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.
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.
Young people interested in outdoor adventure, learning new skills and making new friends will have an opportunity to discover what Scouting has to offer during a Scout Recruitment Night tonight in Summerville.
Local paddlers are invited to hit the water later this month for a Social Paddle along the Chattooga River, traveling from Lyerly to Chattoogaville.
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s scenic trails while learning about local wildlife during a Turtle Hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday.
The guided hike begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, and will take participants around the park’s Upper Lake Trail, where they’ll learn about the turtles that call the park home.
Participants should meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but visitors who have their own are encouraged to bring them.
The program costs $3 per person, and advance registration is required. A $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass is also required for vehicles entering the park.
To register or for more information, contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
Families looking for outdoor adventure, leadership opportunities and hands-on learning are invited to attend a Scout Recruitment Night in Summerville next week.
Pack 38 and Troop 7 will host the event on Thursday, August 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Scout Hut, located at 220 Highway 100 in Summerville.
The recruitment night is open to girls and boys from kindergarten through age 16 and their families. No previous Scouting experience is required.
Young people attending the event will be able to participate in a variety of interactive activities, including first aid, orienteering, flag folding, fishing, fire building, knot tying, tent camping skills, animal track and leaf identification, and Leave No Trace outdoor principles. Cool treats will also be available.
Local Scout leaders and current Scouts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about camping trips, service projects, outdoor activities and leadership development opportunities available through Scouting.
Organizers say the program gives young people an opportunity to learn practical skills, build confidence, make new friends and develop an appreciation for the outdoors.
There is no cost to attend the recruitment night. An annual membership fee applies to youth who decide to join.
More information is available at www.beascout.org.
Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park can enjoy two ranger-led hiking programs today, Saturday, August 1.
The first is a Guided Marble Mine Hike beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the park office for the moderately strenuous 1.5-mile hike along the Marble Mine Trail. Rangers will share the park’s natural history while leading hikers to the historic Marble Mine. Guests are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
The second program is a Firefly Night Hike at 8:30 p.m. along the Upper Lake Trail. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the park’s glowing fireflies while learning about their habitat and ways to help protect them. Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Both programs cost $3 per person, require advance registration, and participants must also have a $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
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.
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.
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.