Massachusetts Own Glacial Flume - Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Written: May 06 '04
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Pros: free, well-maintained, worth spending an afternoon exploring
Cons: crowded, no manmade improvements (which is a + or a - depending on the person)
The Bottom Line: Exploring Purgatory Chasm is a great way to spend an afternoon while enjoying the outdoors
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| jps246's Full Review: Purgatory Chasm State Reservation |
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is a small state park located in southeastern, Massachusetts near Rhode Island off of Route 146. While the park is small in size, it’s the chasm that it includes that is the star attraction.
Basics
Purgatory Chasm itself is a quarter mile long dry canyon that has walls in places that rise up to 70 feet. The chasm is believed to have formed during the melting of the glaciers during the last ice age, when meltwater rushed through the area and carved the chasm. Since then the granite chasm has weathered and started to fill with boulders which have created a multitude of boulder caves throughout the chasm.
Trails lead from the parking lot and visitor center through the chasm, on both sides along the top of the chasm and there a few other trails that run through the rest of the reservation that are basically just walks through the woods. None of the trails are very long, a round-trip through the chasm and back along one of the top trails is only about a half a mile to three quarters of a mile. The trails in the chasm and nearby are very well maintained while the trails farther away may be a bit more overgrown. Maps to the trails and the entire reservation are available at the visitor center.
In addition to the chasm and the trails, the reservation also offers picnic areas with tables, a pavilion and restrooms. There aren’t any other services available. The park and the chasm are open to the public year-round.
How’s the chasm?
Purgatory Chasm is an interesting natural phenomenon, but doesn’t rival similar geologic features such as The Flume in New Hampshire or Ausable Chasm in New York. That’s probably why you have to pay to get into those places, while Purgatory Chasm is a free, small state reservation.
That’s not to say that it isn’t worth it to visit Purgatory Chasm though. For anyone with an interest in geology or glacial history, the vertical walled canyon cut through solid granite is an interesting destination. For those who enjoy boulder caves and rock scrambles, it’s also a fun an exciting place. There is an almost endless amount of boulder caves (some are labeled) through the chasm and are always fun for some to crawl through.
You’ll probably spend an hour or two wander through the chasm and the associated trails. Those that explore more of the boulder caves will probably spend about ½ a day in the chasm.
Is it crowded?
YES! The few times I’ve been to Purgatory Chasm, it has been packed and I haven’t even bothered taking the whole trail through the base of the chasm since there have been so many people down there. Instead I’ve stuck to the trails that run along the top and I’ve looked down in among the crowds and walked up the canyon a bit a both ends.
The reservation is most crowded on weekends during the summer, but is generally crowded most days throughout the summertime. In the spring and the fall school groups occasionally visit the park and can fill the chasm with crowds of kids running everywhere.
You’re best bet for finding few crowds is early spring or late fall. However the chasm is best explored dry and without snow, so you should plan your trip accordingly. With snow on the ground, many of the boulder caves are inaccessible and you won’t be able to explore them.
Is it safe?
Purgatory Chasm is no more or less safe than any other natural area. The reservation and the chasm have been left in a natural state with no manmade improvements. There are no platforms, stairs or ramps for visitors to get through the chasm. You will have to climb over (or under) rocks, walk along uneven trails, and even come awfully close to the edge of some big cliffs. People should be wearing appropriate clothes including a good pair of hiking boots that can grip the rocks. Rangers are available for emergencies, but visitors should be aware of the natural surroundings and take proper precautions to make sure that they won’t end up needing that help.
Anything else?
The reservation is open year-round and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to the main attraction of the chasm, people can ski along the trails in the winter, hunt during the proper seasons and get a chance to catch glimpses of some wildlife.
For more information on the reservation, including a map of the trails, you can visit its website at: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/purg.htm
Is it worth going?
If you live in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or nearby parts of Connecticut, Purgatory Chasm is worth a short trip and if you’re vacationing in the area definitely stop by. Exploring the chasm is a great way to spend an afternoon while enjoying the outdoors.
So…
Don’t go expecting the Grand Canyon , try to dodge some crowds and take some time to explore Purgatory Chasm and you might just find an enjoyable way to spend some time in the great outdoors.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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