Ellijay, GA in June: What to Expect

Ellijay, tucked in the North Georgia mountains, is an ideal place to spend your June getaway. Why? This quaint mountain town is home to a variety of outdoor activities, with opportunities to hike, mountain bike, chase waterfalls, and more during the summertime. With plenty of rivers and streams nearby, there are also tons of water activities to enjoy.

Downtown Ellijay is in full-swing this time of year, too. Between food trucks, live music, and farmers’ markets, the whole town comes to life during the month of June.

Want in on the fun? Come stay at Blue Sky Cabin Rentals and enjoy the ultimate Ellijay getaway! We’ve put together our June travel guide below to get the most out of your summer vacation.
 

Getting to Ellijay, GA

Ellijay, Georgia, is located in the North Georgia mountains, just two hours north of Atlanta. Other nearby cities include Chattanooga (2 hours), Knoxville (2.5 hours), and Greenville (3 hours). Ellijay is just south of nearby mountain towns like Blue Ridge and Cherry Log.

Visitors can take the scenic drive through the Blue Ridge mountains to Ellijay. Once there, we recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle to travel to the many local attractions. Ride-shares are limited here. Between the hiking trails, nearby mountain towns, local wineries, and more, you’ll want your vehicle to get to all of the exciting places to explore!
 

June Weather in Ellijay

With average high temperatures in the 80s and lows in the 60s, June offers the ideal weather for taking advantage of all of the summer activities in Ellijay. It won’t rain much, but expect the humidity to start rising by the end of June. There will be plenty of cool mornings and evenings, with warmer weather during the day.

We recommend packing light, breathable clothing for your daytime outdoor adventures. Don’t forget your swimsuit, wet shoes, and sunscreen for water activities. And finally, we recommend bringing layers for those cooler moments during the day.
 

June Activities in Ellijay

Go Kayaking Down Local Rivers

Photo Credit: Heath Conn

June is the perfect time to enjoy water activities in the Blue Ridge mountains. Ellijay is conveniently situated among many local rivers, providing opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and swimming.

If you’re looking for an epic kayaking adventure, you’ve got a few options. Cartecay River is a popular recreational area offering Class I, Class II, and Class III rapids. The river provides the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, as the waters get calmer as it continues through Ellijay. Cartecay River Experience is a local company with kayak rentals, a free parking lot, and shuttle services.

Guests can also choose to float down Ellijay River, which offers a much calmer kayaking experience. Ellijay River begins at Goose Island Lake and takes you 15 miles downriver through beautiful scenery. Ellijay River Outfitters is your spot for kayaking or tubing rentals.
 

Go Wine Tasting at Cartecay Vineyards

Photo Credit: Nikki Wolfe via Flickr CC2.0

• Address: 5704 Clear Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA
• Website: cartecayvineyards.com

We can’t think of a better June activity than sipping wine while enjoying lush mountain views. Lucky for you, Cartecay Vineyards is located right outside of Ellijay. This award-winning winery is home to delicious wine, picturesque views, a tasting barn, and an outdoor venue. It’s the perfect place to admire the beauty that is the North Georgia mountains in June.

Cartecay Vineyards offers wine tastings in its tasting barn, which features a tasting bar, covered porch, and deck. Live music events take place every weekend, and the winery is open daily.
 

Visit the Historic Downtown District

Photo Credit: rodclementphotography

Downtown Ellijay is the place to be on a beautiful summer day. Stroll the streets of the historic Downtown area, where you’ll find mom-and-pop shops, local restaurants, artisans' markets, and live music. Here are some of our other favorite summer stops.

• Head to Artful Ellijay, The Loving Bull, and Misty Hollow Antiques for unique home and clothing finds.
• When you’re ready for some delicious grub, check out Back Porch Bistro, Cantaberry Restaurant, and The Hitching Post, among many other of our favorite Downtown restaurants.
• For cultural experiences, head to Tabor House & Civil War Museum and George Link, Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse.
• Every Saturday throughout the summer, Downtown Ellijay hosts the Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market. Located in the Gilmer County Courthouse parking lot, this is a great place to stock up on handcrafted goods and local produce.
   

Hike a Part of the Appalachian Trail

Photo Credit: Jonathan A. Mauer

Located at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Ellijay is surrounded by tons of incredible hiking trails.

Appalachian Approach Trail is at the southern tip of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia all the way to Maine. The challenging 16-mile trailhead begins at Amicalola Falls State Park and ends at the top of Stringer Mountain.

If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly hike, head to Cohutta Falls for a short but steep trail with rewarding mountain views. There are also plenty of waterfall hikes nearby, including Fall Branch Falls, an easy one-mile roundtrip hike with a grand waterfall at the end.
 

Visit the Ellijay Mushrooms Farm

Photo Credit: Angela Knutson

• Address: 2269 Old Flat Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA
• Website: ellijaymushrooms.com

If you’re looking for a unique summer activity, we have just the one. Located just outside of Ellijay, Ellijay Mushrooms Farm is a family-owned sustainable farm growing a variety of delicious mushrooms. The 171-acre farm is at the foothills of the Appalachians, providing beautiful mountain views among their mushroom production.

Visitors can head to the farm store, where you’ll find mushrooms, meats, cheese, prepared meals, and other specialty finds for sale. The farm store also sells mushroom art and goodies, perfect for the mushroom enthusiasts out there. While there, you might even be able to tour one of the mushroom grow houses and witness the magic of mushroom farming up close.
 

Go Ziplining at Amicalola Falls State Park

Photo Credit: Yao P

• Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd, Dawsonville, GA
• Website: blueskycabinrentals.com/Amicalola-State-Park.htm

Looking for a thrill-seeking activity this summer? May we suggest zip-lining? Right outside of Ellijay, Amicalola Falls State Park offers zip-line and aerial adventures for the whole family to experience.

Their Zipline Canopy Tour offers incredible views of the North Georgia mountains, exciting zip lines, and plenty of suspension bridges. Guests can choose between three levels depending on experience and age. Tours range from 1 to 4 hours.

This is the perfect way to witness aerial mountain views while enjoying a riveting, family-friendly activity.
 

June 2024 Events in Ellijay

Ellijay Songwriters Festival

Photo Credit: Sergey Nivens

• Date: May 20 to June 2, 2024
• Address: Varying venues across Ellijay
• Price: Prices vary based on the day of attendance and many performances are free.
   

Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market

Photo Credit: Bob Smith

• Date: Each Saturday in June from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Address: 1 Broad St, Ellijay, GA, United States, Georgia
• Price: Free
   

Figurative Portrait Drawing Class at Gilmer Arts Playhouse

Photo Credit: Walter Petruska

• Date: June 19, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm
• Address: 135 N Dalton St, Ellijay, GA
• Price: $10 for members; $20 for non-members
   

Enjoy Ellijay in the Summertime

Ellijay, Georgia, is a great year-round destination, but we think it’s extra special during the summertime. June offers the best of summer weather: warm, sunny days and cooler mornings and nights.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the many water activities, outdoor adventures, and Downtown events that Ellijay is home to, but sure to plan your visit to Blue Sky Cabin Rentals during the month of June.

We can’t wait to host you for your summer getaway!