Ellijay Orchard Guide: BJ Reece Orchards
Known for its endless farm activities, memorable U-Pick experience, and tasty baked goods, BJ Reece Orchards is an Ellijay fall family favorite. From late August through October, everyone is welcome to stroll the orchards and pick their own apples before stopping by the bakery for fried pies, apple fritters, cake rolls, fudge, and other tasty treats. Whether you spend the day picking apples and enjoying all the farm activities or just stop by for some delicious baked goods, a visit to B.J. Reece Orchards is always a fun-filled adventure.
The Family Behind BJ Reece Orchards
B.J. Reece began the family farm in the 1960s, planting the roots of what would become one of Ellijay’s family favorite orchards. BJ’s son, John Reece and his wife Rachel, took over the farm in 1996 and significantly expanded the farm. Today, the orchard spans over 200 acres of apples and 30 acres of peaches, along with Asian pears, nectarines, and seasonal vegetables.
In 2020, B.J.’s grandson Taner and his wife, Sarah, opened Reece’s Cider Company across the street, introducing Ellijay’s first cidery. Having grown up among the orchards, Taner developed a deep appreciation for the land and its bounty. That passion now fuels Reece’s Cider Company, offering exceptional hard ciders using fresh, orchard-grown apples straight from their farm.
The Fall Experience
While B.J. Reece Orchards is open year-round, fall is when the farm truly comes alive, with over 200 acres of apples and more than 20 varieties ready for picking. To get the best selection, plan to visit early in the day during U-Pick season, which runs from late August through October. No trip is complete without sampling their famous fried pies or a refreshing cider slushy, all made with apples straight from the orchards. The market also offers seasonal produce, honey and syrups, ciders, and sugar-alternative products, making it easy to take a taste of the farm home with you.
Beyond the orchard and bakery, the farm is packed with family-friendly fun including: pony rides, a petting zoo, apple cannons, pig races, cow milking, wagon rides, a corn maze scavenger hunt, a giant farm slide, human hamster wheels, and more. Kids (and adults) will enjoy the corn box, race rubber ducks, and meet alpacas, goats, turkeys, and other friendly farm animals. Whether you choose General Admission or Mega Farm Admission, every visit is a full-day adventure.
Know Before You Go
- Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM
- Admission for U-Pick closes at 5 PM daily.
- Address:
- 9131 Hwy 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536
- Phone:
- 706-276-3048
Upcoming Events at BJ Reece Orchards:
List of events in Photo View
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