Hillcrest Orchards
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Hillcrest Orchards

4
·670 reviews·Ellijay, United States

A classic family farm offering apple picking, fun activities like pig races, and delicious seasonal treats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Hillcrest Orchards

Hillcrest Orchards

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A classic family farm offering apple picking, fun activities like pig races, and delicious seasonal treats.

4
(670 reviews)

"This place is amazing!! From their cute store, u-pick apples, the yummy apple cider floats, it was just pure family fun!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4 · 670 reviews

Type

Food Store

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pig Races

Pig Races

Farm Area

Cheer on adorable piglets as they race and swim to the finish line – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Instagram
Apple Cider Donuts

Apple Cider Donuts

Cafeteria/Market

Indulge in warm, delicious apple cider donuts, a must-try treat that reviewers rave about.

Reddit
Petting Zoo

Petting Zoo

Farm Area

Interact with a variety of farm animals, though some visitors note the number and health of animals can vary.

Reddit
Wagon Rides

Wagon Rides

Farm Area

Enjoy a scenic ride around the orchard, offering a relaxing way to take in the farm's atmosphere.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Fall Fun

U-pick season often ends by mid-October, so plan your visit for early fall to enjoy apple picking. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially if you're aiming for a more relaxed experience with younger children. Instagram

Know Before You Go: Activities & Pricing

Admission prices can vary by day, with weekends being more expensive. Check the website for current pricing and consider online booking for potential discounts. Instagram+1 Not all activities are suitable for older children, so manage expectations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Early Fall (September-October)
Why
U-pick season and peak apple varieties
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early in season)
Why
Full range of activities available
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

U-pick is over for the year but there’s still fun to be had at Hillcrest! Get the kids out and enjoy this cool mountain air! We have plenty of apples (about 11 varieties) in the market and you can warm up with hot apple cider and donuts anytime! Hours are 9-5:00 and we sell the last tickets for activities at 4:00 daily. Hope to see y’all soon! #pickellijay #exploregeorgia #georgiagrown #apples #hi...
hillcrestorchards
12 likes • 1.4K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by purchasing admission tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits. Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm, so comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

Ready for family fun on the farm this fall in Ellijay? 🚜🍂 Hillcrest Orchards has been a local favorite for over three generations, offering fun family memories and fresh apples, along with a fall on the farm experience. 🐷 At Hillcrest, the farm experience is all about hands-on fun. Cheer on the little piglets as they race and swim to the finish line in the famous Pig Races. Or watch the adorable...
pickellijay
462 likes • 12.4K views
Dodd’s Hillcrest Orchards Fun Farm 🍎 50336 Telegraph Rd. Amherst, OH 44001 Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-6pm Use code “LITTLES20” for 20% off admission when you buy your tickets online. (Standard admission is $12 at the gate and $10 online) Ages 3 & under are FREE 💖 We seriously had the best time at @hillcrestfunfarm this past weekend! I still can’t believe how much there was to do, we could’ve ...
lorainwithlittles
70 likes • 2.6K views

🍎 U-Pick Availability

U-pick season typically ends by mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly if apple picking is a priority. Instagram

💰 Consider Value

While admission can seem pricey, many find the activities and overall experience worth the cost for family fun. Reddit

📍 Hillcrest Orchards, 50336 Telegraph Rd, Amherst, OH 44001
clewithkids
388 likes • 18.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by purchasing admission tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits. Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the farm, so comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

🍎 U-Pick Availability

U-pick season typically ends by mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly if apple picking is a priority. Instagram

💰 Consider Value

While admission can seem pricey, many find the activities and overall experience worth the cost for family fun. Reddit

📱 Check Website for Updates

Hours and specific activity availability can change, so always check the official website before your visit. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4
(670 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Abundant family activities
Delicious apple cider donuts
Friendly staff and owners

What People Dislike

Activities geared towards young kids
Petting zoo animal conditions
Can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hillcrest Orchards has two main locations mentioned: one in Ellijay, Georgia Instagram+2 and another in Amherst, Ohio.Instagram+2 Always confirm the specific location you intend to visit. Parking is generally ample. Reddit

Public transport options are not widely mentioned for either location. It's best to plan for travel by car. Instagram+1

The Ellijay, Georgia location is a popular destination for those in the Atlanta area, often considered a day trip. Instagram+1

Yes, the Ohio location is at 50336 Telegraph Rd, Amherst, OH 44001.Instagram+1 The Ellijay, Georgia location is also a popular destination for apple picking. Instagram+1

Driving is the most common and recommended method. For the Georgia location, it's a scenic drive from Atlanta and surrounding areas. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram Children aged 3 and under are often free. Instagram Always check the official website for the most current pricing. Instagram

Yes, purchasing tickets online is recommended and may offer discounts. For instance, a code 'LITTLES20' was mentioned for 20% off online admission in Ohio. Instagram

Admission typically covers access to various activities like pig races, wagon rides, and the petting zoo. InstagramReddit However, it usually does not include the cost of picking apples or purchasing food and merchandise. Reddit

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. Instagram Some locations operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. Instagram It's crucial to check their website for specific daily hours. Instagram

Yes, U-pick apples are typically an additional cost beyond the general admission fee. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

Activities include pig races, wagon rides, a petting zoo, jumping pillows, tricycle rides, slides, and apple mazes. InstagramReddit+1 Some locations may offer cow milking demonstrations. Instagram

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. Reddit

The petting zoo typically features farm animals. Visitors have mentioned goats, and other common farm animals. InstagramReddit

Yes, Hillcrest Orchards offers U-pick apple experiences, though availability is seasonal and usually ends by mid-October. Instagram

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families with young children due to the abundance of kid-friendly activities and farm atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

You can find delicious treats like hot apple cider, apple fritters, and famous apple cider donuts. InstagramReddit They also offer various homemade food options. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the focus is on farm-fresh treats and traditional fare. Reddit

Outside food policies are not explicitly stated, but it's generally recommended to enjoy the on-site offerings. Reddit

The apple cider donuts are a standout, often described as amazing and delicious. Reddit Hot apple cider and apple fritters are also highly recommended. Instagram+1

Prices are generally considered reasonable, with items like apple fritters being large enough to share. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The apple orchards themselves, the farm animals, and the general rustic farm setting offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, taking photos of the animals is encouraged, but be mindful of the animals' comfort and follow any staff instructions. Reddit

The vibrant apple trees (when in season), the farm structures, and the lively activities like pig races provide unique backdrops. Instagram+1

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for farm photography. However, daytime offers the best visibility for activities. Instagram

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. Instagram

Hillcrest Orchards (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide