Background

Chewacla State Park: Auburn's Natural Escape

Discover Auburn's natural beauty at Chewacla State Park: hiking, biking, swimming, and historic charm await in this 696-acre oasis.

4.6

Chewacla State Park, a 696-acre haven near Auburn University, offers a refreshing escape into nature with a 26-acre lake, diverse trails, and historic CCC-era structures. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat [3, 4, 5].

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 [4, 5].
  • Check the park's event calendar for upcoming mountain biking events, group rides, and community celebrations [17].
  • Consider booking a stay in one of the historic CCC-era cabins for a unique and rustic lodging experience [4, 6].
  • Be sure to hike to Chewacla Falls for a picturesque view and a refreshing swimming hole [6, 12].
  • Entrance fees are required and can be paid upon arrival; $4 for adults (ages 12-61), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [3, 7, 8].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head south on College Street (Shell Toomer Pkwy/AL-147) for approximately 3 miles [17]. Chewacla State Park will be on your left. Parking is available throughout the park near the lake, trails, and campgrounds [8, 17]. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $4 per person (ages 12-61), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [3, 7, 8, 17].

  • Ride-Sharing

    From Auburn University or downtown Auburn, a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option [17]. The ride is approximately 3 miles and should cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand [17]. Remember to factor in the park's entrance fee upon arrival: $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [3, 7, 8, 17].

  • 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 [17]. The walk is approximately 3 miles and will take about an hour [17]. Be aware that portions of the walk may have limited sidewalks. Remember to bring water and factor in the park's entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for children and seniors [3, 7, 8, 17].

Unlock the Best of Chewacla State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Chewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park, established in 1939, spans 696 scenic acres in Auburn, Alabama, providing a natural retreat from city life [10, 11]. Originally a popular swimming spot for workers at Wright's Mill in the 1800s, the area was transformed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) [10, 11, 14]. The CCC constructed stone cottages, an arched bridge, roads, and a dam, creating the picturesque Chewacla Lake and its 34-foot waterfall [11, 14]. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating on the 26-acre Lake Chewacla [4, 5, 19]. Anglers can reel in bream, bass, crappie, and catfish [4, 5]. The park boasts over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging rides [6, 18]. The trails wind through diverse terrain, showcasing unique rock formations and native flora and fauna [4]. Keep an eye out for squirrels, chipmunks, red foxes, deer, and turkeys [4]. Chewacla State Park also offers several accommodation options. Stay in one of the renovated CCC-era stone cottages for a rustic experience or camp at one of the 36 full-hookup campsites or 10 primitive sites [4, 6, 9]. The park provides picnic areas with tables, grills, and shelters, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors [3, 4]. With its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, Chewacla State Park is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike [10, 11]. It's a place to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor adventures, and appreciate the legacy of the CCC [4, 5, 14].

Popular Experiences near Chewacla State Park

Popular Hotels near Chewacla State Park

Select Currency