Apple Season & Forest Trails: A Fresh-Air Day from Bella Cabina to Home

Start with Sweetness: Hillcrest Orchards

Just a short drive east of Coosawattee River Resort, Hillcrest Orchards is a genuine family-run orchard offering u‑pick apples starting September 1, 2026 (hillcrestorchards.net). They’ve been growing apples since 1946 and pride themselves on being family-friendly with fun photo spots throughout the farm (hillcrestorchards.net). It’s a relaxed, down-to-earth place where you can gather crisp apples—and memories—before heading back to the cabin.

Then, Head Into the Woods: Cartecay River Loop Trail

After your orchard visit, stretch your legs on the Cartecay River Loop Trail, which winds through the Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area just outside Ellijay. This moderate 3.6‑mile loop follows the Cartecay River, passing through shaded forest and open meadows (discoverellijay.com). Be aware that access requires a Georgia DNR land-use permit or valid hunting/fishing license (discoverellijay.com).

A Bonus Option: Bear Creek Trail & the Gennett Poplar

If you’re up for something a bit quieter and more forested, the Bear Creek Trail is another gem. About five miles west of downtown Ellijay, the trail leads to the Gennett Poplar, one of Georgia’s largest and oldest tulip-poplar trees (discoverellijay.com). A shorter 1.8‑mile out‑and‑back gets you there, or you can make it a longer loop of around 5.7 miles (discoverellijay.com).

Why This Pairing Works So Well

• Balanced pace: Begin with the gentle, sensory pleasure of apple picking—bright fruit, wide-open sky, and a touch of farm life. Then move into the quiet of the forest, with creekside views or a towering poplar to admire. It’s the perfect contrast.
• Seasonal timing: Early fall brings crisp mornings at the orchard and golden light filtering through the trees on the trails.
• Flexibility: Whether you want a short outing or a longer ramble, both options scale nicely to your mood and energy.

Local Tips for a Smooth Day

• Bring a layer—Ellijay’s mornings can feel crisp, even in early fall.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet—both trails have creek crossings, and riverside paths can be slick after rain (discoverellijay.com).
• Pack a picnic or grab lunch in downtown Ellijay afterward—there’s nothing like a warm sandwich after a day outside.

This is the kind of day that stays with you: the sweet snap of a freshly picked apple, the hush of forest water, and the glow of autumn light on the way home.

Photos: Mard Coleman, Matthew Henry (Southeast Kayak Dude) via Google Maps.