Chewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park's 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails. Lake Chewacla is perfect for reeling in bream, bass, crappie and catfish or taking a dip off the beach area. No luck in the lake, then try one of the park’s two creeks. There is no boat ramp on the lake, but visitors are allowed to bring their own small non-motorized watercraft such as canoes or kayaks if they can be hand-launched from the bank.

The park offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from. Options range from the short interpretive Sweet Shrub Trail to the more challenging mountain biking trails built by the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP). While on the trails visitors are likely to see squirrels, chipmunks, red fox, deer and turkeys; as well as unique rock formations and a variety of native flora and fauna.

Mountain Biking

Chewacla State Park has a great partnership with Central Alabama Mountain Peddlers (CAMP) that offers a great trail system to the public. Thanks to the hard work and resources that CAMP dedicates to the park we can provide first class mountain biking.

CAMP is an official IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Chapter located in Central Alabama, headquartered in the Auburn/Opelika area. We are dedicated to improving the lives of the people living and visiting East Alabama.

Boating

Chewacla offers a 26 acre lake fed by Moore's Mill Creek. A man made spillway forms picturesque Chewacla Falls. From the falls, the water converges with Chewacla Creek and flows away from the park.  There is no ramp to the water; however, small personal water crafts that can be carried down to the water such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome. Due to the small size of the lake, no boats with gas powered engines are allowed.

The park offers boat rentals from the main office 7 days a week between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. weather and staff permitting. Call ahead to confirm availability. We have canoes that hold two people and paddle boards and kayaks for single person use. The boats rent for $7 per hour.  There must be at least one person on the boat who is eighteen years or older. It is recomended to call ahead to make sure they are being offered.

Swimming

The 26 acre lake at Chewacla State Park is open year round for swimmers. It is swim at your own risk; as there are no lifeguards on duty. Inside the roped off area you will find a diving platform with a high dive.

Fishing

Chewacla Lake is teeming with Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and several species of Catfish and Sunfish. Fishing is allowed with an Alabama Fishing License and guests must follow the general Alabama Fishing Rules.

Hiking Trails

TRAILS

Sweet Shrub Trail – The Sweet Shrub Trail follows Moore's Mill Creek upstream. Water fowl such as Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers can be seen forging and hunting in the shallow waters. The trail begins at the Lower Pavilion, makes a loop and returns to the Lower Pavilion. Some interpretation is provided along this easily hiked stretch of trail.

Boy Scout Trail – The Boy Scout Trail begins on the west side of the CCC era arched stone bridge and runs into the Sweet Shrub Trail. Notice the fine craftsmanship of CCC era stone features. This short, but interesting trail is easy hiking.  Wade in the crystal clear waters and walk the sandy beach alongside Moore's Mill Creek, or stop and relax on one of the benches provided.

Troop 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. Native Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are found in abundance along this stretch of Moore's Mill Creek. Hike this trail in the spring to catch the beautiful blooms at their peak.

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.

Deer Rub Trail – The Deer Rub Trail begins at the Upper Pavilion as you hike down to Chewacla Falls 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. Points of interest include the magnificent gneiss boulders that litter the landscape. Some of which have been dated at billions of years old. This trail involves some steep terrain. Boots are recommended but not required.

Mountain Laurel Trail – The Mountain Laurel Trail begins at the Upper Pavilion area, goes down to Chewacla Falls and then follows Chewacla Lake and Moore's Mill Creek upstream. The trail has several connecting trails that lead back to the Upper Pavilion area.

Picnic Areas

Pavilion Areas
'Rates: $57 + Entrance

Chewacla has three open air covered pavilions available for birthday parties, family reunions, or office functions. Each of the three pavilions have something unique to offer. Guests must still pay an entrance fee when renting a pavilion. There are two ways of paying the rental fees. The first is for everyone to pay for themselves as they enter. The second is for the staff at the front office to keep a strict count of the attendees to your event, and then you pay for everyone's entrance fee at the end of the day.

Upper Pavilion

The Upper Pavilion Area has a large field area right beside it that is spacious enough for a bouncy house or a pickup game of soccer. The pavilion itself offers six picnic tables and two charcoal grills. It is also the only pavilion that has electricity. It has the largest parking area, and is the closest to the waterfall area.

Lower Pavilion

The Lower Pavilion Area is the most secluded of the three pavilions. It is on Moore's Mill Creek close to the playground. It has four picnic tables and one charcoal grill, and a wood-burning fireplace that will keep the chill off of those autumn days.

Beach Pavilion

The Beach Pavilion Area is on a 26-acre lake. The veranda on the back side of the pavilion offers a view of the swimming area and has four picnic tables.

General Picnic Areas

The park also has many single picnic tables with charcoal grills for use by guests. These tables are scattered throughout the park and offer various views.