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Alabama State Parks

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USA Parks
Alabama
Mid-east Region
Chewacla State Park
Campsite Availability
Chewacla State Park © Knizzle17 at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A picture of Chewacla Falls at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama, USA. Taken in October of 2006.
Chewacla State Park © Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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CHEWACLA STATE PARK
CHEWACLA STATE PARK
124 Shell Toomer Pkwy
Auburn, Alabama   36830
(lat:32.5523 lon:-85.4731) map location

Phone: (334) 887-5621
Toll Free: 800-252-7275
Reservations: 334-887-5621
Email: park email button icon
Chewacla State Park's 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins. Nearby Auburn University makes Chewacla the perfect place to stay on football weekends.
Featured Areas within the Park
History of the Area
Located in Lee County, Alabama, the park was established during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corps. It spans 696 acres and features a 26-acre lake named Lake Chewacla.

The area has been inhabited for thousands of years with evidence of Native American presence dating back to prehistoric times. The name 'Chewacla' is derived from Cherokee language meaning "raccoon".

In its early days as a state park (1930s-1940s), it served primarily as an outdoor recreation site for locals and visitors alike offering camping facilities, hiking trails and swimming areas.

Over time amenities were added including cabins built using local stone materials sourced within the park itself. In recent decades there's been increased focus on conservation efforts preserving native flora & fauna.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres696
 Water, acres26
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Sheltersyes
 Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitive, #15
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Group Campyes
 Rent-A-RV Sites, #35
AccommodationsFamily Cottages, #6
Cabins
Chewacla State Park has five newly renovated 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps-era stone cottages. Featuring hardwood floors, stone fireplaces, beautiful new bathrooms, modern kitchens equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, cooking and eating utensils. All cabins have TV's but no telephones.

Handicap Accessible: One cabin is built especially for the convenience of disabled guests, providing ramps, a roll-in shower and a large deck.

These cabins are available year around and require reservations. Fishing boats and swimming privileges are included as part of the rental fee.
Camping
Chewacla State Park's campground has 36 campsites, 33 with full hook-ups. All sites are provided with picnic tables and grills.

The park also has 15 primitive campsites as well as a site for group camping. Shower facilities are available in all camping areas.

Improved sites include water, sewage and 30 Amp electrical service for RV's and tent camping.

Primitive sites have no hook-ups and are intended for tent camping only.

Swimming
A lakefront beach area, a restroom and swimming area add to the enjoyment for summer visitors. The beach is open daily. No lifeguards on duty.
Boating
Canoes and pedal boats are available on the weekends for rental between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fishing
Lake Chewacla is a 26-Acre lake located within Chewacla State Park. While we do not rent boats and do not have a boat ramp, you are allowed to bring your own small watercraft like a canoe, kayak, or jon boat so long as you are able to hand launch it and it does not have a gasoline motor.


Location
Chewacla State Park is located near Auburn, Opelika and Valley

Picnicking
Three large picnic pavilions are available by reservation taken up to four months in advance. One pavilion overlooks Lake Chewacla and features a fireplace for cool-weather heating or cooking.

A playground is located in the lower picnic area. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park area and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Trails
Chewacla State Park has eight trails in varying degrees of difficulty that cover the mountain range to the picturesque 30-foot Chewacla Dam Waterfall. Also, a Mountain Bike Trail and Tree Identification Trail are included in the park's trail system.

Sweet Shrub Trail - The Sweet Shrub Trail begins at the Lower Shelter, makes a loop and returns to the Lower Shelter. Some interpretation is provided on the trail. The trail is an easy walking trail and can be completed in about 25 minutes.

Boy Scout Trail - The Boy Scout Trail begins on the west side of the stone bridge and runs into the Sweet Shrub Trail. The trail is an easy walking trail and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Troup 30 Boy Scout Trail - The Troup 30 Boy Scout Trail begins on the north side of the stone bridge on Murphy Drive. This trail follows Moore's Mill Creek to the boundary of the park. Hikers may follow the trail to the park boundary or cross the creek on one of the rock dams and follow the trail back to Murphy Drive. This trail requires more hiking than the Boy Scout or Sweet Shrub Trails, but it is one of the most pleasant trails in the park. The Troup 30 Boy Scout Trail can be completed in about 45 minutes.

