A wooded paradise with rocky streams, waterfalls and a lake lies less than 7 miles from the bustling campus life at the University of Auburn in Lee County.
For residents of the Auburn-Opelika area this means football, budget-friendly shopping and dining and a backyard full of Alabama pine, trails and waterways for year round enjoyment.
And Chewacla State Park is a favorite stop over for those traveling from Montgomery to Atlanta.
This 696-acre Alabama state park is a perfect rest area to get out, stretch your legs and breathe in a lungful of fresh air.
Have a picnic (tables and grills are located throughout the park) and then take your canoe out onto the lake for a relaxing ride.
Activities
Spend a few days exploring the park’s trails and different waterways and take in all of the wildlife around while appreciating the serenity of the woods.
Then, take a day trip into Auburn to discover that modern southern city with its historical sites, shopping and dining.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your stay at Chewacla State Park:
Swimming at Chewacla State Park
Lake Chewacla is a small lake fed by Moore’s Mill Creek and is accessible year round.
A beach area and roped off section for swimmers contains a diving platform and high dive.
Boating at Chewacla State Park
Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake and rentals of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are available.
Bring your own boat, but be aware that Chewacla State Park doesn’t have any boat ramps, you’ll have to hand-launch from the shore.
Fishing at Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park has a few prime fishing spots for anglers hoping to catch bream, bass, catfish or crappie.
The lake and the 2 creeks allow for boat fishing, shore fishing and wading into the stream to fish.
Don’t forget to pick up a fishing license before heading to the park. Alabama fishing licenses can purchased online here.
Hiking at Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park has 30 miles of multi-use trails through woods, across rocky streams and around the lake.
While walking, hiking or mountain biking you’ll be sure to spot plenty of wildlife especially deer, squirrels and birds.
And the many unique rock formations and old stone structures add character to the already picturesque wooded setting.
Here are a couple of the popular trails here:
- Deer Rub Trail – Follows the creek from the parking lot and leads to scenic Chewacla Falls.
- Sweet Shrub Trail – An easy hike that follows Moore’s Mill Creek upstream. You’ll see lots of waterfowl on this path.
- Camp Trail – An easy one mile clear pathway that loops around the campground.
Still looking for more trails? Check out the Tuskegee National Forest located only 10 miles south of the park.
Mountain Biking at Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park has a series of challenging biking trails built by the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP).
In addition to these trails there’s a skills development area and a series of 25 death defying jumps.
Here are a couple of the mountain biking trails located at the park:
- Falls View Trail – A ride around the edge of the lake that turns near the dam and waterfalls. This challenging trail has quick turns plus roots, rocks and other obstacles along the pathway.
- CCC Trail – A 2.5 mile ride through the original Civilian Conservation Corps camp area and along Town Creek. Many original CCC structures can be seen along this trail – a water tower, bridge and chimney from their lodge.
Geocaching at Chewacla State Park
Geocaching is a fun ‘techy’ game of hide and seek where you use your smartphone to search for hidden treasures.
Many state parks participate in this interactive search and it’s easy to get hooked once you start.
Chewacla State Park hosts an annual Geofest in the spring.
Wildlife at Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park’s peaceful atmosphere attracts many species of wildlife.
If you stay overnight inside the park you’ll hear frogs, crickets and some night birds and if you’re quiet enough you may catch sight of a small animal passing through.
During daylight hours you’ll be sure to spot one of the many songbirds native to the area, such as Summer Tanagers, Wood Thrushes and American Goldfinches. Waterfowl are also a common sight due to the abundant lake and creeks.
While exploring, sightseeing or camping you’ll notice many squirrels, chipmunks and deer, and maybe even a red fox or two.
If you drive 10 miles south of the park you’ll come to Tuskegee National Forest where you’ll discover more trails to explore and more opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Camping at Chewacla State Park
Bring your RV, tent or stay in one of the fully renovated cabins at Chewacla State Park.
The campground has 36 full hookup sites and 10 primitive tent only sites.
Bathhouses and a camp store with snacks, drinks and souvenirs are conveniently located nearby.
The park also has a group camp area for groups of 20 or more. This area is where the original CCC lodging was and remnants of their original foundations still exist, including a water tower and the chimney from the lodge.
There isn’t any electricity in the group camping area but there is a half bathroom and two pavilions with picnic tables and a fire ring.
Six stone cottages built by the CCC are still in use today after being fully renovated with new hardwood floors, bathrooms and kitchen. The smaller units sleep 4 and the larger units sleep 6.
Pets at Chewacla State Park
Pets are allowed inside the park but must be leashed and are not allowed in park buildings or in the beach area.
Park Location
Chewacla State Park
124 Shell Toomer Parkway
Auburn, AL 36830
Phone: 334.887.5621
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Chewacla State Park:
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