I love chestnut Ridge Park. My boyfriend took me here on our first date. We went flying kites. It is so beautiful.

The Gem of Erie county parks. Everything is well maintained and the park is huge with plenty of restrooms and shelters read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - Pints in the Park - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

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Great running spot for me! I really enjoy this park and being able to spend time outside. Great location.

I love visiting Chestnut Ridge and hiking with my dogs. It's such a beautiful, vast park. I do wish there was more map signage throughout the park but otherwise it's a great park for a variety of activities. They also have a disk golf course here! read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

I've done quite a bit of hiking here in the park. My favorite place to park is the eternal flames parking lot. You can do all the hikes in the park from this parking lot, but there are definitely parking lots closer to some of the other hikes. This is where plenty of dog, walkers, calm, and we're anyone who wants to see the eternal flame usually starts out. That hike can be slippery muddy and wet, so definitely have the appropriate shoes for the terrain. What I notice this time May 2023 is that they've taken away to Porta potty's. read more

This is the best park in Western NY! So many trails to run and the most beautiful view of the city of Buffalo. All it needs is PICKLE BALL COURTS!! We would love some outdoor pickle ball courts! read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - Chestnut Ridge - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

Concerts have gone down hill, literally. New choice of bands this year are not my cup of tea, and it seems like others might agree because of lack of attendance. Shame cause I sure do look forward every year to these events. read more

Chestnut Ridge Park offers hiking trails for all year round, but in Buffalo in the winter everyone thinks of the sledding and toboggan hills! The sledding hills are free - just bring your own sled! It's plenty of fun for the whole family, but make sure you scout the hill put first for different angles of steepness based on the sledder's age. There's a tow rope for the new ski slope but for the sledding hill, the only way back up is climbing back up yourself, which can be tiring for some. There is a small cafe inside the building at the top of the hill though, if you need to rest and warm up while having a snack or hot chocolate! read more

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Chestnut Ridge Park holds so many memories for me. They used to have this Santa event at the park for kids, and you'd go up the road in a wagon to the North Pole and get to see Santa and have cookies, and sing some Christmas carols. I don't know if they still have this or not, but I always enjoyed it as a kid. I recently checked out the park with my date and we did a walk, and hung out at the top of the hill and had a little picnic. It is a nice view of the city and lake as well. Unfortunately, the swings by the lodge are still not up. I know they were taken down last year because of COVID. They have many tennis courts, trails, and pavilions. This is a great place to hangout with people, or exercise. read more

This is a great running, walking and biking spot. A friend and I ran and walked the upper loop, the lower loop, and around the beautiful pond yesterday. There is a dock where you can fish off of into this pond too. (We ran into some people playing disc golf too.) We parked by the casino, where there is a great cafe inside. You can also park off of the Newton Road exit. In the winter, there are toboggan hills to go down. There's also other fun things to do in the winter. The foliage is beautiful in the fall and sometimes you'll see some wildlife. There are many shelters here, where you can have a picnic. They're a good size. I was here a few times for picnics. Drive just over a mile past the casino entrance and you'll park in the lot on the right to hike to the Eternal Flame. It's quite a beautiful thing to see. read more

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What a gem of a park in the southtowns! There's so much space here, so many things to do you'll rarely find it too crowded like some other parks. The eternal flame trail is the one exception, as most people tend to hike that short trail. Tennis courts were recently improved and there are plans down the road to put new lighting over them once they have enough money to do so. There are fitness classes at the casino regularly in the summer for free. The view from there really can't be beat. Perfect place for a picnic or to watch the sunset, or both. The disc golf course is very challenging, I'd argue one of the more challenging courses in this area. Sadly, many people tend to play while drinking or smoking pot, leaving behind their garbage strewn all around the forest. It's really gotten out of control in the last year and a half. Others do try to clean up regularly, but the sport (and course) are picking up in foot traffic which means more littering. We pick up debris as we see it when we play, but most others don't. I wish there were a ranger (or even volunteers) walking the course and other trails and park areas regularly to discipline and prevent this sort of thing. read more

Beautiful park. Lots of trails, toboggan & sledding. Beautiful views anytime of the year. Lots of free parking. Dog friendly. read more

