Purgatory Chasm State Reservation — Attraction in Sutton

Purgatory Chasm is a classic, offering short hikes with unique views and of course the Chasm itself is great for rock scrambling without any serious challenges. Unfortunately the state has made some choices that make this no longer a location I can easily recommend for those wanting to experience the outdoors.

The park charges parking fees-ranging from $5 (Mass plates) to $20 (out of state plates) for a day pass. For comparison you can get into Stone Mountain, a significantly larger park beautifully maintained with variety of attractions from hikes and to see the carvings, for the same price.

The rangers here take parking VERY seriously. Do not leave your car unattended! You need to go walk up to a pay meter to pay your fee (Visa and Mastercard only), they aren't individual meters and there isn't an easy car drive up. In the barely 2 minutes I stepped away from car to pay (I experienced a challenge with the machine and my car) I returned to find a ranger writing a ticket. She shredded it after I showed her I stepped away to literally pay them but still, that short time frame especially if you see someone is at the machine to start issuing a citation? Come on...

You'd think that with the park no longer relying on donations would mean better upkeep but no. There used to be nice signage to let you know the names of formations and where to go. All that is gone with the exception of Lover's Leap (probably because the sign is too high up). So now you will need to rely on your phone or research to know what to look for. The map has a couple dots of what formations remain but they don't really show you where things are.

What was also unfortunate was the trash. We went early so the trash that was there I'm willing to bet was from the previous days. More money, and a small area, you'd think would mean better maintained. But overall it is not. In fact they don't even have trash cans at the visitor center, somewhere staff would routinely be. So instead people being lazy leave it around unfortunately.

So overall, it's a disappointment. If it were well maintained and the money was being used for enhancements and upkeep it would be less upsetting but the fees being charged are clearly not being used except to make money. After all, how hard is it to even bring...

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Charley’s Loop Trail within Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. This hike holds a special place as it marked my first hiking adventure in Rhode Island after relocating from California. Me & my brother embarked on our journey early in the morning, and with the crisp fall air, it felt a bit chilly at first. However, as we delved further into the trail, the briskness transformed into a comfortable warmth. The natural beauty surrounded us was astounding. Throughout the hike, we were treated to sightings of squirrels, including adorable baby squirrels, vibrant woodpeckers, and even a glimpse of a deer. The serene atmosphere, set against the backdrop of towering boulders and the gentle sounds of water and wind rustling through the trees, created an incredibly peaceful experience. The two-mile hike was of light difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. What , I truly appreciated about this trail was the clarity of the path. There were multiple trails available, each clearly marked with arrows and directions. You'd be hard-pressed to get lost here. Another fantastic aspect of this place is its family-friendliness. Beyond the hiking trail, there's a kid-friendly park nearby, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. The area is also dog-friendly, which is great for pet owners. Additionally, there are designated barbecue areas, perfect for a fun outdoor cookout with loved ones. I highly recommend this trail, whether you're looking for a picturesque hike, a great spot for photography, or simply a day of outdoor enjoyment. It's the kind of place that you'll want to return to with friends and family, as it offers a little something...

Small but great State Park nestled just by Rt 146 in Sutton. Gets crowded at peak times in good weather, probably due to proximity to Worcester, but quiet at any other time.

The main attraction is the chasm running through the heart of the park. Unique for the area, with trails through and around, offering viewpoints, rock scrambling, and even a few actual rock-climbing spots for those with equipment and know-how.

Most folks will simply enter the chasm at the top and climb down, but we've always found it more fun to hike one of the short loops to the base of the chasm and climb up.

Although the park is small, there are multiple trails and loops. A hike out the orange trail to the "little chasm" is very nice, and quiet even when the park is full, and the Old Purgatory loop is very nice, and passes an old stone structure just off the main road before finishing at the visitors center.

The main park area offers a small but modern seasonal visitors center (with restrooms), picnic areas (some with charcoal fireplaces), a fair amount of parking, porta-potties for when the visitors center is closed, and a very nice playground for the kids.

There is a charge for parking via kiosks in season ($5 for MA residents, $10 for non-residents Memorial Day through Oct 31), but not in the off-season. The Chasm is sometimes closed in rainy or icy weather for safety concerns. The Mass.gov and DCR websites are not updated often for Chasm conditions, so you may not find out...