In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park offers a quiet retreat into the woodlands of Northwest Georgia. The park was named after a former Georgia politician.
Surrounded by Chattahoochee National Forest, the park offers multiple hiking trails and two lakes for fishing, boating, and paddling. During crisp winter days, bare trees allow for expansive views of the park’s two lakes and the surrounding ridges.
Our weekday visit in mid-January was peaceful, with only a few other hikers on the trail. Despite the chilly weather, we had blue skies and sunshine.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park
2026 Price: $10 per vehicle
Marble Mine Trail
The Marble Mine Trail follows a steady, mile-long incline along an old roadbed, guided by orange blazes. While the park rates the path as moderate, travelers should expect prolonged uphill climbs most of the way to the historic site. It leads to the remnants of a mining operation from the 1960s and ‘70s.
Several large pieces of marble are scattered along the path, giving an early glimpse of the natural beauty that awaits at the mine site.
With recent rainfall, a delicate 35-foot waterfall spills over the outcropping. A wooden boardwalk allows visitors to walk behind the falls to observe the intricate patterns and textures of the marbling up close.
Additional Hikes
The park has four other trails, ranging from easy to strenuous.
- Marble Mine Trail connects to the 330-mile National Scenic Pinhoti Trail less than a mile after the mine.
- Lower Lake Loop and Upper Lake Loop are both easy trails circling the respective lakes. Upper Lake Loop even has a boardwalk that crosses over open water.
For visitors looking for a blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, the journey to the marble mine at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is perfect for a day trip.