Purgatory_Chasm

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Protected area in Massachusetts, US

Not to be confused with Purgatory Conglomerate.

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.

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History

Previously owned by the Whitin Machine Works, Purgatory Chasm was declared a state park in 1919.[1] The reservation is notable for its .25-mile-long (400 m), 70-foot-deep (21 m) 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 2 miles (3.2 km) of hiking trails, and rock climbing is allowed by permit. The reservation also includes picnic areas, a visitor center, and a playground.[2]

  • A 1992 episode of Rescue 911 concerned events at Purgatory Chasm.
  • Scenes from the 2015 film The Sea of Trees were filmed at Purgatory Chasm.
  • A state plaque on the north side.
  • Partial view of the park, looking south.
  • A rock formation.
  • View of King's Cave.
  • View Lover's Leap.
  • Partial view of the park, with visitors.

References

  1. [1]
    "Descending into Purgatory Chasm – WONDERLAND".
  2. [2]
    https://www.mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation [bare URL]
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