Great local hiking spot! They have rest rooms and informative staff! Many courses to try with varying lengths to hike! Short courses and long! Picnic areas are clean and tables are available so pack a lunch! They have a playground for kids too! Weekends have many scheduled activities! Check the web site for options! read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - Purgatory Chasm! Great hiking! - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

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Very exciting place for the name buildup and the bluffs that provide stunning views.  Watch out for The Chasm!  The Park Service keeps this park site maintained. read more

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I go to this park very regularly. As in; more than once a week regularly, and I still manage to find new trails to explore and more rocks to climb. There is always somewhere new to sit and relax, or climb and explore depending on the mood. Not to mention the park is always spotlessly clean. The kid's playground is very cute and sometimes my friends and I will sit on the swings and chat for hours. Only complaint would be the lack of firepits deeper in the woods. Sometimes I will be looking to relax with some pals and have a fire but all the fire-pits we have found are around the most populated areas of the park. Over-all I love it here. It's a very beautiful and inviting park. :) read more

great hiking trail, great playground, great facilities! online trail map is subpar. overall 4.5/5 great hiking and picnic spot! would highly recommend read more

Such a cool place to spend an afternoon outdoors. Purgatory Chasm is very accessible via car, has several large parking lots, bathrooms inside the visitor center, plenty of maps and well marked trails. You can customize your visit to a half mile trail, a longer loop and/or over and through the chasm itself, scaling rocks (nothing too treacherous). If you have some time after and are looking for a bite to eat, head to Peg's Diner in nearby Whitinsville. read more

Lucifer's favor hike Fat Man's Misery, Devil's Corncrib, Lover's Leap, Devil's Coffin, you know this is a very cool place just by looking at the names. One of the few places that I would give more than five stars if I could. Unfortunately, the pictures just cannot do it justice, you have to take in the entire landscape. When you do the impression that hits you is rocks. Lots of rocks. Little ones, medium ones, huge ones and really enormous ones. Purgatory Chasm is a Geologist's dream. None of the five main trails are long, the fantastic Chasm Loop Trail is only about half a mile. But be warned, this is one tough half mile. You don't walk this trail you climb, hop, scurry and slither over rocks. Lots of rocks, including some gigantic boulders. This trail is not a place to bring little kids and old ladies, injuries are common here. All kind of signs about what to do if someone gets smushed on the rocks and stupid warning signs like "rocks can be dangerous", " rocks can be slippery when wet" , and "no alcohol". Yep, not a good place to come if you're plastered. No bikes are allowed in the park, probably because they don't want some idiot falling over one of the cliffs. There's lots of parking and picnic tables but they tell you to get out before dark, which probably helps keep the causalities down. I've never been here in the winter, but I can't imagine what the trail is like in the ice and snow. I'm not sure if they close it. This is one incredible place, especially if you love nature, geology, looking over ledges and climbing over lots of rocks. Just make sure you leave the little kids, grandma and the drunks at home. read more

My shorts, covered in mud, blood, rips, and sweat are about to be thrown in the trash. My legs have wounds that need to be tended to. I'm so filthy that if I were a cartoon I would have dozens of off white, wavy lines emanating from me. It was a fantastic morning. I spent a lot of time here as a kid and don't go nearly enough as an adult. My buddy had been here dozens of times, but I was still able to show him some places that he had never seen. That little hole in the ground? It actually lead down to a chamber, 20 feet under the rock, more than big enough for the two of us to explore. The caves are a blast to explore and the rocks are even more fun to climb. Come with a sense of adventure and a willingness to get dirty and you will have a great day. Everyone always talks about their last meal and what they would eat if they were on death row. If there was such a thing as a last place where you'd get to spend your last day then I would probably pick Purgatory Chasm. read more

