Purgatory Chasm

Purgatory Rd., Sutton
508 234-3733

A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.

Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery.

Trail Map
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Park Directions
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is located in the south-eastern part of central Massachusetts.

From the east & west: Take Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 10A, then Rte. 146 south to exit 6 (Purgatory Road exit).  Take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road.  Follow short distance to Visitors’ Center on the right.  

From the north and south: Take Rte. 495 to Mass Pike, head west on Mass Pike to Exit 10A, take Rte. 146 south to exit 6 (Purgatory Road exit).  Take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road. Follow short distance to Visitors’ Center on the right.

Alternate route from the north:  Take Rte. I90 south to Rte. 290 south into Worcester; take Exit 12 at Brosnihan Square onto Rt. 146 -Millbury Street; head south on Rte. 146 to exit 6 (Purgatory Road exit).  Take right at end of ramp onto Purgatory Road. Follow short distance to Visitors’ Center on the right.