Orchard Park, New York: World Record Eternal Flame
A flame a few inches high from a natural gas seep flickers behind a forest waterfall, as it has since prehistoric times. Declared a "world record" for its longevity by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. The eternal flame does go out on occasion; visitors are advised to bring lighters.
Chestnut Ridge Park
- Address:
- Hwy 277, Orchard Park, NY
- Directions:
- From the town of North Boston drive north on Hwy 277 for two miles. The road bends sharply to the left, and just after it you'll see a parking lot on the left. Park there and follow the Eternal Flame Hiking Trail for around a half-mile. Pictures of little flames mark the trees along the path. You'll smell it before you see it.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
Results 1 to 5 of 7... Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
Visitor Tips and News About World Record Eternal Flame
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
There is now a well marked trail and parking at the coordinates of 42.7021404, -78.7474509 They even provided nice steps for 2023. Certainly, if it rains, then walking through the stream might be a little bit more difficult. Stay on the trail! Hiking out on unmarked trails out of the gorge has caused fatalities.
[Bret, 10/02/2023]
Want to make sure to wear sturdy shoes; you will get wet because you have to cross a stream or water to get optimal viewing. Not horribly strenuous but quite a bit of up and down.
Would recommend bringing a lighter. You can relight the flame if it goes out.
[Brooke Chesson-Riedel, 08/15/2019]Take the path down. We tried to go down the hill and it was a little steep and treacherous.
[Virginia, 08/07/2018]
The hike is quite easy -- a little steep in some places but not very long. Loved it and will go back!
[Ida, 07/10/2017]Do not enter from the side of the road. Enter from the parking lot and follow the signs. There are not that many. Stay on the paths! Everyone we met was "lost."
[Cricket And Chickie, 07/22/2016]Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
Nearby Offbeat Places
1950s Gas Station Replica, Orchard Park, NY - 8 mi.
Large Rooftop Toothbrush, East Aurora, NY - 7 mi.
Kazoo Museum and Factory, Eden, NY - 8 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