If I could give it 10 stars I would. ;-) I have been visting Purgatory for 13 years and every time I visit I feel at home. It is like my back yard and I love getting dirty, sweaty and feeling invigorated after leaving because I may have overcome a fear, challenged myself one more time or saw something that amazed me. If I am feeling disconnected from the world, I love to come here and either run through the rocks, sit and read, hike the trails or people watch. All kinds of people come here, from families to teenagers and experts to amateurs. The only thing I caution anyone on is foot attire. PLEASE! And I REPEAT! PLEASE! Wear hiking shoes, walking sneakers, running sneakers, hiking boots, or anything of that nature. PLEASE do not wear flip flops, bare feet, skater shoes, or treadless shoes (unless you are just reading or not hiking). It irks me to death when I see someone wearing the wrong foot attire. Come on, people! You are in a small valley filled with huge boulders that are most times wet and you are bare foot or in flip flops. Do you have a death wish! Sorry! I feel really strongly about this! The park is filled with all kinds of activities from the Chasm to the newly built playground and all the trails. They also have several picnic tables and places to grill. I found out the other day that anyone can use the common areas for parties, all you have to do is call ahead and reserve the area for your event. My nephews love going there too and playing in the playground or sliding down the big slanted rock in the front. My little nephew got a tour of the hot dog truck one morning from the owner and he keeps asking when he can go back to work. ;-) The other day, I spent five hours there sitting in my car in the shade just reading my books and relaxing. I was never bothered and It was a great way to spend my Saturday. Very relaxing! read more

We all need to be humbled by a feelings of true awe in our lives. Purgatory Chasm gives me that jolt, and exercises my (mostly scientifically-challenged) imagination, wheels turning to picture just how each little, or ENORMOUS, crack was formed through these glacial rocks. I have so much fun scurrying and exploring here, feeling as small as the chipmunks darting alongside you. Just outside the chasm are perfect, well-maintained spots to picnic and play. Today we saw a family sliding down a giant rock, sitting on flattened cardboard and cracking themselves up while going again and again. Great signage, too, about the theories on how the chasm was formed in ancient times. And trail maps, so you don't miss Fat Man's Misery. read more

Came hiking here a month or so ago. We started off completely on the wrong side if the reservation and kept stumbling upon the highway, a horse farm, and electric wires. Disappointed and with sore feet, we loaded back into the car and left in the opposite direction we came from, and oh my my, there was the actual chasm! We parked the car, re-upped on water and went for it! Going into the chasm is far easier than the return, so don't bite off more than you can chew and go in way too far. We did the basic length of the cavern and then went down the path directly in front of where it dumps you down to the refreshing little waterfall and circular cave. Very nice to be in an area where climbing is allowed an encouraged. Many other chasms/caverns/gorges have stairs and board walks erected within them. read more

Please. If you're thinking of going to Purgatory Chasm, do not bring your children. Or, just stick with walking on the trails, having a cook-out in one of the campimg areas or playing on the playground. Today was a gorgeous day and my friends and I wanted to be outside. I suggested we go to Purgatory Chasm as neither of them had ever been and I had only been once for a very short period of time; it was kind of un-memorable. The drive up 146 North from Providence is a straight shot and actually quite enjoyable. Upon arrival, we were all shocked at just how many people had the same idea that we did; the place was PACKED! All of the lots were full, people were parking in the roads and in the campsites. We all enjoyed climbing over the massive boulders and taking in the enormity of Mother Nature, however; the only downfall of today was that there were simply TOO many people and way too many children. This place isn't kid friendly and if you must bring your children, they should be older and not still in diapers, as I witnessed today. A large family was entering the chasm as we were leaving and I noticed there were 3 children all under the age of 5; one of the boys was around 2 years old and could barley walk. The father asks for the "easy way" and I told them there isn't an easy way here, it's all fairly difficult terrain. I would highly recommend visiting Purgatory Chasm if you haven't yet been and are thinking about it. I wouldn't recommend going after a large rainstorm as the rocks can be slippery and there is a higher risk of slipping and/or falling. Wear sneakers, bring a pack with you so you can stop and enjoy a light lunch or snack. I'm sure this place is even more awe-inspiring in the fall with the lovely foilage. read more

