We appreciate your interest in Mulberry Gap, a unique mountain bike destination. We are tucked away in the midst of Chattahoochee National Forest in northwest Georgia, the states designated “Mountain Bike Capital”.
This multi level wooded property was beautifully designed by George Mitchell of Dalton, Georgia. Previously a mountain retreat for his family and friends, George brought in three sleeping cabins, a camp kitchen and rustic dining hall. He cleared spacious camping areas and added enormous hand built picnic tables. He provided a small bathhouse on the hill leading to the camp area. Two small ponds, fed by natural springs trickle into a brook which runs behind the cabins and camping area. Small bridges, viewing areas and paths were constructed as well. Trout were stocked in the ponds for his grand kids. Wildflowers, wild mushrooms, butterflies, moths, salamanders and turtles were plentiful as were rhododendron bushes, hardwood and hemlock trees. An outdoor paradise!
The upper portion of the property was eventually equipped with a home, barn, pasture, ferrier shed and large workshop. His hobby was mules and horses. Hitching posts as well as large chains concreted into the ground remain on the property which formerly secured the livestock. All utilities were installed underground before adding a large circular, paved driveway. Nothing interferes with the natural beauty of the property!
Meanwhile, we Floridians were getting antsy from back to back hurricanes, sweltering heat and skyrocketing land prices. We were tipped off to the beauty of north Georgia and began making occasional trips to scout out an acre or two for camping purposes. While scouting the area, we learned of the property at Mulberry Gap. Purely out of curiosity , we requested to see the what was behind the closed gates. We took the tour with the owner, learned it’s history and fell in love at first sight. The wheels began turning!
We began to imagine building a business based on home away from home comforts for outdoor enthusiasts that love the outdoors but not the hassle that often goes with packing and unpacking endless gear. After a few months, the arrangements were made and we jumped in on a wing and a prayer! Leaving established and routine lives in Vero Beach was scary but new hopes, dreams and challenges are exciting.
Little by little we began upgrading the amenities. The first priority was to build a larger, comfortable bathhouse, close to the center of activities in the camp area. With that in progress, we tackled the dining hall-scrubbed it down, replaced the ceiling, stained and decorated the walls and accumulated tables and chairs. We doubled the size of the deck and added koi to the existing trout in the ponds. We fixed up the sleeping cabins - new blinds, spreads, sheets, pillows and porch railings. Camp kitchen, about half the size it is now, got a good scrubbing and we began stocking it with cooking and serving supplies. There were lots of windows to wash, leaves to rake and rocks to move. We had a blast!
Since the fall of 2006, we have continually adapted the property to add to the enjoyment of our guests. We brought in hot tubs, prepared a bike wash area and planted wildflowers around the property. An additional 2 unit couple/family cabin has been added. The Barn has been converted to a rustic event facility which has hosted a number of biking events, adventure races, the original Southern Cross cyclocross ride, music events, a wedding and a festival. The workshop is now a Recreation room with a fabulous collection of mountain bike memorabilia.
We have enjoyed sharing Mulberry Gap with our guests and do our best to make it a comfortable, casual home away from home. It is the ultimate honor for us to have many guests who return regularly and become our friends. We appreciate the support and encouragement we have received to continue the mission of Mulberry Gap as a unique mountain bike destination!
Ginni - is our Gifted Chef and prepares the fabulous meals at Mulberry Gap. She has strong motherly instincts to feed and watch over our guests after raising two children of her own and adopting 5 others. Ginni grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to banking and real estate, she ran a B&B at a ski resort in Vermont. She loves animals and added a brood of chickens to her care taking duties so we can offer “fresh off the farm” eggs to our guests.
Diane - is our Property Manager and Chief Correspondent for email, Facebook, web site and reservations. She grew up moving around the northeast, graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, traveled a bit in Europe, the continental United States and Alaska and worked as Certified Property Manager. Eventually moving to Vero Beach, FL with her husband, Steve, who is an optometrist and owner of Tropical Eye Associates, she served as his office manager for 20+ years while raising three children; Jason, Kate and Rachel. She has a soft heart for animals, especially the homeless and wounded and has raised a myriad of birds, turtles, snakes, squirrels, dogs, cats and pigs..
Andrew - is our Property Maintenance and Construction Supervisor and our resident EMT. He is a recent graduate of the International Fire Academy. Andrew practiced the art of Seibukon karate since the age of 7 and obtained his 2nd degree black belt at the age of 17. He was fortunate to travel extensively while competing at an international level. Since retiring from karate, he has become an avid mountain biker. On his recent summer road trip with Kate, he was able to experience the trails as the popular mountain bike destinations such as Moab, Crested Butte, Boulder and Bend.
Rachel - is entering her sophomore year at North Murray County High School in Chatsworth and anxiously awaiting the day she can get her drivers license. She is a good student and enjoys the creative aspects of drama and cosmetology. She can occasionally be seen around Mulberry Gap when not attached to the computer, telephone or scheming to find a way to go shopping. Although the rest of us consider Mulberry Gap to be a slice of paradise, Rachel has yet to appreciate being “in the middle of nowhere”.
Must Love Dogs - Our current pet menagerie includes, Mandy, Sasha, Lady, Shredder, Callie, Brewski and a bird named Kiwi.
Many strays come our way so on occasion we promote our “Stay at Mulberry Gap and get a free dog” weekend. Always check with us first if you are looking for a dog to join your family!