Meet Kate Gates: Owner/Operator of Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Gates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My husband and I live where we work so this one can be a real challenge for us. Luckily, we’re very conscious of it and work towards finding better balance every day. It’s at the heart of many business decisions and we hold each other accountable to our goals, dreams, and making time for hobbies and friends.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mulberry Gap serves as a rustic adventure basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts; hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, gravel cyclists, dual sport enthusiasts, and even professional hammock nappers. We offer cabins, campsites, amazing home cooked meals by our in-house chef, hot tubs, shuttles to trailheads, a vast events calendar, killer craft beer selection, and a small retail store. We even have a jump line, pumptrack, and small onsite trail which serves as the training grounds for the many clinics we offer. We’re located about 90 minutes north of Atlanta in Ellijay, Georgia surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness. When pavement turns to gravel and you think you’ve gone too far – drive just a bit further and you’ll stumble upon our haven in the woods. The Pinhoti Trail System is accessible almost immediately from our property as well. Our moms started the business in 2007 “on a wing and a prayer,” as they say. Soon after, the economy took a nose dive. We were still a fairly new business with a small following. We knew the road ahead was going to be tough. Like many, we gritted our teeth and refused to give up. We had the support of our amazing guests and they continued to spread the word and bring friends and family up to stay and play in the woods. They saw the possibilities and believed in us and their support helped keep us going to get to where we are today – entering into our 15th season!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After getting my friend settled into her cabin at Mulberry Gap, we’d sit around the campfire and catch up. The following morning, we’d enjoy a hearty breakfast in The Barn, enjoying conversation with other guests and plan our adventure for the day. I’d start with a bike ride to get her acquainted with the area. We’d pass creeks, waterfalls, and swimming holes on our way up to one of the nearby overlooks then head down the mountain via the Bear Creek Trail. Once we arrived back at Mulberry Gap, I’d grab a few of my favorite beers and we’d enjoy them out on the porch before dinner. After another amazing meal, we’d head down to the hot tubs and soak our tired bodies. We’d repeat this cycle most days and vary our activities from biking to fly fishing to hiking and just simply relaxing. We’d catch a few sunrises or sunsets and relish in the beauty of this dense green forest. Once our legs were body were tired and sore – we’d head to downtown Ellijay. We’d grab a coffee at the Ellijay Coffeehouse then visit the various shops in town. We’d enjoy lunch at The Shack and then make our way to one of the local wineries or brewery. We’d end our afternoon with dinner at The Roof Ellijay. Once back at Mulberry Gap, we’d lay in the hammock with full bellies and stare at the stars.    Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are too many to mention! Both my mother and mother-in-law started the business together in 2006. They laid the foundation and influenced the atmosphere that’s still present today. We wouldn’t be doing this without their hardwork and sacrifices. Our guests have also been wildly supportive and encouraging since the beginning. We’ve been told there’s an “irreplacable magic” about Mulberry Gap and we completely agree. We are so fortunate to have such a great clinetele. Several of those guests have become very close friends and have continued to be valuable mentors over the years.

Website: https://www.mulberrygap.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mulberrygapadvbasecamp/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulberryGapAdvBasecamp
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mulberry-gap-adventure-basecamp-ellijay-2
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LQdIloNPC8irwgpHdab2g
Other: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS702US702&sxsrf=ALeKk01CNP4S2uYIyJaqLnu0HTfQOBFX5w:1611720312888&q=Mulberry+Gap+-+Adventure+Basecamp&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgecSYyS3w8sc9YamESWtOXmOM4uIKzsgvd80rySypFPLhYoOyFLj4pbj10_UNS9LyjNNzcjQYpHi5kAWkFJS4eHXO7xURFTObeFZLiFNdyitk9oH4DsGPOyvOOuTOWsOziFXRtzQnKbWoqFLBPbFAQVfBMaUsNa-ktChVwSmxODU5MbcAAB1ErSaSAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwih9eeFnrvuAhXwtlkKHUKMDgQQ6RMwD3oECBMQAg&biw=1229&bih=627

Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34929-d7973780-Reviews-Mulberry_Gap_Adventure_Basecamp-Ellijay_Gilmer_County_Georgia.html

Image Credits
The Radavist, Brice Johnston, Brice Shirbach of Pinkbike.com, Whitney Stanley