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September 4, 2026

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.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Revitalizes Statewide Water Safety Program

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is revitalizing a statewide program aimed at preventing drownings and other water-related injuries, with hundreds of new life jackets being made available to people enjoying Georgia’s lakes, rivers and other waterways.

August 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Plant ID Hike And Creatures Of The Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.

The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.

Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.

Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.

Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.

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

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New To Running? Twisted Ankle Trail Race Welcomes Beginners At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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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.

August 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Paint & Pop And Bat Hike Planned Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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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.

August 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Outdoor Adventure Day Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park September 26

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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.

August 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunset Paddle Set For This Evening At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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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.