The Eternal Flame Trail in Chestnut Ridge Park leads into the Shale Creek gorge, where natural gas escaping through Devonian shale fuels a small flame behind a waterfall. Despite its name, the flame occasionally goes out and may need to be relit.
From the Route 277 parking area, the trail descends roughly 140 steps before following Shale Creek upstream. There is no formal path along much of the creek, so expect to cross shallow water, step across slippery shale and stones, and navigate fallen trees. After rain, the waterfall is more impressive—but the hike is also wetter and more challenging.
Where to Find the Trailhead
Use this Google Maps link to help you navigate. The most direct route begins at the dedicated Eternal Flame parking area along Route 277/Chestnut Ridge Road, south of Chestnut Ridge Park’s main entrance. Other park trails connect to the Eternal Flame Trail, but this parking area offers the simplest access. Before you visit, you may want to download the Erie County Parks trail map and/or the AllTrails app.
The Eternal Flame Trail
I find this trail more challenging than its short distance suggests. The staircase is straightforward, but once you reach Shale Creek, the route becomes considerably more rugged.
In 2023, Erie County replaced the former steep descent with a new section of trail containing 139 steps and railings. The improvement makes the descent safer, but remember that every step down must be climbed again on the return trip. After heavy rain, the dirt-filled steps may also become muddy.
If you’ve climbed the 127 steps from Letchworth’s Lower Falls, you’ll have a sense of the workout involved.
Once you reach Shale Creek, follow the water upstream toward the falls. Much of this section has no conventional walking path. Instead, hikers find their own footing along the creek, crossing between banks on stones and fallen logs and occasionally stepping directly into the water. Exposed shale can be extremely slippery, and fallen trees sometimes require climbing over or ducking beneath them.
Water flow varies considerably. After steady rain, the waterfall is far more dramatic, but Shale Creek will also be deeper and more difficult to navigate. Expect wet feet regardless, and wear shoes with good traction that you don’t mind getting muddy.
The “Eternal” Flame
At the head of the gorge, the waterfall spills over a shallow grotto where natural gas seeps through the shale. When lit, the small flame flickers behind the falling water—an unusual convergence of geology, water, and fire.
The flame is not truly eternal and occasionally goes out. Bring a lighter if you’d like to be prepared to relight it.
Chestnut Ridge Park
Before leaving Chestnut Ridge, stop near the historic toboggan chutes and sit on one of the hillside swings. The overlook offers broad views of Buffalo and Lake Erie, with distant landmarks visible on especially clear days.
More Information About the Eternal Flame Trail
Located in Orchard Park, roughly 90 minutes / 85 miles from Rochester (get directions).
Trail distance: approximately 0.56 mile one way / roughly 1.1 miles round trip.
Difficulty: short but rugged; stairs, creek crossings, slippery shale, and uneven footing.
Facilities: none at the Eternal Flame hiking area; facilities are available elsewhere in Chestnut Ridge Park.
Cost: Free
Additional Resources:
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Have you hiked the Eternal Flame Trail?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
My daughter and I hiked to the flame! It was worth every step! There were waterfalls and adventure getting there! We loved it! Recently I saw it featured in a 4th grade reading book by Harcourt! Wow!
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.