Africa has the Big 5 – but Ellijay, GA has..
The Appalachian BIG 5
Who needs a safari when the mountains of Ellijay have their own legends to track?
This October & November 2025, take on the Appalachian Big 5 Photo Challenge and hike your way into the Appalachian spirit!
Your adventure: capture the black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and coyote on the trails of the Southern Appalachians.
It’s free to join—just tag your best hiking shots to House Of Applejay and swing by our Tasting Room in East Ellijay, GA to snag your Big 5 Challenge Sticker*.
* You can grab a free “Appalachian Big 5” sticker at the House of Applejay Tasting Room in East Ellijay, starting October 10th 2025, while supplies last. Please note that you must be 21 or older to enter.
Please respect the natural environment and help preserve the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains for future generations by leaving no trace.
Appalachian Big 5 Photo Challenge
Explore the scenic trails of North Georgia, where every hike brings new heights, unique challenges, and the thrill of discovery. As you journey, take part in the Appalachian Big 5 Photo Challenge—spot and capture the black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and coyote, and let your adventurous spirit rise to meet the mountains.
#AppalachianBig5
Participate for free in the Appalachian Big 5 Photo Challenge at House Of Applejay Distillery! Simply tag your Appalachian BIG 5 pictures with @HouseOfApplejay on Facebook or @HouseOfApplejay_ on Instagram. Hurry, while supplies last! The challenge runs from Oktober 15 to November 30, 2025.
The black bear of the Southern Appalachians is the ultimate Big 5 star—curious, clever, and endlessly fascinating. These bears roam streams, hollows, and apple groves, and are just as likely to be spotted perched high in a tree, surveying their forest domain. Perfect for your Appalachian Big 5 photo safari, they give adventurers a safe and thrilling chance to capture the untamed spirit of the mountains.
When observing these magnificent animals, remember to keep your distance, stay quiet, and never feed or approach them—respecting their space ensures both your safety and theirs. Watching a black bear in its natural habitat, moving gracefully through the forest or climbing to a secret vantage point, is a moment that makes any hike unforgettable, connecting you to the magic, mystery, and rugged charm of the Southern Appalachians.
White-Tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer of the Southern Appalachians is a creature of quiet wonder—elegant, alert, and endlessly mesmerizing. With each delicate leap, flick of a tail, or watchful gaze, they embody the grace and subtle magic of the forest. In the myths of the region’s Native peoples, deer were seen as gentle messengers and guides, symbols of intuition and harmony, moving between the worlds of humans and nature. Roaming streams, hollows, and meadows, their movements are poetry in motion, captivating hikers and nature lovers alike.
Catching sight of a white-tailed deer in a sunlit clearing or gliding silently among the trees is a moment of pure enchantment, a living reminder of the Southern Appalachians’ serene charm and the quiet wonder that fills its wild spaces.
Bobcat
The bobcat of the Southern Appalachians is a master of stealth—sleek, alert, and fiercely independent. Roaming hollows, rocky outcrops, and dense woods, these elusive cats are rarely seen, moving silently and with careful purpose through their forest home. Most active at dawn and dusk, bobcats often slip along forest edges, rocky ridges, and dense thickets, their keen eyes and patient hunting style perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain.
Spotting a bobcat is a rare and thrilling experience, making it a standout highlight for adventurers taking on the Appalachian Big 5 Challenge. Whether perched on a ridge, slipping gracefully through the underbrush, or pausing to scan a clearing, every glimpse of this secretive predator feels like a window into the hidden wild of the mountains—a reminder of the mystery, skill, and untamed spirit that define the Southern Appalachians.
Wild Turkey
The wild turkey of the Southern Appalachians is a spectacle of color and presence—proud, alert, and surprisingly elusive. Roaming forest edges, meadows, and hollows, these birds move with a stately confidence, often pausing to strut, forage, or preen in sunlit clearings. The males are especially striking, with their iridescent feathers, fanned tails, and vivid wattles catching the light in dazzling display.
Most active in the early morning and late afternoon, turkeys are easiest to spot when they roam the forest floor or take flight to low branches—and their distinctive gobbles, clucks, and purrs often give away their presence before you see them. Every gobble, fan of feathers, or sudden flight reminds observers of the rich vibrancy, energy, and wild charm of the Southern Appalachians.
Coyote
The coyote of the Southern Appalachians is a mysterious and enchanting forest resident—sleek, alert, and full of quiet energy. Roaming hollows, ridges, and open meadows, these graceful hunters move with a subtle rhythm, pausing to listen, sniff, or scan their surroundings. Their soft howls and yips echo through the twilight, announcing their presence like a secret song of the mountains. The males and females alike are striking, with tawny coats, bushy tails, and keen, shining eyes that catch the fading light.
Most active at dawn and dusk, coyotes were long admired by Native peoples as clever and wise, often seen as guides or teachers in myths—creatures whose cunning and intuition revealed the hidden patterns of the forest and the delicate balance of life within it.
Ready to explore the outdoors?
Respecting the land and looking after yourself go hand in hand. Before you set out, study a trail map, learn the area, and check local guidelines. Pack the right gear, watch the weather, and be mindful of potential hazards. With a little preparation and awareness, you’ll enjoy a safe and memorable journey while protecting the places we all love. While you are on a photo safari in the Appalachians, try not to disturb the animals. Observe them with respect, and leave nature just as you found it. Remember to leave no trace and keep the Appalachian Mountains wild and beautiful for the next generation.
* Pick up your free Appalachian Big 5 Challenge sticker at the House of Applejay Tasting Room in East Ellijay (while supplies last). Must be 21+ to enter.