Reservable Picnic Shelters

 

There are two rustic shelters available for rent in the Virginia Kendall area of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The shelters were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps of American chestnut and locally quarried sandstone. They are located on Truxell/Virginia Kendall Road between Akron Cleveland Road and Akron Peninsula Road. Both shelters are fully accessible.

 

The exterior of the Ledges Shelter, viewed from the east.

© D.J. Reiser

Ledges Shelter

701 Truxell Road, 1 mile west of Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula 44264

The Ledges Shelter is located near the Ritchie Ledges, approximately two miles of Sharon Conglomerate stone cliffs about thirty feet in height. The shelter is adjacent to a large field and hiking trails. The building has two fireplaces, eight picnic tables inside, eight picnic tables in the outside pavilion, and a large grill outside. It accommodates up to 75 people.

 

Exterior of the Octagon Shelter.

© D.J. Reiser

Octagon Shelter

801 Truxell Road, 1.5 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula 44264

The Octagon Shelter is named for its shape. During the summer months the walls are removed; they are in place from about October 15 to May 14. The Octagon Shelter is also near the Ritchie Ledges, hiking trails, and a large field. There are seven indoor picnic tables, two fireplaces, and an outside grill. It accommodates up to 50 people.

 

Amenities

Electricity, Drinking Water, and Restrooms

Limited electricity is available at both shelters. The shelters can accommodate normal household appliances such as coffee pots and crock pots. Drinking water is available at a drinking fountain from May 1–September 15. Restrooms with flush toilets are available year round.

Availability

Reservations are taken as early as one year in advance of the date based on availability.

Hours of Operation

Dates	Hours of Availability
May 1–September 30	10 am–9 pm
October 1–April 30	10 am–6 pm

Fees

$110 weekends and holidays
$80 weekdays

How to Make a Reservation

To make a reservation, visit the on-line national reservation system, www.recreation.gov.

Regulations

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Cuyahoga Valley National Park by the Code of Federal Regulations.
• A Special Use Permit is required for weddings outside the shelter.
• Feeding of wildlife is not permitted. All natural and human resources in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are protected under National Park Service policy. Make no disturbances to manmade structures or natural features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is music permitted?

Music is permitted. It cannot exceed 60 decibels; therefore, if the music can be heard in the parking lot, it is too loud. If you use a public address system other than for a disk jockey, a Special Use Permit may be required.

Are the shelters heated?

The shelters are not heated. The fireplaces are for ambiance and sometimes take the chill off; however they don't truly warm the buildings in winter.

Is wood provided for use in the fireplaces?

There are 2 bins of wood provided with a reservation. The group must provide their own kindling and start the fire themselves. Requests for additional wood are not available.

Can I come look inside the shelter ahead of time?

You can look through the windows but we do not have staff available to open the shelters for viewing ahead of time.

Are the shelters wheelchair accessible?

Both shelters are fully accessible.