Registration is underway now for the Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville, and organizers are making a special effort to welcome people who are new to trail running — or even new to running altogether.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville has two special programs planned tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the park during both the day and after dark.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to spend a day enjoying nature, wildlife and hands-on activities when Outdoor Adventure Day returns to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road.
Organizers are planning a full lineup of activities for children and adults, including a Kids Fishing Rodeo featuring 50 tagged fish that can be caught for prizes.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn archery with instruction provided by park staff.
Wildlife will be a major part of the day’s activities. Southeastern Reptile Rescue is scheduled to present a snake show, while Greg’s Turtle Haven will bring a turtle show to the park. Wings to SOAR will also present a birds of prey program.
Families are encouraged to bring relatives and friends and spend the day exploring the activities at the park.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks during the event. The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for sale.
Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Outdoor Adventure Day provides families with an opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s most popular outdoor destinations while learning more about fishing, archery and wildlife.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors a chance to enjoy the lake as the sun goes down with a special Sunset Paddle this evening.
Park rangers will lead participants on a paddle around the park’s lower lake from 8 until 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m.
The cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required, and participants must register in advance.
Those taking part should bring drinking water and wear clothing that can get wet.
To register or get additional information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s scenic trails while learning about local wildlife during a Turtle Hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday.
The guided hike begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, and will take participants around the park’s Upper Lake Trail, where they’ll learn about the turtles that call the park home.
Participants should meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but visitors who have their own are encouraged to bring them.
The program costs $3 per person, and advance registration is required. A $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass is also required for vehicles entering the park.
To register or for more information, contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park can enjoy two ranger-led hiking programs today, Saturday, August 1.
The first is a Guided Marble Mine Hike beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the park office for the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Rangers will share the park’s natural history while leading hikers to the historic Marble Mine. Guests are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
The second program is a Firefly Night Hike at 8:30 p.m. along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the park’s glowing fireflies while learning about their habitat and ways to help protect them. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Both programs cost $3 per person, require advance registration, and participants must also have a $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
If you’re looking for a cool treat this weekend, the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, July 26, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Volunteers will be set up next to the park’s Visitor Center serving a variety of homemade ice cream flavors. Ice cream is $3 per cup, and both cash and credit cards will be accepted.
Proceeds from the sale will support the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, a volunteer organization that helps enhance and support the park through special projects and programs.
A $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass or an annual ParkPass is required for parking.
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park from the water during a Sunset Paddle on Saturday, July 25.
The ranger-led program begins at 8:30 p.m., with participants asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m. before launching onto the park’s Lower Lake for an evening paddle as the sun sets.
Registration is required in advance. The cost is $20 per person, which includes kayak rental, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required for entry.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear clothing that can get wet. The guided paddle offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake while learning more about the park and its natural surroundings.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Trail runners from across the Southeast are invited to lace up for the 20th annual Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, as the popular event celebrates two decades of racing and giving back to the park.
To mark the milestone, organizers are adding a special 20-mile race for 2026 only, giving participants the chance to make two climbs to Becky’s Bluff. The race lineup also includes a beginner-friendly 5K, a challenging 10-mile, and a half marathon, offering options for runners of all experience levels.
The scenic courses feature a mix of wide trails, single-track sections, Marble Mine, and the iconic climb to Becky’s Bluff, where runners will enjoy a stretch along the Pinhoti Trail before descending. Organizers say the courses include plenty of rocks and roots, providing the technical challenge trail runners have come to expect.
Since its beginning, the Twisted Ankle Trail Race has donated all proceeds to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, helping support improvements and preservation efforts.
Additional race information, course maps and registration details are available at twistedanklerace.com.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.
The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.
Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.
Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.