Ellijay, GA

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, Ellijay is a small mountain town that serves as the county seat of Gilmer County. With a population of roughly 1,600, it carries the well-earned nickname of the "Apple Capital of Georgia," a title tied to the surrounding orchards that have made the area a fall destination for generations. The town sits at the confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers and acts as a southern gateway to the vast Chattahoochee National Forest. It lies approximately 80 miles north of Atlanta, a drive of around an hour and a half that climbs from the Piedmont into the forested ridges of the southern Appalachians, giving the area a distinctly different feel from the state's larger urban centers.

A short drive east of downtown brings visitors into the heart of Georgia's apple country, where family-run u-pick orchards line the rural roads each autumn. Places like Hillcrest Orchards and B.J. Reece Orchards have been welcoming guests for decades with seasonal apple picking, hayrides, farm markets, and barnyard attractions that draw families from across the Southeast. The orchards typically open in late August and run through early November, making this one of the busiest periods of the year for lodging in the area.

About a 30-minute drive southwest of town, Fort Mountain State Park offers a mix of outdoor recreation and quiet mystery. The park is best known for an ancient, roughly 855-foot-long stone wall that runs along the ridge of Fort Mountain, the origin of which remains debated by archaeologists. Beyond the wall, the park features a small lake, miles of hiking and biking trails, a waterfall, and a pioneer campground, making it a popular day trip for both casual visitors and serious hikers exploring the Cohutta Mountains.

Carters Lake, the largest lake in the Georgia mountains not created by the Tennessee Valley Authority, lies just a few miles west of Ellijay. The deep, undeveloped reservoir is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is known for its clear water, scenic bluffs, and reputation as one of the best bass-fishing lakes in the state. Public recreation areas around the lake offer boat ramps, swimming beaches, and picnic spots, providing a quieter alternative to Georgia's busier man-made reservoirs.

Just down the road, the neighboring town of Blue Ridge, about 20 minutes northeast, adds another layer to the region with its restored historic depot and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which runs excursion trains along the Toccoa River toward the Tennessee border.

Together, these ingredients — mountain scenery, a strong seasonal identity tied to the apple harvest, easy access to national forest and state park land, and proximity to a second charming mountain town — make Ellijay a particularly well-rounded base for short-term rentals. Owners can lean into fall foliage and harvest-season travelers, while also capturing the steady flow of couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the North Georgia mountains throughout the rest of the year.