Between a rock and a hard place at Purgatory Chasm!
198 Purgatory Rd.
Sutton MA
This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Sonia Beshiri. Thank you, Sonia, for your submission!
Purgatory Chasm State Park runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet (just outside of Sutton, MA). It’s a great place to climb natural rock formations, and it’s completely free! There are trails as well. You just need your sneakers/bug spray/sunscreen/water bottle/snack! You can also have a picnic or use their BBQ pits (you’d have to provide the coals). There’s a pavilion for shading, ice cream truck (when we went) across the street, a playground, and more walking trails. I saw forest rangers too. The place gets lots of traffic when there’s great weather.
Extra Tip: This pit stop isn’t for the faint at heart; I saw 3-4-year-olds practically sprinting across the rocks better than I did!
Date last visited: May 2010
Distance off the interstate: Just off Route 146. (Approximately 7 miles from the MASS Turnpike/I-90.)
Admission Prices: FREE
Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset daily
Food Services: Picnic and BBQ space on-site.
Bathrooms: On-site.
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm
Directions: Take MASS PIKE (Rte. I-90) to exit #10A in Millbury (rte 146 South). Take Rte 146 South to exit # 6 in Sutton, Purgatory Rd. Take a right onto Purgatory Rd. Reservation entrance & visitor center is ¼ mile on your right.
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