Chestnut Ridge is a huge park with lots of parking and amenities. There's a playground, shelters, grills near the main entrance. If you're looking for the Eternal Flame hiking trail, keep going past the main entrance to Chestnut Ridge and the second parking lot for Chestnut Ridge until you see a third large parking lot in an open field with a wooden fence. There's plenty of parking but the Eternal Flame trail was pretty busy when I went. Most people were very respectful about sharing the trail and the view of the flame. There's a lot of warnings about climbing the cliffs and the waterfalls, and it's because children have died. Today I saw a poor girl hit the ground hard just from walking across the creek because those stones get really slippery so imagine trying to climb up a shale waterfall. For the most part, it's a pretty safe place as long as you exercise a modicum of caution and common sense. Be ready to get wet and muddy feet. The path is short, but it's steep and a bit tricky to navigate along the creek itself. read more

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A beautiful area to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. Lots of trails & hiking paths, especially the one to the eternal flame.Nice place to take the family and spend an afternoon.Just as fun in winter time with sledding, tobogganing & the ski slope.You can even visit the Cafe for coffee, hot chocolate & snacks to try & warm up.Young & old will not be disappointed in what this park has to offer. read more

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I love this park. It's massive and there are so many great activities that you can participate in depending on the weather. During the winter there is a massive sledding hill. There is also toboggan launch and a kiddy hill for the children. The casino located at the top of the hill has hot chocolate and snacks during prime sledding season. During the summer there is frolf, hiking, and tennis. There are plenty of shelters to rent out for graduation or birthday parties. There are also banquet halls available if you are throwing something a little more elegant like a wedding or bridal/baby shower. I especially love the creeks that flow throughout the park because the dogs love to play in them! read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - The dogs in the creek - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

Nice hiking & walking trails with great views.I really enjoyed the hike to find the eternal flame, it's amazing. Winter is just as enjoyable you can go tobogganing , sledding or be adventurous on the ski slope.It's a beautiful park to enjoy all year round, with plenty of parking. read more

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My girlfriends and I started hiking this fall. A few members of our group have never seen the Eternal Flame, so we decided to make our second outing Chestnut Ridge Park. It doesn't take long to get to the Eternal Flame just follow the markers with the flames and it's a little over a mile there and back. The trail is scenic gives you a sense of adventure without getting to daring. You will know that you got to your destination when you get to the end and see a small waterfall and to the right of the fall, you will a two foot cave where a flame is lit. If you are lucky it will not be too busy and you can take a moment to enjoy the serene moment. A few tips for anyone hiking the trail. First, you want to wear good hiking shoes. This is a moderate hike. There are sections of the hike where it is wet and slippery. But it's not too bad so don't that scare you. Second, this is not a flat trail. The most difficult part of the trail is towards the beginning where it is the steepest. But if you take your time and watch your step majority of hikers have no issues with this portion of the hike. Third, take a photo of both maps by the entrance to the trail. If you decided explore other trails it will help you keep you on track. Finally, if you are inexperience hiker or are nervous about getting lost, I would download an exercise App that has GPS tracking. The trailers are properly marked but, it is always good to have a GPS tracker running to let you know where you are at, where you came from and where you are going. read more

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Amazing free park. I cannot express that enough, it has so many shelters, and scenic locations around. It is fantastic for hiking, biking, jogging, photography, sports, dog walking and the list could go on. I particularly like the fishing pond near the main casino, if the weather is nice and its calm out you can get photos where the water looks like glass. read more

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Loved this place! The park itself is nice but we really came for the main attraction ~the Eternal Flame. The best way to reach it is from the parking lot down the road from the actual park entrance. It's quite the hike to get down to it (not handicap accessible) but it is well worth the effort! To see a flame inside a waterfall just kind of boggles the mind! Pictures don't do it justice! You have to climb over a bunch of fallen trees to get up to the waterfall with the flame. The forest is beautiful and we saw several chipmunks, squirrels and birds. We took our two large dogs who loved the experience too! One recommendation would be to add some more benches on the actual trail. The only benches are at the entrance to the trail and old, fat and outta shape people like me have to sit down after climbing a hill! There are a few suitable rocks here and there but a bench would be best. Only 4 stars because the numbered flame signs end at 20 and at a waterfall - but it's not the EF waterfall - more signage is needed to point the way over the fallen trees to the flame. Overall seeing the flame was worth it! One of New York's best kept secrets IMO! read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - The Eternal Flame inside a waterfall! - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

