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Chewacla State Park

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Coordinates: 32°33′03″N 85°28′39″W / 32.55083°N 85.47750°W / 32.55083; -85.47750
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Chewacla State Park
Chewacla Falls
Map showing the location of Chewacla State Park
Map showing the location of Chewacla State Park
Location in Alabama
LocationAuburn, Lee County, Alabama, United States
Coordinates32°33′03″N 85°28′39″W / 32.55083°N 85.47750°W / 32.55083; -85.47750
Area696 acres (282 ha)
Elevation472 ft (144 m)
DesignationAlabama state park
Established1939
AdministratorAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteChewacla State Park

Chewacla State Park is a public recreation area in Auburn, Alabama, occupying 696 acres (282 ha) to the south of Interstate 85.[1] The state park's central feature, 26-acre (11 ha) Lake Chewacla, provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating.[2]

History

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In the late nineteenth century, Wright's Mill occupied a site in the park where swimmers could find a place to splash about in the mill's surrounding pool. In the 1930s, workers with the Civilian Conservation Corps developed roads, foot trails, and park buildings.[3] Their efforts can be seen in the park's stone cabins and arched masonry bridge. They also constructed the dam that created Chewacla Lake. The state took possession, opening the grounds as Chewacla State Park, in 1939.[4]

Awards

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In June 2011, The United States Department of the Interior presented Chewacla State Park with a National Recreation award. Chewacla was one of 41 parks to receive this honor.[5] In September 2020, Chewacla State Park was one of eleven Alabama State Parks awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award, which recognizes businesses and attractions that earn consistently high user reviews.[6]

Activities and amenities

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In addition to water activities, the park features a system of trails for hiking[7] and for mountain biking.[8] Its trail system was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2011.[9] The park has facilities for RV and tent camping in addition to its renovated CCC–era cabins.[10] In 2018, Chewacla received roughly 75,000 day passes along with 1,500 cabins rentals and 6,500 camping permits.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Chewacla State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "Chewacla Lake". Chewacla State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Cameron, J. (December 29, 2016). "Anatomy of a Park: The Story of Chewacla". Be Well. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  4. ^ Thomas V. Ress (August 11, 2015). "Chewacla State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Anthony, Chris (June 2, 2011). "Chewacla State Park trails earn national recognition". Opelika-Auburn News (AL). p. 2. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  6. ^ "Trip Advisor Awards 2020". Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  7. ^ "Multi-Use Trails". Chewacla State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  8. ^ "Mountain Biking". Chewacla State Park Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  9. ^ "Chewacla State Park Trail System". National Recreation Trail Database. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  10. ^ "Cabins". Chewacla State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  11. ^ Taylor, Chris T. (June 9, 2020). "The Vascular Flora of Chewacla State Park, Lee County, Alabama". Castanea. 85 (87475 19384386): 169–184. doi:10.2179/0008-7475.85.1.169. S2CID 219560354 – via Science Citation Index Expanded.
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