The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced plans for improvements to the Eternal Flame Trail at Chestnut Ridge Park that will necessitate the Trail’s closure for one month this summer. Working in partnership with the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, significant safety and access improvements to the popular trail will be taking place beginning July 17 and are expected to take approximately one month.
The current Eternal Flame Trail will be closed during this project, a $134,000 investment, and visitors should not under any circumstances attempt to access the original trail while closed. The Eternal Flame parking lot and main trailhead will remain open during this project so visitors can access other trails which lead off this trailhead. Signs at the parking lot and other access points will also indicate the detour route and alert visitors to the work.
“The Eternal Flame is known internationally as a unique place for nature lovers to visit and the Trail is heavily traveled by park goers interested in seeing the Flame. All that traffic, plus the wear and tear Mother Nature imposes on the Trail, takes a toll and this project will address those impacts,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank the Conservancy for working with us to protect and improve this tremendous natural asset, making it more accessible for all.”
Improvements to the Trail will include:
- Construction of Trail Steps – improving safety and reducing erosion along the steep section of trail that descends into the ravine by installing roughly 135 timber box steps, retaining walls, and railings where needed.
- Relocation of Trail Section in Streambed – relocate the trail and installation of timber steps, avoiding a section of sloping exposed bedrock in the streambed where injuries have occurred.
- Streambed Clearing – removal of blowdowns and log jams in the streambed, facilitating passage for average hikers.
The Erie County Parks Department will post signs marking a detour which will enable visitors to still access the creek bed and the Eternal Flame, but visitors should be prepared to possibly encounter workers in the creek who will direct them where to safely pass work areas. Workers will be on site during the project Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 5:30pm.
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel said, “This project is another example of how strong partnerships create better Parks for all. Working with the Conservancy we can build a more accessible, enjoyable Trail while also removing the natural detritus that accumulates in the streambed. The end results will be a big improvement for all who visit the Trail.”
“As one of the most popular trails in the County Park system, the Eternal Flame Trail is enjoyed by hikers of all ages and abilities,” said Gordon Panek, President of the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy. “The Conservancy’s objective with these improvements is to improve safety, facilitate better access, and mitigate erosion along the trail.”
The Conservancy secured the vendor for the project, Tahawus Trails, a full-service recreations trail design, construction, and consulting company based in the Hudson Valley of NYS.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
On the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, visit https://chestnutridgeconservancy.org/
On Tawahus Trails, visit https://www.tahawustrails.com/
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