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September 21, 2026

Fall Fun Hayrides Coming To Cloudland Canyon State Park In October

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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.

September 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Outdoor Adventure Day Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park Saturday

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Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.

The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.

One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.

The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.

Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.

Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.

The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.

September 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

When Will It Finally Feel Like Fall In Chattooga County?

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With temperatures still reaching the 90s in the middle of September, plenty of people around Chattooga County may be asking the same question: When is it finally going to feel like fall?

The short answer is — probably not just yet.

The forecast keeps afternoon temperatures around 90 degrees or higher through much of this week, and there is not yet a strong indication of a sustained cool-down.

That doesn’t mean a cold front couldn’t bring a couple of cooler mornings along the way. September in Northwest Georgia can quickly swing between summer-like heat and brief hints of fall.

September 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Outdoor Movie Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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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.

September 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia

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Residents looking for something to do Saturday will have plenty of choices, with several events planned in Chattooga County and neighboring communities on Saturday, September 12.

September 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Friends Of Sloppy Floyd Volunteers Continue Tradition Of Supporting Local State Park

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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.

September 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunrise And Sunset Paddles Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will have two opportunities Saturday to get out on the Lower Lake with park rangers for special guided paddles.

The park will hold a Sunrise Paddle Saturday, September 5, from 7 until 8 AM. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water along with clothing that can get wet.

Later Saturday, rangers will head back onto the Lower Lake for a Sunset Paddle. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 PM, with the paddle scheduled for 7:30 PM.

For either event, 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.

Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

September 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Registration Ends At Noon Today For Twisted Ankle Trail Race

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Registration ends at noon today for runners planning to take part in the 20th anniversary Twisted Ankle Trail Race at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County.

The popular trail-running event is set for Saturday, September 12, beginning at 9 AM at the state park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.

This year’s event offers several distances for runners, including a 5K, 10-mile race and half marathon. Organizers are also marking the race’s 20th anniversary with a special 20-mile “Double the Fun” option.

The Twisted Ankle is known for taking runners away from pavement and onto the trails and rugged terrain surrounding the lakes and mountains at Sloppy Floyd State Park.

Registration ends at noon today, so anyone still planning to participate will need to sign up before the deadline.

Runners can register through UltraSignup, while course information and additional race details are available through the official Twisted Ankle Trail Race website.

The race has become a September tradition at Sloppy Floyd and draws trail runners to Chattooga County from across the region.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Special Events Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two special outdoor programs Saturday, August 29, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park from sunrise through moonrise.

The day begins with a Sunrise Paddle from 7 until 8 AM. Participants will join park rangers for an early-morning paddle around the Lower Lake. Those attending should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water and clothing that can get wet.

The Sunrise Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 for participants who bring their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.

Saturday evening, the park will host a Moon Pie Hike beginning at 8 PM.

Rangers will lead an easy hike around the Lower Lake before participants enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam. Participants should bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and comfortable walking shoes.

The Moon Pie Hike costs $3 per person, in addition to the required $10 park pass.

Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Hiking 101 Program Coming To James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a special Hiking 101 program on Saturday, September 12.

The program begins at 2:30 PM, with participants meeting in front of the park office.

Park rangers will lead a guided hike along the Lower Lake Trail, teaching participants some of the basics of hiking. The program will cover how to safely hike trails, what hikers should pack and how to prepare for an emergency while enjoying the outdoors.

Organizers say the program is open to all ages and is designed for people who are new to hiking as well as those who simply want to spend some time outdoors and learn more about safely navigating trails.

The Hiking 101 program itself is free, although a $10 park pass is required.

Anyone interested in participating is asked to register by calling the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.