Endless Adventure Awaits at Ellijay & Carters Lake in Gilmer County
Rooted in tradition and historic agriculture, Gilmer County is the idyllic, peaceful valley that is surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Unlike sprawling urban counties, the abundance of recreational opportunities makes it a great place to have endless adventures in wide open spaces.
Nearby Carters Lake is one of the deepest reservoir lakes in the North Georgia Mountains, at a depth of 450 ft., surface area of 3,200 acres and 62 miles around the shore. The lake is fed by the Coosawattee River out of Ellijay and is located in both Gilmer and Murray Counties. The sparkling waters offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, & boating. Families come to picnic, swim or just enjoy a quiet hour of nature and bird watching on the calm waters of Carters Lake.
Several campgrounds with many amenities are located around Carters Lake including, Doll Mountain, Woodring Branch, and Harris Branch Beach. Hiking and biking trails are located in various areas around the lake.
If you like to explore the wilderness, you will find miles of trails for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, + horseback riding including nearby Amicalola Falls and Fort Mountain State Park, to experience this natural wonderland.
Gilmer County is also known as Georgia’s “Mountain Biking Capital.” No off season here, with maintained year-round trails that are kept by volunteers and biking associations. Trails like Bear Creek or Pinhoti offer six to ten-mile rides for intermediate to advanced riders.
In addition to the lake, Gilmer County has beautiful waterways of the Cartecay Rivers as they come together to form the Coosawattee River. Smaller creeks like Turniptown and Mountaintown offer outdoor enthusiasts another scenic backdrop. The Cartecay’s natural progression from flat-water to Class III rapids offers plenty of play spots for paddlers, kayaks, canoeing, or tubing.
Visitors also enjoy River Park on the banks of the Coosawattee River, with picnic, tennis courts, and walking trails along the river.
Every Fall Ellijay is known as “The Pick” of the crop as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia! The county provides more than 600,000 bushels of delicious mountain grown apples a year and generational family owned orchards offer many varieties including seasonal “U pick” activities.
Visitors come far & wide for Georgia’s Apple Festival that is held every year during the 2nd & 3rd weekend of October.
Other local Agra-culture includes over six wineries in the Gilmer County area, and each year the Winegrowers Association of Georgia hosts a Wine Highway Weekend. Fall brings Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and the many apple orchards that open to the public. The picturesque valley along State Hwy. 52 East, known to locals as “Apple Alley”. Otherapple orchards are located on Hwy. 76 North / S.R. 282 and Hwy. 515. They offer a year-round selection of baked goods, including apple pies, fritters, cookies, breads, and local crafts.
Downtown Ellijay is a true “Main Street” community where you’ll find the town square beautifully accented with brick-lined sidewalks and a round-a-bout traffic circle by the courthouse. Quaint shops fill the downtown with antiques, art galleries, and unique restaurants.
The Tabor House Museum & Gilmer County Historical Society is located behind the courthouse. This Victorian-style home, built in 1870, is the home to artifacts from Cherokee Indians, early settlers, and Gilmer’s military history. Visit anytime 11-3 on Thurs., Friday & most Saturdays.
From lakes, rivers, & winding trails to breathtaking mountain views; Ellijay and Gilmer County are calling those who love the great outdoors. Come for the apples, stay for the smiles, and explore a friendly mountain community. Come make memories that last in the mountains of Gilmer County & Ellijay, where adventure awaits!
Visit our welcome center downtown.
Or for more information about Ellijay,
call 706-334-2248 or visit www.GilmerChamber.com
for your visit to Ellijay and surrounding areas.
