Fall Fun Hayrides Coming To Cloudland Canyon State Park In October

Families looking for a fall outing will have several opportunities to enjoy the changing leaves at Cloudland Canyon State Park during October.

The Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park will host its Fall Fun Hayride every Sunday in October from noon until 5 PM at the park in Rising Fawn.

The free event will feature scenic hayrides through Cloudland Canyon State Park, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the fall scenery and changing colors from a different perspective.

Organizers say the event is designed as an afternoon of family-friendly fall fun, with games and food also planned during each Sunday’s activities.

The hayrides themselves are free, although visitors will need either an annual Georgia State Parks pass or pay the $10 park parking fee to enter.

Cloudland Canyon is one of Northwest Georgia’s most popular destinations for viewing fall foliage. October typically brings increasing fall color to the Lookout Mountain area, making the Sunday hayrides an opportunity to enjoy both the park and the changing season.

The Fall Fun Hayrides will be offered each Sunday in October from noon until 5 PM.

The event is presented by the Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park, with support provided by the Alliance for Dade.

Cloudland Canyon State Park is located near Rising Fawn in Dade County.

Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia

Saturday will be a busy day across Chattooga County and the surrounding area, with Finster Fest, a community food distribution, activities at Sloppy Floyd State Park, a special Trion High School event, and several events just a short drive away.

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Finster Fest Returns To Paradise Garden This Weekend

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.

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Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest

Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.

According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.

The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.

County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.

Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.

Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

Outdoor Movie Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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.

Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia

Residents looking for something to do Saturday will have plenty of choices, with several events planned in Chattooga County and neighboring communities on Saturday, September 12.

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Northwest Georgia Regional Fair Opens Friday In Calhoun

Another longtime Northwest Georgia fall tradition gets underway this week as the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair opens Friday in Gordon County.

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Two Special Events Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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.

Plant ID Hike And Creatures Of The Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.

The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.

Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.

Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.

Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

Paint & Pop And Bat Hike Planned Saturday At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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.

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