Want some fun and inexpensive things to do in the North Georgia Mountains? Head up to the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy your fall break in the vibrant colors, crisp air, and peaceful scenery of North Georgia. Only a little over an hour from Atlanta, Ellijay and Blue Ridge feature so many festive options, you can make a long weekend or a full vacation out of the trip!

The perfect place to stay during your fall fun is at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, which offers very affordable accommodations within close proximity of the apple farms, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn maze. The Villa’s cabins, villas, A-frames, and multi-unit are one, two, and three bedroom, some of which feature hot tubs, lofts, river views, and mountain scenes. The Villas is located inside the Coosawattee River Resort off of GA Highway 382 and features 300+ miles of rambling roads to enjoy all the kaleidoscope patterns of fall foliage.

Now off to the local flavor: the top apple farm that makes our list is Hillcrest Orchards. Hillcrest Orchards is located along ‘apple farm alley’ and offers pick-your-fun. During the annual “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee”, visitors can pick their own apples, milk a cow, watch live pig races, visit the petting farm, take a wagon ride through the orchard, visit the Moonshine Museum and watch live bands & cloggers on the Hillcrest Stage. A giant slide and jumping pillow add extra fun for the kids! And before leaving, make sure to gather a bag of crisp apples to take with you! Hillcrest Orchards is located off of Highway 52 E.

Just minutes down the road from Hillcrest is the best pumpkin patch around: Burt’s Farm. One of the most impressive features of Burt’s farm is the vast array of pumpkin types, winter squash, gourds and fall decorations.  Indian corn, cornstalks and hay bales are also in never-ending supply. Don’t forget to check the “barn” store for Burt’s fresh baked pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, candied popcorn and a whole assortment of other goodies. From 75 N, Burt’s is located 1/2 mile on your right from the highway 183/52 intersection on highway 52.

Hayrides are offered at Hillcrest Orchards and Burt’s Farm. The Hillcrest ride winds you through the vast apple farm fields and gives you a peaceful tour. Burt’s Farm offers hayrides pulled by John Deere tractors that take you through a winding trail filled with nature and beauty. So, whether you are visiting an apple farm or pumpkin patch, take some time to enjoy a hay-ride and soak up some mountain scenery and fresh air.

For the corn maze of all corn mazes in North Georgia, you have to try out Reece Corn Maze which is conveniently across from Hillcrest Orchards and minutes from Burt’s Farm on “apple farm alley”. The maze is within a 7 ½ acre field with green corn 12 feet high! This year’s theme is a cowboy with his horse kneeling at the foot of a cross. Daily wagon rides and horse-back riding through the corn maze are also featured, with ring riding for kids. Also make sure to picnic by the creek bank, relax next to the campfire, and roast some marshmallows.

Come and be part of the lively atmosphere of spectacular North Georgia! You’ll gather as many happy memories as apples. Enjoy the colorful pumpkin patches, winding hayrides, and adventurous corn mazes. Don’t forget all the extras that come along with the trip, such as The Villas’ 300 miles rambling roads with kaleidoscope patterns of fallen leaves, the Apple Pickin’ Jubilee at Hillcrest, and the fresh baked goods at Burt’s. All of this is only a short drive from Atlanta.