Opelika offers a quiet Southern escape with excellent hiking, mountain biking, and paddling nearby. Chewacla State Park is a standout for natural trails, waterfalls, and camping close to town.
Opelika offers a quiet Southern escape with excellent hiking, mountain biking, and paddling nearby. Chewacla State Park is a standout for natural trails, waterfalls, and camping close to town.
Outdoor Adventure in Opelika, Alabama
Located in east-central Alabama, Opelika is a charming town with easy access to a range of outdoor activities, ideal for travelers wanting a blend of nature and small-town atmosphere.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Opelika, Alabama special.
★ 6.5⌖ 8.57 milesExplore the scenic trails of Chewacla State Park near Auburn, Alabama. Highlights include a picturesque waterfall and a 26-acre lake. Perfect for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, this park is accessible year-round. Best visited in spring and fall for mild weather.
★ 4⌖ 8.89 milesModerateExplore Chewacla Waterfall in Chewacla State Park near Auburn, AL. The moderate trail offers picturesque views and is ideal for photography, hiking, and picnics. Enjoy swimming in summer and stunning foliage in fall.
★ 6.5⌖ 17.80 milesModerateExplore the serene Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama with its 11,000 acres of lush greenery. Enjoy hiking the Bartram Trail, mountain biking on challenging paths, or visiting the historical site of the Tuskegee Airmen. Open year-round with best visits in spring and fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 21.10 milesExplore the scenic Standing Boy Trails near Columbus, Georgia. Ideal for mountain biking and hiking, these trails offer well-maintained paths through pine woodlands. Enjoy peaceful rides and hikes with opportunities for wildlife and bird watching.
★ 6.8⌖ 22.23 milesExplore the Phenix City Waterfall in Alabama, a serene spot for nature lovers with tranquil hiking and bird watching. Ideal for a family-friendly visit with activities like picnicking. Enjoy cooler weather and vibrant surroundings during spring and fall.
★ 4.5⌖ 24.11 milesExplore the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta, Georgia. Perfect for kayaking and hiking with moderate crowd levels during spring and fall. Enjoy diverse wildlife and scenic riverfront views. Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
★ 7.2⌖ 24.60 milesExplore Highlands Dam - Riverwalk along the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, GA. Enjoy hiking and biking on scenic trails, with fishing opportunities for those with a permit. Best visited in spring or fall, this area offers historical charm and lush surroundings.
★ 4.5⌖ 34.01 milesModerateExplore Pine Mountain in Georgia, a moderate hiking destination surrounded by vibrant forests. Enjoy scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and nearby family-friendly attractions like Wild Animal Safari. Best visited in spring and fall for optimal weather conditions.
★ 7.2⌖ 34.77 milesExplore F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Pine Mountain, GA. Known for its peaceful trails and historical significance, this family-friendly park offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities. Enjoy the scenic views and vibrant foliage, especially in spring and fall.
★ 7.5⌖ 35.49 milesEnjoy fishing at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, Alabama, a popular spot for catching bass and catfish. With easy shore access and pier fishing, it's suitable for families. Visit during spring or fall for the best catch rates.
★ 7.5⌖ 35.55 milesExplore Wind Creek State Park, a popular camping spot on Lake Martin in Alexander City, AL. Enjoy 586 campsites, fishing, and hiking. Best visited in spring or fall. Family-friendly with lakefront sites and camper cabins available.
★ 7.5⌖ 36.85 milesEnjoy fishing at Lake Martin, a scenic spot in Alexander City, AL, known for bass and crappie fishing. With 44,000 acres of water, this destination is family-friendly and ideal for spring and fall visits. Boat access and scenic views make it a standout fishing location.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Opelika, Alabama, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Opelika, Alabama.
⌖ 6.5 miReserve a one-hour seat at Auburn Candle Company to choose from 85+ fragrances and create candles, wax melts, reed diffusers or bath products; this guide explains what to expect, costs, and booking rules.
⌖ 6.6 miA concise guide to Sleepy Hollow Haunted Farm’s Ultimate RIP Ride, which strings Psycho Path, Horror House and the RIP Ride into one back-to-back terror run.
⌖ 6.6 miA private, 10-minute session at Choctafaula in Auburn that welcomes family, friends and dogs and delivers 15+ digital images to keep.
⌖ 6.6 miA single-day, family-focused celebration at Choctafaula in Auburn featuring scheduled egg hunts, giraffe encounters, a petting zoo, guided wagon tours, live music and onsite food and drink.
⌖ 24.6 miA practical guide to renting the 2023 Starcraft Deckboat SVX 190 with a Honda engine on Lake Martin — what to expect, how the rentals run, and the logistics for a full- or multi-day outing.
⌖ 25.3 miRent the lodge, tent sites, and hammock stands at Camp Robert Lewis for a peaceful, nature‑immersive camping stay; this guide compiles what’s included, capacity and check‑in details.
⌖ 25.8 miA weekly, hour-long studio workshop in Columbus where Cora King guides participants through hands-on painting, drawing and crafting.
⌖ 26.5 miAn authoritative guide to renting and running a Bennington 150 tritoon out of Dadeville—what the boat delivers and what to confirm with the operator before you go.
⌖ 26.5 miOne-day pontoon rentals from Blue Creek Boat Rentals at Harbor Pointe Marina in Dadeville—ideal for relaxed cruising or fishing with family and friends.
⌖ 29.6 miRent a 2023 Godfrey Xperience 2286SBX on Lake Martin from Montgomery — a 22‑foot pontoon for up to 12 people with a Fusion radio and a 150HP Yamaha motor, available as full‑day to seven‑day rentals.
⌖ 29.6 miA primitive tent-camping stay at Camp Robert Lewis in Fortson that pairs open-fire cooking and a nearby waterfall hike with basic bathroom and shower-house facilities.
⌖ 30.3 miStay in a climate‑controlled lodge with a full‑size residential kitchen at Camp Robert Lewis; this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your troop meeting or event.
⌖ 31.2 miA focused, 30-minute up-close encounter with South American capybaras—this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and the ticketing and supervision requirements.
⌖ 31.4 miAn interactive 2-hour tour that explains each of Jesus’ seven “I Am” statements and the historical context that would have shaped first‑century responses.
⌖ 33.5 miA guided Nativity tour through an archaeological replica garden followed by a four‑course Biblical meal in 1st‑century–style dining rooms — a three‑hour, all‑ages program that grounds the Nativity story in daily life.
Make the most of your visit to Opelika, Alabama with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Opelika, Alabama hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Opelika, Alabama during the iconic Opelika Arts in the Park. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Opelika, Alabama during the iconic Annual Opelika Centennial Fitness Challenge. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Opelika, Alabama during the iconic Chewacla Trail Races. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Opelika, Alabama is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Known as 'Georgia's Little Grand Canyon', Providence Canyon State Park offers vibrant landscapes shaped by erosion, perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts.
Cheaha State Park is Alabama's oldest state park renowned for offering the highest point in the state, Cheaha Mountain, and stunning views from its rugged, mountainous terrain.
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts with numerous recreational opportunities.
Pack insect repellent during warmer months for trails.
Check park hours before visiting Chewacla State Park.
Bring a fishing license when angling in local waters.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Opelika, Alabama. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.