Purgatory Chasm State Reservation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Looking south into the chasm Looking up at Lovers Leap Looking into His Majesty's Cave
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Location in Massachusetts
Location	Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Area	100 acres (40 ha)
Elevation	472 ft (144 m)
Established	1919
Operator	Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Website	Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is a cool natural park in Sutton, Massachusetts. It's known for its amazing chasm, which is like a giant crack in the ground. This chasm is about .25-mile-long (400 m) and 70-foot-deep (21 m).

The chasm is made of granite rock. It has steep cliffs and even caves where ice can stay frozen until early summer! The park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

How Purgatory Chasm Was Formed

Have you ever wondered how this huge chasm was made? Scientists have a few ideas.

The Ice Age Theory

One popular idea is that the chasm was created a very long time ago. This was at the end of the last Ice Age, about 14,000 years ago.

• During the Ice Age, giant sheets of ice called glaciers covered much of the land.
• As the Ice Age ended, these glaciers began to melt.
• A huge amount of meltwater from a burst ice dam might have rushed through this area.
• This powerful water could have ripped out huge blocks of bedrock, forming the chasm we see today.

Purgatory Chasm became a state park in 1919. This means it's a protected area for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is a great place for outdoor adventures!

Exploring the Chasm and Trails

The park is open all year round, but some parts are closed for safety.

• The chasm itself is closed to hikers and climbers during winter. This is because ice can make it very slippery and dangerous.
• There are about 2 miles (3.2 km) of hiking trails around the chasm. These trails let you explore the beautiful natural area.
• If you're an experienced rock climber, you can climb here, but you need a special permit first.

Park Amenities for Visitors

The park has several things to make your visit more comfortable and fun.

• You can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends in the designated picnic areas.
• There's a visitors center where you can learn more about the chasm and its history.
• Kids can have fun at the playground.

Gallery

• Photos of Purgatory Chasm
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  A plaque found on the north end of the chasm.

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  Looking south into the chasm, second view.

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  A tall rock formation at Purgatory Chasm.

Images for kids

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  View of King's Cave.

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  View Lover's Leap.

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  Partial view of the park, with visitors.