Chestnut Ridge Park is absolutely beautiful. I've been going there since I was in kindergarten. There are such beautiful hiking trails. This park is beautiful through every season of the year. You can go hiking, sledding, looking at the flowers and trees, or enjoying watching the leaves turn color on a Fall day. It's a great place to bring family, friends, pets and children. My personal favorite trail is the Eternal Flame. It's so beautiful and unique. The waterfall is gorgeous and the flame is such a beautiful contrast against the falling water. It's an extremely easy trail. If you're looking for a good workout, you may want to add an additional trail to your itinerary. The appeal of the Eternal Flame trail is the sights. read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - The Eternal Flame - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

I wish there was more hiking trails other than the one that goes to the eternal flame. Overall I enjoyed the hike around the pond it was very nice and quiet. read more

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The main park everyone goes to for summer parties and outdoor fun. With plenty of paved trails to bike and creek to walk in, its no wonder everyone likes coming here. The best hidden featur? The Eternal Flame trail! read more

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Bustnut Ridge is where guys go when they want to self-pleasure, essentially. Or, you can even take a girl up there, but I don't recommend it because of all of the other guys up there doing the same thing, but solo. Just too risky. Luckily this place is not that place. This is actually a wonderful spot to take families. Although some would say Bustnut ridge is too. In my first 6 months in WNY, I came here maybe 5 times and loved it. Then not for a long time, but in the last few years I've been back 2 or 3 times and it is as beautiful as ever. One of the loveliest places to come in the region, so to speak. For families, for meditation, to get away from it all. For romantic walks, for reading. You name it. It's in Orchard Park, way down south of WNY, and has stunning views of the city and the region. It's heavenly, unspoiled, well maintained, with plenty of wildlife and a storied history of providing WNY families with a lovely escape and countryside fun. I remember rolling down a hill in Chestnut Ridge with a friend, back when rolling down a hill didn't re-injure 1,000 different parts of my broken, destroyed soccer-player body. read more

Do yourself a favor and find the Eternal Flame Hiking Trail. It's a beautiful, short (hour or two) trail that ends in a flurry of beauty. At the end of the trail, you'll stumble upon a waterfall with a naturally-occurring burning flame underneath the rocks toward the base of the fall. The "waterfall" isn't large or overly-dangerous and you can actually scale it (at your own risk!) pretty easily without any equipment, you just need some shoes with good traction as it's bound to be slippery. It's a fitting way to start off a morning or impress a lover/friend with your secret know-how of blissful trails. The park itself has a disc golf course and some other fun amenities (picnics, etc), so if you're not a hiker..there's plenty of things for families to do to pass by a nice Spring/Summer or Fall day. Check it out! read more

Beautiful trails, especially in the fall! I came for the Eternal Flame and I finally got my chance to see the beautiful natural phenomenon I've heard so much about. I was afraid it would be hard to find but it easy! Parked in the lot on Chestnut Ridge Road and there was a sign for the eternal flame trail. It was SO crowded on a Sunday afternoon. Maybe because the bills game ended early this week and it might be one of our last nice days. It was so crowded I felt like i was being rushed on the trail because there was people right behind me :( and theres not a lot of room to relax or sit. WARNING: Wear proper shoes! Especially if it had rained recently! The trail is actually a little dangerous! It had rained the whole day before so I'm assuming it was a little more slippery than normal (it was my first time there). I was a little scared at some points that I might slip.. especially climbing over the logs and rocks along the water. I was surprised to see children making the hike! There were some fallen trees in the way, the people I was with said they didn't remember those trees last time they had been on the trail. Maybe it could use a little maintenance? I'm definitely not the most coordinated person but it wasn't just me- I actually saw a couple people fall! No injuries or anything like that but definitely need to be careful. Very beautiful and romantic way to spend an afternoon :) read more

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This is a park in need of some serious help. The Eternal Flame is really quite cool, and something that everyone should see, but the whole way this park is managed is something of a disaster, and some money really needs to be invested into this park to make it a good park, and a safe park, that people can enjoy safely. Now, I'm not an inexperienced hiker. I have never seen trails this poorly maintained in a park, except for perhaps the erosion problems on some of the trails at Sugarloaf in Maryland. The upper parts of the gorge should have fencing to protect hikers from going over the edges. There should be better blazing for sure. We had decided on a longer hike than just to the Eternal Flame this day, so we started at a further end of the park, on the Boy Scout Trail. I get the impression that this trail was built by Eagle Scouts and then never fully maintained thereafter. There's one spot where there should be steps built into a long steep grade, but there's heavy erosion and a rope, which is really contributing to further erosion. And the Eternal Flame Trail itself is a disaster. The trail and the Flame are being loved to death. We went on Columbus Day weekend, and there were a constant stream of people heading up the creek to the flame. A new trail needs to be cut, or some sort of causeway built, because the amount of environmental damage being done to the creek is pretty brutal. There's trash littering the area, tons of people practically shoving their way past you, and a general sense of crowdedness. The roads are in disrepair, the bathrooms are something out of a creepy horror film, and the trash is overflowing. This park has some great potential, but it needs more attention. read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

