Outdoor Recreation and Fitness

Adventure awaits in every corner of Auburn-Opelika. Whether you are exploring scenic hiking trails, indulging in luxury camping experiences, or rallying in a game of pickleball, Auburn-Opelika is a great destination for all ages. Regardless of what kind of outdoor adventure you are seeking, this charming Alabama destination will certainly blow you away.
For almost 85 years, Chewacla State Park has been an area favorite for those looking for an outdoor escape. Established by the state in 1939, the park was originally a beautiful unclaimed wooded area with two creeks flowing through it. The workers of Wrights Mill, a nearby sawmill, often cooled off in the creek after a hard day's work, making the land a local favorite for over a 100 years now.
Think fast - Father's Day is coming in hot! Treat your dear ol' dad to an experience you can only find in Auburn-Opelika! Make this Father’s Day one to remember by thinking out of the box and enjoying everything from breweries and brunch to the great outdoors and special events!
Experiencing food at the peak of freshness is a joy unlike any other, and in a world where we’re increasingly becoming more aware of the importance of understanding where our food comes from, knowing who your farmer seems like a no-brainer! In Auburn-Opelika, there are countless ways to support local farmers, connect with the community, and enjoy the benefits of feeding your family fresh food.
Is it a minivan with seats for the kids and the dog? Or a 2-seater convertible for a couple of hip empty-nesters? Grab your masks and buckle up because it doesn’t matter who you are, Auburn-Opelika is Road Trip Ready!

Summer Adventures at the Kreher Preserve

by Emma Donaldson | Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Summer is here and that means it's time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. With numerous on-going events coming up and great camp opportunities for kids to enjoy this summer, there is something for everyone at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.
Municipal Park, located on Park Road in Opelika, has been affectionately known as "Monkey Park" to locals for as long as they can remember. Many might not know, however, that this nickname dates back to the 1950's, when the park housed eight real spider monkeys.
Meet the coolest college town in the South. Auburn University might be legendary, but it's only the beginning of our authentic and compelling story. Check out this list of Auburn-Opelika's best ways and places to spend your time. You might not get to them all, and that's the best reason we can think of for you to come back.

Things to do this Valentine's Day in Auburn-Opelika

by Emma Raby Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

It's that time of year again and Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Don't have your plans together just yet? Don't sweat it! Whether you're with your special Valentine or your best Galentines, Auburn-Opelika has plenty of ways to make the holiday one to remember.
Grab a buddy and head to the Twin Pines Dual Slalom at Chewacla State Park. This exciting mountain biking trail where friends can compete in a head-to-head race was built in the summer of 2018 by Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers, or CAMP. This slalom is the only one of its kind in the Southeast, making it a mountain biker's must-see!
A trip to Chewacla State Park is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Hiking, biking, spending time on the lake, and basking in nature. Get outside and enjoy the sounds of the plentiful songbirds, look for wildlife, picnic and hammock with your family, or explore miles of trails.
In honor of our annual AO Photo Contest (which you can learn more about by clicking here), we've decided to share some of our favorite bird's-eye views of this college town and railroad sister city. Check out these shots from above and be sure to tag us in your drone shots on social media!

Summertime

by Brooke Peace Harris Auburn-Opeika Tourism Bureau

The locals love summertime in Auburn-Opelika because the “traffic” dies down, you can actually find a parking spot downtown, reservations are easier, and time just slows down a little. The bulk of the students are gone, but a lot of the local families are traveling as well. Whether it's your first summer here or your tenth we want you to soak up all that summer has to offer.

Hop into Easter

by Sarah Beth Mullins Auburn Opelika Touism Bureau

Get ready to hop into the Easter weekend! The Auburn-Opelika area is full of events your entire family will enjoy.

Johnny Ray Century Ride

by Cat Bobo Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

Mark your calendars for the Johnny Ray Century Ride coming up on September 22, 2018. This will be the 16th annual ride benefitting the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's Disease and is a USAC sanctioned non-competitive event.

More Than a Golf Getaway

by Sarah Beth Mullins Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Looking for more than a golf getaway? Visit Auburn–Opelika and enjoy a weekend of golf, local food and drinks all steeped in tradition. The Auburn-Opelika area is home to six different golf courses, two breweries and distillery, many local dining options, and the Auburn University campus, more than enough to keep you and your family entertained for the weekend.
Auburn, Alabama isn't supposed to be an awesome place to ride bikes in the woods. It's supposed to be obsessed with college football, fried okra, and southern hospitality; which makes what they've done in Chewacla all of the more impressive. It's not just about the 35-foot road gap, or the monstrous jump line, or the ever-expanding network of singletrack that makes good use of the final frayed

Alabama Birding Trails

by Brooke Peace Harris Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

Have you been birding in the auburn-opelika area? Did you know birding was a thing? birding [bur-ding]: the identification and observation of wild birds in their natural habitats a recreation; bird-watching.
Whether they’re serving up a place to rest your head, something to delight your taste buds, or the entertainment for the day, these places all have one thing in common: there’s nothing like them anywhere else! These are ten awesome places to eat, play, and stay in Auburn-Opelika.
Chewacla State Park offers 696 acres of scenic glory! Located in Auburn, Alabama, immediately off I-85 at Exit 51, the park features a 26-acre lake, a swimming area, playground, modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, and plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails.

Bring Your Bike to A-O

by Claire Gamble Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

Visiting or live in the Auburn-Opelika area and love mountain biking? Cycling and mountain biking are a hot sport right now! Children and adults alike have found biking to be an experience that allows them to actively enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. The Auburn-Opelika area has many activities to offer!

Auburn Youth Programs

by Lexy Sedillo Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau

Auburn Youth Programs offers over 100 summer camps to fill your child’s summer with building new skills, making friends and experiencing life at Auburn University.
Auburn’s Chewacla State Park was one of eleven Alabama state parks awarded the 2016 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, a travel website featuring traveler-generated content and reviews. The award celebrates establishments that provide excellent guest experiences and consistently achieve positive reviews on the TripAdvisor website, tripadvisor.com.
CAMP - Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers was founded in 2012 by a group of mountain bikers in the Auburn area who recognized the need for more trails and increased awareness for the sport in Central Alabama. In September 2012, CAMP, already a 501 (c)3 nonprofit, became an official IMBA-SORBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association & Southern Off-Road
Tranquil park facilities include a 26-acre lake, rental boats, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground and more! Chewacla’s 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Also available are picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. You’re bound to fall in love with their rustic family cabins. Chewacla State Park is a great place to get away.
Tranquil park facilities include a 26-acre lake, rental boats, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground and more! Chewacla’s 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Also available are picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. You’re bound to fall in love with their rustic family cabins.

Bo Bikes Bama 2016

by Cat W. Bobo Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau

Looking for something to do on Saturday? Grab your helmets and join hundreds for the 5thAnnual Bo Bikes Bama charity bike ride. This annual ride is led by Auburn legend, Bo Jackson, and raises money for the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund, which provides crucial disaster preparedness and emergency management resources for the great state of Alabama.