eternal flame falls

On our “leaf ride” this week we ventured to Chestnut Ridge Park, 

about six miles from New Era Field 

where our beloved Buffalo Bills play.

After lunch among the beautiful foliage we headed to 

the Eternal Flame Falls trail leading to a small waterfall

 located in the Shale Creek Preserve.

The hike isn't very long--only about 3/4 of a mile,

 but after about halfway, it did get a bit precarious.

The trail to the Eternal Flame can be rather slippery in places, 

especially once you descend into the Gorge 

and begin walking in the creek bed.

A small grotto at the waterfall's base emits natural gas, 

which has been lit to produce a small flame. 

This flame is visible nearly year round.

The shale from which Eternal Flame Falls 

draws its gas is
cooler, younger and shallower, 

than typical gas-bearing shale.

It was an adventurous hike 

through a peaceful forest 

with beautiful views 

to reach the 

“flame behind the waterfall”