Purgatory Chasm State Reservation should not be confused with Purgatory Conglomerate.
| Purgatory Chasm State Reservation | |
| Alt Name: | Purgatory Chasm |
| Photo Alt: | View of Purgatory Chasm, looking south, in 2008. |
| Map: | USA Massachusetts |
| Map Alt: | Location within Massachusetts. |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | 198 Purgatory Road Sutton, Massachusetts 01590 |
| Coordinates: | 42.1292°N -71.7119°W |
| Length Mi: | 2.14 |
| Area Acre: | 100 |
| Elevation: | 472feet |
| Established: | 1919 |
| Operator: | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website: | Website |
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is a protected state park in Sutton, Massachusetts. Located within Blackstone Valley, the reservation is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Previously owned by the Whitin Machine Works, Purgatory Chasm was declared a state park in 1919.[1] The reservation is notable for its 0.25adj=midNaNadj=mid, 70adj=midNaNadj=mid chasm of granite bedrock with abrupt precipices and caves. Various theories have been proposed to account for the creation of the chasm. According to one source, it was created when glacial meltwater ripped out bedrock at the end of the last Ice Age.
Purgatory Chasm is open to the public, although the chasm is closed to hikers during the winter season because of icy hazards. There are 2miles of hiking trails, and rock climbing is allowed by permit. The reservation also includes picnic areas, a visitor center, and a playground.[2]