hillcrest orchards

First off they dropped us off at the other end of the orchard and we had to walk all the way back to the main apple house in the heat. It is pricey and there is things to do but to me I would rather go up to Mercer's up toward Blue Ridge. Very touristy and less fresh goods than some of the other apple houses.

I like the donuts, and the service, fewer apples and more kid-entertainment which brings in the Atlanta un-desireables that I live near and want to escape. LOL

The biggest issue I have with Hillcrest Orchards is their "lack of disclosure" on their website.They don't list what form of payment is accepted but once we arrived it became obvious that they prefer cash. Take lots of singles and 5's because they ran out of them before 1pm. They charge $7 admission just to get thru the gate and if you want to pick apples you have to purchase a $7 - 1/2 peck bag (4x8 inches) that fits about 16-19 plum size apples or $11 for a 1 peck bag (10x8 inches). There are no modern bathrooms - you have to use one of many port a johns scattered around the property and they are very filthy and not maintained. If you have small children bring plenty of sanitizer or a water bottle to wash their hands (they'd be better in the bushes). The only running water that we found (accident because they don't tell you) was by the mini golf building. I suggest going early in the season because most of the apples were already picked or on the ground (rotten) by this past weekend. One tip: the apples in the 1st row by the giant jumping pillow were the biggest ones and as you go further in it's hard to find anything low enough for the kids to pick. The pig race is popular and the lines are long,you have to pay extra for the petting zoo (parents too) and bungee jumping. It would be nice to see the prices listed on the website so a family can plan what they can afford ahead of time. Parking is plentiful and there is no tractor to take you to your car so wear comfortable shoes. They direct you to park based on the type of vehicle you have so if you have a sedan you will be lucky enough to be able to park closer to the front. Us 4x4 suv's have to take the hill and it's a little bit of a walk to the ticket purchase area. They have a playgroun, zip line and a giant slide for the little ones and there is lots for them to do. The terrain is a little hilly so an umbrella or jogging stroller is best because you may want to walk rather than take the tractor around. The food is overpriced $4 for a hotdog alone. Most of the goodies are not baked on site and you can purchase the apples there rather than picking them. Unless you have a hankering for their apples, you can get a better deal at a farmer's market, Aldi's, Kroger or any other grocer so save your money, it's not worth it. Overall the weather was perfect and the kids had fun but I would not recommend them to anyone.

It costs 7.00 per person including children who are two yrs. old. Adults and children are charged 3.00 a piece to enter the petting zoo. 5.00 for a very short pony ride. Pig races are for free but you have to get there early to get a seat or else forget it. They have a moonshine museum as well as farm museum. We waited for a tractor for about 15 minutes. The children enjoyed the talking bull when it was on. I did complain on our way out to the gentleman who was selling the tickets. I suggested that they charge one price. I also told him adults should not be charged when accompanying their children inside the petting zoo. I would not go to Hillcrest again.

We went to Hillcrest Orchards with three grown children. We wanted to walk in the orchards and pick a few apples. It is $7 just to walk in the orchard ($35 for 5 adults) and then extra to pick apples. In addition the apples cost more than if you bought them in bulk in the store they have there. As an adult the only entertainment this place offers is shopping and really expensive apple picking. In a word, go past this operation.

I have decided to save this orchard for last because of the advertising and the way that it look from the outside. I stopped to buy apples in the place just seemed dirty. There were no fresh-baked goods, at least something hot, and the apples were $7 for a half bushel. They did not look very appetizing. Some of the other orchards on Highway 52 had a fresh-baked goods that were hot. The apples look a lot better and were less expensive. We ended up driving back up to another orchard to make our purchases.

My husband and I have attended the Apple Pickin' Jubilee several times. However; this time was different. Would definitely recommend avoiding this place on weekends in September and October. Too many people in too little space! Lots of families with little kids and not nearly enough restroom facilities; long lines to use restrooms too. After waiting on a long line; they are now charging $7 per person for admission which only allowed us the opportunity to wait on yet another very long line to purchase food for more $. Pig races were overcrowded - couldn't see anything and when we tried to take the "wagon ride", the man told us he was about to take his lunch break and that the horses needed to rest. That left the petting zoo which is yet another additional charge of $3 per person. Most entertainment was performed by school dance troops. Even the apple picking cost extra; $7 - $11. The only thing one does not have to pay for is the right to shop in the store. There's a snack bar there where you can get desserts like ice cream or donuts but again; in order to get hot meals (real food); you have to pay the admission price. Was also disappointed to learn that the donuts & apple fritters are not even made there. They are made at a bakery in Elijay and then marketed at all of the apple orchard roadside stands in the area. Every orchard stand we stopped at had sold the same baked goods. If a place wants to charge admission; they should be better prepared to accommodate the crowds so that everyone can enjoy the shows, etc and offer more toilet facilities as well. Payed much too much for what we experienced. Could easily justify requesting a refund.

