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.
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.
Families in Chattooga County will have a chance to enjoy a festive spring outing when the Easter Bunny returns to Sloppy Floyd State Park next month for a special photo event.
Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host “Photos With the Easter Bunny” on Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the park office. Visitors are invited to bring their cameras and stop by for pictures with the Easter Bunny during the two-hour event.
The event offers local families a fun way to celebrate the Easter season and enjoy time together at the park.
A $10 ParkPass is required to attend.
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.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting the public to a “Moon Pie Hike” on Saturday, January 31 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. The event features an easy hike around the lower lake with Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise on the lower dam.
Participants are asked to bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on, and to wear comfortable shoes. Rangers will meet hikers outside the park office at 6:30 PM. The cost is $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is required. Registration is also required, and those interested can call the park office at 706-857-0826 to register or ask questions.
If winter weather has you looking ahead to warmer days, now is a good time to lock in a camping spot at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville.
Chattooga County is set to ring in New Year’s Day 2026 with a mix of outdoor recreation and local tradition, giving families and visitors a chance to start the year on a positive note.
At James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, the annual First Day Hikes are scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2026, with a 10:00 a.m. start time. Participants can choose from a range of trail options, from easy walks to more challenging routes, offering a scenic way to begin 2026 with fresh air, movement, and time outdoors.
Following the hikes, the Friends of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park plan to host a Black-Eyed Pea Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Picnic Shelter 4. The meal continues a Southern New Year tradition many associate with good luck and prosperity heading into the new year.
Whether residents choose to hit the trails, enjoy a warm meal, or simply spend time with neighbors and family, New Year’s Day in Chattooga County offers a community-focused start to 2026.