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Chestnut Ridge Park is a gem. The whole area is gorgeous and there's plenty of hiking to do. It's also the site of the famed eternal flame (it's fun to go see it but be prepared to be disappointed - the flame is very small.) In a different part of the park they also offer frisbee golf, which is really fun. Last time I went my boyfriend and I also packed a lunch and found a spot with a beautiful view and a swing chair to eat. (It's right at the top of the hill where you park for frisbee golf.) Oh, and you're allowed to bring your dog here! read more

Chestnut Ridge is a great place to spend the day enjoying nature and the peace and quiet that comes with being nestled in the forest. Very numerous places to set up and have a picnic or just hang out with the family or dog. Very large park and one can easily almost get lost just cruising around. read more

Hiked through Chestnut Ridge Park today and have done so many times. The trail is nicely marked so you can follow the trail to the flame. The flame has always been lit when I go to the park. Today I went on another trail through the park and it was great, as always. It is a little buggy, but they are mostly just annoying bugs. I have never gotten bit or stung at this park. Hiking boots are best to wear when going on the trails and follow the trail markers so you do not go off the path or get lost. read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

I've been going to this park since I was a kid! It's a wonderful place. there are two sides of the park, if you're going in from the north, the right entrance has lots of shelters and walking areas, it's a beautiful park no matter what season, but the Fall is especially beautiful. I have typically walked on the walking paths, but apparently now they have more hiking trails. It's actually so big that my friend and I almost got lost one day on the trails cuz we were confused about how far we went in. If you go on the left side that's where the main lodge is, with the big hill, toboggan run, sledding, swings... The lodge has a great big fire in the winter. Also great big bathrooms and sometimes a good place is opened. It is one of the best and most beautiful views of Buffalo and even sometimes Toronto and Niagara Falls. A great place to go for watching the Fourth of July fireworks. Some people hosts parties in the lodge as well as of course the outdoor shelters. Lots of great walking on both sides. There's even a lake which is relatively hidden there. Great park any season of the year. Also very close to eternal flame which is a must-see, just be careful if it's wet because I can get slippery. read more

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Hiked the eternal flame path on a lovely fall day. The hike is very low impact on the walk toward the flame, but it's more of an uphill climb on the way out. The walk is very beautiful and has a stream down the middle. Bring shoes that you don't mind getting dirty as it's often muddy. Great beginner hike. It's amazing how the trees grow around the flame. The roots are literally on top of the ground. A neat site. Beware of crowds. This once hidden gem is now overrun with many tourists. Beware of frequent selfies. That is the only reason I gave it a four star instead of a five. read more

Chestnut Ridge Park - The flame! - Disc Golf Near Me - Orchard Park, New York

Of course I'm a fan! Chestnut Ridge Park is home to plenty of outdoor activities and who doesn't love to spend a day outside?! One of my favorite winter memories is tobogganing with my Uncle Dave at Chestnut Ridge and one of my favorite summer memories is hiking to the eternal flame waterfall, also at Chestnut Ridge! Since it's basically winter, and I know the snow is imminent, I'll talk about those fun winter activities everyone loves: cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and TOBOGGAN CHUTES! Wax up the toboggan, we've got a groomed chute to go down! Seriously, so much fun!! In the summer time, go to Chestnut Ridge for bicycling, hiking, an extensive disc golf course, and/or a friendly game of tennis. I also enjoy heading out to parks just to relax in the surrounding of nature. I can't wholeheartedly speak to the upkeep of the trails, although I thought the eternal flame trail was just fine, it appears as though the pavilions/shelters/conference areas are well maintained. I haven't had any issues with the bathrooms either. I mean, as long as a park has toilet paper and a place to go, I'm good!!! Anyways, spend a day at Chestnut Ridge, I'm sure you'll find something you enjoy! read more

