All programs are free and open to the public. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking events. An adult must accompany all children. Hiking programs are canceled in inclement weather. For more information call 508-234-9610 or visit: mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation  

 

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is located at 198 Purgatory Road, Sutton MA 01590.  

Please note that public programming may be affected by construction projects taking place within the park. 

Meet Smokey the Bear

Sunday, Oct. 8 1-2 p.m.

For 79 years Smokey has helped park goers understand the importance of using fire responsibly. Help us kick off Fire Prevention Week by meeting Smokey Bear and our Department of Conservation and Recreation firefighters! 

Join us at the Pavilion near the chasm’s entrance. The event will happen rain or shine, though will cancel for hazardous weather.

   

Chasm Hike  

Fridays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturdays 2– 3 p.m., Sundays 3– 4 p.m.  

Scramble around boulders while taking in the mystery of Purgatory Chasm. Find out about the park’s history and cultural influence, the chasm’s rock formations, or the wildlife that call the chasm home. Meet at the pavilion at the mouth of the chasm. Appropriate for ages 8 and above.  About a half mile over moderate terrain.  

 

Chasm Primer  

Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 a.m.  

Find out the chasm’s history in just 15 minutes. This is the perfect primer before your hike through the chasm. Meet at the mouth of the chasm. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.   

 

Glacial Geology Hike  

Mondays 2 - 3:30 p.m.  

Discover our glacial past on this one mile hike to Little Purgatory. Meet at the Visitor Center. Suitable for ages 8 and above. About one mile over moderate terrain.  

 

Off the Beaten Path  

Fridays 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.  

Hiking trails are the heart of our park system and getting outdoors is a great way to exercise. Join us on this recreational hike with other like-minded people. Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 8 and above. About one mile over easy terrain.  

 

Rock Detectives  

Saturdays 10  – 11 a.m.  

Have you ever wondered where rocks come from? See a bunch of different rocks and find out more about where they have been and where they are going. Stay for five minutes or an hour. Meet in the pavilion near the entrance to the chasm. Appropriate for ages 4 and above. The program will be held in the Visitor Center during inclement weather.  

 

Secrets of the Skull 

Sundays 10 – 11 a.m.  

We can learn many things about how an animal lives by looking at its skull. Join us to look for clues about how different animals survive by examining their skulls. Stay for five minutes or an hour. Meet in the pavilion near the entrance to the chasm. Appropriate for ages 4 and above. The program will be held in the Visitor Center during inclement weather.  

 

Time Traveler Tour  

Mondays 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Take a step back in time! Get an introduction to this unique park as we walk among the historic structures and geological features, jumping around the park’s history all the while. Meet at the Visitor Center. Suitable for ages 8 and above. Approximately one mile over easy terrain.