As much as we love everything about living in one of the largest cities in the Northeast, sometimes we find ourselves a little alone time out in the woods. Leading us to secluded spaces in Western New York, there’s an extensive list of nature trails that exist inside of Erie County. If you’re ready to go through a walk in the woods that’s unlike any other, then see why this hidden spot near Buffalo is unbelievably beautiful and worth discovering.

All it takes is less than a 20-mile drive to reach the enchanting trail system that exists within Chestnut Ridge Park, found just off of Seufert Road in Erie County.

Jennifer Foley/AllTrails

Part of the Shale Creek Preserve that’s hidden away within the park’s southern corner, hiking out to Eternal Flame Falls is an adventure that every Buffalonian should take at least once in their lifetime.

muntasir mamun Piash/Google

Out of the thousands of waterfalls that you can venture to here in New York State, Eternal Flame Falls is unlike any other.

Bliss P/TripAdvisor

Hike out along this short, 0.5-mile round trip trail, and waiting for you at the end of your hike is a waterfall with an actual flame inside of it.

Constance A/Google

The waterfall cascades down a stacked rock ledge for 30 feet. And right by the top of the waterfall you’ll see a flame that stays lit almost constantly throughout the year.

Xingtong Li/Google

The same reason why there can be a flame inside of this waterfall also happens to be the same reason why you might pick up on a smell just before you reach the falls: there’s methane gas that leaks through the cracks in the rocks beneath you!

McKinnon E/TripAdvisor

To those who want to ensure that they’ll see the flame lit inside of the falls, you’ll want to bring a lighter with you when you visit…

muntasir mamun Piash/Google

…because while it’s not too frequently that the flame goes out, it can be re-lit!

Maryteresa/TripAdvisor

If you’ve been wondering which outdoor adventure you should take on here in Western New York, then be sure to add the hike out to Eternal Flame Falls.

Joshua Wells Photography/Flickr

Interested in taking on other one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures here in Western New York? Then try reading about how you can Go Hiking With Llamas Near Buffalo For An Adventure Unlike Any Other!

Jennifer Foley/AllTrails

muntasir mamun Piash/Google

Bliss P/TripAdvisor

Constance A/Google

Xingtong Li/Google

McKinnon E/TripAdvisor

Maryteresa/TripAdvisor

Joshua Wells Photography/Flickr

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Address: Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA