Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is a state park located in Sutton, Massachusetts. The park, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is notable for its .25-mile long, 70-foot deep chasm of granite bedrock featuring abrupt precipices and boulder caves in which ice lingers into the early summer. The reservation is open to picnicking and hiking; rock climbing is allowed by special permit only. Purgatory Chasm was declared a state park in 1919. According to the most recent research, the Chasm was created when glacial meltwater from a burst ice dam ripped out blocks of bedrock at the end of the last Ice Age, around 14,000 years ago.

Something different

When you travel with your Boston handicap van rental you will find that the Purgatory Chasm Reservation is quite different from the other state parks around. Instead of just walking through the woods, it's about climbing rocks big and small. Purgatory Chasm Reservation allows you to be as adventurous as you want - squeeze yourself into the dark and damp caves, climb the side of the chasm (it's even harder to go down the side of the chasm!). If you're more keen or adventurous Purgatory Chasm Reservation also gives Boston handicap van rental travellers the opportunity to watch rock climbers or just walk around on a normal hiking trail.

Things to do

When you travel with your Boston handicap van rental to the Purgatory Chasm you will find that there are several trails that lead to a wide variety of rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. In addition to the rocky trails and caves, which are great fun to explore for humans and canines alike, the park also a has a couple of more relaxed, easy-grade trails that offer a nice, simple walk in the woods including some beautiful sights and a mini-waterfall. The woods are simply lovely, especially in late spring and early fall.

Literary works

Purgatory Chasm has been referenced in several great literary works including a book of poems by Susan Edmonds Richmond titled, Purgatory Chasm,, a song by Holly Hanson of Neptune's Car titled, Lover's Leap (The Purgatory Chasm Song), and the Steve Ulfelder novel Purgatory Chasm which were all inspired by hikes in the chasm. See where these authors got their inspiration from by visiting Purgatory Chasm for yourself with your Boston handicap van rental!

Around the area

When you visit Purgatory Chasm with your Boston handicap van rental you should also make sure to check out the surrounding area of Sutton. A Nipmuc Indian, John Wampas, visited England in the 1600s and deeded land in the Sutton area to Edward Pratt. Pratt sold interests in this land to others, and competing claims among them and the Nipmucs led to a General Court case in Massachusetts in 1704, which granted Pratt and his fellow proprietors an eight-mile-square section of land, which is now Sutton. Sutton, although home to several agricultural businesses, has a growing small business population. The town is also part of the historic Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and has some of its valley sites

Before you go

The reservation is open to picnicking and hiking; rock climbing is allowed by special permit only. Although the park is open year round, the Chasm itself is closed to hikers and climbers during the winter months because of ice hazards. For more information when you travel with your Boston handicap van rental to Purgatory Chasm check out their official website at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm or call (508) 234-3733