Image 6483441 96 Scaled E1715118761995 — Chewacla State Park in Auburn is loved by locals. (Audrey Kent / The Bama Buzz)

Summer is a time of relaxation and recreation. If you are looking for the perfect place to get active, enjoy nature or beat the heat, then keep reading to learn about 5 ways you can enjoy Auburn’s ultimate summer spot: Chewacla State Park.

Chewacla location: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
Chewacla hours: Monday-Sunday 8AM-8PM
Chewacla admission: Ages 12–61, $4.00 per person | Ages 62 and up, $2.00 per person | Ages 4–11, $2.00 per person | Ages 4 and under, free | Military, free with ID
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1. Chewacla Falls

You can wade and relax at Chewacla Falls in Auburn (Audrey Kent / The Bama Buzz)

Chewacla Falls is considered by most to be the gem of the park.

This 34-foot, manmade waterfall can be accessed by hiking down the intermediate Mountain Laurel Trail. Many large rock surfaces can be used to relax amidst the beautiful sounds and sights Chewacla Falls offers.

Many waterfall-goers also enjoy wading in the water surrounding the falls. So, bring your camera, swimsuit and picnic baskets, because this is one part of Chewacla you will not want to leave. You can find more info here.

2. Hiking Trails

Chewacla State Park in Auburn offers hiking trails for every skill-level (Audrey Kent / The Bama Buzz)

Chewacla has many different hiking trails that have varying skill-levels.

Despite being a novice or a hiking expert, each trail has beautiful sights to see, including lush greenery, bodies of water, flora, fauna and more.

Some of the trails optimized for hiking include:

Sweet Shrub Trail
Eagle Scout Trail
Deer Rub Trail
Mountain Laurel Trail
Fox Trail
Troop 30 Trail
More info

3. Biking Trails

Chewacla State Park in Auburn is a thrill-seekers dream come true (Auburn Opelika Tourism)

If you are seeking thrills beyond hiking, why not try one of Chewacla’s many mountain biking trails?

Just like the hiking trails, a variety of skill levels and ages can find the right trail for them. There are over 30 miles of exciting bike tracks to enjoy, featuring a skill development area, sweet flow trails, cross country, dialed dirt jumps, and a “Forbidden Zone,” that includes 25 death-defying jumps with one of the largest gap jumps in the Southeast.

Don’t forget your helmet!

BEGINNER BIKE TRAILS: Dell’s Trail, Falls View Trail, Base CAMP Trail

INTERMEDIATE BIKE TRAILS: Creek View Trail, CCC Trail, For Pete’s Sake, Flo-Rida, Armadillo Alley, Mama’s Milkshake, Old Skool, Kick Siz, NORBA Trail, Rock Bottom, Boy Scout Trail

ADVANCED TRAILS: Lakeside Connector, Dirt Jumps, High Gravity, Tiger Woods

4. Fishing + Swimming at Chewacla Lake

You can swim at Chewacla Lake in Auburn (Audrey Kent / The Bama Buzz)

Chewacla Lake is a 26-acre lake perfect for camping, fishing and swimming.

The lake has picnic areas, a playground and camping accommodations. Lake-goers can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Chewacla Lake is also the perfect place to cast your line. Licensed anglers can reel in largemouth bass, crappie, bream, sunfish and catfish. Swimmers can also splash, dip and dive in the designated swimming area that offers a high-dive diving platform. Find out more info here.

5. Camping, Glamping + Cabin Rentals

Glamping combines camping and glamour (Auburn Opelika Tourism)

Chewacla offers many different camping accommodations for every camper’s desired comfort level.

If you enjoy the classic style of camping, there are 36 camping sites and nine primitive sites within the park that offer shower facilities. There is also a group camping area available for groups of 20 or more that includes two pavilions with picnic tables, a half bathroom and a fire ring.

Glamping is a combination of camping plus glamour. In other words, upscale camping. While classic camping may be a simple tent and a sleeping bag, glamping typically involves more luxury and comfort. If you choose to glamp at Chewacla through Timberline Glamping, some of the things you can expect are: a deluxe safari-style tent, a comfortable bed with linens, phone chargers and coffee makers.

For those who prefer a roof over their heads, Chewacla offers six stone cottages for rent. Each cottage features hardwood floors, stone fireplaces, modern kitchens, fireplaces, televisions and heating and air conditioning.

Looking for more ways to enjoy your summer in Alabama? Check out 10 festivals you need to see this summer in Alabama—May-July.

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