Chewacla Lake. (Grace Howard/ Bama Buzz)

Calling all nature lovers! Keep reading for a round-up of our favorite outdoor spots for hiking, recreation and relaxation in Auburn.

1. Chewacla State Park

Outdoor Waterfall — The falls at Chewacla. (Grace Howard/ Bama Buzz)

Chewacla State Park, one of Auburn’s most beloved nature attractions, boasts almost 700 acres of scenic landscape ready to explore. Facilities at the park include a 26-acre lake, campgrounds, picnic area and hiking and biking trails. While on the 30+ miles of trail, hikers and cyclists will experience a wide array of native animals, plants and rock formations.

Bring your own canoe and set out on the lake, have a picnic at the park or enjoy Chewacla’s beautiful waterfalls, there’s something here for everyone.

Location: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
Hours: 8AM-8PM Daily

2. Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Outdoor Arboretum — Feed the turtles! (Maggie Dazzio/ Bama Buzz)

This gem on Auburn’s campus, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, is essentially an interactive plant museum. Supported by the College of Science and Mathematics, the arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom and living collection of native plants, trees and flowers.

The 13.5 acre botanical garden, one of the oldest arboretums in the SEC, provides visitors a place to enjoy and learn about the natural habitats of Alabama with a goal of emphasizing conservation and education.

Location: 181 Garden Drive Auburn, AL 36830
Hours: 6AM-7PM Daily

3. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

Nature Preserve — Kreher Preserve & Nature Center entrance. (Emilyn Hamn/ Bama Buzz)

Donated by Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and Frank Allan Turner to Auburn University’s Forestry and Wildlife Sciences in 1993, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC) houses many natural attractions and educational opportunities. Featuring well-groomed trails, a butterfly garden, waterfalls and ponds, no matter what your age or experience level, this preserve has something for you.

One of their newest attractions is the Sensory Forest, a forest complying with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards targeting the six senses including sound activities and a sensory garden. With a goal of education and recreation, KPNC is the perfect spot for families to enjoy an interactive nature experience.

Location: 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
Hours: 7AM-7PM Daily

4. Good Dog Bar & Dog Park

Dogs — Happy pups! (@gooddog.auburn on Facebook)

Dog-lovers, this one is for you. Good Dog is a fully terfed and fenced off-leash dog park featuring indoor and outdoor play areas for your pup. The best part? Good Dog also offers a full bar for guests to enjoy.

Their goal is to be a safer version of a dog park and a more dog-friendly version of a brewery patio, creating a perfect balance of the two where guests can enjoy relaxing and drinking at the park without worrying about their pup.