Eternal Flame Falls
Witness a rare natural wonder: a real flame burning behind a waterfall in New York's Chestnut Ridge Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds and get best views
Eternal Flame Falls
Best Time
Avoid crowds and get best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness a rare natural wonder: a real flame burning behind a waterfall in New York's Chestnut Ridge Park.
"This place is magic. It’s easy to find the parking area and the hike is a quick one."
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
Trails and rocks can be very slippery, especially near the water. Hiking boots are recommended.
🔥 Bring a lighter
The natural flame can go out; a lighter can help relight it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Eternal Flame
Behind the waterfall
Witness a rare natural phenomenon: a real flame burning continuously behind a cascading waterfall.
Shale Creek Preserve Waterfall
Main waterfall feature
A beautiful, albeit sometimes trickling, waterfall that serves as the backdrop for the mesmerizing eternal flame.
Scenic Hiking Trail
Trail to the falls
Enjoy a moderate 1.2-1.4 mile hike through scenic woods, with some stairs leading down to the falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Flame
Footwear for Slippery Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
Trails and rocks can be very slippery, especially near the water. Hiking boots are recommended. +2
🔥 Bring a lighter
The natural flame can go out; a lighter can help relight it.
⏰ Go early on weekdays
This popular spot gets crowded. Weekday mornings offer a more peaceful experience.
💧 Check waterfall flow
Visit after rain for a more impressive waterfall, though the flame is visible year-round.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear grippy shoes!
Trails and rocks can be very slippery, especially near the water. Hiking boots are recommended. +2
🔥 Bring a lighter
The natural flame can go out; a lighter can help relight it.
⏰ Go early on weekdays
This popular spot gets crowded. Weekday mornings offer a more peaceful experience.
💧 Check waterfall flow
Visit after rain for a more impressive waterfall, though the flame is visible year-round.
🐶 Dog-friendly trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great outing for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of seeing a real flame burning behind a waterfall, calling it magical and a must-see natural wonder. The scenic hike through the woods is also a highlight, though many caution about the slippery conditions on the trail and near the falls, recommending appropriate footwear. While the waterfall itself can be a trickle in drier months, the flame remains the star attraction.
"Beautiful hike. Not only are the waterfalls breathtaking but the woods you walk through are as well. There are benches to sit and admire the view up top. There are a lot of stairs going down to where the falls are but they have some railings and are well maintained. I would call this an easy hike but bring proper foot wear when it’s raining it can be slick."
Emily Bryant
"A unique experience at the Eternal Flame!
The surroundings are spectacular, a natural paradise. Even though the waterfall was dry when I visited in the summer, the eternal flame in the grotto was an incredible sight. The paths are well designed with steps that make the climb easier, but I definitely recommend wearing shoes with good grip or hiking boots to avoid slipping. The hike is relatively easy, I'd say a difficulty of 2 out of 10, but unfortunately, it's not wheelchair accessible. A beautiful place and a must visit!"
Maikel Jose
"Very interesting place. It was just over 1/2 mile from the parking lot down to site. The short hike requires good nonslip shoes, since you are walking on slippery rocks. Take a lighter incase the flame extinguishes."
B Lei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eternal Flame Falls is located in the Shale Creek Preserve, a section of Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, New York. The address is approximately 450 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY. +1
Eternal Flame Falls is about a 30-minute drive from Buffalo, NY. It's a popular day trip destination for those in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area.
Yes, there is a parking area available at the trailhead for Eternal Flame Falls.
Public transportation options to Eternal Flame Falls are limited. It is best accessed by car.
The trailhead is well-marked within Chestnut Ridge Park. Using GPS to the park and then following signs for Shale Creek Preserve or Eternal Flame Falls is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Eternal Flame Falls and Chestnut Ridge Park. It is a public park.
Chestnut Ridge Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check the official park hours before your visit, especially for seasonal changes.
There is no entrance fee for Chestnut Ridge Park, making Eternal Flame Falls a free natural attraction.
Yes, you can visit in winter, but the trail can be icy and slippery. The flame is often still visible, but the waterfall may be frozen or reduced to a trickle.
Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and respect the natural environment. The flame should not be tampered with beyond relighting if it goes out.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 1.2 to 1.4 miles round trip, depending on the exact starting point and path taken. It's considered a moderate hike with some stairs. +1
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It involves stairs and can be slippery, especially after rain or in wet conditions.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at the falls due to slippery conditions and the delicate nature of the flame.
Bring water, snacks, a camera, and most importantly, wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. A lighter is also recommended to relight the flame if it goes out.
No, Eternal Flame Falls is not wheelchair accessible due to the stairs and uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the flame itself is a unique subject at any time. Consider the water flow for dramatic waterfall shots.
Tripods are generally allowed in parks, but be mindful of other visitors, especially during busy times. Ensure your tripod is stable on uneven ground.
Experiment with different angles and focal lengths. A wider lens might capture the scene, while a telephoto can focus on the flame. Consider shooting during different water flow conditions.
Use a slightly longer exposure to capture the flame's glow, but be careful not to blur it. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🐶 Dog Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Flame
+1While often referred to as 'eternal,' the flame is not immune to external factors. High winds or heavy rainfall can extinguish it by blowing the water onto the flame or disrupting the gas flow. Fortunately, the gas continues to seep, allowing visitors to relight the flame with a simple lighter or match, a tip frequently shared by seasoned visitors.
The surrounding Shale Creek Preserve offers a beautiful natural setting for this geological marvel. The hike itself is part of the experience, leading visitors through wooded areas and down to the base of the falls, where the interplay of fire and water creates a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Navigating the Trail and Terrain
+1 Visitors often describe a significant number of stairs leading down to the falls, which can be strenuous for some. Crucially, the terrain around the falls and creek bed can become extremely slippery, especially when wet. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate footwear with excellent grip, such as hiking boots or shoes designed for wet conditions.
Despite the slippery conditions, the hike is generally considered manageable for most active individuals. It's a rewarding trek that leads to a unique natural wonder, making the effort well worth it for the breathtaking sight of the flame and waterfall.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit