Fun fact: The Eternal Flame isn’t eternal at all. It does go out sometimes, so bring along a lighter if you’d like to see it in all it’s glory.
The Eternal Flame Trail is not just a stroll in the woods!
I have found that this trail is extremely challenging, although it’s not categorized that way in many of the trail blogs I’ve read.
After one successful attempt and one failed attempt to reach the flame, I can say there are spots along the trail that require creativity and flexibility.
The first spot is the trail leading from the rim to the gorge. It’s not so steep that you can’t walk straight up, but you definitely choose your foot placements carefully around tree roots as you boot-scoot down. Remember, too, that this is the return path so every step down is a step up later.
Once you’ve made it to the creek bed, you just keep following the water upstream until you hit the falls at the gorge’s dead-end.
Sounds easy, right? Except that there is not a well defined trail along the creek bed. There’s a lot of teetering across stones and fallen logs to cross back and forth along the way to find the most optimal walking path. There are fallen trees blocking the way that must be navigated over or under to proceed. The walkway is slippery shale and sometimes muddy.
To see water falling over the rocks, it’s best to go when there’ been a steady spring rain. Of course, the higher water level only adds to the aforementioned challenge. Most folks walk in the water at some point, so a change of shoes is a great idea.
An Eternal Flame at the end of the tunnel
Once you have successfully done all this, you will reach the Eternal Flame, sheltered in a tiny cave under a beautiful little waterfall. This unique geologic feature is a gorgeous reward for all of your hard work.
Stand there in awe, enjoy the dark calm of the gorge, take a few pictures (if you can get the other hikers to scoot over!) You’ve done it! Now turn around the way you came and retrace your steps back to the car.
With all of that said, I have witnessed people of all ages and abilities making the trek. I have seen college students in high heels MAKE IT to the end!
Maybe I’m a wimp, but I did this hike the 2nd time with 4 adult women (one with a back issue) and my daughter and we didn’t make it. No guts, no glory I suppose.
From the NY Waterfalls website:
Eternal Flame Falls is a 30 ft high cascade in two segments. A small grotto to the right houses a natural gas spring that can be ignited to create a flame of 4-8 inches in height. The best time to visit is in early spring, or after bouts of rain lasting several days.
NY Falls
Chestnut Ridge Park
As a treat before you head home, stop at Chestnut Ridge Park (get directions) and swing while looking out over the City of Buffalo all the way to Niagara Falls, and Lake Erie.
Cost: Free
Located in Orchard Park, roughly 90 minutes / 85 miles from Rochester (get directions) Note: These directions are to the place you’ll park to find the trail head. There are two trail heads, the other can be found here, and is not necessarily wrong, but folks tend to recommend the other one.
More information: nyfalls.com/waterfalls/eternal-flame-falls/, and map
A few helpful articles
Eternal Flame Falls at Chestnut Ridge County Park
Eternal Flame Falls: Where nature mixes fire and water
“Hit the Trail Passport” for the Rochester Area
Pick up your “Hit the Trail Passport” booklet at Wegmans, or print your own! You’ll have everything you need to start your hiking adventure.
73 Hiking Trails Around Rochester
A few rustic trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail, waterside, and inland trails.
Gorge trails call out to us from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these spectacular trails off your list!
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history, filled with drumlins, fossils and a meromictic lake, will leave you awe-struck.
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
Have you hiked the Eternal Flame Trail?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
Visited here ( Eternal Flame) 40 years ago when it was a ‘secret’ place and few people knew about it. There was no parking lot, you parked on a side road and walked in. The Buffalo Museum of Science people knew about it but didn’t tell. No more: overcrowded at times, trail is over worn and eroded. Some things in nature are best left a secret.