
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville has several more Halloween-themed and fall activities scheduled for the remainder of October, including nighttime hikes, Halloween hayrides, pumpkin painting and a sunset paddle.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville has several more Halloween-themed and fall activities scheduled for the remainder of October, including nighttime hikes, Halloween hayrides, pumpkin painting and a sunset paddle.

Fall is arriving in Northwest Georgia, and James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville is preparing for one of the most colorful times of the year.

A popular Northwest Georgia wildlife management area that has been closed to the public for more than three years is set to return to public ownership and eventually reopen for hunting and other outdoor recreation.

Georgia deer hunters are already in the woods for archery season, but the opening of the state’s regular firearms deer season is now just a few weeks away.

Families looking for a fall outing will have several opportunities to enjoy the changing leaves at Cloudland Canyon State Park during October.
The Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park will host its Fall Fun Hayride every Sunday in October from noon until 5 PM at the park in Rising Fawn.
The free event will feature scenic hayrides through Cloudland Canyon State Park, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the fall scenery and changing colors from a different perspective.
Organizers say the event is designed as an afternoon of family-friendly fall fun, with games and food also planned during each Sunday’s activities.
The hayrides themselves are free, although visitors will need either an annual Georgia State Parks pass or pay the $10 park parking fee to enter.
Cloudland Canyon is one of Northwest Georgia’s most popular destinations for viewing fall foliage. October typically brings increasing fall color to the Lookout Mountain area, making the Sunday hayrides an opportunity to enjoy both the park and the changing season.
The Fall Fun Hayrides will be offered each Sunday in October from noon until 5 PM.
The event is presented by the Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park, with support provided by the Alliance for Dade.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located near Rising Fawn in Dade County.

As cooler weather approaches and more people head outdoors, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding Northwest Georgia residents that fall is also an especially active feeding period for black bears.

Georgia’s archery deer season is underway, but hunters across Northwest Georgia are dealing with unusually hot and dry conditions during the opening days of the season.

Families looking for an outdoor activity next weekend can enjoy a free movie under the stars at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host an Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8 PM.
Park rangers will show a classic, G-rated animated movie about the life of bugs. The event announcement doesn’t give the movie’s title, but offers a pretty strong hint with the theme, “I’m a beautiful butterfly.”
Visitors should meet at Picnic Shelter 1 at 8 PM and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable for the outdoor showing.
The movie program itself is free, although the regular $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for vehicles entering the park.
Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have concessions available for purchase during the evening.
The event offers families another opportunity to enjoy the state park after regular daytime activities while supporting the Friends organization, which assists with programs and projects at Sloppy Floyd.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County and includes two lakes, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and access to the Pinhoti Trail system.
Anyone with questions about Outdoor Movie Night can contact the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
The movie begins at 8 PM Saturday, September 19, at Picnic Shelter 1.

Georgia deer hunters are heading back into the woods today as the state’s 2026-2027 archery deer season gets underway, and wildlife officials are reminding hunters that one of the greatest dangers may come before they ever take a shot.

Visitors to Georgia’s state parks see the trails, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lakes and other amenities, but much of the work that helps improve and preserve those parks is supported by volunteers working behind the scenes.