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July 19, 2026

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.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Pinhoti Trail Reroute Opens Near Mack White Gap

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A new 2.6-mile reroute is now blazed and open on Section 21 of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail northeast of Mack White Gap at U.S. Highway 27.

The reroute moves hikers off Forest Service Road 254 for about the same distance, creating a more scenic and enjoyable section of trail. Old blazes along FS 254 have been removed or painted over, and the new route is marked for hikers traveling both northbound and southbound.

GPS data has been submitted for the FarOut app and is expected to be updated in the Pinhoti database soon.

Project organizers say the reroute is an incremental improvement on the 370-mile wilderness trail, but represents a significant aesthetic upgrade for hikers.

The project was made possible through support from the Tillotson-Menlo Foundation, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District, and several trail and environmental partners.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sloppy Floyd State Park Ready to Welcome Summer Adventurers

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.

Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.

Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.

Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.

May 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Twisted Ankle Trail Race Returning to Sloppy Floyd State Park for Special 20th Year Celebration

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One of Northwest Georgia’s most popular trail running events is returning to Summerville this fall with a special milestone celebration.