Jules HoeptingWater and fire don’t mix. At least, that’s what I thought until I saw a burst of fire happily blazing under a 35-foot waterfall.
Eternal Flames Falls trail, located in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, is a 1.4 miles trail described by AllTrails as “heavily trafficked” and is rated as moderate. Which means there is a 137 foot elevation difference within .7 miles which you have to go down and then back up. It also means the trail can get muddy and slippery during rainy season.
How is a flame burning under a waterfall?
Nobody knows for sure. (I know, disappointing answer).
For years, scientists believed the flame burned because of gas pockets that rise from hot shale bedrock below. The high temperatures would break down the carbon molecules in the shale, which would create natural gas.
But then, in 2013, a group of scientists from Indiana University found that the shale underneath the waterfall isn’t hot enough nor old enough to cause gas pockets to form.
So, that shale gas pocket theory was shrugged off.
The flame is lit, not eternal.
If a gust of wind pushes enough water on the flame, the flame — surprise — extinguishes. Regular hikers often bring lighters to re-light the flame, which is believed to be lit for the first-time thousands of years ago by indigenous persons.
So, if you want to guarantee seeing the flame, bring a lighter with you as you scurry on down the trail.
What happens if you keep going on the “trial” past the waterfall?
Well, not much. My friend and I checked it out. Manly electric lines.
There is a swing set seemingly on the edge of a forest, so that was cool. Makes a nice photoshoot.
In conclusion: if you’re looking for a short trail featuring something blazing with excitement, Eternal Flames Falls is a place to check out.
