city’s historic Tabor House, the oldest home in the area, is home to a museum dedicated to the history of the area. Visitors can explore artifacts from the Cherokee Indians, early Appalachian settlers, and Civil War soldiers. Military helmets, flight suits, and other artifacts are also featured. Georgia is also home to some of the state’s most award-winning wineries.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike on Ellijay Mountain, one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. The hike can be difficult, so be sure to bring a hiking stick or a sturdy pair of shoes. The town’s gazebo is also an excellent place for picnicking.
Another great place to explore is the town’s vineyards. The area is home to some of the best wineries in North Georgia. If you are a wine lover, Ellijay has many vineyards offering tasting rooms and spectacular views. One of the most acclaimed, Engelheim Vineyards, launched in 2009, has already won numerous awards, including Georgia Winery of the Year and Best Georgia Wine for the next two years. Engelheim Vineyards produces wines from Petite Manseng, Syrah, and Zinfandel grapes.
Hillcrest Orchards
When visiting the Hillcrest Orchards in East Ellajay, Georgia, visitors will find more than just apples and a farm market. The orchard offers family fun activities like cow milking and petting the animals. You can also play mini golf and participate in live entertainment. The orchard also hosts school and group tours.
The Orchard is the mainstay of Apple Alley, Highway 52 in Gilmer County. The farm sits on 30 acres, but it needs at least another ten acres to accommodate all the visitors. During the late summer/autumn season, Hillcrest Orchards offers school tours, and they have a large farm market with lots of apple products to choose from.
Visitors can also enjoy apple picking during the Apple Pickin’ Jubilee, which takes place on weekends. There are live bands, apple tree mazes, petting zoos, and other family activities. A family-friendly environment is also present, and you can even make reservations for a group visit. Hillcrest Orchards is owned by the Aaron family, and the historic apple house dates back to 1938. It was built by Shafter Aaron and passed down through the generations. Alan Aaron, the current owner of the orchards, continues the tradition of the family’s farm and apple-picking tradition.
Hillcrest Orchards in East Ellajay, Georgia is one of the best apple orchards in Georgia. It is a family-owned farm that features a petting zoo, a jumping pillow, and a ball zone. The farm is open September through November, so you can get your fill of apples during the fall season. The farm also has a farm market, onsite bakery, and mini-golf.
Penland’s Apple House has two locations in Ellijay. Both locations are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Penland’s has been growing apples in Georgia since 1936.
Whitepath Golf Club
If you’re looking for a unique golf course to play in Georgia, you should consider the Whitepath Golf Club. Located five miles from Ellijay, Georgia, this course features an eight-acre lake and several ponds and creeks. The course is challenging for low-handicappers, but friendly for those with higher handicaps. It also features beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Cohutta Wilderness.
While you’re in the area, you’ll find many outdoor activities to keep yourself entertained. You can hike and bird watch at the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, or spend the afternoon mountain-biking. There are also numerous business locations near the hotel. Golf enthusiasts should take advantage of the nearby Whitepath Golf Course, which features an eight-acre lake and beautiful greens.
There’s no shortage of exciting activities in and around Ellijay. This town is known as the apple capital of Georgia, so don’t forget to try a variety of local apples at B.J. Reece Orchard, located at 9131 Highway 52 East. The orchard also offers a bakery for breakfast. For those interested in water sports, you can also take a trip to the Cartecay River Experience. It’s not far away, and offers shuttle services.
Another great activity is visiting Mountain Valley. This is a charming place that features a variety of farm animals. It also has a store that serves delectable treats, including strawberry cheesecake and ice cream. You can also relax on the porch overlooking a cherry tree field or hillside pasture. Nearby is the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, which is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Crossroads Grocery
Crossroads Grocery in East Ellinjay, Georgia is a typical gasoline service station. Although its primary activity is selling gasoline, this store may also sell various merchandise and perform minor auto repairs. This is a good choice if you live in the area and need to buy a variety of items.
