Ellijay, occasionally spelled Elijay, is a city in Gilmer County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,862 at the 2020 census. The city is the county seat of Gilmer County. Agriculture is important in Gilmer County, known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia." The city holds an annual Georgia Apple Festival in October. Former President Jimmy Carter owns a pine cabin second home in Ellijay. Other tourists are attracted to the mountains and whitewater kayaking.