Small Town. Big Views.
Gilmer County, Georgia
Connecting Town and Trail
Small Town. Big Views.
That’s the motto here in Ellijay and Gilmer County, GA, and they mean it. Lying at the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Gilmer County is a prime destination for outdoor recreation of all types. The southern terminus of the A.T. (as well as that of the Benton MacKaye Trail) sits in Gilmer County, and the Gilmer County Hiking Guide was created to assist visitors in picking the right trail for them. With easy access to Amicalola Falls State Park and the beautiful Three Forks valley, Ellijay and surrounding towns in Gilmer County make a great basecamp for an A.T. adventure.
Plan Your Visit
The mountain landscapes are the perfect setting for hiking and mountain biking, and Gilmer County is home to an extensive trail network. With over 100 miles of singletrack and no real off-season, the county has also been featured as a biking destination in national publications, and has been declared “Georgia’s Mountain Biking Capital.” The rivers are well known for the boating and fishing opportunities they provide, as well as the tranquil settings for day hikes or picnics. The area lakes are premium destinations for those seeking quality watersports without the maddening crowds of other reservoirs in the region.
Once you’ve tuckered yourself out on your outdoor adventures, visitors to Gilmer County will find vineyards, pick-your-own orchards, farmers’ markets, and mountain roads with beautiful vistas. The annual Georgia Apple Festival, held on two weekends in October, entices visitors from all over with craft vendors, artists, antique cars, a parade, and all things apple.
Many visitors to Gilmer County come back time and again and search for ways to make it their home. To plan your adventure to Gilmer County and Ellijay, visit Explore the Ellijays, and learn about upcoming events on the calendar here.
• Gilmer Chamber of Commerce
• Jerry’s General Store
• Linda’s Outback Antiques & More
• Reece’s Cider Company
• Ron’s Appalachian Trail Shuttle
• The Shack
These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. Community Supporter program.
Get Involved
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from its membership and the interested public. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes the appreciation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and natural outdoor places through education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on conservation ethics and protection of the forests, their natural resources and wilderness areas. georgia-atclub.org.
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.