Local Apple- and Pumpkin-Picking Favorites

Fall is finally here! It's time enjoy all the things you look forward to around this time of the year--pumpkin-flavored everything, cooler temperatures, the turning of the leaves, and pumpkin patches of course!

Pumpkin patches and apple picking are a good bit of seasonal fun that the whole family can enjoy. Here's a list of our favorites:

Burt's Farm
Photo by Troy Shirbroun

Burt's Farm (Dawsonville, GA): This is the place to go for pumpkins, hayrides and family fun. Make this stop in Dawsonville your new fall tradition--with pumpkins that range from an eye popping 150 lbs. to a modest 1 lb., they grow thousands of pumpkins, so the selection is vast and the quantity is never ending. One of the most fascinating features of Burt’s farm is the impressive selection of every type of pumpkin, winter squash, gourds and fall decorations.

B.J. Reece Apple House (Elijay, GA): Since its establishment in 1970, Reece Orchards has been a popular seasonal attraction. Pick your own apples and stop to enjoy a sweet treat at the bakery. Apple cannons and a petting zoo for the kids.

Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge, GA): This orchard, established by Bill and Adele Mercier, is celebrating 69 years of harvests. In addition to apples, visitors can pick their own pumpkins and enjoy a tractor ride or a visit to the country store for some apple danishes to go with your hard cider--choose from three varieties.

Southern Tree Plantations (Blairsville, GA): This plantation grows pumpkins, spruce, and fir trees for you to pick or cut and purchase. Trees also come pre-cut and burlapped, ready to replant. Kids will enjoy the wooden maze, pony rides and roasting marshmallows on the open fire pit.

Corn Dawgs (Loganville, GA): A relatively inexpensive agritourism park. Plenty of fun activities for adults and kids, including mazes, zip lines, underground slides, a Pumpkin Blaster, jumping pillows and a Little Farmer's Playground for the smaller ones.

Hillside Country Store and Farm (Lakemont, GA): Home to the Honey Bee Corn Maze. In addition to the maze, there is live local bluegrass and/or gospel music every weekend. Visit for the Fall Farm Day Sale, or just stop by the moonshine still.