Top Free Things To Do In Ellijay

Pet the animals at Mountain Valley Farms

Mountain Valley Farms doesn't just want you to buy their grass fed beef or free range pork, they want you and your family to learn where food comes from and learn why you should "eat food, not products". There is no charge to visit with the animals, and the farm store is a bonus where you can purchase locally grown products, ice-cream, cookbooks and more.

Gaze at the Gennett Poplar, the state record Tulip Poplar

Measuring 18 feet in diameter, this tree is a sight you must see. The tree is located on the famous Bear Creek Trail and is a relatively easy hike. There are creek crossings along the way, but well worth the adventure. This is a multi-use trail and is great for hiking or biking.

Visit the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival

Free events are hard to find, but the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival, held the first weekend in May (May 5 & 6, 2018) provides a fun Arts & Crafts show with no admission and no parking fees. Featuring some of the best artists and crafters in the area, along with free children's activities, and delicious food, you will be glad you didn't pass this event up.

Sample the local honeys at New Ground Market

New Ground Market carries honeys from all over the State of Georgia and beyond. You can visit their store and try out a variety of the honeys and compare to find your favorite in this cute shop located on North Main Street in Downtown Ellijay. This was also listed in the 31 Things To Do in Ellijay, GA by 365 Atlanta Family

Hike the Appalachian Trail

Ellijay is an Appalachian Trail community and we invite you to take those sacred steps so you can say that you hiked the AT! For the moderate to advanced hiker we recommend you hike the Appalachian Trail 8.6 miles roundtrip from the creek-filled Three Forks valley on this Springer Mountain trail - the southern end of the AT. For beginners and families we recommend the Springer loop hike that departs from the summit, retracing the Appalachian Trail in a descent toward the Benton Mackaye trail.

Check Out an Art Exhibit at Gilmer Arts

The Gallery at Gilmer Arts is home to a wide variety of works of art created by local and regional artists. Come often to view the always-changing exhibitions by talented artists in many mediums.  See two-dimensional works in oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels.  Their talented ceramic artists display hand-formed and wheel-thrown pottery that will inspire you with their inventive techniques, and you may see porcelains unlike any others.  They also feature interesting and beautiful textiles, and one-of-a-kind sculptures created from mixed-mediums.

Sample Apples at Our Local Apple Houses

Ellijay wouldn't be the Apple Capital of Georgia if you couldn't sample the apples. R & A Orchards, Panorama Orchards, and Mercier Orchards offers samples year round. During apple season, July-December, you can visit our many other apple houses who will let you taste a variety of locally grown apples.

Salute our Veterans at the Veteran's Memorial Bridge and Gardens

Take a stroll alongside the Coosawattee River in River Park, home to Veterans Memorial Bridge & Garden. A place of honor and remembrance, the Memorial Bridge and Gardens includes a 147 foot long pedestrian bridge spanning the Coosawattee River along with engraved markers honoring veterans as well as civic leaders. The gardens are also home to large engraved marble slabs including many patriotic and historical documents. Visit the bridge and gardens on Old Hwy 5, 1 ½ miles south of the downtown Ellijay roundabout. www.explorethemountains.com