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.
Looking for something fun to do tonight? James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is hosting a Moon Pie Hike this Saturday, February 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The park says the event features an easy hike around the lower lake, with participants watching the moonrise over the lower dam. Moon Pies and hot cocoa will be available during the evening.
The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is required in advance.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on, and wear comfortable shoes. Participants should meet the rangers outside the park office at 6:30 p.m.
To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
The 2026 Friends of Georgia State Parks Annual ParkPass is now available, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and giving outdoor enthusiasts a way to enjoy Georgia’s state parks while supporting them directly.
Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K, a Bob Ross-inspired virtual event scheduled for April 18–26, 2026. Participants can complete 3.1 miles anywhere outdoors—running, walking, hiking, rolling, biking, skating, or paddling—at their own pace and in the location of their choice.
Locally, the event is being highlighted by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park in Summerville, who encourage residents to take advantage of nearby trails and natural spaces while supporting conservation efforts. Registration costs $36 and includes a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number, sticker, and a Bob Ross-inspired finisher medal.
Timed between Earth Day and Arbor Day, the event helps raise awareness about the importance of healthy forests, with proceeds supporting tree planting and forest protection projects across Georgia’s State Parks. More information and registration details are available at friendsofgastateparks.org/HappyLittle5K.
New Echota-Cherokee Capital State Historic Site will take part in Super Museum Sunday on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free admission all day and a full slate of historical demonstrations for visitors in Northwest Georgia.