Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County Parks has gone the extra length to ensure safety and education with the addition of new signage on the Eternal Flame Trail in Chestnut Ridge Park.
Nicole Ruberto, deputy commissioner of recreation for Erie County Parks, says signage can be found along the trails, while also at the entrance of the trails at the main trailhead on Route 277 and also on Seufert Road. She feels it's a nice friendly reminder for those familiar with the trail, and a good educational tool for anyone who has not hiked to the Eternal Flame before.
"It can be pretty steep, and if there's any wet conditions, it can be slippery. And people might not realize that part of the trail goes through a creek bed, so things like wearing proper footwear are really important," said Ruberto in an interview with WBEN. "And a lot of times, people just don't do the research before they go out. We want to make sure that people are educated and prepared so that we can prevent any injuries and potential rescues."
While the Eternal Flame was a bit of a local secret for a while, it has now become a popular attraction for many people in the area, as well as out-of-towners.
"We love to see people in our parks, we love getting people active and hiking. But with that, obviously, comes more risk for getting lost and getting injured," Ruberto said. "The Sheriff's department, our park rangers, the fire department, they have all had to be very involved in rescuing people, and we want to alleviate that as much as possible. So as much as we can educate people, the better."
According to Ruberto, just in 2025 alone, there has been around 10 rescues conducted within Chestnut Ridge Park for those hikers who either lost their way or injured themselves while trekking the Eternal Flame Trail.
That is why Ruberto recommends anyone looking to hike the Eternal Flame Trail in the near future to check out the trail map in advance.
"We have a large parking area at the official trailhead on Route 277. There is also a pull off parking area on Seufert Road that a lot of people have gotten used to parking in, which is fine, but the official entrance is at that parking lot the trailhead on 277. There's some porta-potties there, it's a large parking area, some maps. That's where you'll see some of that signage. There's some benches there," she said.
Some of the signage people will see also provides a QR code for hikers with maps and other general park rules.
"And then along the trail, we have new stakes, they're bright yellow stakes, and they say, 'Stay off the ravines'. It's extremely dangerous to climb up or down on those ravines. We really want to keep people on the trails," Ruberto added.
What other advice does Ruberto have for hikers heading to the Eternal Flame Trail at Chestnut Ridge Park, or any other Erie County Park this fall?
"Just like any other time you're going to be hiking, be aware of the conditions, check the weather. Today is nice, but it rained earlier, it rained a little bit the last couple days. So it might be wet, it might be slippery," Ruberto suggested. "That might mean schedule your hike for another time, it might mean just allow for some more time and be extra careful, and make sure you're wearing the proper shoes.
Ruberto also stresses the importance of telling someone that's not with you for the hike where it is you may be going so they are aware in case you may find yourself lost.
"If they haven't heard from you, they know where you are, and maybe they can check in on you," she said.
In addition, Ruberto advises hikers to take your time and know your limits on the trails.
"We've had a lot of rescues because people aren't physically prepared to do this hike. Maybe they have asthma and forgot their inhaler, maybe they had a recent procedure and their doctor might not have cleared them to do a hike like this," Ruberto noted.
People can visit erie.gov/parks for park maps, information about county parks, and also schedule a park ranger-led hike, if you're not comfortable going out on your own or if you're not sure where to go.
"It's free, and our park rangers will safely take you for a hike," Ruberto said.