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Every year on Mother’s Day my family goes for a hike at one of our AHmazing state parks called Purgatory Chasm. We’ve done a lot of hikes around New England, but Purgatory Chasm is definitley our favorite! Made up of towering granite walls that run for approximately a quarter of a mile, makes it is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family!
The thing about Purgatory Chasm is that it’s more than just a hike – it involves a lot of rock climbing. There are trails around the chasm itself, but it’s way more fun to make your way right through the chasm.
With walls reaching nearly 70 feet in some spots and a big collection of boulders at the bottom, there is no way to get through it without a some rock climbing – so make sure you wear the right shoes. The first time we went I wore flip flops because I had no idea what to expect and it was not easy!
Some locals believe that Purgatory Chasm was created approximately 14,000 years ago from glacial melt-water that rushed through the area during the last ice age. I have no idea if that’s true or not, but Purgatory Chasm is one of our favorite places to hike.
Some of the granite rock formations have funny names such as Fat Man’s Misery, Corn Crib, Lover’s Leap and the Devil’s Coffin. They are marked, so if you go you can’t miss them. Christian and I always take a picture under the Lover’s Leap sign.
Purgatory Chasm is located in Sutton, MA on Purgatory Rd off of Rte 146. Parking is charged from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but it’s worth it if you ask me. I have been to a lot of state parks here in Massachusetts, but this is by far my favorite.
Purgatory Chasm is a very unique hiking spot around here and I am looking forward to carrying on our tradition of a Mother’s Day hike there for many more years to come.
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That looks absolutely beautiful! I can see why that is your favorite place to go. I would love to explore that whole area
What a pretty area! I’d probably whine a bit about the hike, but I’d be happy when I got there. My daughter would be a fan since she loves to climb.
Looks like a great place to explore!! I miss places like this. I just don’t feel like Los Angeles has many cool options like this to explore! I am sure there are, but it’s LA… And always takes forever to get places too!
Wow what an amazing looking place to go and explore. There really are so many places of natural beauty out there isn’t there? I would love to go and see more places like this.
This looks like such a fun time. My boys would love to visit. I have to look into planning a trip.
I love the idea of a Mother’s Day tradition like this. That park does look like a great place to hike and climb and the rock formations are so nice to admire.
The rock formations there looked really impressive. It sounds like this was a really cool place to explore.
These are some excellent pictures of your boys. I have to check this out with my family!
What a picturesque place and such a beautiful part of the world. I love Mother’s Day traditions, they make the day so much more special xxx
I totally need to hike this when I visit New Hampshire this summer! It looks absolutely gorgeous! I hike every day here in Arizona and am always looking for great places to hike when I travel.
I’d love to hike here! Fun in the sun and a cool place to explore.
That sounds like a nice place to visit. I love a great hike, and this would be the perfect place to go hiking. I love places with lots of rocks like this.
This sounds like a great place to visit. I need to check it out
That sounds like a wonderful Mother’s Day tradition! We used to go on a lot of family hikes when all of our kids were living at home. If we go to Massachusetts, I’ll plan on a hike there.
I like that you have a tradition that you do on Mother’s Day! I usually spend the day with my kids but we usually go something different each year.
I like that you have a tradition that you do on Mother’s Day! Lots of great memories you are making.
What a beautiful place for a mini vacation! I am sure my husband will love it!
That is really perfect quality time together for the family. The place really looks great.
This is something that I miss now that the kids are grown. Hiking with the family is a fun activity we enjoyed. I like the place you picked for your family hike!
I would love to hike in Purgatory Chasm! Looks like such a different and magical experience. Ahhh, could do it today!
I would love to visit Purgatory Chasm. I love New England. That sounds like a wonderful tradition for Mother’s Day!
I would love to go for a hike there. Climbing rocks is always fun with your family!
My son and his friends would absolutely love this. Plus it would tucker them out so I get some quiet time after!
That looks like so much fun! Now that the kids are a little older they are up for more challenging hikes. The rock climbing would be a great way to mix it up.
Looks like great place to hike. I wish I stayed near by here finding a place to hike is not that easy.
What a beautiful place to see lots of nature!
Looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I’ll have to have this on my radar for sure. Thanks for sharing.