You can feel the temperture drop as you decend into purgatory. I do believe that satan hangs out down there. What an awesome place! The hike through the chasm itself is short but it makes you work. The loop trails do make up for that to give the park repeat visit value. Alot of hands on hiking here so wear your sneaks or hiking boots and leave the flip flops at home. Slanted rock is cool place to lie down and chill after a hike. The park offers picnic tables, an ice cream truck with hotdogs and porta potties are next to the visitor ctr. read more

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I wish this place was a little closer to Providence, but it's in MA (just over the border) and it's a really easy ride straight up 146. I love this place because it is different than any other state park around. Instead of just walking through the woods, it's about climbing rocks big and small. The park allows you to be as adventurous as you want - squeeze yourself into the dark and damp caves, climb the side of the chasm (it's even harder to go down the side of the chasm). I also like that even if you're not nimble or adventurous the park gives you an opportunity to watch rock climbers or just walk around on a normal hiking trail. It's free, has a place to picnic, go the bathroom, and get water. Make sure you wear shoes that have a lot of traction and enjoy the adult playground - also good for kids over the age of 6 or so. read more

Purgatory Chasm is a small state reservation out in Sutton, MA. About an hour from the city, it's not the most fun/quick drive, but in the right weather, it's absolutely worth it. The chasm is not your typical trail-through-the-woods hiking experience. It's a chasm of granite bedrock with trails that take you through, over and around the 70ft drops. Although the trails are very short (.25 miles to 1 mile), they can be VERY dangerous. Small children will find some of the rock climbing very difficult and will need assistance most of the way. Hyper children who don't listen should not be taken here!!! On the weekends, it can get quite busy, especially with families/kids. On weekdays, it is deserted and a beautiful place to hang out. I climbed alone one day and it was amazing. Best in the fall to appreciate the excellent views/foliage. There are several picnic tables out front. On the weekends, there is also a food truck selling hot dogs, ice cream, etc. Trail maps are available at the entrance of the chasm, but they are easy to follow by checking every couple of feet for colored blazes. I wish there were more difficult or longer trails, but Purgatory Chasm is still one of my favorite places. read more

I love-love-love this place on a great Spring/Summer/Fall day! You can spend a little or as much time (dawn to dusk) there. If it's a hot summer day don't worry in between the boulders is nice and cool, nature's air conditioning. Bring a bagged lunch and enjoy it in the shade on many of the picnic tables (just remember to throw your garbage away) If you have a climbing permit you are also allowed to do that there. Make sure you also pack sun block, water, bug spray and I personally bring a face cloth if it's really warm. There are bathrooms in the information center or porta potties for after hours. I wouldn't bring dogs through the boulders or small children other then that I'd suggest it to any one that asked. read more

This is a great spot for a quick hike and has enough side trails that it doesn't feel crowded even when its very busy

Great time, we brought the kids on a sunny July day & had a blast. The kids took to the whole hiking/ exploring thing like crazy. Amazingly there wasn't any complaining, fighting or bickering! Instead amazinging scenery, challenging terrain & kids working their tails off on an adventure. Their sleeping like babies as I type this!!! Wear comfortable clothes & sneakers or hiking boots/ shoes. Use your heads people, definately a place you could get hurt if being stupid. Bring plenty of water, & pack some snacks. AND Oh yeah...it's free! read more

One of our absolute favorite playgrounds in the area. Well shaded, huge parking lot, and lots of equipment for the kids to play on. I would recommend ages 3+ as the equipment isn't suited for babies/toddlers. read more

I've never had a bad time here you can climb everything and anything and even if you break off on the path there's still so much beauty all I have to say is it's awesome read more

