Background

Chewacla State Park: Auburn's Outdoor Escape

Discover natural beauty and outdoor adventure at Chewacla State Park, offering hiking, biking, swimming, and historic charm near Auburn, Alabama.

★★★★★4.6 (1792)

Chewacla State Park, a 696-acre haven near Auburn, Alabama, offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Established in 1939, the park features a 26-acre lake, scenic trails, and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s [5, 9]. It's a popular destination for hiking, biking, swimming, and camping [5, 19].

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Chewacla State Park

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, Alabama, 36830, US
Monday
8 am-8 pm
Tuesday
8 am-8 pm
Wednesday
8 am-8 pm
Thursday
8 am-8 pm
Friday
8 am-8 pm
Saturday
8 am-8 pm
Sunday
8 am-8 pm

Explore places near Chewacla State Park

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Chewacla State Park

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head south on College Street (Shell Toomer Pkwy) [22]. Continue for approximately 3 miles [22]. Chewacla State Park will be on your left [22]. Parking is available throughout the park near the lake, trails, and campgrounds [22]. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $4 per person (ages 12-61), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [22, 24].

    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 [22]. The ride is approximately 3 miles and should cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand [22]. Remember to factor in the park's entrance fee upon arrival: $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [22, 24].

    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 [22]. The walk is approximately 3 miles and will take about an hour [22]. Be aware that portions of the walk may have limited sidewalks [22]. Remember to bring water and factor in the park's entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [22, 24].

    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 [19, 22].
    Check the park's event calendar for upcoming mountain biking events, group rides, and community celebrations [22].
    Consider booking a stay in one of the historic CCC-era cabins for a unique and rustic lodging experience [7, 19, 22].
    Be sure to hike to Chewacla Falls for a picturesque view and a refreshing swimming hole [5, 22, 31].

    Discover more about Chewacla State Park

    Chewacla State Park, located just south of Auburn, Alabama, is a testament to the area's rich history and natural beauty [9, 19]. The park's story began in the late 1800s with Wright's Mill, a local swimming spot [7, 9]. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) transformed the land, constructing roads, trails, cabins, and a dam that created the picturesque Chewacla Lake [5, 6, 9, 15]. Today, Chewacla State Park offers a diverse range of activities [5, 19]. The 26-acre Lake Chewacla is ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing [5, 9, 19, 31]. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish [8, 19]. The park boasts a variety of trails for hiking and mountain biking, catering to all skill levels [3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 31]. The Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP) have contributed to the park's extensive trail system, making it a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts [3, 5, 31]. Visitors can explore the park's historic CCC-era cabins, offering a unique lodging experience [5, 7, 9, 19]. The park also features a campground with modern amenities, picnic areas, and a playground [5, 25, 31]. The iconic Chewacla Falls, created by the CCC dam, is a must-see attraction, providing a scenic backdrop for relaxation and photography [5, 6, 31]. Chewacla State Park is not just a recreational area; it's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a memorable experience for all who visit [6]. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape, Chewacla State Park provides a refreshing retreat [5, 6, 19].
    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Toomer's Corner.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Auburn

    Discover Auburn, Alabama: A vibrant city with rich history, beautiful parks, and Southern hospitality, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts.

    Tell me more about Auburn

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.