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    Purgatory Chasm

    4.8 (38 reviews)

    Purgatory Chasm Photos

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    Jason B.

    I was pleasantly surprised that I got to see this. There's a small parking lot (6-8 spaces), and no street parking is allowed, so I wasn't expecting a spot to be available, but there was. This is, as others have said, a gem. Some great views from an elevated standpoint, and it's not slippery or anything. Not much of a hike, and the path is short, but parking is also limited to 30 minutes, so you have to be quick anyway.

    Kelly W.

    We Ran across this intriguing viewing opportunity when we set out to visit Second Beach. It's easy to miss the unobtrusive sign at the parking lot entrance, but fortunately there's a more prominent sign which says "Historic Attraction" just down the street on Purgatory Road. Tip: The parking lot here is pretty small, with room for 7 or 8 cars max. It's a short walk from the lot through the woods, and the you'll come to an open cliff with some stunning views :-) The view from the cliff is outstanding, but take care when you're there because there's no fence and the rocks can be quite slippery. Legend has it that a beautiful girl with more money than was good for her spent a whole summer rejecting the advances of a young man who was totally smitten with her. They were at Purgatory Chasm one day, and the girl challenged the boy to jump across the ten foot gap in the Chasm; she said if he succeed she'd marry him. The boy jumped across the Chasm and then back again. Then, to his credit, he told the girl that he didn't appreciate the way she'd been toying with his affections all summer. He never courted her again, and apparently she pined over him for years.

    Nicki L.

    Cool spot in Newport. Super easy to park and walk out to view the chasm. It is barely a hike, more like a short walk. Take some time to wander around the area - go over the bridge and hang a left to see a better view. Can also walk over the rocks to view the water. There's a lot of empty bottle here which is unfortunate, so watch your step.

    Morgan C.

    How have I literally never been here before today? I'm trying my best to be a tourist in my own backyard, and today's trip to Purgatory Chasm was so much fun! The views were gorg, and even though the terrain is a bit uneven at times (darn you, terrible balance plus rocks!), the Instagram shots I got were more than worth it! Pro tip - wear comfortable walking shoes when you visit. The chasm is basically a bunch of rocks that you can walk around on, and bridge that people put locks on (so cute!), so you're going to want stable and reliable footwear. That being said, it's definitely worth a visit, and with easy parking and a great location just steps away from Second Beach (best boogie boarding waves on the island!), you're going to want to add Purgatory Chasm to your list of fun outdoor outings for summer!

    Bridge over the chasm
    S Nicole M.

    Lovely mini hiking spot with breathtaking views tucked away near "second beach" In Middletown. We actually drove past it the first time And turned around to find the trailhead, with a small parking lot, waiting to be explored. PLEASE NOTE IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN: There are vistas aplenty to take in gorgeous coastal views. However, there is nothing between sheer rock edges and a 40 foot drop to the ocean below. If you have a family that likes to run about, you may want to keep little ones very close around here. Our main reason for checking out the spot was the splendid chasm that exists here. My youngest son is also studying geology in middle school and this particular location has probably one of the best examples of pudding stone in the area. (I'm a geek at heart) There are some wooded nooks along a very short path to shelter you from the cool coastal wind. If not for the excessive amount of broken glass, it would be an excellent place to picnic. I wish I had brought binoculars as there were some rocks just below with some beautiful seabirds lounging about. I think that this particular jaunt Is ideal for adults - even someone with mobility issues - and careful families. Great view of the chasm from the "love lock" foot bridge. It's truly breathtaking.

    Our love lock
    Nadine B.

    What an beautiful awesome little place We been there on November 7th 2020 we got almost 85 degrees we had an beautiful walk on the beach and put our lock on the bridge and throw our key in the ocean of that our love never "opens" !!!! It was an amazing experience and one of the nicest places around here !!!!

    Brenna C.

    This place is truly a hidden gem. I had remembered someone posting about it years ago, and I figured I'd finally go check it out with all of this extra time on my hands. Parking is VERY limited. There's only about 10 parking spots, so you may have to circle around a couple of times. But there's a 30 minute time limit, so it shouldn't take too long to get a spot. I thought the 30 minute parking would be frustrating, but everything is really close together so it's not so bad. I went on a really foggy day, but it was still magical. The tiny parking lot definitely helps with keeping it empty and quiet while you're there. There's a bridge where people put locks, the chasm, a lookout into the ocean, and a few other small paths. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. I can't wait to go back.

    Purgatory Chasm in Middletown.
    Greg F.

    A must-see when staying in Newport. The geology is fascinating, the walk is short, and the views are stunning. The chasm itself is sort of beautiful but terrifying. You can sit on the cliff next to it and look out over Second Beach, enjoying the expansive, calm vista and the waves, waders and surfers far below.

    Lock bridge overlooking the chasm.
    Glaviera T.

    Beautiful area, lock bridge adds a wonderful charm. Definitely a worthwhile place to stop by and visit. Only a few minutes away from the beach as well which is always a plus!

