Its apples, apples, apples at Aaron Family Orchards!

They are absolute apple experts and can provide extensive information on each of the apple varieties that they grow!

Gala

This is one of our earliest varieties of apple. This medium sized fruit is extremely sweet and is excellent for eating and cooking. This apple has become very popular in salads and other light dishes.

Detroit Red
This red and flavorful early apple is excellent cooking apple and is perfect for applesauce. This sweet and delicious apple begins to ripen in late August.
Red Delicious
This apple is still an American favorite, this sweet and crisp apple is very versatile and can be used for eating, cooking, and about any use imaginable.
Ozark Gold
This early golden variety is a cousin to the always popular Golden Delicious. This sweet and flavorful apple ripens in September and starts to herald the beautiful colors of fall.

Aaron Family Orchards

At Hillcrest Orchards Pick-your- Own -Apples commences in September through to October or until apples are picked.
“Visit the most popular apple orchard and farm market in the North Georgia Mountains located near Ellijay, Georgia. We are a short 1.5 hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia or Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hillcrest Orchards is a seasonal business and is only open during the months of September, October & November. Hillcrest is family owned and operated and has been growing apples and fun for children, adults and seniors since 1946.

One bag size is offered for u-pick- 1/2 peck. Call for pricing.
After you enter the festival area you can purchase your u-pic bag and fill it anytime during the day.

Varieties in the U-Pic Orchard:

Rome Beauty
Golden Delicious
Granny Smith
Goldrush
Arkansas Black
Yates
Admission includes the petting farm, wagon rides and all our playgrounds- including the giant slides, kiddie corn maze playground, trike rides, jumping pillow and the new ball zone.
The bakery is open every day and offers goodies such as fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts and our famous apple fritters.
The farm market is open every day and has bushels and bushels of tree ripened apples, cider, canned goods, honey, baskets, peelers, toys and so much more. So plan to fill your shopping bags here.”

Hillcrest Orchards

First established in the 1920’s to produce apples, Panorama Orchards has since grown and developed into a popular orchard and farm market.

“Today we have available more than 20 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, and fall vegetables. This production, along with a variety of apple related products and baked goods from our own kitchens, is sold direct to the public at our farm market.

Fresh picked apples and homemade baked goods will be available all Fall and into Winter. Good sound apples will still be available in the off season until supplies run out.

The Ellijay area is widely known for its apples. The long growing season and cool nights during ripening insure superior flavor. Apples come in an amazing range of varieties, one of which will suit almost anyone’s taste. “
And here’s a top tip from the apple experts -
“To store fresh apples, pour loose into the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. If you have a larger quantity, you can keep them in a paper bag open to the air in a cool place such as a garage or basement. The optimal temperature is 34 or 35 degrees but do not go below 32 degrees.”

3 Places for Fruit Picking in Ellijay, Georgia for 2025