Tips for Visiting James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

A quiet state park in northwest Georgia, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is a great spot for fishing. Learn more about visiting this state park in the rural countryside.

I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the history of James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, what there is to do in the park, and more important tips for visiting.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is a 561 acre park featuring two lakes that total 51 acres and offer outstanding fishing and boating opportunities. The site began as a public fishing area before becoming Chattooga Twin Lake State Park in July 1973.

The park was re-named in 1974 for Rep. James H. “Sloppy” Floyd, who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1953 until his death in 1974. (If you’re wondering where Sloppy Floyd got his nickname, the story goes that he was so thin as a young man that his football jersey hung loosely, so his coach began calling him “Sloppy”.)

In 1996, the park purchased an additional 276 acres from Georgia Marble, expanding the park’s border to the USFS Chattahoochee National Forest and giving the park its scenic feature of the old Marble Mine.

Located in Summerville, Georgia, this beautiful state park is surrounded by rural countryside and the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Dogs and pets are allowed at all Georgia State Parks as long as they’re leashed.

Parking at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park costs $5. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park’s office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Facilities

For those looking to stay overnight at the state park, there are 24 tent, trailer, and RV campsites; 4 cottages; 4 backcountry campsites; and 1 pioneer campground.

If you just want to picnic in the park for the day, there are 4 picnic shelters and various picnic tables and swings to relax in while enjoying the beauty of the park. The park also has 2 playgrounds.

This state park is a hub of water recreation, with Jon Boat, kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals. There are 2 boat ramps, an ADA accessible fishing pier and boardwalk, and private boats with electric motors are allowed.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Hikes

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park has over 5 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous.

• The 1 mile Marble Mine Trail follows the old road to the Marble Mine, a scenic feature of the park with a spring and waterfall over a marble outcropping. Beyond the mine, this trail connects to the 330 mile Pinhoti Trail.
• The 2.9 mile loop Jenkins Gap Trail makes a strenuous climb to the top of Taylor Ridge, also accessing the Pinhoti Trail.
• The 1.2 mile Lower Lake Loop Trail explores the shore of the park’s Lower Lake.
• The 1.2 mile Upper Lake Loop Trail crosses the boardwalk and loops around the southern part of the Upper Lake.

More Things To Do at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

This Georgia State Park has even more fun things to do, including birding, fishing, and geocaching. You can even have your wedding here!

The park has a variety of unique plant species to discover, from mixed oak and pine to hickory and redbuds, and tons of wildflowers. You should also keep an eye out for wildlife in the park, like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, red-tailed hawks, wild turkey, owls, and many migratory songbirds.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park FAQ

Final Thoughts on Visiting James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is a great place to relax and get away from it all.

The 561 acre park offers peaceful rural countryside surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some fishing, a picnic, or go for a hike, this state park has something for everyone.

With so much beauty and history, this state park is the perfect spot in the South for spending time in nature and making wonderful memories.

Things to Do Near James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

After your hike or your day of fishing, check out these other great things to do nearby.

• Cloudland Canyon State Park
• Georgia Hikes: Waterfalls Trail

---

Ready to visit Summerville, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Summerville using Hotels.com.
• Start Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.

---

Cheers!

Paige

Have you visited James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park? Let me know in the comments!