EPIC North Georgia ADV Motorcycle Routes Near Mulberry Gap
If you’re looking for some of the best adventure motorcycle riding in the Southeast, you’ll find it right here in the mountains of North Georgia. From multi-state Backcountry Discovery Routes to rugged dual sport loops that leave right from our front gates, Mulberry Gap sits in the middle of some truly world-class ADV riding.
Whether you’re riding a fully loaded ADV bike, a lightweight dual sport, or something in between, the mix of forest service roads, creek crossings, mountain pavement, gravel climbs, and remote backcountry scenery around Ellijay makes this area a bucket-list destination for motorcycle travel.
Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR)
The Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route is one of the biggest recent additions to the ADV world, stretching roughly 1,300 miles from the Gulf Coast of Florida all the way to Virginia through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
One of the coolest parts? The route passes directly through the North Georgia mountains and right by Mulberry Gap.
The Georgia sections feature a fantastic mix of gravel roads, mountain pavement, forest service routes, and scenic overlooks as the terrain transitions from rolling farmland into the Appalachian Mountains. Riders traveling northbound pass through Cave Spring, Chatsworth, Ellijay, and eventually on toward Tellico Plains and the Smokies.
Mulberry Gap makes an ideal overnight stop for SEBDR riders thanks to:
Cabins and campsites
Hot showers and hot tubs
Weekend meals
Trailer and vehicle parking
Easy access directly from the route
For many riders, the North Georgia section becomes one of the highlights of the entire SEBDR thanks to the elevation changes, cooler temperatures, and dense Chattahoochee National Forest scenery.
Chattahoochee BDR-X
The Chattahoochee BDR-X is quickly becoming one of the most popular ADV loops in the Southeast — and for good reason.
This 350-mile loop showcases the absolute best of North Georgia adventure riding, combining:
Gravel forest service roads
Primitive two-track
Twisty mountain pavement
Creek crossings
Scenic mountain towns
Appalachian Trail crossings
The loop travels through iconic mountain destinations like Ellijay, Suches, Dahlonega, and Helen while weaving through the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Unlike many western BDR routes, the Chattahoochee BDR-X is rideable for much of the year thanks to the Southeast’s milder winters. Spring through late fall tends to offer the best conditions.
Riders on everything from Yamaha T7s to larger ADV bikes regularly complete the route, though sections like Nimblewill Gap can become more technical depending on weather and direction of travel.
Mulberry Gap sits on the western side of the loop, making it an excellent launch point for riders wanting to:
Ride the full loop
Tackle only select sections
Basecamp for multiple day rides
Leave trucks and trailers behind while exploring
Smoky Mountain 500 (SM500)
The Smoky Mountain 500 has become one of the most iconic adventure motorcycle loops in the Eastern United States.
This roughly 500-mile route winds through North Carolina, Tennessee, and North Georgia while blending:
Fast gravel roads
Scenic mountain pavement
Remote forest routes
Creek crossings
Technical mountain sections
The route is often considered “big-bike friendly,” though weather and water crossings can quickly increase the challenge level.
One reason riders love the SM500 is the balance. You’ll spend time carving mountain pavement one moment and splashing through creek crossings the next.
The route passes only a few miles from Mulberry Gap, making it easy to add a comfortable overnight stay, grab a hot meal, dry out gear, or simply soak in the hot tub before heading back out.
For riders visiting North Georgia for the first time, the SM500 is often one of the best introductions to Southeastern ADV riding.
Southeast Adventure Trail (SEAT)
The Southeast Adventure Trail — commonly called the SEAT — is a massive 1,600+ mile dual sport and ADV route that loops around much of Georgia while also dipping into Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The SEAT has earned a loyal following because it offers:
Huge mileage options
Remote backroads
River crossings
Flexible route variations
Strong camping culture
Excellent navigation GPX resources
Compared to some BDR-style routes, the SEAT often feels a little more grassroots and exploratory — perfect for riders who enjoy long-distance wandering and piecing together multi-day adventures.
North Georgia sections of the route provide some of the most scenic mountain riding anywhere in the Southeast.
Not every ride needs to be a weeklong expedition.
One of the best parts about staying at Mulberry Gap is that incredible riding starts literally at the front gate.
Mulberry to Ocoee Loop
This beautiful and fun ride of just over 100 miles will take you directly from the front gates at Mulberry Gap, looping up through the Ocoee area in Tennessee and right back home again.
The route combines:
Scenic mountain pavement
Forest service gravel
Creekside riding
Tennessee mountain views
A perfect mix of easy ADV and dual sport terrain
It’s an ideal option for riders looking for:
A one-day adventure
A warm-up ride before tackling a longer route
Smaller dual sport bikes
Riders new to ADV travel
Check out the Mulberry to Ocoee route here.
Why Riders Basecamp at Mulberry Gap?
North Georgia offers an incredible combination of:
National Forest access
Long gravel road networks
Mild riding seasons
Mountain scenery
Small-town hospitality
Endless route combinations
And because so many major ADV routes either pass directly through the area or nearby, Mulberry Gap has naturally become a gathering place for adventure riders from across the country.
Whether you’re riding the SEBDR, knocking out the Chattahoochee BDR-X, exploring the Smoky Mountain 500, or just heading out for a one-day dual sport loop, North Georgia delivers some of the best ADV riding east of the Mississippi!
