James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, which I will henceforth just call “Sloppy”, because I love the name, is somewhere I got to both camp and hike to Marble Mine Falls. The falls are fairly seasonal seeming and there was only a trickle while I was there during a dry period, but this one is unique because the water falls over an old marble mine to form. In the photo you’ll find below you may notice the water at least making a splash as it lands in a pool. Rocks on the ground here consisted largely of marble, and the aptly named Marble Mine Trail taken to get to it had marble all over it as well. So that’s all pretty unique as far as hikes to get to a fall goes and what the fall consists of. If that isn’t enough the trail from the waterfall goes on to be an approach trail for the Pinhoti Trail. So there’s a lot going on here!
Camping here was very simple as well, because I rolled in later in the evening after normal park hours, which happens a LOT when I run amuck and was able to get to my campsite without any hassles. Seemed like your typical state park scenario with sites mostly geared toward RVs but the tent pad was tolerable. Nice bathrooms, fairly quiet campground with a few deer running through it, and as this is a fairly fishing and lake focused park, that translated into a bunch of mosquitoes coming out to greet me. Those just come with the territory though at lake parks. By contrast I was thrilled to encounter some stick bugs here at Sloppy which are a novelty that always fascinates me.
Note that the trails here are fairly minor, and of the minor things I enjoyed the trail down to the lake from the campground. But the best scenic view you’ll find at Sloppy will be on the bridge crossing over the upper lake area. If you are into fishing, you’ll probably enjoy this place too. Also keep in mind you’re adjacent to the western side of the Chattahoochee National Forest here, so plenty of nearby adventures await.
Address:
2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road
Summerville, GA 30747
