On the southern border of Chestnut Ridge Park, there is a creek that is entwined in a rocky ravine. It is sometimes called Shale Creek, referring to the towering walls of sedimentary rocks, exposed from erosion. To others, the hike is known as the “Eternal Flame.”
Walking up stream awaits a natural spectacle not seen anywhere else in the area. This is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down over 30 feet of rock. While there are many incredible waterfalls in the Western New York area, this one is unique.
The decomposition within the shale has created natural gas, whose trademark sulfur smell can be noted throughout the creek bed area. Bubbles can be seen under the water from escaping pockets of gas, especially at the base of the waterfall.
Nestled inside a small cave under the waterfall is a sheltered area where the water usually overshoots. This is the gas well that once lit will maintain its fiery watch over the pool below, until the next time it is blown or washed out. Hikers may want to bring a lighter just in case the flame has gone out.
The walls of the ravine are thin, flat shale layers, left behind from when the Western New York area was underwater, one big sea. The different colors of shale indicate the composition of the rock. The browns, reds and greens indicate iron, while the black shale is suggestive of carbon deposits.
While hiking down to the Eternal Flame, there are many different types of trees and plant life. Informative signs have been placed along the trail for a self-guided tour. They explain the many different stages in which the forest continuously regenerates and recycles. The trail is marked well with small flames on the trees, leading the way.
For many years, the easiest access to the Eternal Flame was to park along Seufert Road, just off of Rte. 277 in Orchard Park. However, a new disc golf course called The Eternal Flame has recently opened and offers off street parking and a slightly shorter hike to the waterfall. A white fence denotes the course at 6121 Chestnut Ridge Road and parking area, just a short drive past Seufert Road on Rte. 277. After hiking both trails, the Seufert Road trail takes hikers through the “road less traveled” with views of the woods that many don’t get the opportunity to see.
The difficulty for this hike would be moderate. The wooded trail leading to the creek is hilly and uneven in spots. The climb back up is a bit steep, so take your time. The hike is roughly an hour to an hour and ½. Water flow over the falls depends on the season. Spring usually produces a higher volume of water and during the dry summer months it may only be a trickle. Winter hiking is allowed, but sections of the creek will be icy and slippery, so be careful.
For directions try Google :) Below is a video of The Eternal Flame during a winter thaw.