Love this place! In addition to the chasm itself, there's a picnic area with little grills(?) and picnic tables, a playground etc. There is also a ton of free parking. In the chasm, you can either go directly down in to the rocky part or up and over, which is more of a nature-type walk all the way around. Inside the chasm there are small caves and other sights to see. My favorite is Fat Man's Misery, where you shimmy between two HUGE boulders and come out on the edge of a cliff. We like to come here on hot days when we feel like playing outside. It's always a million degrees cooler inside with all the rocks and big shady trees. Super easy to get to from anywhere, right off of Rt 146. Bonus, there's an ice cream place right nearby so you can reward yourself with a treat afterwards. read more

Amazing state reservation, has a wonderful playground for kids, dog friendly and plenty of trails to hike. Picnic tables & charcoal grills to use. read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

Great family place. I believe a state park seasonal pass is only $60 and you will definitely get your money's worth. Trails are great and well marked for the most park. Great play ground for kids and clean bathrooms during the season read more

Hiking through here isn't going to be any serious workout, but it's going to be a lot of fun! The main chasm is crowded when there's good weather, but it's a lot of fun to climb around and explore. There are trails off the main chasm that are good walks and there are a few other mini chasms that are also fun to explore. We stopped by Mom's Breakfast & Lunch in N Uxbridge on our way there and made a mini day trip of it - good fun! read more

A perfectly nice place to get lost for the day. Climb on rocks. Bask in sunshine. Listen to waterfalls. Bring headphones with relaxing music to combat the hoards of screaming teens. And don't be afraid to stray away from the blue painted line and make your own path. Chill out in a cave. Look up. Feel small. read more

Nice spot to have a small picnic lunch, with beautiful ocean views. Can be very romantic if the crowds aren't around. read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - A giant crack in the ground. - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

The chasm and surrounding trail are amazing. Definitely a step up from your standard walk in the woods that most state parks offer.. Great areas to have some lunch and really well kept. The parking situation was easy early in the day but I could tell that by lunchtime people were left searching. Best part was that I was even able to bring our dog (big dog) and only had one part in the chasm I had to pick him up to help him down. read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

Great place for a one hour hike, climb, and possibly crawl through the chasm followed by a return hike along the rim. read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - In the belly of the beast! - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

What a great little park to go and spend time with family and or friends. Make sure you take a lunch. Lots of benches and nice little areas to eat and hang out. Nice hidden gem. read more

This place is awesome and really fun to hike! If this were the 90's I could definitely picture a Rescue 911 reenactment being filmed here. My only gripe, I wish people would follow the carry in carry out policy. I'm sick of seeing cigarette butts and Dunkin Donuts cups strewn about. read more

Parking was a reasonable prize, I didn't know where to find the maps but I did make my way around the park pretty easily- decent experience for my first time hiking. read more

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation - Parks Near Me - Sutton, Massachusetts

Millennials out there, do you remember Discovery Zone? It was a chain of indoor playgrounds with tunnels, tubes, nets and plenty of space for climbing. I was just a little too tall when it opened in the early '90s, and have been seeking jungle gym fulfillment ever since. Purgatory Chasm is like DZ, but better. Its giant rock outcropping in the woodland cliff creates the biggest baddest playground for kids and grownups alike. Providing you're "physically fit" (see the sign), the chasm provides hours of climbing, jumping, hiking and reaching to grasp that one rock that's just a little out of the way. Bring sturdy shoes, water and some patience and you'll be satisfied. Still not convinced? The park is right off the pike, has free parking, picnic areas and ice cream just across 146! read more

