Local Amenities

Whether you’re into fishing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, or just lounging on the shore, you’ll find it all here in Gilmer County. The North Georgia mountains are also great place to experience nature and wildlife in person…rather than on a television documentary.  Here are just a few examples of what’s available to you here in the North Georgia mountains.

Horseback Riding

There’s plenty of natural beauty to see here in Gilmer County, and one of the best ways is a time-honored one: on horseback.  Gilmer County and Ellijay have a variety of stables and organized trail rides aimed to help you do just that.  Visit the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce to find one that’s right for you. www.gilmerchamber.com

World Class Golf

Spend a day on the golf course, where you tee off to the backdrop of a mountain vista!  Public and private courses are located within Ellijay and the greater Gilmer County area, so grab your clubs and book your tee time! 

Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary

A 50-acre facility that cares for Georgia and Southeastern United States native injured and orphaned wildlife.  By visiting the center, you’ll learn about local wildlife, their habitats, and how to help preserve their place in the wild. http://www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org/

Carters Lake/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Sparkling waters and natural shorelines in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains, Carters Lake is one of the best outdoor recreation areas in Georgia.  The lake has areas for boating, swimming, overnight camping, mountain biking and more. http://carters.sam.usace.army.mil/

Bicycling

If you’re into cycling, North Georgia’s GA HWY 52 E has dedicated lanes guaranteed to give you a great mountain biking experience.  If you’re a cycling fan, April’s annual Tour de Georgia passes right through northern Georgia. www.tourdegeorgia.com

Amicalola Falls

Located 20 miles from Ellijay and meaning “tumbling waters”, Amicalola’s 729-foot waterfall is the tallest east of the Mississippi.  There are also plenty of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. http://www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola/

North Georgia Annual Festivals

One of the best things about living in North Georgia is the small-town community atmosphere – which is regularly celebrated in a variety of annual festivals. In addition to the fall’s Annual Georgia Apple Festival (www.georgiaapplefestival.org) there are several other events throughout the spring and summer that celebrate the community.

Town of Ellijay Annual Festivals

July 4th Old Fashioned Celebration
Every Independence day, downtown Ellijay salutes the flag with a parade, food, local entertainments and fireworks. 

Appalachian Regional Fair
In August.  An old-time country fair, with midway rides, great food, contests, arts and crafts, and talent shows.

Art & Crafts on the Square
In October.  Sponsored by the local merchants association, this event features local food, arts, and craft vendors displaying their wares on the downtown Ellijay square.

Festival of Trees
In December.  Ellijay lights up for the holidays as local businesses and organizations decorate and display trees throughout the season.