The flame is fueled by a methane gas seep, though the concentration of ethane and propane is higher than in most other natural seeps in the region.
The grotto housing the flame is located at the base of the lower tier of the waterfall.
The falls are situated within Chestnut Ridge Park, the largest park in the Erie County park system.
The shale bedrock in the area is approximately 380 million years old, dating back to the Devonian period.
The flame is not perpetually lit; it must be reignited by hikers when the gas flow is extinguished by weather or water spray.
The waterfall is approximately 30 feet in height.
The gas seep is technically a micro-seep, meaning it emits a low flow rate compared to commercial gas wells.
Eternal Flame Falls is a tiered waterfall located within the Shale Creek Preserve in Chestnut Ridge Park. A natural gas spring emanating from a small grotto behind the falls sustains a flame that can be lit to burn beneath the cascading water. The gas leak is caused by tectonic faults in the underlying rock layers, which allow methane to escape to the surface. The falls are reached via a hiking trail that traverses creek beds and wooded terrain. The flame's visibility depends on whether recent visitors have ignited the escaping gas. Water flow is highly seasonal and often diminishes to a trickle during dry summer months. The site is situated in a geologically active area known for its shale bedrock.
Position your camera at the base of the grotto, angled to capture the reflection of the flame in the water beneath the falls.
Wear waterproof hiking boots with excellent traction, as the trail is muddy and requires walking through the creek bed.
Bring a lighter or matches to reignite the flame, as it frequently goes out.
Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain if you are not experienced, as the trail can become slippery and the water volume makes the creek bed difficult to navigate.
Do not attempt the hike in winter without proper ice spikes or crampons, as the creek bed becomes a dangerous ice sheet.
Trail access may be restricted during extreme weather events or if local authorities deem the creek conditions unsafe.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; do not litter in the creek bed or disturb the fragile shale rock formations.
