Ellijay, GA

Travel Guide

A large brick building with white columns and a green roof.
A town with a central church, surrounded by residential houses and a mountainous backdrop.
A lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees, a wooden dock, and a small house.
A scenic overlook with a wooden walkway, a lake, and surrounding hills.
A field of pink flowers with a road and forest in the background.

Where to stay in Ellijay

Find the best Ellijay areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ellijay
Learn more about Ellijay
A forested valley with autumn foliage, distant mountains, and a cloudy sky.

Owl Town Retreat

While Owl Town Retreat isn't home to many top sights, Cartecay River and Ellijay Marketplace are some notable places to visit nearby.

A river flowing through a forest with rocks and dense trees.
Photo by Ryan Bare
Open Photo by Ryan Bare

Downtown Ellijay

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ellijay, Chattahoochee National Forest and Tabor House & Civil War Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A mountain range with a sunset sky.

Rivers Edge

Rivers Edge might not have many top sights, but Cartecay River and Chateau Meichtry are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a clear sky.

Walnut Mountain

While Walnut Mountain isn't home to many top sights, Cartecay River and Ellijay River Vineyards are some notable places to visit nearby.

A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Eagle Mountain

Though Eagle Mountain might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ridgeway Recreation Area and Carters Lake.

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort

4 out of 5
634 Beaver Lake Dr Ellijay GA
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Ellijay. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Talona Lake and Riverside ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (364 reviews)
"The cabin was exceptionally clean. My only complaint was the mattress on the bed. I hurt so badly when I got up every morning that I cut my trip by 1 day. I just couldn't take the pain of that mattress any longer."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2026

Get rates
The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
Comfort Inn & Suites East Ellijay

Comfort Inn & Suites East Ellijay

2.5 out of 5
234 Highland Pkwy Ellijay GA
Fully refundable
The price is $145 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$145 total
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ellijay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Comfort Inn & Suites East Ellijay
Best Western Mountain View Inn

Best Western Mountain View Inn

2.5 out of 5
94 Mountain View Drive Ellijay GA
The price is $149 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$149 total
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this hotel in Ellijay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Room was clean, staff was very nice and helpful, breakfast was ok. Several workers from nearby chicken plant staying there, which made it very loud in the halls at 5-6 in the morning as they were leaving for work. The pool and hot tub were covered up with plywood, sign stating under renovation. When ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

Best Western Mountain View Inn
See all 1,157 properties in Ellijay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort

4 out of 5
634 Beaver Lake Dr Ellijay GA
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Ellijay. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Talona Lake and Riverside ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (364 reviews)
"The cabin was exceptionally clean. My only complaint was the mattress on the bed. I hurt so badly when I got up every morning that I cut my trip by 1 day. I just couldn't take the pain of that mattress any longer."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2026

The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort
Riverside Ellijay Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Game Room

Riverside Ellijay Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Game Room

3 out of 5
Ellijay GA
Stay at this cottage in Ellijay. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riverside Park and Gilmer County Library are located ...
Riverside Ellijay Cabin w/ Hot Tub & Game Room
Luxury Riverfront Cabin - Pet Friendly

Luxury Riverfront Cabin - Pet Friendly

Ellijay GA
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Ellijay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Pig Hill of Fame and Ellijay ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (53 reviews)
"The cabin was beautiful. However, the recliner was broke and 2 chairs outside was broken. I am not sure if the oven was broke or if I just didn't know how to use it. I looked for manuals and could never find one. I am 5'3 and had trouble getting on the bed in the master bedroom due to it being so ..."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026

Luxury Riverfront Cabin - Pet Friendly
See all properties in Ellijay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Ellijay attractions

Cartecay River

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cartecay River during your travels in Ellijay. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Ellijay worth visiting?
Ellijay is worth visiting for its natural beauty and local charm. Travelers can explore the scenic Cartecay River and discover unique finds at the Ellijay Marketplace. The area also offers diverse dining experiences, with options ranging from North American comfort food to vibrant Latin American cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Ellijay?
The best time to visit Ellijay is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February offer a more relaxed experience, often with cooler temperatures.
What is Ellijay known for?
Ellijay is known for the scenic Cartecay River and local attractions like the Ellijay Marketplace. Travelers can also experience events at the Gilmer County Fairgrounds. The area offers a variety of North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Ellijay?
A good itinerary length for Ellijay is two to three days to explore the Cartecay River, visit the Ellijay Marketplace, and enjoy a private vineyard tour. An extended stay of four to five days allows for more time along the river, attending events at the Gilmer County Fairgrounds, and deeper exploration of the local area. See Ellijay Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Ellijay?
Ellijay offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and historical insights:

  • Explore the Cartecay River for outdoor enjoyment.
  • Wander through Ellijay Marketplace for local goods.
  • Visit the Tabor House & Civil War Museum to delve into history.
  • Discover Ellijay River Vineyards for wine tasting.
  • Enjoy a private wine tasting tour visiting three vineyards in the area.

How do I plan a trip to Ellijay?
To plan your trip to Ellijay, book your hotels, flights, and rental car in advance, especially during busy periods. Consider booking activities like a private vineyard tour beforehand. When planning outdoor excursions, such as visiting the Cartecay River, remember to have indoor backup plans for weather flexibility. Explore local spots like the Ellijay Marketplace and Gilmer County Fairgrounds.
What cuisines can you find in Ellijay?
In Ellijay, travelers can find New American cuisine, offering dishes like gourmet burgers, artisanal sandwiches, and farm-to-table salads. There are also options for Latin American, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean fare. Travelers can also enjoy local coffee shops, dessert shops, and speakeasies.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Ellijay?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Ellijay by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Ellijay with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Ellijay trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Ellijay?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Ellijay can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Ellijay trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Ellijay trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Ellijay trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Ellijay trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Ellijay?
If it's your first trip to Ellijay, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Ellijay hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Ellijay hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Ellijay

A forest stream with rocks and trees.

Chatsworth

A street with buildings, including 'The Crimson Moon' and 'Ice Cream Parlor'. There are parked cars and a tree in the center.

Dahlonega

A lake with clear water, surrounded by trees and a sunset sky.

Dawsonville

A river winding through a valley with surrounding hills and dense vegetation.

Blue Ridge

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