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Chewacla State Park: Auburn's Natural Escape

Discover outdoor adventures and historic charm at Chewacla State Park, a scenic escape near Auburn and Opelika, Alabama.

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Chewacla State Park, a 696-acre haven near Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, offers a blend of outdoor activities and historical charm [3, 4]. Established in 1939, the park features a 26-acre lake, diverse trails, and facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s [7, 12]. It's a popular destination for recreation and relaxation [3, 4].

A brief summary to Chewacla State Park

Local tips

  • Bring your own canoe or kayak to explore Lake Chewacla, as there is no boat ramp, but hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft are welcome [3, 4].
  • Check the park's event calendar for upcoming mountain biking events, group rides, and community celebrations [2, 16].
  • Consider booking a stay in one of the historic CCC-era cabins for a unique and rustic lodging experience [3, 4].
  • Be sure to hike to Chewacla Falls for a picturesque view and a refreshing swimming hole [7, 16].
  • Entrance fees are required and can be paid upon arrival; $4 for individuals (ages 12-61), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [2, 18].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head south on College Street (Shell Toomer Pkwy/AL-147) for approximately 3 miles [16]. Chewacla State Park will be on your left [16]. Parking is available throughout the park near the lake, trails, and campgrounds [16]. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $4 per person (ages 12-61), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [2, 18].

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Chewacla State Park, you can take an Uber or Lyft from Auburn University or downtown Auburn [16]. The ride is approximately 3 miles and should cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand [16]. Remember to factor in the park's entrance fee upon arrival: $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [2, 18].

  • Walking

    From the southern edge of Auburn University's campus, you can walk south along Shell Toomer Parkway (AL-147) to reach Chewacla State Park [16]. The walk is approximately 3 miles and will take about an hour [16]. Be aware that portions of the walk may have limited sidewalks [16]. Remember to bring water and factor in the park's entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [2, 18].

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Discover more about Chewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park, located a short drive from Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, encompasses 696 acres of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities [3, 4]. The park's history dates back to the early 19th century when the area was home to Wright's Mill, a popular swimming spot for locals [7, 12]. In 1935, the federal government purchased the land and established a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp [7, 10]. The CCC workers constructed many of the park's iconic features, including six stone cottages, an arched bridge, roads, and a dam that created Chewacla Lake and the picturesque Chewacla Falls [7, 10, 12]. These CCC-era structures still stand today, offering visitors a glimpse into the park's rich history [7, 12]. Today, Chewacla State Park is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts [7, 10]. The 26-acre Lake Chewacla is ideal for fishing, swimming, and paddling non-motorized watercraft [3, 4, 20]. Anglers can try their luck at catching bream, bass, crappie, and catfish [3, 4]. The park also boasts a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, ranging from easy interpretive trails to challenging single-track courses built by the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP) [3, 4, 8]. Wildlife sightings, unique rock formations, and diverse flora and fauna add to the park's appeal [3, 4]. For those wishing to stay overnight, Chewacla State Park offers a modern campground with full hookup campsites and primitive sites [3, 5]. The renovated CCC-era stone cottages provide a comfortable and historic lodging option [3, 4]. With its blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance, Chewacla State Park provides an escape for locals and travelers alike [7, 10].

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