It is generally accepted that New York is a city of skyscrapers, and the achievements of civilization in it are valued more than the benefits that nature gives us. Pragmatic Americans are closer to the wonders of computer technology than the magic of every sunrise and sunset, the surf and the stubbornness of a tiny blade of grass that makes its way through the asphalt of a metropolis. But this stereotype is destroyed when you find yourself in the Chestnut Ridge Park, where there are always a lot of visitors.
Where is the Waterfall of Eternal Flame
It is located on an area of 490 hectares, 25 km from the city of Buffalo, located in the state of New York. Translated into Russian, its name means Park Kashtanov. This is due to the large amount of these trees that grow in the hills between the West Branch Valley of Casenovia and 18th Mile Cove and immediately adjacent to the park. During flowering, this garden makes a stunning impression, when thousands of "candles" rush upwards, from the side creating the impression of a single white-pink cloud.
In addition to trees, there are a wide variety of rocks formed from shale rocks, along which streams flow, turning in some places into small picturesque waterfalls. The most famous and unusual of them is the Eternal Flame Waterfall, inside of which you can always see a burning fire of natural origin. To reach it, you need to overcome a certain distance along a small mountain path, which originates in the southern part of this park.
Approaching this place, a person begins to feel a rather unpleasant odor, reminiscent of the "aroma" of rotten eggs. It is hydrogen sulphide, which is a companion of natural gas and is formed as a result of decay of organic matter. The stronger the smell, the more gas is released to the surface, therefore, the less distance remains to be covered before meeting the Eternal Fire.
Description of the Eternal Flame waterfall
The phenomenon of the described phenomenon is explained by the fact that in this place there are small mountain faults through which natural gas seeps. There are many such faults in the park, but they are so small that they are not able to constantly maintain combustion and, moreover, most of them are under the open sky. The eternal flame is located in a cave, the entrance to which is blocked by streams of flowing water. Sometimes the flame goes out, but numerous tourists quickly correct this situation by bringing a lighter or a match to the split. The height of the flame changes depending on the intensity of the gas emissions, but on average, its height is from 10 to 20 centimeters.
The waterfall itself is a falling nine-meter jets of water, bifurcating from top to bottom and fed by showers and melted snow. In the spring, they open up in full force and practically hide the flame. This creates the feeling that a lamp covered with a plafond is burning inside the cave.
This place is very popular not only among visiting tourists. Residents of neighboring towns come here for picnics. There are hiking trails, hiking and cycling trails, playgrounds for children and tennis courts for adults. But for whatever purpose vacationers come here, they will definitely visit this legendary waterfall and admire nature, which creates such unusual and amazing phenomena that make you think about the wisdom and diversity of all things. And if you can look at the fire of an ordinary fire for a very long time, then you can look at the Eternal Flame, perhaps, for an eternity.
Legends
Local residents tell a legend that at night forest spirits and elves flock to the fire to warm themselves. But tourists, unfortunately, have not come across such creatures, although some still do not lose hope and come here quite often.
According to another belief, the one who sees the extinguished flame and ignites it will find good luck in all his endeavors. All this attracts even more people who want to see and set fire to this "magical" flame. And although many pretend not to believe in these tales, in their hearts everyone hopes for a miracle.
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Cultural programs
Since the waterfalls in the park are not large enough to create a lot of noise from the falling jets, musicians from the Buffalo City Orchestra often give concerts here. At such moments, you can simultaneously enjoy the elements of fire, water and music, which organically complements the beauty of the natural mystery and surrounding landscapes.
Chestnut Ridge Park is not empty even in the winter season. On small slopes there are ski slopes, which are very popular among lovers of this type of outdoor activity.
The phenomenon of the Eternal Flame has not been recorded anywhere else in the world. And although the release of gas to the surface occurs in many parts of the world, it is in a cave covered by flowing streams of water that it is no longer found.
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