Ellijay – Rivers, Culture and Hiking in the Region

Ellijay lies between the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers, which together form the Coosawattee River. The town is also on the edge of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the mountains of North Georgia. This gives you a range of themes to choose from during your stay: river activities, culture, wine, and hiking in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for hotels in Ellijay, it helps to first decide which of these interests will shape your travel plans.

Rivers and activities on the water

The river names provide a useful first clue to the area’s geography: the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers together form the Coosawattee River. For visitors planning an activity on the water, Cartecay River Experience offers a shuttle service. You must bring your own inner tube or kayak. Bringing your own boat is therefore part of planning for this offering. Before setting out, check whether the shuttle service fits your current travel plans.

History and culture in Ellijay

The Tabor House is a Victorian-era home. At the Tabor House Museum, artifacts tell the story of Cherokee history, early settlers, the region, the Civil War, and military history. You can take a self-guided tour or choose one led by a volunteer. This lets you explore the exhibits on your own or have a guide accompany you.

The area’s history goes back further: the Ellijay area was inhabited by the Cherokee for a long time; early accounts describe it as a village and trading center. Another cultural point of interest is the George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse. It is a community theater that has served Ellijay and Gilmer County since 1992. These offer different cultural connections for your trip: the history at the museum and the theater’s role in the community.

Wine and events

At Engelheim Vineyards, wine professionals guide personalized wine tastings in the tasting room. The wine is grown, produced, and crafted at the vineyard. Both the tasting and the production are therefore part of the vineyard’s stated focus. If you’re planning a wine tasting, check in advance to see what opportunities to take part are currently available.

The Georgia Apple Festival has been held in Gilmer County every October for more than 50 years. The program includes handmade arts and crafts, live music, on-site demonstrations, and food. Since program details can change from one edition to the next, check the dates and the program for that year before your trip.

Hiking in the surrounding area

A key regional hiking destination is Springer Mountain, where the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is located. The 2,100-mile long-distance trail runs north from there to Maine. The Appalachian Trail, the Benton MackKaye Trail, and the AT Approach Trail also meet at Springer Mountain.

The Springer Mountain area also has loop hikes ranging from five to ten miles. This gives you a choice of different trail types: the long-distance trail, which runs all the way to Maine, and shorter loop hikes. If you want to include hiking in your trip, you can use this information to decide whether to choose a long-distance trail or a loop hike.

Discover more destinations: East Ellijay

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Gilmer County.