2024 Northern Georgia Blackberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Northern Georgia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blackberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have blackberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Catoosa County

• Sims Family Farm - blueberries, blackberries, pumpkins, flowers, pasture-raised beef
  1608 Burning Bush Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736. Phone: (706)-866-4062. Email: simssodfarm@bellsouth.net . Open: Before making a trip to the farm, please check our home page for OPEN HOURS, or our Facebook page, or call to confirm whether we are open or closed. Click here for a map and directions .
  Sims Family Farm Facebook page . We offer both You-Pick and We-Pick strawberries throughout the spring season which usually begins around mid-April and ends in early June. Blueberries are available in June. By mid-June our blackberries will be ripe for picking. Come pick the delicious blackberries, or we can pick them for you. They can be used to make cobblers, jellies, jams, and other tasty treats.Pumpkins: We have You-Pick or We-Pick pumpkins in the fall. We have You-Pick sunflowers for (2019) $1 a stem, or $15 a bucket. Buckets can be filled with as many sunflowers as will fit. And Beef, Pasture Raised and Grain Supplemented. Our beef has been USDA Inspected and Labeled. It has no artificial hormones, no steroids, and no antibiotics. We offer a wide variety of cuts. Our prices are subject to change on beefUPDATE for 2022: We wanted to let you guys know that after much deliberation, we have decided not to grow strawberries for the foreseeable future. We thank all of you for supporting us while we have grown strawberries and for supporting us in this decision. The typical harvest dates are: Sod & Beef - All year - Weekdays,Blueberries - June - JulyBlackberries - JulySunflowers - late JulyPumpkins - OctoberPopcorn - All year (while supplies last) - WeekdaysDeer corn - All year (while supplies last) - Weekdays(UPDATED: May 6, 2022 JBS) (ADDED: September 20, 2019, JBS)

Fannin County

• Mercier Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
  8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Phone: (706) 632-3411. Email: customer.service@mercier-orchards.com . Open: Weekends - Weather Permitting - Seasonal 10am to 4pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mercier Orchards Facebook page . April - Blossom Tours May - Strawberry U-Pick June - Blueberry U-Pick July - Blueberry and Blackberry U-Pick August, September and October - Apple U-Pick. We use integrated pest management practicesPet are allowed on our Deck and may stroll around the pond. They are not allowed in the Orchard, Market and Restaurant. All U-Pick events are subject to availability and weather. In 2021, Admission was $12 per person (2 and under free)Each person will receive a quart size container to fill with fruit. (UPDATED: February 18, 2020)
  Comments from a visitor on May 15, 2010: "We went to this orchard to pick-your-own strawberries yesterday (5/14/10)and I cannot say enough about how nice they were.. the ladies at the front, the people on the tractor (to and from) and TJ who was out in the field answering everyone's questions. We found it very interesting and educational about what they told us about the farm, it's history and how it's operated. We do not have children, but many others out there did and they seemed to be VERY children friendly. They did allow you to eat strawberries in the field, the only rule given was "Please put at least one berry in the bucket for each one that you eat!" LOL! They still had lots of strawberries ready and you could see more ALMOST ready for picking. But they were being picked relatively quickly so no telling how long they will have more.. there were lots of picking customers coming and going. We had such a wonderful experience we are already planning our next trip for their next crop.. Cherries :)!"

Murray County

• Grassy Mountain Blackberries - blackberries, restrooms
  2103 Mcentire Circle, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Phone: (770) 262-6316. Email: kate.walker@get-better-traffic.com . Open: Thursday through Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm, or by appointment; June 15 pm to September 30. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, only.
  Grassy Mountain Blackberries Facebook page . Picking begins when berries ripen, typically mid-June to the end of September; Recommend calling or texting for picking conditions;(ADDED: May 07, 2017)
• Prewitt Berry Farm - blackberries, blueberries,
  1085 River Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Phone: (706) 695-2261. Email: Mmprew13@yahoo.com . Directions: Google has great directions. Hwy 286 to Fuller Chapel Road, left on Fuller Chapel road to River Road, left on River Road to sign. . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: (706) 483-5620 Call or email for this year's hours (UPDATED: June 05, 2018)

