Destination: Mulberry Gap
In a land where roadside farm fresh eggs and boiled peanuts can be found around any corner lies one of the southeast’s premier mountain bike destinations: Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way. This cycling-focused retreat is located 12 miles north of Ellijay, Georgia (population: 1,719) in Gilmer County, the mountain bike capital of Georgia and home to over 1,100 miles of trail throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Get-A-Way Year-Round
Situated on a 15 acre, multi-level, terraced plot of land tucked deep into the mountains, a visit to Mulberry Gap feels a lot like going to summer camp, yet it's really the perfect year-round retreat to explore the mountains of northern Georgia. Upon booking your stay, whether it be a cabin or tent space, you will have easy access to amazing mountain bike trails right from camp. Ride shuttles are also available to trail access. Off the bike, you can enjoy hiking, waterfall swimming, paddle boarding or even a soak in a hot tub. Accommodations include nice bath houses with showers, wifi, fully stocked beer cooler and two home cooked meals per day.
Trails throughout the southeast are unique in many ways. Unlike trail systems west of the Mississippi River, southeastern trails retain some moisture as rain is common, and the humidity is heavy. While the terrain varies among singletrack, rock gardens, gravel roads and as much, or as little, elevation gain as desired, so does the style of riding. Cross country riders will love the ability to interconnect miles upon miles of trail, while enduro-style trail riders can easily find long, technical descents to shuttle, hike or pedal to.
Where to Ride
These are some of our favorites:
Pinhoti Trails 1-5 (16.7 miles) - The Georgia Pinhoti Trail (Pin-hoe-tee) trail is one of the many crown jewels of our northwest Georgia region, and sections of it are the closest and most popular ride in/ride out trails from Mulberry Gap.
Windy Gap Downhill (11 miles) - Windy Gap offers steep climbs, technical rock gardens and loose, rocky downhills on the singletrack.
Snake Creek Gap (17 or 32 miles) - Rocks, roots, stunning views and more rocks await you.
Jake & Bull Mountain (25 miles) - This trail system has it all, from the flow of Jake Mountain to the more technical singletrack of Bull Mountain. The payoff of Bull Mountain’s downhill is huge and will leave you smiling as you wrap up a day in the saddle. This is an epic ride you will not forget.
Things To Do
Ellijay, Georgia offers plenty of off-the-bike activities for something to do before, after or between rides.
Apple Picking - Most visitors come in the fall months for their opportunity to go apple picking at numerous, nearby orchards including Hillcrest Orchards, R & A Orchards and B.J. Reece Orchards, to name a few.
Winery Visit - Apples aren’t the only fruit growing in Ellijay. Plan your visit to taste Appalachian bread wines from Engelheim Vineyards or Cartecay Vineyards
Shopping - There are many small shops within walking distance of each other. From clothing to art, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for as a memento.
Bike Shop
Forgot something or need to have your bike fixed? Support this local shop:
Cartecay Bike Shop - This full service bicycle shop offers great lines of bicycles including Rocky Mountain, Kona and Yeti.
Places To Eat and Drink
Ellijay Coffeehouse - Where locals go to get their morning buzz. Come for the caffeine, stay for atmosphere. A great little shop, with delicious coffee.
Cantaberry Restaurant - A fresh take on southern cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options available.
River Street Tavern - A full bar with an extensive beer offering, this American pub will surely have what you’re looking for after a day on the trails
Pink Pig - When in North Georgia, you must eat barbecue.
How To Get There
There are nearby airports within a short drive to Mulberry Gap. Chattanooga Airport (CHA - 1.5 hours) in Tennessee is a great option. Alternatively, Atlanta International Airport (ATL - 2 hours) is also available. No matter which airport you fly into, a beautiful drive awaits through scenic mountain towns.
If you are driving there, Mulberry Gap is located 25 miles east of Interstate 75 along country roads and highways.
How To Get Your Bike There
Ship your bike with BikeFlights.com and save time, money and hassle instead of flying with it. We suggest shipping directly to Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-A-Way; however, you can also ship to Cartecay Bike Shop. The latter is a great option if you’d prefer to hire a pro to assemble and/or pack your bike. Always call your ship-to location in advance to coordinate with them and let them know that your bike will be coming.
