Ellijay in July: What to Expect

Are you trying to decide between a mountain or lakeside vacation this summer? If you are heading to Ellijay, Georgia, you won’t have to! Just a two hour drive from the bustle of Atlanta, this charming mountain town tucked in the North Georgia mountains offers the best of both worlds.

Let’s be real - there is no bad time to visit North Georgia. However, if apples, local markets, and winery hopping peak your interest we have a suggestion that may fit the bill! July is the perfect time to take advantage of all those things and the many outdoor activities, water sports, and family entertainment that Ellijay offers. From hiking to boating to exploring Downtown Ellijay, you won’t run out of summertime adventures when you stay with us at Blue Sky Cabin rentals.

Don’t worry; we’ve got the ultimate guide to enjoying Ellijay in July below, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
 

July Weather in Ellijay

July brings warm weather to Ellijay. The average temperatures get up to the 90s during the day, with lows hanging out in the 70s at night. While the weather might be hot, the higher elevations offer reprieve as you explore the North Georgia mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities to cool off with summer water activities.

We recommend packing plenty of comfortable, breathable clothes for the many outdoor adventures coming your way. Bring swimsuits and wet shoes if you plan to enjoy water activities. And don’t forget sun protection for these warm, sunny days!
 

July Activities in Ellijay

Go Mountain Biking

Photo Credit: Robb Sutton via Flickr CC2.0

We don’t mean to brag, but Ellijay is considered the Mountain Bike Capital of Georgia, and for good reason. The area is home to over 50 biking trails with various options for every experience level.

Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery is the place to go for bike rentals, mountain biking lessons, trails and map information, and even group rides on Saturdays. They’ll help you decide which trail is best based on your experience level and desired terrain.

For some of our favorite easy mountain biking trails, head to Long Branch Loop Trail or Hickey Knob Trail. For more of a challenge, check out Stanley Gap Loop. Get ready for incredible views and the adventure of a lifetime when you mountain bike in Ellijay.
 

Visit Local Wineries

Photo Credit: Nikki Wolfe

Ellijay and the surrounding North Georgia mountains are home to countless local wineries. The mild weather and mountainous landscape make it the perfect environment for producing award-winning wine.

Located right outside of Ellijay, Cartecay Vineyards offers wine tastings in their tasting barn, live music events on the weekends, and picturesque views. It’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the beauty of North Georgia on a July day.

Engelheim Vineyards is another popular winery in Ellijay. It offers over 20 wines, which can be tasted in its tasting room seven days a week. Throughout the summer, live music is played every Friday night. Engelheim Vineyards is also child and pet-friendly, so bring your family and enjoy a relaxing day at this beautiful vineyard.
 

Enjoy a Day at Carters Lake

Photo Credit: ScottyJ3785

Fed by the Coosawattee River, Carters Lake is touted as the deepest lake in Georgia. It offers more than 60 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect destination to enjoy water activities.

One of the most popular activities on the lake is boating. Whether you are looking for a leisurely pontoon trip or a fishing excursion, Carters Lake Marina offers boat rentals for your day on the water. Carters Lake is an angler's paradise known for its abundant bass fishing.

There are numerous hiking trails along the lake’s shoreline for those looking to hike or bike before dipping in the water. Be sure to head to the marina’s full-service restaurant when you work up an appetite.
 

Go Waterfall Chasing

Photo Credit: Kelly vanDellen

Ellijay and the surrounding areas are known for their incredible hiking trails. But did you also know that many of those trails come with a waterfall at the end?

Summer is the perfect time to go waterfall chasing in North Georgia. From double waterfalls to waterfalls with swimming holes, there’s a range of options for everyone. One of our favorites is Fall Branch Falls, an easy, 1-mile roundtrip hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall cascading down cliffs.

A short drive from Ellijay, Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet. Visitors can choose to view the waterfall from an accessible pathway or take the strenuous 8.5-mile trail that leads to Springer Mountain, the start of the Appalachian Trail.
 

Visit Apple Orchard Markets

Photo Credit: k_samurkas

Ellijay is known as Georgia’s Apple Capital, and the area boasts nearly a dozen apple orchards.

Apple season starts as early as July and lasts until October. While apple picking doesn’t begin until the fall in Ellijay, you can head to the apple orchard’s market and find all kinds of treats made from the apples they’ve picked. From jellies and jams to apple pies and fritters, there are plenty of options to give you a taste of Ellijay apples.

Some of our favorite local orchards include Red Apple Barn and Hillcrest Orchards.
 

July Events in Ellijay

Downtown Ellijay 4th of July Fireworks

Photo Credit: afotostock

• Date: July 4
• Address: Sailors Drive in Downtown Ellijay
• Price: Free

Downtown Ellijay is the place to be on the Fourth of July. Enjoy a parade during the day and a fireworks display at night for Ellijay’s Annual 4th of July Celebrations.
 

Food Truck Tuesday

Photo Credit: ellijay-ga.gov

• Date: First Tuesday of the month
• Address: 1561 S. Main Street, Ellijay, GA
• Price: Free

Food Truck Tuesday takes place on the first Tuesday of each month in Downtown Ellijay. Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy live music, and eat delicious local food.
 

Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market

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

Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, local goods, and unique finds at Ellijay Farmers and Artisans Market each Saturday in July. It’s located in the parking lot next to the courthouse downtown.
 

Enjoy Your July Vacation to Ellijay

Ellijay is the place to be during the month of July. It offers everything you could want for summer vacation: incredible mountain views, fun water activities, and a quaint mountain town with a thriving Downtown.

Between the local wineries, outdoor adventures, and local events, we love how easy it is to access all of the fun from our Ellijay cabin rentals. Book your summer stay today!