This Blue Ridge Orchard In North Georgia Just Cracked America’s Top 5 Apple Picking Spots

Fall has arrived in North Georgia, bringing with it a special recognition for one of the region’s beloved treasures.

Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge has earned a coveted spot among America’s top five apple picking destinations, according to USA Today readers.

This fourth-generation family farm beat out competitors from traditional apple-growing regions across the country, putting Georgia firmly on the map of premier autumn harvest experiences.

1. From Family Farm to National Destination

Mercier Orchards has been cultivating apples along Highway 5 outside Blue Ridge for four generations, evolving from a simple farm into a full autumn experience.

The USA 10 Best recognition came after a panel of travel and food experts nominated just 20 orchards nationwide, with voters ultimately placing Mercier among the top five.

What started as apple trees has expanded into a multifaceted operation including U-Pick fields, a bakery churning out apple everything, a farm market, and even a wine and hard cider operation, all while maintaining that family-farm authenticity that drew visitors in the first place.

2. Where Apples Become Everything Delicious

The bakery at Mercier deserves its own paragraph because stopping there after apple picking isn’t optional; it’s inevitable. Whole apple pies, fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, apple fritters, and apple cookies transform freshly picked fruit into every conceivable form of sweetness.

The bakery thoughtfully provides reheating instructions for take-home treats, understanding that few families can resist buying more than they can eat in one sitting.

For adults seeking a different kind of apple experience, the wine and hard cidery offers farm-made beverages enjoyed in a tasting room overlooking the orchard, with a pet-friendly deck and pond providing outdoor seating where dogs can rest while their humans sip.

3. Planning Your Orchard Visit

Mercier Orchards sits on GA Highway 5 just outside downtown Blue Ridge, though visitors should note that weekday construction has been affecting the area.

The orchard’s website provides complete details on all amenities, operating hours, and that recommended Scenic Drive route from downtown that bypasses construction zones.

Fall brings the heaviest crowds as families load bags with varieties of Georgia apples, but the operation handles volume without losing the welcoming atmosphere that helped earn that top-five national ranking.