The Eternal Flame, where natural gas escapes through the shale into a sheltered grotto beneath Shale Creek’s 35-foot waterfall, is not actually eternal, despite its name. If the flame goes out, it’s a good idea to bring a lighter to reignite it.
To find the Eternal Flame Trail in Erie County’s Chestnut Ridge Park, start from the large parking lot on New York State Route 277/Chestnut Ridge Road and follow the trail markers to a staircase with approximately 135 steps. Then, proceed to follow the creek upstream.
You must cross back and forth through the creek using stones and fallen logs to find the best walking path. Please be aware that most people end up walking in the water at some point. The way may be more difficult after heavy rain, but the waterfall will be more impressive. This unique geologic feature is a stunning reward for your effort.
Where to Find the Trailhead
Use this Google Maps link to help you navigate. You’re seeking a large parking lot on New York State Route 277/Chestnut Ridge Road, where the trail begins. There are several access points from other trailheads within the park that connect to the Eternal Flame Trail, but the most direct route starts from this parking lot.
The trail has clear wayfinding signs, and the presence of many people makes it unlikely that you’ll lose your way. Before you visit, you may want to download the Erie County Parks trail map and/or AllTrails app.
Many articles about The Eternal Flame Trail mention the absence of a bathroom at the trailhead. However, there is a seasonal port-a-potty available next to the parking lot. Additionally, restrooms can be found throughout Chestnut Ridge Park. If you look on the park map for a playground, there’s sure to be one nearby.
The Eternal Flame Trail
I have found that this trail is quite challenging, although it’s not categorized that way in many of the trail blogs I’ve read. There are spots along the Eternal Flame Trail that require creativity and flexibility.
The creek bed is accessible via 135 steps, offering a more secure alternative to the previous steep and slippery trail that these steps replaced in 2023. Despite the improvement, it remains a demanding workout, totaling 270 steps in and out of the gorge. They are made of wooden frames and hard-packed dirt, sometimes turning to mud after heavy rains, as shown in the photo above.
If you’ve walked the 127 steps to reach Letchworth’s Lower Falls, you can draw parallels to this experience.
Once you reach the creek bed, follow the water upstream until you reach the falls at the dead-end of the gorge.
Sounds easy, right? Except that there is not a well-defined trail along Shale Creek. To find the most optimal walking path, you must teeter across stones and fallen logs back and forth. Fallen trees blocking the way must be navigated over or under to proceed. The walkway is made of slippery shale and is sometimes muddy.
To get the best view of the water falling over the rocks, it’s ideal to visit after a steady rain. However, the increased water level adds to the challenge mentioned earlier. Most people will end up walking in the water at some point, so it’s a good idea to bring a change of shoes.
The “Eternal” Flame
This unique geologic feature is a gorgeous reward for your hard work. Hopefully you headed the advice mentioned earlier and brought a lighter! (If not, one of your fellow travelers may have one.) Stand in the moment, experience the deep calm of the gorge, and take a few pictures. You’ve done it!
Now, retrace your steps back to the car.
Chestnut Ridge Park
As a treat before you head home, stop near the toboggan launch and enjoy the bench swings overlooking the City of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lake Erie, and Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills.
More Information About the Eternal Flame Trail
Cost: Free
Located in Orchard Park, roughly 90 minutes / 85 miles from Rochester (get directions).
Additional Resources:
- Erie County Parks trail map
- AllTrails
- Quest for the Eternal Flame
- Eternal Flame Falls at Chestnut Ridge County Park
- A Google Trail Map
- Eternal Flame Falls: Where nature mixes fire and water
Explore More
Grimes Glen is public, free, and you are encouraged to wade up the creek to the first and second waterfalls, both 60-foot cascades.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Transformative Travel Destinations
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
50 Hidden Places Around Rochester
From secret gardens to enchanting waterfalls, exploring hidden places around the Rochester area is the ultimate way to add some spice to your travel experiences.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
“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.
Have you hiked the Eternal Flame Trail?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
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.