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July 23, 2026

Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Sunday

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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.

July 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park to Host Sunset Paddle July 25

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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.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Twisted Ankle Trail Race Celebrates 20 Years at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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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.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Cloud Spotters Program and Night Hike Saturday

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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.

July 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting “Creatures of the Night” Hike

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Adventure seekers can experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park after dark during a special ranger-led “Creatures of the Night” hike on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m.

The guided hike will take participants along the Marble Mine Trail to discover the nocturnal animals that become active after the park closes. Rangers will explain how nighttime wildlife survives and adapts to the dark while hikers explore the trail under the evening sky.

The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.

Flashlights will be available, although participants are welcome to bring their own. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 9 p.m.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park To Host “Ribbitting The Trails” Nature Hike

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Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure can explore the world of frogs and toads during a special ranger-led hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park next weekend.

The park will host “Ribbitting the Trails” on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Participants will hike the Marble Mine Trail while learning about the life cycle of local frogs and toads, what they eat, how they live, and the habitats where they’re most commonly found. Rangers say hikers may even get the opportunity to see some of the amphibians up close.

The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Parks pass is required. Advance registration is also required.

Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and meet in front of the park office by 10 a.m.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Homemade Ice Cream Sale Planned At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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Ice cream lovers will have a chance to cool off and support a local organization later this month at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.

The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will host a Homemade Ice Cream Sale on Sunday, June 28, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. near the park’s Visitor Center.

Volunteers will offer a variety of homemade ice cream flavors, giving visitors plenty of options to choose from. Ice cream will be available for $3 per cup, and both cash and card payments will be accepted.

Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy a summer treat while spending time at one of Northwest Georgia’s most scenic state parks.

A Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for entry. Visitors must have either a $10 daily ParkPass or an annual pass to park at the facility.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The event is open to the public.

June 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting ‘Tails on Trails’ Hike June 20

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Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for a special guided hiking event later this month.

The park will host its “Tails on Trails” program on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1 p.m. Rangers will lead participants and their dogs on a guided hike to the Marble Mine, giving both pets and owners an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while exploring one of the park’s scenic attractions.

The event is designed especially for energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Organizers encourage participants to bring water for themselves and their pets and remind owners that all dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.

Participants will meet in front of the park office by 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required.

Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in Chattooga County and offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.

June 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Two Guided Hikes Planned Saturday at Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will host two guided hikes on Saturday, June 13, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park by day and night.

The first event will be a Guided Marble Mine Hike at 2 p.m. Park rangers will lead participants on a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the Marble Mine, where hikers can learn about the park’s nature and history while exploring the Marble Mine Trail. Participants should meet at the park office, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.

Later that evening, the park will host a Firefly Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will meet at the park office at 8:30 p.m., with the hike beginning at 9 p.m. The event will give visitors a chance to see the glow of fireflies and learn how they can help protect them.

Each hike is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required for both events.

To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hosting Turtle Hike June 6

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Nature lovers of all ages are invited to lace up their hiking shoes and head to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this weekend for a guided Turtle Hike.