When autumn sweeps across the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge turns into a postcard: crisp air, rolling hills brushed in gold, and the scent of apples drifting on the breeze. Just minutes from our cabins, Mercier Orchards is the season’s must-do: a picturesque 300-acre farm (founded in 1943) where families make memories, baskets fill quickly, and every bite tastes like fall.
Why Mercier Orchards is Perfect in Mid-October Through the end of Fall
Peak apple season. From mid-October into late fall, the orchard is buzzing with U-Pick fun, bustling market aisles, and bakery cases stacked with seasonal treats. Cooler temps make it ideal for wandering the rows, sipping hot cider, and snapping family photos with mountain vistas as your backdrop.
Color and comfort. Blue Ridge’s leaf color typically peaks in late October to early November, exactly when Mercier feels like a real-life harvest festival. Pair your orchard morning with an afternoon drive for foliage, and you’ve built the quintessential mountain day.
Plenty to do—at every age. Whether you’re here with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, Mercier layers activities so everyone finds a favorite.
Quick Answers to Visitor FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Mercier Orchards?
There’s no fee to visit the market, bakery, or tasting room. U-Pick apples are $15 per person and include a container (kids 4 and under are free). Pricing and availability can vary by day and weather.
When can you pick apples in Georgia?
At Mercier, apple U-Pick typically runs summer into October and sometimes later, depending on the season and harvest. Mid-October is prime time for crisp air, great color, and abundant varieties.
Does Mercier Orchards offer tours?
Yes tractor tours run spring, summer, and fall, and the farm welcomes school and bus tours with educational programming on the orchard’s history and sustainable farming.
What is Mercier Orchards known for?
Apples (over 40 varieties), a fourth-generation family & veteran-owned legacy (since 1943), a top-rated guest experience, and being Georgia’s only orchard to grow, press, ferment, and can its own hard cider.
Things to Do at Mercier (Fall Highlights)
U-Pick Apples
More than 40 apple varieties grace these hills, and fall is the star season. As posted:
- Hours: Mon–Thu 10 am–4 pm; Fri–Sun 9 am–4:30 pm
- Price: $15 per person (includes container); children 4 and under are free
- Today’s variety example: Crimson Crisp
- Note: Subject to availability & weather
U-Pick is a beloved tradition. Arrive earlier on weekends for the best selection and lighter crowds.
Tractor Tours
See the 300-acre farm from a tractor wagon and learn how this fourth-generation orchard grows, cares for, and harvests fruit. Offered spring through fall, when there is no ripe fruit for U-pick, tractor tours are a fun, laid-back way to experience the property.
Fishing on the Farm (Free!)
Bring a cane pole and try your luck at the catch-and-release pond, stocked with bass, bream, and carp. It’s free during business hours; simple, nostalgic fun with a mountain view.
Wine & Hard Cider Tastings
Mercier is Georgia’s only orchard that grows, presses, ferments, and cans its own hard cider. Sample seasonal sips in the tasting room, then take a few cans back to the cabin for sunset on the deck.
We also offer wine slushies, featuring our homemade wines right from the farm, including apple wines, blackberry, and strawberry.
The Bakery
Mercier’s bakery is legendary. Fall favorites include:
- Apple Cider Donuts (cinnamon sugar, powdered, old-fashioned)
- Fried pies: including seasonal flavors (look for Cranberry Apple Pecan this time of year)
- Whole pies, cookies, fritters: many items freeze beautifully; grab extras for later!
The Market (Stock Your Cabin Kitchen)
Skip a big grocery run and browse the market’s rotating selection:
- Fresh fruit & veggies (from apples and pumpkins to squash and peppers)
- Cider: fresh-pressed half gallons, sparkling seasonal flavors, and cozy hot cider
- Chips, dips & salsas: peach salsa, apple salsa, and savory snacking staples
- Apple butter & fruit butters: pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan apple, and more
- Jams, jellies & syrups: from classics to signature creations like TOE (Tangerine-Orange-Elderberry)
- Honey Wall: dozens of local and domestic honeys—sourwood is a regional favorite
- Apparel & souvenirs to bring a piece of the orchard home
Planning Tips for a Smooth Fall Visit
- Go early on weekends to beat the rush for U-Pick and bakery treats.
- Wear closed-toe shoes for orchard rows (it can be dewy or muddy).
- Check the weather, U-Pick is weather dependent.
- Bring a cooler if you’re stocking up on cider, cheeses, or pies for the cabin.
- Follow @mercierorchards on Instagram for current treats, U-Pick announcements, and mouthwatering inspiration.
Make It a Blue Ridge Weekend with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals
After a day at Mercier Orchards, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy cabin; fire crackling, mountain views glowing, and a table set with your fresh market finds. Stay close to the action, cook with local ingredients, and relax in the comfort of a thoughtfully appointed retreat.
Ready for the perfect fall getaway?
Book your Blue Ridge cabin with Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for the comfort, convenience, and authentic mountain hospitality that make every moment easy and unforgettable.
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