Natural Attraction
Ohio’s Lake Placid Panel
A forested slope lined with mature evergreens descends toward Kendall Lake—a Depression-era toboggan run built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1936-1939). The CCC planted these evergreens to shelter the iced chutes and constructed a tunnel nearby so hikers could reach the Lake Trail without crossing the active runs. This interpretive panel documents the 40-year legacy of that engineered recreation, when winter sport and labor relief were one project.
Access & viewing
- GPS Coordinates
- 41.2157, -81.5237
- Accessibility
- Paved parking at Kendall Lake Trailhead. Lake Trail has natural dirt surface, moderate slopes, and muddy sections; all-terrain mobility devices only.
Planning advice
- Nearby Attractions
- Kendall Lake, Virginia Kendall State Park Historic District, other CCC sites throughout Cuyahoga Valley
- Best Time To Visit
- Daytime visits only—the area closes at dusk per park regulations. Spring through fall offer optimal conditions; winter icing makes the slope hazardous.
- Tips Advice
- Hike clockwise to encounter the tunnel first, then the slope—this follows original visitor flow.
- Examine the evergreens' dense formation; they were planted for wind shelter.
- Notice the slope's grade and angle—they reveal CCC engineering precision.
- Winter hiking requires microspikes or traction boots; icing hazard is real.
More details
- Family Friendly Notes
- Families comfortable with 1-2 mile moderate hike can access the site. Keep children close, especially near the slope edge and water. Trail can be muddy and slippery.
- Attraction Type
- Historic Site
- Accessibility Level
- Moderate hike on maintained trail with natural surface; slope sections require stable footing
- How To Get There
- Park at Kendall Lake Trailhead, 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. Hike the Lake Trail clockwise from the parking area; the panel is located just after passing through the tunnel.
- Road Type
- Paved access to Kendall Lake Trailhead; natural-surface maintained trail
- Seasonal Access
- Year-round; daytime access only—area closes at dusk per park hours
- Main Features
- Forested slope with mature planted evergreens descending toward Kendall Lake, CCC-era tunnel, interpretive panel and exhibit, views of Kendall Lake
- Safety Considerations
- Slope drops to Kendall Lake water's edge—don't venture off the marked trail. Trail surface is muddy and slippery after rain; good footing required. Winter ice creates additional hazard. Supervise children near slope edge and water access.
- Photo Opportunities
- Slope descending through evergreens toward lake, evergreen tunnel sections, interpretive panel, downslope views of Kendall Lake
- Interpretive Signs
- 1
- Trailheads Here
- Lake Trail (loop from Kendall Lake Trailhead)
- Nearby Services
- Peninsula, Ohio (adjacent to trailhead) has retail and dining; no services at Kendall Lake Trailhead
- Weather Patterns
- Slope surface becomes treacherous after rain or freezing. Winter snow and ice create hazards. Summer afternoon thunderstorms possible.
- Review Summary
- Visitors appreciate the tangible evidence of CCC construction and labor history. The site effectively communicates Depression-era engineering and landscape management. Hikers note that muddy trail conditions and winter icing temporarily limit accessibility, but these are seasonal and site-specific.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is this a real historical structure or just a display?
Real remnant—the slope is original CCC construction from 1939, and the evergreens were planted by the Corps. The interpretive panel documents this engineering heritage.
Why is there a tunnel nearby?
The CCC excavated the tunnel so hikers could traverse the foot trail without crossing the active toboggan runs—an elegant 1930s traffic-separation solution.
Can we hike this in winter?
Yes, but the slope becomes iced and treacherous. Microspikes or boots with excellent traction are essential; many visitors slip here without them.
How long does it take to see this site?
The Lake Trail loop is approximately 2 miles from Kendall Lake Trailhead. The panel appears early on the clockwise route, typically within 15–20 minutes of hiking.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The parking lot is paved, but the Lake Trail has natural surfaces, slopes, and muddy sections. Standard wheelchairs are not feasible; all-terrain mobility devices may traverse portions of the trail.
What should I expect to see?
A forested slope with mature evergreens descending to Kendall Lake, a CCC-era tunnel, and an interpretive panel documenting the Depression-era toboggan run that operated here for 40 years.
More at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Pinery Feeder
Restored river and canal heritage meet at this dam removal site.
Rockside Station
Historic railroad station and trail hub with scenic trains and riverside access. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Recommended gear for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.