This New York Waterfall Is The Coolest Thing You'll Ever See For Free
By Lea Monroe|Updated on January 09, 2023(Originally published January 04, 2023)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
In the Empire State, you’ll find that there’s an abundance of natural wonders right at your fingertips. While you may be familiar with whatever natural attraction is closest to your home, there’s nothing quite like uncovering something new in our state that you never knew existed. There’s so much beauty in New York, there’s always something new to uncover. You may have already heard about New York’s city of waterfalls, but now it’s time to see what makes this one eternal flame waterfall so special. Check it out!
All the way out in Western New York where you're surrounded by the scenic beauty that comes along with living within these quaint small towns, Orchard Park is where you'll find something truly special.
Orchard Park is a small village in Eerie county that had just over 3,000 residents at the 2010 census. In addition to being the home of the state's beloved football team The Buffalo Bills, Orchard Park has a lot of hidden natural treasure to offer as well.
Make your way out to this particular small town, and you'll find that there's a one-of-a-kind hike tucked away inside of Chestnut Ridge Park.
Chestnut Ride Park is the largest park in the area, offering 1,213-acres of hiking trails and unique flora and fauna just waiting to be discovered. But the deer and flowers you encounter along the way aren't the most special part of this adventure.
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Along this short but sweet hike, you'll make your way over rocky terrain and tree roots that will bring out your inner adventurer.
Be sure to wear and bring the appropriate gear for a little scrabbling. Although it's a short 1.4 mile out and back hike, it is rated moderate due to the terrain.
Before you know it, after hiking along the Shale Creek, you'll find yourself right before a 30-foot-tall waterfall that's absolutely unlike any other waterfall that you'll find in our state - or the rest of the country for the matter!
The waterfall itself is stunning and you should take a minute to bask in the soothing sounds of the falling water. But once your breathing has calmed, take a closer look.
That's right! Inside Chestnut Ridge Park, Eternal Flame Falls cascades down through the woods in all of its glory with, yes, an actual flame inside of it.
Seeing that bright red and orange glow tucked behind the water is an absolutely mind blowing experience. That such innovative beauty can exist organically in nature is spellbinding.
Staying lit all throughout the year, gas emitted from the cracks in the rocks make it possible for this flame to stay lit right in the heart of a beautiful waterfall. Plus, if the flame goes out, all you need to do is spark a lighter once again in its spot, and it'll come to life once again.
Imagine how powerful that feels to re-light the eternal flame. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A hike and waterfall that's absolutely unlike any other that you've ever experienced, if you're ready to have your mind-blown, then it's time you tack on hiking out to Eternal Flame Falls to your bucket list.
To find out more about Chestnut Ridge Park and Eternal Flame Falls in New York, click here.
What do you think, would you hike out to the eternal flame to be amazed by the power of New York’s natural world? If you’ve already gone we’d love to hear about your experience, let us know how it went in the comments below.
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CC|January 09, 2023
Where can I hike in New York?
If you’ve already crossed the Eternal Flame hike off your bucket list, considering checking out these awesome hiking trails in New York next.
