Georgia
Ellijay is known for apples and for its October festival, but the ground it sits on is Cherokee ground, and the name itself comes from a Cherokee word. This drive starts on the courthouse square, visits two family apple operations, a country church with an unexpected painted interior, and a roadside marker for the Cherokee leader Whitepath. Orchards are seasonal: the Georgia Apple Festival is held on two weekends each October, and by November most U-pick picking is over, though farm stores keep selling apples, cider and baked goods into December. Call ahead before driving to any orchard.
Ellijay: Apple Country & Cherokee Ground is a self-guided driving tour of Ellijay, built around its heritage side.
The walk covers 5 stops over about 32.4 miles and roughly 2 hours 30 min, entirely at your own pace. Each stop's story unlocks on your phone the moment you arrive — GPS-triggered, hands-free, no guide and no tour group to keep up with.