The Eternal Flame Falls is by far one of my favorite and awe-inspiring hikes. This hike has definitely become more well-known and popular in recent years. When we first hiked the Eternal Flame Falls trail, several years ago, there wasn’t a parking lot or laid-out trails. There was a crude trail and only side street parking. It was a little known and therefore little-visited site.
Today, the Eternal Flame Falls hike has become fairly well known, not just in New York but across the country, as one of the most mysterious and magical places to visit because the flame is under that waterfall, in a small grotto, where there is a natural gas pocket. The Eternal Flame Falls is an amazing natural beauty and a bucket list item you will want to make sure you cross off your list.
Eternal Flame Falls Trail
There is a multitude of trails throughout Chestnut Ridge Park that vary in their degrees of difficulty. The trail to the Eternal Flame Falls is a pretty easy hike for families with small children. You will notice flame markers on the trees which will lead you to the falls.
We have visited at different times of the year, most recently in December. Although it is impressive in the Wintertime, the trail can also be slippery. Make sure that you are wearing good, sturdy shoes. People have been injured on this trail due to wearing inappropriate footwear.
Recently, in an attempt to make the trail safer, the trail received an update of 139 box steps and 120 feet railing that bypasses the previously most dangerous part of the trail.
The trail becomes barely a trail once you get to the creek. If you’re not careful you will definitely get your feet wet, which in the summer isn’t a big deal. During the rest of the year, wearing waterproof footwear is probably a good idea, especially for the little ones.
The Eternal Flame Falls is not only gorgeous to see but it is also a great opportunity for an impromptu science lesson for older or more inquisitive children in regard to earth science and how the flame is able to appear out of the rock. Occasionally the flame does go out. Carry a lighter with you, just in case you need to relight it. This is a great family destination. If you are looking to extend your visit, there are picnic benches at the beginning of the trail, perfect for enjoying a meal in a beautiful setting.
Planning Your Visit
I recommend planning your visit early in the day, mainly to avoid crowds, which tend to build up in the early to late afternoon. Crowds tend to spend most of their time competing for a picture in front of the flame. You might have to patiently wait for a few minutes while people take their family photos in front of the flame.
The falls are most impressive when they are full, therefore the best time to visit is after heavy rain or in the early spring when the snow has melted. Bug repellent is also a suggestion because you are hiking in a gorge, which tends to be 90% shaded and therefore very mosquito-friendly.
Getting To Eternal Flame Falls
The Eternal Flame Falls is located in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY. This is a fairly large park but the entrance to the falls trail is easy to find. There is a parking lot located on NY 277. There are lots of signs leading to the park, so it will be easy to find once you are in the area. You honestly can’t miss the sign for the Eternal Flame; the sign is enormous.
Address: 6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park NY 14127
Google Map Link
Have you visited the Eternal Flame or Chestnut Ridge Park before? What is your favorite part of the park? Did we miss anything about the waterfall? We want to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.