Chewacla Waterfall
Park
0.1 mi
4.8 (93)
Auburn, AL 36830
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
LakeAL
Chewacla State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links
Plan a Chewacla lake-beach visit near Auburn. Compare swimming with waterfall scenery, check admission and rentals, and confirm park hours before travel.
Swimming restriction
No lifeguard is on duty. Use the designated swimming area and follow current notices. Boat rentals must stay out of swimming areas and away from the dam and the yellow boundary buoy by the beach. Waterfall photos do not extend swimming permission to the creek.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Reviewed October 8, 2026: $5 per person ages 12-61; $3 ages 4-11 and 62+; under 4 free. The park lists military service admission with ID. Confirm current eligibility and prices; rentals, cabins and campsites are separate.
Best season
Confirm hours and allow time for both a beach visit and any separate trail outing. Rentals may be unavailable when you arrive
Nearby towns
Montgomery, Auburn
Water body
Chewacla Lake Designated Swimming Area, Not A Verified Waterfall Swimming Pool
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Montgomery, Auburn
Access location not verified
32.54861, -85.47843
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Chewacla State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Choose the lake beach for a swim
Chewacla combines a managed swimming destination with scenic creek and waterfall walks. The official lake page identifies a year-round swimming area with no lifeguard. A waterfall photograph is not evidence that swimming below the dam is permitted or appropriate.
Check the schedule before leaving
The main park and boat-rental pages publish different hours. Call the park before planning your arrival or rental return. Navigate to 124 Shell Toomer Parkway in Auburn, then follow signs to the lake beach rather than treating the listing's map point as a verified water entrance.
Plan admission and rentals separately
Read the age-based admission rates. Rental boats are allocated on arrival, not held through a reservation or waitlist. Staff should confirm availability and participant requirements. Rental vessels must remain outside swimming areas and away from the dam.
Choose a trail that suits the group
Hiking and mountain-biking facilities are different from beach access. Do not assume a rocky creek view shows the approach to the swim area, or use cycling structures as a shortcut. Reserve cabins or campsites separately if staying overnight.
Getting There
Navigate to 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn, Alabama 36830. Follow park signs to the lake swimming beach. A hike toward the dam or creek is a different outing; the retained map point is not verified as the beach entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The main park page lists 8 a.m.-5 p.m., while the lake rental page lists 9 a.m.-6 p.m. These published schedules differ. Call 334-887-5621 to confirm hours for your date and activity rather than assuming either applies to every service.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
No lifeguard is on duty. Use the designated swimming area and follow current notices. Boat rentals must stay out of swimming areas and away from the dam and the yellow boundary buoy by the beach. Waterfall photos do not extend swimming permission to the creek. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Chewacla State Park
State park
0.4 mi
4.6 (2086)
124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
Vast, leafy park featuring sprawling lake, bike trails, campgrounds & cabins is a draw for families.
Free Wi-FiFree parkingKid-friendlySmoke-free
Chewacla State Park Campground
Campground
0.4 mi
4.7 (145)
Murphy Dr, Auburn, AL 36830
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Lake Wilmore Trail
Hiking area
1.6 mi
3.9 (60)
737 Ogletree Rd, Auburn, AL 36830
Auburn RV Park and Resort Pools
Campground
2 mi
4.4 (250)
2670 S College St, Auburn, AL 36832
Town Creek Park
Park
2.4 mi
4.7 (909)
1150 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36832
Scenic green space featuring a pond & walking trail plus a grassy field with a swinging bench.
Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
All American RV Park Auburn
Campground
2.8 mi
4.5 (2)
550 Lee Rd 10, Auburn, AL 36830
Picnic tablesRunning water
Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Visitor center
4.3 mi
4.8 (6)
312 N Gay St #1, Auburn, AL 36830
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Chewacla State Park
Is Chewacla swimming at the waterfall?
The manager identifies the lake swimming area. This listing does not verify swimming permission below the dam or in the photographed creek.
Are lifeguards available at Chewacla Lake?
No. The operator states that lake swimming is at your own risk.
Can I reserve a kayak in advance?
The lake page lists first-come, first-served rentals without reservations or a waitlist. Confirm availability and requirements with the park.
Which published opening hours should I use?
The main park and rental pages differ. Call 334-887-5621 to confirm the schedule for your visit and activity.
Highlights
Designated lake swimming area
Separate rocky-creek scenery
Picnic, trail and overnight options
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Stay clear of the dam and moving-water hazards
- Supervise children at the lake, keep swimmers separated from boats and avoid unsupervised jumping from rocks
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The park's cabin history is interpreted by Alabama State Parks; no unsourced cultural claims are added.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Gallery creek and cascade views show park scenery, not the designated beach or an authorized swimming entrance. The cycling feature is not a pedestrian approach route.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Keep to designated trails, respect other trail users and pack out waste. Avoid climbing fragile creek banks for photographs.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm hours and allow time for both a beach visit and any separate trail outing. Rentals may be unavailable when you arrive.
Difficulty Level
Lake-beach access and rocky waterfall trails are different. Confirm the beach approach with staff for mobility needs; do not use mountain-bike features as walking shortcuts.
Fee
Reviewed October 8, 2026: $5 per person ages 12-61; $3 ages 4-11 and 62+; under 4 free. The park lists military service admission with ID. Confirm current eligibility and prices; rentals, cabins and campsites are separate.
Facilities
Watercraft rentals are first-come, first-served, with no reservation or waitlist. Confirm availability, age requirements and current charges with staff.
Activities
Designated lake swimming, permitted paddling, picnicking, marked trails and separately booked camping
Phone
334-887-5621
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Modern and primitive campsites and rental cabins are available. Book the desired accommodation separately; a day-entry payment is not a campsite reservation.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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