Eternal Flame Falls
A natural leak of methane seeping from rock behind a waterfall keeps a flame lit continuously. Located in western New York, within Chestnut Ridge Park, in the town of Orchard Park.
While the size of the flame itself is not all that impressive, the fact that this is a completely natural phenomenon and that it is situated behind a waterfall is an incredibly unlikely coincidence. The only other natural eternal flame in the U.S. was at Flaming Geyser State Park in Washington, where a manmade hole drilled into a natural methane pocket underground fueled a flame for 100 years. The methane pocket was depleted and the flame extinguished in 2016. Eternal flame falls is the only natural eternal flame behind a waterfall in the world. The source of the natural gas that fuels the fire is shale, more than 1000ft below the surface. When heated, shale breaks down to produce natural gas, but the conditions below the falls are not quite hot enough, so the exact mechanism that produces the natural gas is still somewhat of a mystery.
To get to the falls, take the short hike from parking area along Chestnut Ridge Rd. (NY-277). The trail is steep and slippery especially if it has rained at all recently. Small trees and their roots act as handrails and steps to aid in the steep descent/ascent but shoes with good traction are highly recommended. In the winter, crampons and trekking poles are essential, as this section becomes quite treacherous. Once at the creek level, head left (upstream) along the shore. This part of the trail is fairly crude, slippery, and muddy so be prepared to get your feet a little wet. The flame does occasionally go out, but is easily relit so bring a lighter with you just in case.
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