<• How to get there

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You need only look at the gas pump to know why you decided to avoid pleasure trips.

But minutes after making the two-hour trek from Gwinnett to the Raven Cliff Falls Trail near Helen, high fuel prices won't seem so important.

SOOTHING SOUNDS:

The relaxing sound of the roaring Dodd Creek and waterfalls along the 5-mile (round-trip) path will drive that home first. Your nose awakens with the fresh, sweet scent of water. Take in the view of hardwood trees, trout lilies, asters and ferns, and you can't help but feel peaceful. Stop and do a little trout fishing. This is an ideal hike for the whole family — and the dog.

Hikers along the trail agreed the path was not difficult, save for a few steep grades, including one section before Raven Cliff Falls, a beautiful sight. The falls are also the turnaround point. But sit a spell, have a picnic. Just try to resist dipping your toe in the water. On some days, you'll see people rappelling from the cliff walls.

BEFORE YOU GO, CARBO-LOAD:

For sustenance before the hike, try Hofer's Bakery &

Cafe in Helen, where you can get a breakfast that really sticks to your ribs, including homemade corned beef hash, an assortment of hearty omelettes and Hofer's Belgian waffles.

AFTER THE HIKE:

A popular spot also in Helen is the Troll Tavern, where you can enjoy food while gazing at the Chattahoochee River. Try the blackened rainbow trout, fried cheese ravioli or German fare such as the bratwurst platter or Wiener schnitzel.

TOO TIRED TO DRIVE HOME?

If you want to sleep in the area, choose one of the five cottages at the Lodge at Smithgall Woods.

Lodge guests can enjoy hiking, "interpretive ecology," fly fishing and Native American history in the 5,600-acre conservation area.

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAIL:

Take I-85 north to I-985 north, then Exit 22 to U.S. 129/Ga. 11 north. Turn right onto Ga. 75 and into Helen.

From Helen, take Ga. 75 north for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Ga. 356 (75 alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (Watch out because it's not clearly marked.) Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area.