Eternal Flame Falls

 What makes Eternal Flame Falls unique

Eternal Flame Falls is a rare natural wonder in Chestnut Ridge Park, Erie County, New York, where a small waterfall and a naturally burning flame coexist in the same grotto. The flame is fueled by natural gas seeping from cracks in the underlying shale, creating the striking illusion of fire glowing behind falling water.

What makes Eternal Flame Falls unique

It’s a 30‑foot cascade along Shale Creek with a small alcove at its base where natural gas escapes and can be lit to produce a 4–8 inch flame. 

The flame is usually visible year‑round. Geologists found the seep contains unusually high concentrations of ethane and propane (~35%), unlike most natural gas seeps dominated by methane. 

The gas originates from Rhinestreet Shale about 400 meters deep, likely reaching the surface through faults created by tectonic activity. 

The flame may be small, but the combination of fire and water makes it a memorable sight.

Author Erika M Szabo

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.
Born in a small town in Hungary, Erika grew up with a deep love for literature and storytelling. Always seen with a book in her hand from a young age and soon began creating her own intricate worlds and characters. Her gift for storytelling is evident to all those who know and have encouraged her to pursue her passion.
As she grew older, Erika's thirst for adventure and new experiences led her to travel the world. She lived in various countries, soaking up their cultures and traditions, and absorbing them into her writing. Her travels also allowed her to meet a diverse array of people, whose stories and perspectives she wove into her novels.
Despite her literary success and acclaim, Erika remains a humble and down-to-earth person. She often speaks of her belief in the power of words to connect and heal, and her writing reflects this deep empathy and understanding of human experience.
After having negative experiences with publishers, she started her own company to help authors with book formatting, cover design, and navigating the complexities of the publishing industry http://www.goldenboxbooks.com

Erika is also the founder of #OurAuthorGang, a group of writers blogging together. This diverse group showcases the power of collaboration and the potential it has to elevate individuals and create something truly special such as the What If? Anthology Series
Some of her notable works include: "Protected by the Falcon": The first book in "The Ancestors' Secrets" series. This urban fantasy/magical realism novel introduces readers to a world of clan mysteries and ancient traditions.
The "Unbroken Curse": A historical fantasy that explores an ancient curse cast by a powerful witch sixteen hundred years ago, affecting families across generations.

“The Seven Cozy Shorts” includes seven novellas ranging from paranormal fantasy and unconventional relationships to futuristic love stories.

Some of Erika’s books are also published in Spanish, Hungarian, and German, as well as in audiobooks.
In addition to her novels, Erika has authored several children's books that emphasize moral values, acceptance, and friendship. Titles such as "Pico the Pesky Parrot" and "Look, I Can Talk With My Fingers" aim to educate and inspire young readers.
Erika's complex career reflects her passion for storytelling, art, and supporting fellow authors in bringing their creative visions to life.