Local treasure, great for walks , sledding,frisbee golf, party's, etc. don't forget to hike to the Eternal Flame

This is a wonderful county park. Great walking, hiking, pavilions, play grounds. Wildlife is plentiful if you stop to look. Sledding on the hill is so much fun! read more

Lovely park! This is a very pretty area - we enjoyed the view from the casino. My husband and I hiked the Eternal Flame Falls trail and really enjoyed it. We lucked out, and it quit raining just as we pulled into the parking lot by the trailhead. I would recommend a change of shoes, particularly if it has been raining, since it did make sections muddy and slick. It's a beautiful hike - the forest is very picturesque. The trail, nicely marked by flame markers, takes you down an incline and through a creek bed to reach the waterfall. It's a very nice hike that provides interest as you weave your way through the logs and rocks in the creek bed, accompanied by the anticipation of seeing the waterfall at the end. Thanks to the rain, there weren't a ton of other people on the trail, so it was fun to exchange greetings and information about the waterfall as we went. The waterfall itself is very pretty, and the flame makes it so neat. We were fortunate to arrive at the falls when no one else was there for a bit so we had plenty of time to give it a good look and take a couple of photos with no one in them. It's really neat to see the contrast of fire and water. Wonderful hike! read more

Great views and scenery. Family friendly and peaceful for anyone. Can't wait to go sledding in winter.

A great playground in the buffalo area! It was clean and plenty of things to do for all ages.

There is something to do here during every season of the year! In the winter, it's the best place for sledding. Inside the lodge they sell hot chocolate and coffee, there are tables to sit and have a snack or you can warm up by the fire. In the spring and summer there are beautiful trails to walk (be sure to find the Commissioner's Cabin lake...so pretty!). The playground was recently upgraded with some fun equipment that can be utilized by kids of all ages and abilities. In the fall, it's a great place to see the leaves change. read more

Went here mainly to hike towards the Eternal Flame, but this park also has frisbee golf (disc golf?, idk I don't play), tennis courts, picnic areas, space to run. Its also nice because it does have restrooms, which makes this park family friendly! Another bonus is that there is plenty of parking, but be careful because people just speed on through the lot (there aren't visible delineated lines anymore). There are two options for the hike; easy and hard. The easy trail can be done by anyone. I've seen everyone from super young kids and elderly people on the trail. You basically wind very slowly down and down til you reach the creek/stream, which is dried out at this point. At the very end is the flame, I've never run into the problem of it not being lit, but I have heard that before. The hard "trail" is basically you climb the walls of the gorge/valley down to where the stream is. Its about an 80 degree climb down. There are tree roots and tiny ledges to get you down. I have seen people do it and my husband has done it numerous times. I've never tried it but would love to! Its totally doable but I wouldn't recommend for young or super old or out of shape folks. Overall: This park has something to offer for every member of the family. I can mostly speak to the hiking here and it is definitely worth it to see the flame! The hike is easy. I've seen super young to elderly people do it, even people in flip flops. I, of course, would never recommend anyone doing that! The trails are marked super well and are super maintained and wide. Have fun! read more

One of my favorite Erie county parks, Chestnut Ridge is beautiful! Amazing views from the Casino overlooking the lake, to some great hiking at the infamous eternal flame, Frisbee golf, sledding and tobogganing during winter time, picnics and more this park has something for everybody. It's a beautiful park with wonderful trails and really nice facilities. I've been coming here for years all year round and there's always something to enjoy. The park is very large, with loads of space to enjoy the beauty of nature and listen to the wind in the trees. The trails here are my favorite, I love the boy scout trail starting just about a block or two past the overhead bridge in a parking lot on the right side of the road. It runs about 2.5 miles to the Eternal Flame and another 2.5 miles back while winding through dense forest, hills and valleys along with some creek side hiking. An easier trip to the flame can be had in two other locations nearby as well. Before you hike the trails be aware, this is nature not the mall. DO NOT WEAR CROCS, DO NOT WEAR SANDALS AND DO NOT WEAR OPEN TOED SHOES. The trail is slippery, follows the creek and sometimes in it, and you can and will most likely fall and hurt yourself. Understand that you're going hiking, and don't be stupid. Also don't climb the walls, park rangers are around and if they catch you doing it you can be removed from the park or worse you could fall and hurt yourself. Enjoy the beauty of this park and all it has to offer but be kind and respectful of it too. read more