Ellijay, GA in August: What to Expect

The North Georgia Mountains are beautiful any time of the year, but they really shine during the summer months of June, July, and August.

The apple capital of Georgia, Ellijay, is the perfect landing spot to explore the mountains during your August vacation. Between the outdoor adventures, water activities, and nearby wineries, there are endless things to do and places to discover. Come stay with us at Blue Sky Cabin rentals and enjoy the beauty of Ellijay in August.

Below is everything you need to know to have an unforgettable August getaway to Ellijay, Georgia.
 

Getting to Ellijay, GA

Photo Credit: maxbelchenko

Ellijay, Georgia, is located just two hours north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains. It’s easy to get here from many major Southeast cities, including Chattanooga (2 hours), Knoxville (2.5 hours), and Greenville (3 hours).

Take the scenic drive through the Blue Ridge mountains to get to Ellijay, which neighbors other popular towns like Blue Ridge. We definitely recommend having a vehicle, as there are limited ride-sharing options available. Ideally, you’ll want all-wheel drive to travel to the many outdoor activities in Ellijay.
 

August Weather in Ellijay

August weather is very similar to July, with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. We know this sounds hot (and it is!), but the high mountain elevations and many rivers nearby make it easy to cool off during the month of August.

Be sure to pack breathable clothing for your day’s activities. You’ll also want to bring hiking shoes, sunscreen, and wet gear for the variety of outdoor adventures that Ellijay offers. Coming prepared makes the warm weather a breeze!
 

August Activities in Ellijay, Georgia

Enjoy a Day of Kayaking

Photo Credit: svetograph

Ellijay is surrounded by many local rivers, making water activities like fishing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and kayaking extremely accessible.

Guests have several different options for kayaking. Nearby Cartecay River offers Class I, Class II, and Class III rapids, providing a mixture of adventure and relaxation as you get closer to Ellijay. Cartecay River Experience, a local rental company, offers kayak rentals, a free parking lot, and shuttle services for the day.

Ellijay River is another popular option offering much calmer waters. We recommend Ellijay River Outfitters for your kayaking or tubing rentals down Ellijay River. Finally, the Coosawattee River is at the confluence of the Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers, eventually flowing into Carters Lake. It’s another great local spot for kayaking.

Explore Historic Downtown Ellijay

Downtown Ellijay is the epitome of small town charm. The streets are lined with historic buildings, artisan markets, mom-and-pop restaurants, and unique stores. During the summer, you’ll often find live music gracing you as you stroll down Main Street.

You could spend a whole day in the Downtown area and not run out of places to discover. For shopping, we recommend heading to Artful Ellijay or Misty Hollow Antiques. We’ve got you covered on all of our favorite Downtown restaurants when you’re ready for some grub.

And if you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the family-friendly Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market. This summer event is a crowd favorite. You can stock up on your handmade goods, local produce, and unique finds. There are even food trucks and live music to round out the day’s entertainment!

Go Mountain Biking with a View

Photo Credit: Robb Sutton via Flickr CC2.0

Looking for a thrill-seeking way to experience the surrounding mountain views? May we suggest mountain biking! Ellijay is known as the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia because it is home to over 50 biking trails throughout the North Georgia mountains.

Head to Hickey Knob Trail or Long Branch Loop Trail for an easy start to mountain biking. The Stanley Gap Loop is another popular option but is definitely challenging. If you are looking for bike rentals or mountain biking lessons, we suggest Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery. It doubles as a bike shop and brewery – a unique combination perfectly befitting of the Ellijay culture! They can also help you decide which trail is right for you.

Take Your Furry Friend on a Hike

Photo Credit: Lucky Business

Ellijay is full of pet-friendly activities, so there’s no need to leave your furry friends behind when you visit. Hiking is one of the most popular pet-friendly adventures to do, of course.

Ellijay is surrounded by incredible hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, which is nearby. Options range from leisurely strolls to challenging day hikes, giving you and your pup plenty of options. Some of our favorite local hikes include the Long Branch Loop Trail, an easy, 2-mile roundtrip hike, and the Benton MacKaye Trail, a moderate, 5-mile trek.

There are also many waterfall hikes nearby, including Georgia’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls. Bring along your furry friend and enjoy the incredible views while hiking the North Georgia mountains in the summer.

Go Boating on Carters Lake

Photo Credit: marekuliasz

There is no better activity on an August day than a boat trip on Carters Lake. Just a 30-minute drive from Ellijay, Carters Lake offers 3,200 acres of water and 62 miles of natural shoreline, making it the premiere spot for water sports and recreational opportunities.

Head to Carters Lake Marina for pontoon boat rentals and take advantage of this local lake's wide, open space. They offer a range of pontoon boats, including a fishing boat (and even one with a slide!), so there’s an option for you.
 

August 2024 Events in Ellijay

Ellijay Lion’s Club Gilmer County Fair

• Dates: August 13-18, 2024
• Address: 1729 S Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Price: Admission is $5/adults, children 6 and under are free

Organized by the Ellijay Lion’s Club, the Gilmer County Fair is an annual event full of entertainment for the whole family. Come enjoy rides, carnival games, food, and more at this fun-filled event.

Live Music at Engelheim Vineyards

• Dates: Weekends during August
• Address: 120 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA
• Price: Free to visit; tasting prices vary

There is nothing better than sipping wine to the backdrop of live music on a summer day. Engelheim Vineyards, one of the most popular local vineyards, regularly hosts local artists throughout the summer for weekend live music. Head to the winery, taste delicious wines and enjoy live music by local bands while you’re in Ellijay.

Pro tip: Cartecay Vineyards is another great spot with regular live music throughout the summer.
 

Book You August Stay in Ellijay

Whether you prefer an active vacation with hiking and water activities or a more relaxed trip with peaceful strolls downtown, Ellijay has you covered. Come stay at Blue Sky Cabin rentals and take advantage of all of the fun things this charming mountain town has to offer.

We hope you have an incredible August vacation to Ellijay!