Chestnut Ridge Park photo
ParkNew York, US

Chestnut Ridge Park

Chestnut Ridge Park offers year-round recreation and a truly unique natural wonder.

About

Chestnut Ridge Park offers year-round recreation and a truly unique natural wonder.

Nestled in Orchard Park, New York, Chestnut Ridge Park spans over 1,200 acres, making it the largest park managed by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. This expansive natural haven boasts rugged terrain, deep ravines, mature woodlands, and open meadows, providing a picturesque escape from urban life. Its crowning jewel is the mystical Eternal Flame Falls, a captivating natural phenomenon where a flickering flame burns perpetually behind a cascading waterfall, drawing visitors from across the region.

Beyond the enchanting Eternal Flame, the park offers a diverse array of activities and features. Extensive hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes, wind through the varied landscape, including the popular Eternal Flame Trail. In warmer months, visitors can enjoy disc golf, tennis, and various athletic fields, while winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, famous for its thrilling sledding hill and historic toboggan chutes. The historic stone Chestnut Ridge Casino, perched atop a hill, provides panoramic views stretching towards Buffalo and Lake Erie.

Whether you seek adventure on the trails, family fun on the sledding slopes, or a moment of tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty, Chestnut Ridge Park delivers a memorable experience in every season. Its blend of unique geological features, recreational opportunities, and breathtaking vistas ensures there's something to captivate every visitor. The park's commitment to accessibility, including a new Playground for All, further enhances its appeal for diverse groups. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

Chestnut Ridge Park was acquired by Erie County in 1926, marking it as one of the original parks established by the county. The park was initially named for the abundant chestnut trees that once graced its hillsides. During the 1930s, the park underwent significant development and improvement through the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This era saw the construction of many of the park's iconic stone structures, including the current Chestnut Ridge Casino, which was completed in 1938 after the original timber casino was destroyed by fire. The WPA's work also included building shelters, pump shelters, colony ovens, pavilions, and roads, which blended seamlessly with the natural landscape and contributed to the park's rustic charm and accessibility.

What to do here

Hike to the Eternal Flame Falls, enjoy disc golf on the 18-hole course, have a picnic in one of the many scenic areas, play at the "Playground for All," or visit the Chestnut Ridge Casino for refreshments and views. In winter, experience the thrill of sledding or tobogganing.

Seasonal info

Winter: The park is a winter sports hub, with opportunities for sledding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Toboggans are available for free public use when chutes are open.

Spring/Summer: Ideal for hiking, disc golf, tennis, picnics, and using the playgrounds.

Fall: Renowned for its spectacular display of autumn foliage from the park's diverse tree species.

Accessibility

The park features a "Playground for All" located adjacent to the Casino, with new walkways, accessible play features, and soon, universal design picnic tables. A Sensory Trail is also expected to open in Spring 2026. While many trails are family-friendly, some sections of the park feature primitive wooded ravines, so appropriate footwear is advised.

Don't miss

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Eternal Flame Falls

A small waterfall featuring a naturally occurring flame, a truly unique sight.

2

Chestnut Ridge Casino

An historic stone building offering panoramic views of downtown Buffalo and Lake Erie.

3

Sledding and Toboggan Hill

A massive hillside popular for sledding and tobogganing in winter, offering great views.

4

Extensive Trail Network

Miles of trails for hiking, walking, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Footwear for Eternal Flame Trail

** Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the trail to the Eternal Flame Falls can be slippery, involves navigating stairs, and requires walking in the creek bed, especially after rain or snowmelt.

Bring a Lighter

The "eternal" flame at Eternal Flame Falls sometimes goes out, so many visitors bring a lighter to relight it.

Check Winter Conditions

If planning winter activities, check the Erie County Parks website for the daily status of the sledding hill and toboggan chutes, as their operation depends on weather conditions.

Arrive Early

On weekends and during peak seasons, especially for the Eternal Flame Trail, arriving early can help secure parking and ensure a more tranquil experience.

Utilize the Casino

The Chestnut Ridge Casino offers restrooms, and a café (The Lodge as of 2023), and a tower viewer for enhanced views, making it a convenient hub during your visit.

Stay on Marked Trails

For your safety and to protect the natural environment, especially in the rugged ravine areas, always stay on marked trails.

Frequently asked questions

The Eternal Flame Falls is a unique natural phenomenon located within Chestnut Ridge Park, where a small, natural gas-fueled flame flickers continuously behind a 30-foot waterfall. The flame, originating from natural gas seeping through cracks in the shale, can sometimes be extinguished by water or wind but is often relit by hikers.
In winter, Chestnut Ridge Park transforms into a popular destination for snow sports. Visitors can enjoy sledding and tobogganing on the large hillside, which features historic toboggan chutes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities throughout the park's extensive trail system.
Yes, Chestnut Ridge Park has improved its accessibility. The "Playground for All," opened in 2022 near the Chestnut Ridge Casino, features accessible play equipment, new walkways, and will soon include universal design picnic tables. Additionally, a Sensory Trail is planned to open in Spring 2026, offering sensory-friendly elements and interactive play zones.

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