A popular Northwest Georgia wildlife management area that has been closed to the public for more than three years is set to return to public ownership and eventually reopen for hunting and other outdoor recreation.
Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Georgia residents will be able to fish without a license as part of the celebration — including those taking part in a special day of activities at James H Floyd State Park near Summerville.
Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.
The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.
One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.
The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.
Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.
The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.
Families looking for an outdoor activity next weekend can enjoy a free movie under the stars at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host an Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8 PM.
Park rangers will show a classic, G-rated animated movie about the life of bugs. The event announcement doesn’t give the movie’s title, but offers a pretty strong hint with the theme, “I’m a beautiful butterfly.”
Visitors should meet at Picnic Shelter 1 at 8 PM and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable for the outdoor showing.
The movie program itself is free, although the regular $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for vehicles entering the park.
Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have concessions available for purchase during the evening.
The event offers families another opportunity to enjoy the state park after regular daytime activities while supporting the Friends organization, which assists with programs and projects at Sloppy Floyd.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County and includes two lakes, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and access to the Pinhoti Trail system.
Anyone with questions about Outdoor Movie Night can contact the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
The movie begins at 8 PM Saturday, September 19, at Picnic Shelter 1.
A Junior Angler Fishing Day will be held Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.
The event is being held as part of National Public Lands Day and will feature fishing instruction and education for all ages, along with fish-printing arts and crafts for those who do not want to fish.
All supplies will be provided.
Fishing is free for youth ages 16 and under. Adults who want to fish must have a valid Alabama fishing license.
Participants can also complete a Junior Angler booklet to receive a Junior Angler Ranger badge.
There will be no entrance fee for the day.
Again, the event is Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM until 2 PM at Canyon Mouth Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve.
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.
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.
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.
Local paddlers are invited to hit the water later this month for a Social Paddle along the Chattooga River, traveling from Lyerly to Chattoogaville.
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.