Hike this 4 mile loop combining 5 separate trails including the 335 mile long Pinhoti Trail as you explore an abandoned mine with a trickling waterfall and lakeside trails at James "Sloppy" Floyd State Park. Really challenge yourself by hiking this loop counterclockwise for a more difficult journey.
Park at the picnic area parking where you'll find restrooms and plenty of picnic tables. This is the largest parking area but fills up on nice weekends. You can also park at the Pinhoti Parking area. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot with a large sign. All junctions are well marked with signs or colored blazes. Head down the hill, crossing a small creek, following the orange and purple blazes. The orange will split shortly to the left for the Marble Mine Trail and the purple will head toward the lake for the Upper Lake Loop. Turn left.
Hike along the wide gravel and dirt path, passing a large campsite on the right before coming to a junction with a connector trail to the Jenkins Gap Trail. Continue straight. As you head up the hill, sounds of a small creek and be heard below and just shortly before arriving at the mine, you'll hear a louder trickle of water if it's rained recently.
Just shy of a mile in, arrive at the abandoned Marble Mine. Walk along the wood boardwalk to cool off, just watch the dripping ceiling above, especially if you have a camera. A 35 foot waterfall should be trickling down from above if it's rained recently. For a shorter hike you can just do the Marble Mine Trail and turn around here.
Continue past the mine, following the signs for the Pinhoti trail. You will immediately pass two connector trails on the right, but continue uphill to the left, climbing to the ridgeline. At 1.6 miles, you will connect with the 335 mile long-distance Pinhoti trail, but only briefly. Turn right. The trail descends shortly then climbs again before coming to the junction with the Jenkins Gap Trail after a half mile. Turning right, pass a warning sign cautioning you about the steep grade. Take heed as the trail descends at a rate of 1800 ft/mi. Take your time, holding onto trees when you can. This trail is much more narrow and overgrown than the wider Marble Mine trail.
Eventually the trail begins to level off and you will pass the connector trails on the right. Shortly afterward, the trail splits to the right from the now wider path it has become. There's no sign here but follow the blue blazes easily seen on the trees. Immediately afterward you'll arrive at the Pinhoti Parking area. Continue down the yellow diamond Backcountry Trail until you reach the upper lake. Cross the open grass area on the right to the large sign for the Upper Lake Trail. Following the trail along the lake returning you to the intersection with the Marble Mine Trail and just after back to the parking lot where you began.