Auburn summers are perfect for outdoor adventures. Hot, sunny days are great for lying by the lake, river, pool or creek. Yet, with the price of everything increasing so dramatically, here are some ideas for cheap outdoor adventures around Auburn.

Chewacla State Park is located just past Interstate 85 on College Street. It is a great place to play by the lake or relax by the creek. The park, located near a quarry, is filled with small rock cliffs for climbing and trails for hiking.

Chewacla offers eight hiking trails at various levels. All trails are marked by difficulty; there is also a marked mountain biking trail and tree identification trail.
Chewacla’s 26-acre lake features a lakefront with a waterslide that is great for families with children and restroom facilities are located nearby. Boat rentals are also available.

Throughout the park, there are 36 campsites, 33 with full hook-ups. There are 15 primitive campsites and also a designated site for group camping. Chewacla also has newly renovated rustic cabins that are great for a romantic get away.
In addition, there are three pavilions that are available to rent for group or family parties and other picnic areas scattered throughout the park.

With a $2 entrance fee and 696 acres, college students and families, can find something to do at Chewacla.

“Its biggest appeal is the waterfall and the hiking trails,” said Auburn University senior Lauren Wright. “I have only been able to go twice this year, but I really like to go out there. I just don’t always have enough time.”

For more information about all that Chewacla has to offer, visit their Web site at stateparks.com/chewacla.html.

Lake Martin, located approximately 30 minutes from Auburn off of U.S. Highway 280, is another location for an afternoon of fun. Even if you do not have access to a lake house, Lake Martin offers around 18 public launch areas. Some of these include: Backwater Grill and Landing, Coley Creek, Double Bridges Park, Kowaliga Bridge, Madwind Creek, Union and Wicker Point. For a more extensive and detailed list of public launches visit lakemartin.com/ramps.asp.

“You can swim and lay around the lake anywhere that is not developed,” said Auburn University junior Stuart Stone. “There is actually a small island about half of a mile from Kowaliga Live Bait and Tackle Marina. When the water is down most of the island shows. There are only two palm trees and a couple of pine tress on the island.”

Lake Martin is a place for people of all ages. It is easy to find entertainment, from boat and house watching, relaxing on a boat to jumping off of Chimney Rock, there is always something to do.

Chimney Rock and Acapulco Rock are large rocks that have been at Lake Martin since the ‘20s when the lake was first backed up. Chimney Rock is approximately 45 feet at its most popular jumping spot and is 80 feet tall at its highest point.
“I have been to Lake Martin countless times and never leave before I jump off of Chimney Rock,” Stone said. “It is one of the hot spots on the Lake. It is normally surrounded by people waiting to jump off.”

Even though Chimney Rock and Acapulco Rock attract thrill seekers of all ages, they are dangerous rocks that have led to several deaths and injuries throughout the years. However, Alabama Power Company, owner of the land on which these rocks are located, continue to leave these rocks open for these thrill seekers. They say that these are public areas and people are responsible for their own actions.

Lake Martin also offers a variety of entertainment throughout the summer. They have fishing tournaments, poker runs and concerts at the amphitheater.

On July 4th, Lake Martin will host a boat parade that will begin at 10 a.m. and a concert and fireworks that will begin at the amphitheater at 6 p.m. To register for the boat parade, go to the Russell Marine location.

The fireworks will be visible from the Kowaliga bay area, and the concert will feature Bluegrass Biscuits and Sweet Young’uns.

In addition, Lake Martin will also have their annual fundraiser Wags and Whiskers at the end of the summer, and will host a wakeboarding competition later this summer.

Bouldering, a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope, is another favorite summer activity in Auburn. There are rocks located throughout the city and surrounding area that are great for climbing and exploring. While this activity is free, it is more suited for teenage and college students.  While girls and boys both enjoy an afternoon of rock climbing, you will most often see college-aged boys visiting these locations.
“Bouldering is mainly for college-aged kids, and even then, mainly guys.” said Adam Warnke, an Auburn University senior.

Kiesel Park, Auburn’s largest park, is another great location in Auburn for an afternoon walk or morning jog. It is free to use and features a pavilion, garden, pond and 2.25 mile walking trail.

“I love to come out here and run during the afternoon,” said Jordan Huff, an Auburn University senior. “It is also a great place to come and walk your dog. And, as corny as it sounds, it can be a nice place for a romantic walk in the evening.”
The City of Auburn also maintains two pools for public use in Auburn. Drake pool is located next to Drake Middle School, and Samford pool is located behind Samford Middle School.

Both pools feature a main pool and a children’s pool. Samford pool also has a deep pool.
Most college students will choose to hang out with friends who live in apartment complexes that have pools. These can be a more challenging place to visit because of restrictions placed on the number of visitors residents are allowed to bring.

“I love to lay out at the Creekside pool with my friends,” Huff said. “It’s always crowded in the afternoon, it almost feels like spring break.”

Auburn offers a number of golf courses for those that like a more structured outdoor adventure. Some of these courses include Auburn Links at Mill Creek, The Auburn University Club, Indian Pines Golf Course, Moores Mill Golf Club and Pin Oaks Golf Course.

Even if golf is a little harder on the budget, there is the option of going to the driving range to work on your swing.

“I don’t always have enough money to go play nine holes of golf, so sometimes I’ll just go with some friends to the driving range,” said Caleb Pierce, an Auburn University senior. “It’s still a fun time to relax and visit with friends. I even take my girlfriend out there sometimes.”

Most of these outdoor adventure locations can also make great dates. Dates can range anywhere from $20 to $75; however, with these ideas and locations, it is easy to date on a budget this summer.

“Chewacla and Lake Martin are great places for dates, bouldering not so much,” Warnke said. “But, you will see lots of couples at Chewacla and Lake Martin.”
So, if an afternoon of shopping or an evening on the town is going to blow your budget, there are plenty of outdoor adventures that are easy on the pocket book in Auburn this summer.

Elizabeth Toney contributes to The Corner’s Loveliest Village blog. See more from Elizabeth here.