Cherry Log, GA to Ellijay, GA: Distance, Drive Time & What’s in Between
Planning your North Georgia mountain getaway? Cherry Log is perfectly positioned between two of the region’s most popular towns. Here’s everything you need to know about the distance between Cherry Log and Ellijay, including what to see and do along the way.
Quick Answer: How Far is Cherry Log from Ellijay?
Cherry Log is approximately 12-14 miles from downtown Ellijay, Georgia, depending on your exact starting point. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes via GA-52 E/Highway 52.
The Route from Cherry Log to Ellijay
The most scenic route follows GA-52 East, a beautiful mountain road that winds through apple orchards and offers stunning mountain views throughout your drive.
Driving Directions:
- From Cherry Log, head east on Old Highway 5 toward GA-52
- Turn right onto GA-52 E/Highway 52
- Continue on GA-52 E toward Ellijay
- Follow signs for downtown Ellijay or your specific destination
What’s Along the Way?
The short drive between Cherry Log and Ellijay is packed with attractions worth stopping for:
Mercier Orchards
Located perfectly between Cherry Log and Ellijay, Mercier Orchards is North Georgia’s premier agritourism destination. This 300-acre family farm offers:
- U-Pick Fruits: Seasonal picking for apples, peaches, blueberries, and blackberries
- Farm Market: Fresh produce, jams, sauces, and local products
- Bakery: Famous fried pies, apple cider donuts, and fresh-baked goods
- Winery: Wine tastings featuring fruit wines made from orchard fruits
- Hard Cider: Tasting room with locally crafted hard ciders
Pro Tip: Stop here on your way to Ellijay for fresh provisions to take back to your cabin!
Scenic Mountain Views
The drive itself showcases the beauty of North Georgia’s mountains. Keep your camera ready, especially during:
- Fall (September-November): Peak apple season and stunning fall foliage
- Spring (March-May): Apple and peach blossoms in full bloom
- Summer (June-August): Lush green mountains and roadside fruit stands
What to Do in Ellijay
Known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” Ellijay offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and mountain adventure:
Downtown Ellijay
- Historic Square: Charming shops, boutiques, and antique stores
- Restaurants: From authentic Mexican to Southern comfort food and upscale dining
- Riverfront Park: Walking trails along the Cartecay River
- Farmers Market: Saturday mornings (seasonal), featuring local produce and crafts
Apple Orchards & U-Pick Farms
Ellijay is famous for its apple production, with numerous orchards offering:
- Apple Picking: August through November (peak in September-October)
- Apple Festival: Two weekends in October – Georgia’s official Apple Festival
- Farm Activities: Hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and farm animals
- Farm Markets: Fresh apple cider, fried pies, and local products
Wineries & Cideries
- Cartecay Vineyards: Award-winning wines with mountain views
- Engelheim Vineyards: German-inspired wines in a Bavarian setting
- Big Creek Winery: Boutique winery with intimate tastings
- Red Apple Barn: Hard ciders made from local apples
Outdoor Activities
- Cartecay River: Tubing, kayaking, and fishing
- Hiking Trails: Fort Mountain State Park, Rich Mountain Wilderness
- Mountain Biking: Trails at Mulky Gap and surrounding national forest
- Zip Lining: Treetop adventure courses in the area
Breweries & Craft Beverages
- Cartecay River Brewing Company: Local craft beers and food
- River Street Tavern: Pub fare and local brews
- Tumbling Waters: Scenic spot along the Cartecay River
Why Stay in Cherry Log Instead of Ellijay?
Many visitors choose Cherry Log as their home base while exploring both Ellijay and Blue Ridge:
- Perfect Central Location: 15 minutes to Ellijay, 15 minutes to Blue Ridge – explore both without the tourist crowds
- More Seclusion: Cherry Log offers peace and quiet with easy access to everything
- Better Cabin Selection: More cabin rental options with premium amenities and views
- Authentic Mountain Experience: Less commercial development, more natural beauty
- Better Value: Often more cabin rental options with better amenities for the price
- Close to Everything: Mercier Orchards is practically in your backyard
Best Times to Visit Ellijay from Cherry Log
Peak Seasons:
- Apple Season (September-October): Peak time for orchards, apple festival weekends are extremely busy
- Fall Foliage (October-November): Stunning colors but heavy weekend traffic
- Summer (June-August): Popular for river activities and farmers markets
Off-Peak Times for Fewer Crowds:
- Weekdays: Much less traffic, easier parking, more personalized service at wineries
- Late Winter/Early Spring (January-March): Quietest season with occasional beautiful weather
- Early June or Late August: Great weather without peak summer crowds
Perfect Day Trip Itinerary: Cherry Log to Ellijay
Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your Cherry Log cabin
- 9:00 AM: Stop at Mercier Orchards for u-pick apples and fresh donuts
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in downtown Ellijay, browse shops on the square
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local Ellijay restaurant
- 1:30 PM: Wine tasting at Cartecay Vineyards or another local winery
- 3:30 PM: Visit another orchard or explore Tumbling Waters trail
Evening:
- 5:00 PM: Stop at Cartecay River Brewing Company for a local beer
- 6:30 PM: Return to Cherry Log via scenic route
- 7:00 PM: Relax at your cabin with fresh apple cider and fried pies from Mercier
Other Nearby Towns from Cherry Log
Cherry Log’s central location makes it perfect for exploring the entire region:
- Blue Ridge: 10-12 minutes north – scenic railway, downtown shopping, breweries
- Ellijay: 15-20 minutes southeast – apple orchards, wineries, historic downtown
- Jasper: 25 minutes south – marble quarries, Pickens County history
- McCaysville/Copperhill: 35 minutes north – state line town, antique shops
- Dahlonega: 45 minutes south – gold rush history, wine country
Plan Your Visit
The short 15-minute drive between Cherry Log and Ellijay makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds – the peaceful mountain setting of Cherry Log cabin rentals with quick access to Ellijay’s orchards, wineries, shops, and restaurants.
Cherry Log’s position between Ellijay and Blue Ridge means you can explore the entire North Georgia mountains region without spending hours in the car. Wake up to mountain views, spend your days exploring charming towns and outdoor adventures, and return to the tranquility of your mountain retreat.
Ready to experience both Cherry Log and Ellijay? Book your Cherry Log cabin and enjoy easy access to the Apple Capital of Georgia and everything North Georgia has to offer.