I love this place! An absolutely stunning place to see. The rocks are a bit slippery so you have to be careful, but the danger adds to the fun! Make sure you go through Fat Man's Misery.....scary, but totally worth it! I am highly claustrophobic and I force myself to go through this, it's like a rush! Oh, and at the end of this huge crack in the rock (Still Fat Man's Misery) you come out on a skinny ledge (I'm terrified of heights) and you have to shimmy across it while clinging to the rock! It sounds horrible, but it's just fun! Also, venture through Little Purgatory, its s little muddy, but once you get there, there is a beautiful surprise at the end!! (Waterfall...hint hint!!!) pack a lunch and make a day of it! $5 to Park now (used to be free) but it's still very worth it!! There is also a playground, visitors station, pavilion, old stone structures, paved trails and picnic areas!!! Totally worth it!! read more

This is one of my favorite spots to explore and hike in MA. It can be very dangerous so I wouldn't suggest climbing or exploring the cliffs if you car afraid of heights or if the ground conditions are not favorable, i.e. wet, leaf covered, shoes without proper traction etc. It is best on a cool fall day when the colors are changing and not too many leaves have fallen yet. It is a great place to explore and get in a bit of a workout climbing and hiking. There is a playground for kids, and a picnic area, along with restrooms and a welcome center with maps etc. The history behind the it is really interesting and it gives you a look back on our planet's geographical changes and conditions. If you plan on visiting, do a bit of research first and make sure you wear the appropriate attire! read more

What an awesome space! This state park has a number of well-marked trails for hiking centered around 'Purgatory Chasm,' an interesting geological feature. Hiking in the chasm does require scrambling over rocks, nothing extreme, but it requires sneakers/hiking boots and is a bit challenging for very young children. There are several other trails that cover relatively flat terrain, are fairly wide, and well maintained. There is a small nature center with clean restrooms by the parking lot, an awesome playground, and many picnic tables. This was a great spot and I look forward to bringing the kids out here again! Huzzah to the state park system and its wonderful employees! read more

This place was super cool. Great day for climbing rocks and getting a bit of a work out. Took pics from the top and they didn't do them justice. Such a beautiful place and a must for a family day trip. read more

I've gone for years and loved it but it has gone down in enjoyment, isn't taken care of as much, taken down all signs and now need to pay for a $25 parking pass (which isn't stated anywhere) when was previously free for years and years. Is still fun and a good workout, just park up the road to go for free. read more

We are frequent visitors to this amazing natural spot. It's a great hike for the family. They've recently begun to charge for parking. While I miss the days when it was a free outing, I don't mind paying. It looks like they've made some improvements - the trail markings are better and there were printed maps available for the first time. They had already added a pretty great playground. So we will continue to visit and happily pay the parking fee because it's a pretty great area that we're lucky to be able to explore. read more

This is my favorite place outdoors place to visit in RI/MA area. It is a great way to get in a lot of exercise. The park offers great walks, rock climbing, bouldering, picnicking, caving, a playground. The best part is it is free and plenty of parking. Dogs are also welcome in the Chasm, although it may not be a good idea to bring an older dog. Family favorites are the aptly name Fat Man's Misery and the Devils Coffin. For the more adventurous I recommend bringing a flashlight and heading into the caves for a unique experience. My advice is wear good outdoor shoes and old clothes. Also pack a lunch. Definitely grab a map of the chasm because there are great things you do not want to miss. As a reward for afterwards there is a great place to grab ice cream and go mini golfing on the other side of 146. read more

A great family experience!!! Climbing throughout all the rock formations is so much fun and great exercise! I would say that the children should be at least 7 or 8 years old and make sure they wear good sneaks or hiking boots. There are picnic tables so can pack a lunch. Parking is easy. Bring a back pack with water because you need to be hands free when you're climbing. Would be great to do any season as long as it's not wet out. Don't put it off, just go! read more

CAUTION! I love Purgatory Chasm. It's a wonderous place to explore and enjoy the uniqueness of this canyon. But don't let your guard down for a minute. Several people have died here over the years due to carelessness and falls. Someone fell to their death here this week. There are no guardrails. The rocks are smooth. The cliffs are very high. It is very easy to slip or trip with deadly consequences! Treat this park with the caution it deserves and don't end up being another statistic. read more