Purgatory Chasm, Sutton MA
I couldn't tell you why Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, MA is named for "a place of temporary misery". I suppose the first colonial settlers to stumble on this geologic marvel must have been truly intimidated by this netherworldly landscape of chaos, and you'd have to excuse them for conjuring the idea that they were descending into the underworld as they pounced from cliff to stone down to what awaited at chasm's end. But of the many feelings you'll experience when you visit THIS purgatory - misery is not one!
If you've traveled New England, and think you've seen it all...you haven't.
If you've traveled New England, and think you've seen it all...you haven't.
Purgatory Chasm is simply jaw dropping. There are seemingly endless heights and depths to explore and you are free to test your nerve. This is an unfettered dreamscape with no fences to nanny you back from the edge. So - a first warning - while there were many small children gleefully scouring this New England wonder, and it is a fantastically welcoming family atmosphere, they must be supervised. And moms - you may need to supervise the dads too ; )
The path down the center of the chasm begins innocently enough, on flat ground, and in the sun, but very quickly you realize as you plan your next footfall among the refrigerator sized boulders with cliff face ascending on either side that this place is different.
There are many spots on the short quarter mile scramble down the chasm where you're likely to ask yourself - "how did I not know about this place?" Check out the Dad on the ledge in the upper left of the image below. If he's six feet tall - then he's 60 feet above the chasm floor. Which brings the second warning....one of the reasons that Purgatory Chasm does feel so unique is precisely because this is such a fractured and rambling space with no fences and just a few signs to remind you that you can't leave your common sense at home. So be safe, and enjoy. But watch your kids - and act responsibly. Click here for more info on potential risks: Warning
Everywhere you look are rock field maneuvering possibilities. To make the most of, and for safety's sake - wear some good strong sneakers or hiking shoes with rubber soles for grip . Do NOT try to wear flip flops in the Chasm. Period.
There is a great deal of exploring to do above the chasm as well. Here's the 'squeeze'. The entrance is situated above a decent drop and will get your heart pumping as you make the entrance and traverse the tight quarters.
Inside the Purgatory Squeeze.
And the squeeze is also a prime location to take a breather in the sun as you ponder what trail you want to explore next.
There are captivating natural formations everywhere you go in Purgatory Chasm...
Less than an hour west of downtown Boston, you can spend an hour or an entire day at Purgatory Chasm. I suggest the day, and explore all the trails that this location has to offer.
Next to the parking area is an exposed granite bedrock hill that makes for an excellent natural slide. Parents can let their guard down on this hill. Kids can run up and slide down easily.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation boasts a top notch play area.
The main building has a small display area, and bathroom facilities.
There is an outdoor pavilion, with the intermittent ice cream truck stopping by.
Picnic tables abound in this neat and well kept state reservation.
And there are flat areas for playing games.
You'll also find grills and fireplaces located around the parking areas. While there is no per person fee to enter the reservation, there is a parking fee of $5 for Massachusetts residents and $10 for out of staters. You can pay for parking with credit card at strategically located machines - or pay cash at the main building. You can easily spend the entire day here and be busy the whole time exploring, the cost for parking is well worth it to experience this very well maintained state reservation.
What else is nearby?
There's lots more to see and do in the area - much of it free - so check the map below and get out and 'make a day of it'! If you think a family friendly attraction needs to be added to the map, click 'suggest a place' at the top of the page and let us know so we can share!