
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.

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.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville has announced changes to its October programming schedule due to incoming inclement weather.

Chattooga County residents will have plenty of choices for getting out of the house Saturday, with three community events offering everything from fishing and wildlife programs to antique tractors and a hometown celebration.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Georgia residents will be able to fish without a license as part of the celebration — including those taking part in a special day of activities at James H Floyd State Park near Summerville.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.