Hillcrest Orchards
A classic family farm offering apple picking, fun activities like pig races, and delicious seasonal treats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Hillcrest Orchards
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic family farm offering apple picking, fun activities like pig races, and delicious seasonal treats.
"This place is amazing!! From their cute store, u-pick apples, the yummy apple cider floats, it was just pure family fun!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing admission tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pig Races
Farm Area
Cheer on adorable piglets as they race and swim to the finish line – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Apple Cider Donuts
Cafeteria/Market
Indulge in warm, delicious apple cider donuts, a must-try treat that reviewers rave about.
Petting Zoo
Farm Area
Interact with a variety of farm animals, though some visitors note the number and health of animals can vary.
Wagon Rides
Farm Area
Enjoy a scenic ride around the orchard, offering a relaxing way to take in the farm's atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Fun
Know Before You Go: Activities & Pricing
+1 Not all activities are suitable for older children, so manage expectations. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing admission tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm, so comfortable footwear is a must!
🍎 U-Pick Availability
U-pick season typically ends by mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly if apple picking is a priority.
💰 Consider Value
While admission can seem pricey, many find the activities and overall experience worth the cost for family fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing admission tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm, so comfortable footwear is a must!
🍎 U-Pick Availability
U-pick season typically ends by mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly if apple picking is a priority.
💰 Consider Value
While admission can seem pricey, many find the activities and overall experience worth the cost for family fun.
📱 Check Website for Updates
Hours and specific activity availability can change, so always check the official website before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hillcrest Orchards is a beloved family destination, praised for its abundant activities, friendly staff, and delicious apple treats like cider donuts. While many enjoy the farm's charm and entertainment, some visitors note that certain activities are best suited for younger children and have expressed concerns about the petting zoo's animal conditions.
"Where do I start?! This place is amazing!! From their cute store, u-pick apples, the yummy apple cider floats, their mini petting zoo, and countless activities, it was just pure family fun! My daughter was chosen by the owner to participate in the chicken chase and she won 1st place, and they gave her a trophy! The owners and staff were so friendly and inviting! This will be our go to Orchard whenever we’re in Ellijay!! It may seem a little pricey per person, but I promise it’s worth it when you get to experience the fun!"
Jennifer Reeves
"It has been 5 years since our last visit and I was quite sad to see that all of the activities were now marked “for small children only”. My 11 year old was too tall to do any of the activities and since we were visiting on a Monday none of the other activities for older kids were available. My 5yo had a blast but my 11 & 14yo had almost no options. Another disappointing area was the petting zoo. On our last visit there were easily double or triple the amount of animals to interact with. All of the goats were very young and not too interested in being pet. More disturbing than that though was how sickly the majority of the young goats in the petting zoo looked. I have included a few photos for reference. This is only two of the dozen or so that looked sick. The only goats we were able to interact with were the ones who were laying down & they seemed too weak to put up much protest. I truly hope this place can turn things around as we have always really enjoyed our previous visits.
I will say that the gift shop was well stocked & efficiently ran. And the apple cider donuts were amazing."
Tara Guffey
"There are so many places that you can stop and buy apples, but this is a must see esp if you have kids. There are lots of different kinds of apples to choose from. Plenty of items worthy of taking back home and there is a petting farm where kids can play and see some of the farm animals.
Be sure to go to their cafateria and get some of their hot doughnuts. They are delicious.
I can't image their parking ever being full. It is huge and I don't think you will have a problem with finding a place to park."
Kenneth Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hillcrest Orchards has two main locations mentioned: one in Ellijay, Georgia
Public transport options are not widely mentioned for either location. It's best to plan for travel by car.
The Ellijay, Georgia location is a popular destination for those in the Atlanta area, often considered a day trip.
Yes, the Ohio location is at 50336 Telegraph Rd, Amherst, OH 44001.
Driving is the most common and recommended method. For the Georgia location, it's a scenic drive from Atlanta and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary. Weekday tickets are generally less expensive than weekend tickets. For example, weekdays might be around $14 and weekends around $22 per person in Georgia.
Yes, purchasing tickets online is recommended and may offer discounts. For instance, a code 'LITTLES20' was mentioned for 20% off online admission in Ohio.
Admission typically covers access to various activities like pig races, wagon rides, and the petting zoo. However, it usually does not include the cost of picking apples or purchasing food and merchandise.
Hours can vary seasonally. For example, they are often open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last activity tickets sold at 4 PM.
Yes, U-pick apples are typically an additional cost beyond the general admission fee.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Activities include pig races, wagon rides, a petting zoo, jumping pillows, tricycle rides, slides, and apple mazes. +1 Some locations may offer cow milking demonstrations.
Some visitors have noted that many activities are geared towards younger children, and older kids might have limited options depending on the day and season.
The petting zoo typically features farm animals. Visitors have mentioned goats, and other common farm animals.
Yes, Hillcrest Orchards offers U-pick apple experiences, though availability is seasonal and usually ends by mid-October.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families with young children due to the abundance of kid-friendly activities and farm atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
You can find delicious treats like hot apple cider, apple fritters, and famous apple cider donuts. They also offer various homemade food options.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the focus is on farm-fresh treats and traditional fare.
Outside food policies are not explicitly stated, but it's generally recommended to enjoy the on-site offerings.
The apple cider donuts are a standout, often described as amazing and delicious. Hot apple cider and apple fritters are also highly recommended.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, with items like apple fritters being large enough to share.
📸 📸 Photography
The apple orchards themselves, the farm animals, and the general rustic farm setting offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, taking photos of the animals is encouraged, but be mindful of the animals' comfort and follow any staff instructions.
The vibrant apple trees (when in season), the farm structures, and the lively activities like pig races provide unique backdrops.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for farm photography. However, daytime offers the best visibility for activities.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography policies. It's advisable to check with the management directly if you plan to use a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and allow your children to fully immerse themselves in the activities without feeling rushed.
couples
Sharing a delicious apple fritter or a warm cup of hot apple cider makes for a sweet, simple date. +1While many activities are family-focused, the overall rustic charm and the opportunity to enjoy seasonal treats like apple cider donuts create a pleasant atmosphere for couples seeking a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Budget Travelers
+1 Look for online ticket discounts or special offers that might be available. Focus on the activities included with admission, such as the pig races and wagon rides, which offer significant entertainment value.
+1 Sharing larger food items like apple fritters can also help manage costs. While U-pick apples are an extra expense, enjoying the farm atmosphere and included activities can still provide a fulfilling and affordable day out. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hillcrest Orchards Experience: More Than Just Apples
The wagon rides offer a leisurely way to explore the grounds, and the petting zoo allows for close encounters with farm animals. While the U-pick apple experience is a core offering, it's important to note that this is seasonal and typically concludes by mid-October.
Even outside of U-pick season, the orchard provides a wealth of entertainment. The apple cider donuts are a universally praised treat, often described as a must-have. However, some visitors have noted a shift in the activity offerings over the years, with a perception that some attractions are now more geared towards younger children.
Navigating Hillcrest Orchards: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Admission pricing can differ significantly between weekdays and weekends, with online purchases often offering a discount.
+1 It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on hours, prices, and any special events. While general admission grants access to many activities, remember that U-pick apples and most food items are usually an additional cost. Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable, as you'll be exploring a working farm with plenty of ground to cover.
For those with younger children, be aware that some activities might be specifically designed for smaller visitors, which could limit options for older siblings.
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