My family of 4 went to Hillcrest this past weekend & we all enjoyed it very much. The place was packed so we had to park in one of the back parking lots but there was a shuttle (a wagon ride) from the parking lot to the gate. When we got to the gate the person working there was very friendly & helpful. It's $7.00 a person to get in but this includes a ton of activities. Once inside we got to go on another wagon ride, this one was pulled by mules! My kids thought this was great! My kids favorite part of the whole day was the pig race! But they also loved the mini golf and milking the cow. We bought apples from the store and they were so good. We got to taste different kinds of apples before we bought them to see what kind we liked the best. Our favorite is the honey crisp apples!!! We also bought apple cider doughnuts which they do make right there at the orchard. You can even watch them make the doughnuts through a viewing window. The cider is also made form their own apples. It was a good family environment & we will be happy to take our kids there again!!

My husband & I took our 2 boys (11 & 8) to hillcrest on Sunday & we had an amazing time! There are so many thing to do, mini golf, milk a cow, watch a pig race, a moonshine, apple & farmhouse museum, trike rides, giant slide, playground, jumping pillow (for little ones) wagon rides, sit on a real live bull, cow train, playground & live entertainment on stage including a hula hoop contest and a chicken dance with members of the audience. All of this for just $7.00 per person. So for my family of 4 it was $28.00 for a whole day of fun family time. There are a few things, once inside, that you do have to pay extra for, but the gate attendant informed us of this ahead of time. You can also pick your own apples, for a small fee, but we opted not to do this because my kids would have rather played than pick apples, so we just went into the cute little country store & bought the apples, which are delicious! They even have a tasting window so if you are not sure what kind of apples you want you can sample them before you buy them. The doughnuts & apple fritters are amazing too! The apple cider is so good & refreshing & made with the apples grown at the orchard. We will definitely be back!

My family had a great time here today! There was soo much for my 5 and 3 year old to do, we spent the whole day and some of the next! The newly added playgrounds and cow train were there favorite, but they also loved the petting zoo and pig races. The apples were abundant and looked and tasted beautiful and the staff was the epitome of southern charm and hospitality- another wonderful visit!

We loved the visit. There were many fun activities for small children. Unfortunately, cash was the expected payment method. I agree with the reviews, they would not allow even children eat an apple. A child wants to taste their pickings. Overall I would return and recommend this orchard for family memories. Bathroom facilities included port a toilets.

Went to Hillcrest orchards on Sunday with my family and friends. It was a rainy day, so it was not too crowded. It was our 3rd or 4th time there. As others mentioned it is $7 per person to enter. So, we paid $35 for 5 of us. Bought a bag to pick our apples (another $11). Our 2 kids went to the petting zoo ($3 each +$1 to buy some food for the animals), pony ride ($5 each). And we also spent another $15 for some snacks / funnel cake. Kids enjoyed their time there. But this was our last time at Hillcrest orchards. We will not return back in the future. What got us all extremely dissapointed was the fact that they did not allow anyone to try their apples from those trees. In the past, we could eat from their apple trees and decide which one we like the most, so we would bring home all our favorite apples. We all, just like other people around us, were shocked, when a few employees were walking around the area and taking half-eaten apples from people's hands, telling them that we are not allowed to eat, as it is called stilling. WOW! We spent almost $80 there and we were stilling their apples???? That is a nonsense. There are other orchards in that area. And I know we will be back next year to pick our apples, but it will not be at the Hillcrest orchards.

A great place for the family to enjoy! Best time is the early fall. A little pricey but its the memories that count!! I recommend a fun trip for the family just buy the small bag so then you can visit other places with your kids :)

The staff and owner of Hillcrest Farms, in Ellijay Georgia go out of their way to make things fun for the entire family, with clogging, live bluegrass music, tractor-wagon ride, petting zoo, pig races, putt putt golf, and so much more!!! The hot apple fritters are delish!!!!

Just like the title says.. Avoid this over priced tourist trap. Apples are expensive and bad. out of season.. with full price.. You can find better at Aldi's for better price. Staff was very rude.. Like a bunch of Yankees.. Never seen a bunch of employees in North Ga so rude before.. Thought I was in the city.. LOL.. PLease stay away don't waste your time of money.. $7 for kids to pet goats is a joke.. you can do it for free IN Canton.. Cagles corn maze. You have been warned.. Go hear and you will hate yourself. Maybe the owners and staff are from NYC.. Seriously I'm american by birth and Southern by the Grace of god.. Meanist Rude Awful staff I have ever seen in the good southern country.