Gilmer County

Gilmer County is an administrative county in northern Georgia spanning the Blue Ridge Mountains region, featuring apple orchards and extensive forest coverage. The landscape combines agricultural land with natural terrain, creating a rural setting interspersed with outdoor recreation areas.

The county was established in 1832 and named after George Rockingham Gilmer, a man who held the governor's office of Georgia on multiple occasions. This naming choice reflected the political influence of state leadership on the region's early development.

The Apple Festival each October brings together farmers, artisans, and local residents to celebrate the harvest season through exhibitions, sales, and community gatherings. This event reflects how deeply the region's identity is connected to agriculture and rural traditions.

The Chattahoochee National Forest offers trails for hiking, camping areas, and fishing locations throughout the year. Fall is an especially good time to visit when temperatures are mild and foliage colors enhance the outdoor experience.

The county is notable for its poultry processing industry, which operates alongside traditional apple farming as a major economic driver. This combination of agriculture and food processing has shaped the region's economic foundation for decades.

Location: Georgia

Inception: December 3, 1832

Capital city: Ellijay

Shares border with: Fannin County, Murray County, Dawson County, Pickens County, Gordon County

Website: http://gilmercounty-ga.gov

GPS coordinates: 34.69000,-84.46000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07