In the wild heart of North Georgia, far from any chain hotels or curated distractions, lies Mulberry Gap, a place where people arrive not to escape the world, but to return to themselves. It’s not flashy. It’s not polished. And that’s precisely what makes you fall in love with it.
At the tucked-away outpost known as the Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp, comfort and authenticity coalesce with the whispering hush of the forest and the natural call of adventure. Mulberry Gap is not a resort; rather, it’s a manifestation of the relationship between the land and the people who come there seeking peace and clarity. For nearly two decades, the quiet magic of the area has drawn travelers from all walks of life to its cabins, trails, and community meals.
What started as a bold leap of faith between two mothers, bonded by their children’s high school romance, has become one of the Southeast’s most beloved outdoor retreats. In 2007, the vision was radical yet straightforward: to create a safe and welcoming space where people, especially women, could reconnect with nature on their terms.
The Pinhoti Trail, which stretches 360 miles from Alabama to North Georgia, became Mulberry Gap’s north star. Hikers and mountain bikers discovered it, then shared the news with their friends.
Today, co-owners Kate and Andrew Gates have taken the reins from their mothers, turning Mulberry Gap into a modestly spectacular basecamp for one’s transformation.
Asked about the property’s “luxury,” Kate says, "It’s glamping, but more than that. It’s the comfort of real connection, a robe by the hot tub, a hearty meal made with intention. It’s luxury that doesn’t ask you to perform for it.” The cabins are rustic but thoughtfully appointed—AC and heat, plush beds, linens, and yes, Wi-Fi. But TVs don’t exist in the rooms, intentionally. “We want people outside, not out of obligation, but because that’s where life gets quiet enough to hear yourself again,” Kate explains.
Guests gather at the Barn, a central dining and meeting space where strangers become friends over homemade dinners. It boasts colorful vegetables, generous portions, local wine, and sincere desserts, which come together to create a welcoming vibe. You don’t have to be a biker or hiker to belong at Mulberry Gap—you just need to want to remember what being grounded feels like.
A small brook runs through the property. Fire pits and hammocks invite rest. Mountain views, swimming holes, and waterfalls are minutes away. And there’s a culture built on stillness, movement, and meaning.
Kate reflects on the visitors who find their way here: “We’ve had people come to celebrate birthdays, reunions, new beginnings. Others arrive looking for quiet or adventure. Then there are those navigating something harder: a failed relationship, a job loss, or a grief they can’t name. They come to breathe, reset, and ask questions. Something begins to lift somewhere between the trailhead and the dinner table.”
Some guests come solo. Others arrive in groups: yoga retreats, women’s circles, family reunions, and riders carving out annual getaways. Regardless of one’s company, Mulberry Gap is crafted with care, from shuttle service to trailheads, to their Trailside Trading Post filled with s’mores kits and locally brewed cider. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Kate says, “but we are trying to be real and good at what we do.”
That intention echoes in every detail, from home-cooked meals to greeting guests like old friends, whether it’s their first or fifteenth visit. For some, like Eric, it’s a gentle introduction to adventure for a loved one. For Garrett, it’s a year-round touchstone for solo trips, group rides, and family holidays. For Sky, it’s been a source of comfort during life’s hardest seasons.
These narratives are just a few examples of the deeply personal and organic stories that this place holds. And there’s even more magic that’s happened there: once, a couple met at Mulberry Gap, got engaged, and then married each other on-site. The genuine connections that exist between the people, the land, and the experience are what keep guests returning.
Kate and Andrew steward the vision their families began, working with a tight-knit team to create an experience that feels less like a transaction and more like a meaningful adventure. While you’re there, even the land seems to be part of the staff, offering you healing through mountain air and time without clocks.
Nearly twenty years after its founding, Mulberry Gap continues to evolve without selling out. Rebranded in 2020 as an “Adventure Basecamp,” it now welcomes hikers, runners, bikers, and adventure motorcyclists.
In a world speeding up, the chance to slow down and truly focus on yourself isn’t just a luxury. It’s a rare and remarkable gift; one that lives here, in the serene expanse of Mulberry Gap.
"Mulberry Gap is where friendships grow and hearts reconnect." Pedro F