Planning a trip to Alpine Helen

Getting There -- From Atlanta, drive north on I-85 to exit 45 near Gainesville. From here, take Hwy. 985/365 North for some 20 miles to Hwy. 384. After that, go for another 20 miles to Hwy. 75, then turn right for the final 3 miles into Helen.

Visitor Information -- Alpine Helen Convention and Visitors Bureau, 726 Brucken St. (a half-mile from downtown), right off Main Street (tel. 800/858-8027 or 706/878-2181; www.helenga.org), dispenses information and provides maps and brochures of attractions in the area. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.