Chestnut Ridge County Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chestnut Ridge County Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in the state of New York.


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Summary

The park is situated in Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, and spans across 1,213 acres. There are several reasons to visit Chestnut Ridge County Park, including hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.

One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the Eternal Flame Falls. This waterfall features a natural gas flame that burns behind the waterfall, which is only visible when the water level is low. Visitors can hike to the falls, which is a moderate-level hike that takes approximately one hour round trip.

Another popular attraction is the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, which features an arboretum and greenhouse, as well as several gardens and walking trails. The park also has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and shelters available for rent.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former ski resort, which was later converted into a county park in the 1920s. The park also boasts one of the largest sledding hills in Western New York, which is popular among visitors during the winter months.

The best time of year to visit Chestnut Ridge County Park depends on the activities you plan to do. The park is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy winter sports and activities during the colder months. It is recommended to check the park's website for current conditions and park closures before visiting.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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