08/16/2026
Book your stay at Bear Mountain Lodge and enjoy the Apple Festival just 20 minutes away!!! 🐻
🍎 3-Day North Georgia Apple Festival Itinerary: Georgia’s Apple Capital Turns Into a Mountain Fall Getaway Every October
Every October, the mountain town of Ellijay, Georgia celebrates its apple-growing heritage with one of North Georgia’s signature fall traditions.
The 55th annual Georgia Apple Festival returns for two weekends, October 10–11 and October 17–18, 2026, bringing more than 250 vendors, Appalachian crafts, live entertainment, apple treats, and plenty of small-town fall atmosphere to the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds.
But I wouldn’t drive to North Georgia just for the festival.
Turn it into a 3-day mountain getaway with Georgia’s tallest waterfall, vineyards, historic Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, a swinging bridge, and an orchard stop.
🍂 DAY 1: WATERFALLS, WINE & DAHLONEGA
10:00 AM | Amicalola Falls State Park
Start at one of North Georgia’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Amicalola Falls plunges 729 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Explore the overlooks and trails before the afternoon crowds arrive.
1:00 PM | Montaluce Winery
Trade waterfalls for rolling vineyard views with lunch at this Tuscan-inspired winery near Dahlonega. Enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the vines, with wine tasting available for those interested.
3:30 PM | Historic Downtown Dahlonega
Walk the charming town square, browse locally owned shops, grab coffee, and learn about the area’s Gold Rush history.
6:30 PM | Dinner & Mountain Lodge
For the full mountain experience, stay at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Another beautiful option is a vineyard stay near Dahlonega.
🍎 DAY 2: GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL
8:30 AM | Head to Ellijay Early
This is one day when sleeping in can cost you. Festival traffic can become heavy, so aim to reach Ellijay before the gates open.
9:00 AM | Georgia Apple Festival
The festival takes place at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 S. Main Street.
Spend the morning exploring 250+ vendor booths filled with handmade pottery, jewelry, woodworking, artwork, mountain crafts, and locally produced foods.
Come hungry.
Look for hot apple dumplings, apple fritters, fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, fresh cider, barbecue, and other Southern festival favorites.
12:00 PM | Apple-Food Feast
Skip the ordinary lunch and build your own apple-themed tasting tour through the food vendors.
1:30 PM | Downtown Ellijay & Apple Arts Festival
When you need a break from the main fairgrounds, head into downtown Ellijay for the free Apple Arts Festival. Browse boutiques, antiques, restaurants, and additional vendors at a more relaxed pace.
Unlike the main Georgia Apple Festival grounds, Apple Arts is also pet-friendly.
6:00 PM | Dinner in Ellijay
Finish with dinner downtown before retreating to your cabin or lodge.
🌉 DAY 3: SWINGING BRIDGE, BLUE RIDGE & APPLE ORCHARDS
10:00 AM | Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Take a scenic drive toward the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, one of North Georgia’s most memorable short hikes. The roughly 270-foot suspension bridge crosses high above the Toccoa River surrounded by mountain forest.
1:00 PM | Lunch in Blue Ridge
Continue to downtown Blue Ridge for lunch, then spend a little time exploring its shops and mountain-town streets.
3:30 PM | Orchard Stop
Save the most appropriate souvenir for last: apples.
Stop at an Ellijay-area orchard such as B.J. Reece Orchards or Red Apple Barn for fresh-picked apples, cider, doughnuts, fried pies, and other fall treats to take home.
🏡 WHERE I’D STAY
For nature and convenience, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is my top choice. For a romantic getaway, consider the vineyard accommodations around Dahlonega. If you want privacy and a cabin atmosphere, Ellijay and Blue Ridge have plenty of secluded mountain rentals.
📌 2026 FESTIVAL DETAILS
🍎 Dates: October 10–11 & October 17–18
🕘 Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM
🕘 Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
🎟️ Admission: $10
👧 Children 12 & under: Free
📍 Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, Georgia
🐕 Pets: Not permitted at the main festival, but welcome at downtown Apple Arts
Travel tip: Bring some cash and arrive early. October is peak mountain season, so lodging, parking, and the roads around Ellijay can become busy quickly.
