Friday, October 21, 2016

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”



4 comments:

  1. The science teacher I worked with in MD told me about this! :-) It's on my list of waterfalls I need to see!

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  2. You got me Mary!
    I didn't know anything about this interesting phenomenon! I ran to the computer and Googled it.
    Question: If the flame was out, when you arrived, would you or Jim get down there and light it? Or is there someone around to light it?
    What a FUN outing!

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  3. Love the pictures. WOW! Lots of beauty! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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