Eternal Flame Falls Trail Near Buffalo Leads To An Incredible Waterfall With Unparalleled Views
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 10, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Craving a bit of adventure? We don’t blame you! There is so much to do around Buffalo that adventure is often just a stone’s throw away. If you don’t mind venturing outside city limits, you will want to visit the most surprising waterfall in New York. Niagara Falls is obviously our most famous attraction, but there’s a much smaller waterfall near Buffalo that’s arguably just as striking. Prepare for adventure, because you will feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie as soon as you arrive at this incredible cascade.
Buffalo itself has some magnificent parks to visit, but every so often, it is worth trekking outside the city limits. In some cases, you just might discover a hidden gem that you'll return to time and time again.
At just under a mile in length, the Eternal Flame Falls Trail in Shale Creek Preserve's Chestnut Ridge Park is a reasonable trek that's only moderately challenging.
Chestnut Ridge Park is the largest managed by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry. As one of the largest county parks in the nation, this pretty place is frequented by visitors all year round.
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As you explore this length of trail (and the rest of the park's 1,213 acres), you will stumble upon a 30-foot waterfall.
Eternal Flame Falls may not be the largest of New York's waterfalls, but it most definitely is one of the most striking. The cascade itself is magnificent, but you just might notice a strange glimmer of light dancing across its waters.
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While the waterfall itself is a masterful testament to Mother Nature's artistry, the true marvel is the flame burning behind the waterfall.
This flame isn't quite unique in itself, as there are many naturally-fueled eternal flames across the globe. However, the presence of water and fire so close in nature is awe-invoking.
Eternal Flame Falls, according to surveys and studies of the environment, is fueled by a methane seep in a small grotto near the base of the cascade. The methane is creeping up from a layer of shale a few hundred feet below the surface, and the seep is just one of several in the area.
The trail to get to the falls is fairly heavily trafficked, so make sure your furry friends are on a leash if they're going to be accompanying you.
The trail is peaceful, and it is well-marked and easy to follow. However, the allure of this oddity can make this footpath a busy place. Expect to pass a few friendly faces as you trek to the falls.
All along the way, you'll find yourself exposed to endless splendor.
Chestnut Ridge Park is simply divine. It was established in 1926, and it was enhanced by the Works Progress Administration in the following decade. There's nature and history to be enjoyed here.
And, of course, you'll fall in love with this dreamy destination just as thousands of others have before your visit.
This park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, so plan your trip at the optimum time to make the most of the daylight. On a clear day, the park's sledding hill provides a surprising view of Lake Erie. You just might find yourself returning to this stunning site time and time again.
While Niagara Falls is our most famous waterfall, this spot arguably hides the most surprising waterfall in New York. Have you ever visited this waterfall near Buffalo? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments!
Good things come in small packages. If you can’t get enough of these compact cascades, you will want to add Akron Falls to your bucket list next.
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