    Brian S.

    A big crack A great little place over looking the ocean. The parking lot is tiny, only holds a few cars but since no one seems to go here we never had a problem finding a spot. Another opinion is to park over at Sachuest and bike over to Purgatory. The chasm is a huge split in the rocks that looks pretty damn impressive especially when the weather's bad and the waves are crashing into it. The area isn't very big, not a place to hike but it does have fantastic views in all directions. When we head out to Sachuest we always stop a spend a few minutes at the chasm to look out over the ocean and admire the great views.

    Facing Jamestown
    NellyD R.

    Amazing spot. We come here every year when we stay in Narragansett. Kids love climbing the rocks , fishing, and just looking at the incredible views. Don't miss this great place!

    Jay D.

    Beautiful spot. 30 min parking only. Bring your sneakers... cause my flats didn't cut it. You want to be careful because there is a steep fall off any of the rocks. There is a cute(safe) lil bride where you can see the actually split in the rock. If you want a itty bitty site seeing this is your kinda place.

    View from the top.

    Really cool surprise to come upon this while driving. Chasm is super deep. Stay back from the edge as no fence for protection. Love to know more about the geology of this spot

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    Love love love this park. So many amazing trails. Really great to bring your dogs or just like a family walk.

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    7 years ago

    I love to bring my dog here and get lost on the paths. I think it's stupid you have to pay to park though.

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    12 years ago

    Gorgeous view! Good for a 10 minute stop. Small parking lot with a 30 minute limit. This is a fun and free thing to do.

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    14 years ago

    good for a quick stop to take some pictures, great view of the ocean too

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    Ask the Community - Purgatory Chasm

    Review Highlights - Purgatory Chasm

    Lovely mini hiking spot with breathtaking views tucked away near "second beach" In Middletown.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Cliff Walk

    Cliff Walk

    4.7
    (564 reviews)
    2.4 km

    This beautiful 3.5 mile long area in Newport has always been a favorite of thousands. You get to…read moreadmire many mansions as well as the rugged ocean hitting the gigantic rocks. Many free parking options all around the cliff walk A worthwhile sight in Newport and it's Free !

    I always say that I am going to do part of the Cliff Walk and then get sidetracked with visiting…read moreother places. This time doing a stretch of the Cliff Walk was a priority for me. I started visiting the 40 steps. There were a lot of people crowding the steps and taking photos. I enjoyed this part of the walk and would repeat again in the future if I came with friends. To get to the next session of the walk there is a detour that brings you by the next block and to the next entrance. I found the next section to be the smoothest walk and very scenic. After that, you see signs that there is some rugged terrain. You also get signs that you pass at your own risk and a reminder that you are passing through private properties. I highly suggest you wear proper footwear as there are some rocky sessions and uneven ways. If it is hot, you may want to bring water and wear sunscreen. Also check the map as there are sessions where it is clearly marked that the closest exit is some distance away. Still worth the walk as you get magnificent views and glimpses the back of some mansions/houses along the way. I exited at the Ledge Road exit.

    Photos
    Ochre court
    Ochre court
    Cliff Walk
    Cliff Walk

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    Paradise Valley Park

    Paradise Valley Park

    4.8
    (4 reviews)
    1.4 km

    This is beautiful well kept park off the busy roads. The windmill is beautiful and it's a great…read morearea for picture taking . I walked my dog there today and it was very peaceful. There's a lovely gazebo located at the beginning of the park you can hang out and have lunch. There are benches along the path to chill on. The landscaping is always maintained beautifully . I met with a woman I went to high school with which was pretty nice while walking around the park. Your dog should be leashed at all times. There is bags to clean up after your pup. I noticed one trash can at the beginning of the path so just take note. Very peaceful. Beautiful for photography ! Enjoy!!

    A park with a…read morewindmill Wind turbines are popping up all over Rhode Island. A nice and efficient way of taking advantage of the constant wind coming off of Narragansett Bay. Even though the technology has greatly improved over the years and centuries, the idea is hardly new. Wind power has been used in New England for a long time and was frequently used to power the old grist mills. A few of the old windmills managed to survive and Paradise Park has one of the finest examples still around. The mill was built back in 1810 and was used to grind corn and is a great example of a smock mill that has numerous sloped sides. It originally had four vanes but was increased to eight over the years to improve efficiency. The mill stood a bit further north in Portsmouth but was restored and moved to Paradise Park in 1990. The mill is open one day a year in Sept but can be seen all year long in the park. The rest of Paradise Park is pleasant, with a few short hiking trails and benches and places to sit and relax. Some concerts are held here in the summer and the historical society is right next door. There are a lot of parks in Rhode Island and quite a few windmills but this is the only windmill in a park that I know of. A lovely place to see a part of the past that is quickly becoming the vision of the future.

    Photos
    Picture perfect backdrop for family photos
    Picture perfect backdrop for family photos
    Nice park
    Nice park
    A smock mill

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    A smock mill

    Purgatory Chasm - parks - Updated June 2026

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