Area: Ellijay → Amicalola Falls → Nimblewill → FS 77
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mix of paved mountain roads + beginner gravel)

📍 START: Ellijay Apple Barns / Roadside Orchards
Examples: R&A Orchards, Panorama Orchards, BJ Reece Orchards
Task 1 — Apple Kickoff
Purchase one apple item—donut, pie slice, cider slush, or caramel apple.
Take a photo showing your Jeep + your apple item of choice.

Snack & Coffee Options (On Start Corridor)
Cider donuts at several orchards
Panorama Bakery Counter — pies and fritters
Ellijay Coffeehouse (downtown) — specialty drinks + pastry case
River Street Tavern — opens later; good stop before the mountain push

Souvenir Moment
Buy one orchard sticker or magnet
OR
Take a photo with a roadside apple sign

📍 GA-52 Ascending Toward Rich Mountain
Task 2 — Trail Knowledge Stop
At any kiosk or FS map location, answer this:
Is Rich Mountain considered Easy, Moderate, or Hard?
Photo proof = kiosk, sign, or printed map.

Mini-Learning Prompt
Look for the Rich Mountain Wilderness sign.
Learn: What year was the wilderness officially designated?

Optional Scenic Side Stop
Pull off safely at one of the early overlooks.

Photo theme: Jeep + mountains + orchard valley below.

📍 Amicalola Falls State Park
(Park at base sign or top-view lot)

Task 3 — Waterfall Challenge
Jeep photo with entrance sign OR top overlook sign.

Task 4 — AT Approach Marker Search
Locate a trail sign mentioning the Appalachian Trail approach mileage.
Take a proof photo.

Historical Mini-Learning Moment
Answer this:
What year did the Appalachian Trail begin officially running to Springer Mountain?

Snack / Warm-Up Options INSIDE Amicalola
Amicalola Lodge Café (when open) — coffee, hot food, grab-and-go snacks
Park Trading Post — bottles, snacks, patches, postcards

📍 Forest Road Section FS 77 → FS 42 → Springer Vicinity
(Distance varies depending route)

Task 5 — Forest Road Drive
Drive a section of FS 77 or FS 42
Look for:
• rock outcrops
• shadowed ridge lines
• AT trailhead parking sign

Task 6 — Perfect Parking Photo
Find an overlook turnout and line up your Jeep with mountain backdrop.

Stewardship Moment
At any pull-off, pick up at least 3 pieces of trash
OR
Remove a plastic bottle cap or fishing line near a roadside turnout

Optional Bonus
Document wildlife noticed—turkey, deer, hawks, chipmunks

📍 Nimblewill Church Road
Task 7 — Tunnel Canopy Shot
Line up your Jeep beneath the tree canopy tunnel.
Take a centered portrait orientation shot.

Historical Nugget
Google or read roadside info:
What year was the Nimblewill settlement first referenced in local records?

Photo Proof: Sign or posted marker

🏁 FINISH OPTIONS
End in Dawsonville or Ellijay depending direction

In Dawsonville:
Big D’s BBQ — fast counter service, big gravel parking
Dawsonville Pool Room — classic NASCAR history wall + chili slaw dogs
Blue Bicycle — upscale but Jeep friendly, small-town vibe

In Ellijay:
Grumpy Old Men Brewing — food truck rotation + Jeep groups gather
Cantaberry — soups, sandwiches, large tables
The Roof Ellijay — rooftop seating overlooking square
Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza — easy access + parking overflow nearby

A) Historical Fact Sheet
Answer three:
• When was Rich Mountain Wilderness designated?
• What year did the AT formally start at Springer?
• Who is Amicalola Falls named after?

B) Best Apple Photo Contest
Theme combinations:
Jeep + Apple food
Jeep + Orchard
Jeep + Roadside produce stand

“Apple Country & Waterfall Roads” — Turn-by-Turn Navigation
ROUTE PLAN: Ellijay Orchards → GA-52 → Amicalola Falls → FS 77 → Springer Vicinity → Nimblewill Finish

Examples: R&A, Panorama, BJ Reece Orchards (GA-52 corridor)

1. Exit orchard and turn RIGHT toward GA-52 E. 
2. Continue 13–15 miles, climbing steadily. 
3. Pull off at Rich Mountain Wilderness area for Task 2. 

1. Continue descending GA-52 approximately 5.5 miles. 
2. Turn RIGHT into Amicalola Falls State Park entrance road. 

Inside Park Options:
A) Base Sign Area: Immediate parking
B) Top Overlook Lot: Follow “TOP OF FALLS” signs, approx. 1.5 miles uphill

1. Exit park back to GA-52. 
2. Turn RIGHT. 
3. Drive 0.6 miles and turn RIGHT onto Nimblewill Church Road. 
4. Continue approx. 1.7 miles to FS spur signage. 
5. Turn LEFT onto FS 77 (road becomes gravel). 

1. Follow FS 77 approx. 6 miles. 
2. Turn RIGHT onto FS 42. 
3. Continue 2.8 miles to Springer/AT kiosk turnout. 
4. Overlook and parking area will be clearly visible. 

1. Turn around, return west on FS 42. 
2. Continue to FS 77 and remain straight downhill. 
3. After approx. 0.4 miles, look for dense canopy corridor. 
4. Park safely for Jeep canopy-tunnel shot. 

1. Continue downhill until you reach pavement. 
2. Turn RIGHT toward Dawsonville. 
3. Drive approx. 7 miles to dining and fuel stops. 

1. Same downhill road to pavement. 
2. Turn LEFT, follow GA-52 back over ridgeline. 
3. Continue 13+ miles to orchard corridor.