Families looking for outdoor activities this weekend will have a couple of educational options at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County.
A sweet springtime treat is on the way to Northwest Georgia as the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park prepare to host a homemade ice cream sale later this month.
The event is set for May 24th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, located near Summerville in Chattooga County. Volunteers will be set up next to the park’s visitor center, serving a variety of homemade ice cream flavors for just $3 per cup.
Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy a refreshing dessert while supporting the park. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.
Visitors should note that a $10 park pass or annual pass is required for parking inside the state park.
With warmer weather settling into the region, the event offers a perfect way for residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to spend a spring afternoon outdoors.
An evening under the stars is planned in Chattooga County as James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park hosts a special Moon Pie Hike on May 2nd at 7:30 PM.
The guided hike will take participants on an easy walk around the lower lake, where they’ll enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam.
Park officials recommend bringing a flashlight, a blanket to sit on, and wearing comfortable shoes. Guests will meet park rangers outside the park office before the hike begins.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required for parking. Registration is also required in advance by calling the park office at 706-857-0826.
The event offers a relaxing way for families and visitors across Northwest Georgia to enjoy the outdoors and a unique nighttime experience.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host a Wildflower Hike on Saturday, May 2, giving participants a chance to explore local trails while learning about native plants.
The guided hike will begin at 10 a.m., with park rangers leading visitors along the Lower Lake Trail. Participants will learn about Georgia’s native wildflowers and which species are most important to pollinators.
Attendees are asked to meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and should bring plenty of water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is also required in advance.
For more information or to register, call the park at 706-857-0826.
Outdoor enthusiasts will have a couple of opportunities to enjoy nature this weekend at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, with two ranger-led events scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site in Calhoun will host “Stand Clear Weapons Are Here” on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1 until 2 p.m. at the Vann Tavern. Park rangers will present a program exploring the hunting culture of the Cherokee and the traditional weapons used in southeastern Native American hunting.
The program will highlight early hunting tools including rivercane blow guns, atlatl and darts, spears and lances, clubs, and knives. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try some of the weapons featured during the presentation.
Admission is $6 to $8 and includes access to the program, the museum, a self-guided walking tour of the historic grounds, and nature trails. New Echota is located one mile east of Interstate 75 at Exit 317 on Georgia Highway 225 North near Calhoun. For more information, call 706-624-1321.
Families in Chattooga County have a chance to celebrate the season today as the Easter Bunny makes a special appearance at Sloppy Floyd State Park.
The event, hosted by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park, will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the fire ring located in front of the park office.
Children will have the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny at no cost, and each child will receive a treat bag during the event.
A $10 parking pass or an annual park pass is required per vehicle to enter the park. However, a limited number of parking passes are available for checkout at no cost through the Chattooga and Trion Libraries.
Organizers say the event is a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the Easter season together.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is gearing up for another summer of outdoor adventure with the return of its annual Junior Ranger Camp.
Park officials say registration is now open for three sessions of the popular camp, which is designed for children ages 6 to 12. The camp offers hands-on learning experiences focused on nature, outdoor skills, and wildlife education.
This year’s sessions are scheduled for June 10–12, June 22–23, and July 16–17. The first session will run three days, while the remaining camps are two-day programs.
Participants will work alongside park rangers and take part in activities such as archery basics, fishing, and wildlife education. Organizers say the program is designed to help children explore the outdoors while building confidence and appreciation for Georgia’s natural resources.
The cost is $65 for the three-day camp and $45 for each of the two-day sessions.
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information or to sign up, contact the park at 706-857-0826.
Georgians now have a new way to support the state’s parks and historic landmarks by purchasing a specialty license plate for vehicles or trailers. The new tag is available through the state’s online e-services portal at renewal time for $80 the first year and $55 each year after that, while those who want the plate before renewal can visit their local county tag office and pay the difference in fees.
Money raised from the new specialty tag will directly benefit the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Those funds will help protect, manage, and maintain Georgia’s natural, historical, and cultural resources while also supporting public enjoyment, recreation, and educational opportunities across the state.
State officials say the new plate gives residents a simple way to show pride in Georgia’s outdoor and historic treasures while helping preserve them for future generations. More information is available through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Warmer temperatures are bringing more visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville, with park officials reporting an increase in both day-use guests and campers in recent weeks.