Eagle Scout Trail - The Eagle Scout Trail branches off from the Troup 30 Boy Scout Trail on the east side of Chewacla Lake and terminates on the logging road across from the Walnut Shelter. The trail is also accessible from the parking lot located between the creek and Walnut Shelters. This trail is wide and easy to follow. The Eagle Scout Trail can be completed in about 20 minutes.

Deer Rub Trail - The Deer Rub Trail begins at the Upper Pavilion and follows Chewacla Creek to the logging road across from the Walnut Shelter. Another point of entry to the Deer Rub Trail begins on the east side of the overlook and joins the Deer Rub Trail at Chewacla Creek. This trail involves some steep terrain. Boots are recommended but not required. The trail can be completed in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Loop Road Trail - The Loop Road Trail is a maintenance road that has been cut off to traffic. The trail leads to Chewacla Falls. This is a paved trail.

Mountain Laurel Trail - The Mountain Laurel Trail begins at the Upper Pavilion area, goes down to Chewacla Falls and then follows Chewacla Lake. The trail has several connecting trails that lead back to the Upper Pavilion area. This trail takes about 1 hour to complete.

Mountain Bike Trail - The Mountain Bike Trail loops around the upper portion of Murphy Drive. The trail is accessible from the Walnut Shelter and the Upper Pavilion area. At times, the Mountain Bike Trail links up with the Deer Rub Trail and the Mountain Laurel Trail.

Area Attractions
Wildlife and Nature

An abundance of wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, red fox, deer and turkeys inhabit the Park. Unique rock formations and a variety of native trees and flora can be found throughout the Park.

Auburn University

The Auburn University Campus is a short distance from the park. Shopping centers and restaurants are also located in Auburn.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 11 Quiet and Peaceful!!! by WV_family
park review stars; one to five Our family recently stayed at Chewacla to celebrate the graduation of our daughter from Auburn. We were pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty of this place. Lots of great memories. The cabins were very nice and clean with all modern conveniences. Family members used the rowboats to enjoy a little time on the water. Lifejackets(even for a toddler) and paddles were provided with each cabin. Nice trails to hike. I found the park to be clean and well kept. I would recommend this slice of heaven to families and friends gathering together who enjoy being outdoors and getting away from the hustle and bustle. The bonus to the trip was that my 2 year old granddaughter got to see her first crawdad!
June 18 Great Park by Nakeyia M
park review stars; one to five My family and I had a great time this past week at the park. My children enjoyed fishing and the great view of the waterfall. The hiking trail was great also.I like the relaxtion of listening to the flow of the water. The cabin was great and clean. We will return in the fall.
June 16 Great for relaxing!!!! by Niki M.
park review stars; one to five My husband, children and I went for my b-day. I enjoyed the hiking trail and the waterfall view. My sons enjoyed fishing. It was quiet and relaxing listening to the waterfall. Hope to go back soon.
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Area Campgrounds
Bar-W RV Park
891 County Road 395
Auburn, AL
University Station RV Resort
3076 Alabama 14
Auburn, AL
334-821-8968
Baker's Trailer & RV Park
2000 Old Lafayette Highway
Opelika, AL
334-745-5165
Auburn RV Park at Leisure Time Campground
2670 South College Street
Auburn, AL
334-821-2267
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start on I:85 S towards Montgomery.
2. Take exit 51 for US:29/AL-15 toward Auburn University.
3. Turn right onto AL:147 N/S College St (signs for Alabama State Route 267).
4. Continue straight to stay on AL:147 N/S College Street, passing by Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings restaurant.
5. At the traffic circle, take the second exit and continue along Shell Toomer Pkwy road until you reach E Samford Ave intersection.
6. Turn left at this junction onto E Samford Avenue which will lead you directly into Chewacla Drive after a short distance of travel.

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Alabama
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Alabama State Parks

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