Rabun County

• Hillside Orchard Farms, Inc - apples, blackberries, Honey (retail), Honey (wholesale), Sourwood honey), Wildflower honey, Strained honey, Tours, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  18 Sorghum Mill Drive, Lakemont, GA 30576. Phone: 706-782-2776. Email: Kiley@hillsideorchard.com . Open: Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 5:30, Sunday 10:30 to 5:30. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, AmEx.
  Hillside Orchard Farms, Inc Facebook page . . Alternate Phone: 706-782-4995Fax: 706-782-7848blackberries July apples August SeptemberBLACKBERRY PICKING starts around June 30; and Every Day store is open till Blackberries are Gone. Call or check Facebook for price and daily availability. Pick your own apples inm September. Corn maze in September. VISITING THE ANIMALS: Does not cost anything to go see the animals. There are food machines that cost a quarter out at the barn or you can buy a bag of feed in the store for fifty cents. HAYRIDE - The hayride around the farm will be running starting the first weekend in October. Cost $2 per person to ride. This attraction does stop for a visit at the barnyard. THE TRAIN - The train runs every hour around the farm. Nice, easy ride. $4 per person. This ride is a continuous ride around the farmSpend a day at with us at the farm. Our retail store and farm is rapidly becoming a destination point for all. You can wonder out to the barnyard to feed our herd of nanny goats, say Hi to Festus our Donkey. Visit our Indoor gem mine and watch a show put on by the residents: "Miner Jim & Donkey", In the summer months we have u-pick blackberries for all to enjoy along with a pavilion and playground. Pick blackberries and then enjoy ice cream while the kids play. In the Fall, Many colors of apples and pumpkins mark the farm. In 2015 we introduced our u-pick Apple orchard to a great success. We have our yearly corn maze that opens in September, included in it a game telling more about an activity or a item on the farm. The Train and Hayride runs all day on their routes around the farm either to the apples or to the animals.
  Comments from a visitor on July 26, 2009: "I have to say that this blackberry crop is the most amazing I've ever seen. Thornless bushes w/ berries the size of jawbreakers! They're awesome this year. My wife and I went on a Saturday and there were only 3 or 4 others there picking. We had over 14 pounds in 25 minutes. It was so fun I took my children back a few days later and we got another 8 pounds. This is going to become a regular stop for us in mid-July each year. Staff was friendly; store was clean; bathrooms accessible and clean."
• Tiger Mountain Orchards - blackberries , raspberries, grapes
  1309 Bethel Road, Tiger, GA . Phone: 706-782-3290. Open: UPDATE for 2019, There are reports they have closed; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were dawn-dusk, every day in season. Click here for a map and directions . click here for our contact form Call for availabilityU.S. 441 (8.5 miles north of Tallulah Falls). Crop availability: blackberries July-August; raspberries July 15 through August; grapes in August. . We supply the containers. Check orchard weather and forecast on our website

Whitfield County

• Leo's Berry Patch - beans, blackberries,
  5433 Red Clay Rd, Cohutta, GA 30710. Phone: 706-264-9633. Email: ljwhaley@windstream.net . Open: Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 8 pm; June and July. Directions: Cleveland Highway north \(from Dalton\) turn left at Cohutta exit; turn right on Red Clay Road - go past Fish Hachery; number on mailbox. . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 706-694-3440Fax: 706-694-4350 Cleveland Highway north (from Dalton) turn left at Cohutta exit; turn right on Red Clay Road - go past Fish Hachery; number on mailbox
• The Berry Patch - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, raspberries (red),
  422 John Bell Hood Drive, Cohutta, GA 30710. Phone: 706-694-4113. Email: rswilliams@windstream.net . Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM, Closed Sunday and Monday. Directions: Call for directions. . Click here for a map and directions . Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 706-847-7283 Blackberries: mid June to July; limited Raspberries : mid June to mid July. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals2016 prices are: Blackberries are $ 2.00 per pound. Raspberries are $ 2.50 per poundApproximately 5 to 6 pounds per gallon. Please plan your picking accordingly. Picking containers provided. Bring your own take-home containers. Best to call if traveling a long distance, to verify for heavy picking conditions. (UPDATED: June 18, 2016)
  Comments from a visitor on July 07, 2010: "Visited this farm three times. Just call before going(to verify availability (I know they had to close down a couple days to let berries ripen) or email-they will contact you. I cannot wait to return next year. Very friendly people."

Blackberry

Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blackberries typically peak during June in the South of the U.S., and in July in the north and in Canada. Crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local Blackberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions. See this page for a list of blackberry festivals around the U.S .

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
   
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Blackberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Blackberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on How to Pick Blackberries

1. There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the thorny varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry you're after, avoiding the thorns.
2. A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug.  If the berry is red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Unlike strawberries, blackberries are usually pretty tough, I dump mine into the bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
4. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
2. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the blackberries (while they are in the fridge)!
4. Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Blackberry Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

1. How to make Blackberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Blackberry jam directions - very easy!
2. How to make Blackberry jelly
3. How to freeze berries
4. Blackberry syrup , make and can it! 
5. Seedless blackberry pie!
6. Blackberry Festivals: Where, When and More to Find an Blackberry Festival Near You this year:

Blackberry Facts and Tips

• Black Raspberries, also known as "black caps" are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• The USDA says 1 cup of blackberries has about 62 calories.
• 1 cup of blackberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• Select plump, firm, fully blackberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Ohio State University's Article Regarding Their Prevention of Cancer
• Oregon Berry Black Raspberry Brochure
• Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War. During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forage for blackberries to ward off the disease.
• Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.
• The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye solution in order to "maketh the hair black".
• Guide to blackberry varieties
• Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals.  A study at the University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
• U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to go to a blackberry festival? See this page for a list!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)