Rules & Regulations

Dogs are allowed at Purgatory Chasm on a leash. Alcohol, open fires, bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not, and you should keep clear of the chasm edges and stay off wet rock. Those rules come from DCR's park page and trail map. The park is open sunrise to sunset, it's carry-in, carry-out, and DCR closes the Chasm Trail in winter.

Dogs

DCR lists Purgatory Chasm as dog-friendly, and its trail map asks that dogs be kept on a leash. Think twice before taking a dog through the chasm itself: the floor is a boulder scramble, and you may need both hands. Clean up after your dog and carry the bag out with the rest of your trash.

What Isn't Allowed

• Alcoholic beverages (DCR trail map).
• Open fires (DCR trail map). Grilling is a separate matter; see below.
• Mountain bikes, bicycles, scooters and skateboards (DCR trail map).
• Motorized vehicles on trails and forest roads; gates are there to keep them out (DCR trail map).
• Picking flowers or other plants (DCR trail map).
• Climbing on the chasm walls during the hike (DCR self-guided tour).
• Metal detectors, except with DCR's permission (302 CMR 12.04).

Rules About the Rock

DCR's two restrictions on the park page are both about the chasm: keep clear of the edges, and avoid climbing during or after bad weather because the rocks will be slippery. On the hike, DCR asks you to stay on the blue-blazed trail and not to climb the chasm walls. Rope climbing is a separate case: state park rules allow technical climbing only in areas DCR designates for it. Details are on the rock climbing page, and the reasons behind the edge rule are on the safety page.

Grilling and Picnics

DCR lists grilling and picnic areas among the park's facilities. Its statewide grilling rules apply: stationary charcoal grills, where they exist, are first-come, first-served; most parks let you bring a gas grill, but only a few allow you to bring a charcoal grill, so check with the park office before you pack one. Cool used charcoal and dispose of it in a fireproof container, and never leave a hot grill unattended.

Trash

DCR's self-guided hike sheet calls the park carry-in, carry-out and asks you to bring all trash home. The older trail map mentions trash receptacles; when in doubt, take it with you.

Trails and Seasons

• Stay on the designated trails and roads, and be respectful of other trail users (DCR trail map).
• The Chasm Trail is closed during the winter season because of slippery, wet conditions. All other trails stay open (DCR park page).
• Open sunrise to sunset, daily, year-round (DCR).

Who to Ask

For anything not covered here, call the DCR park office at (508) 234-3733 or email purgatory.chasm@state.ma.us. Rules can change; DCR's signs in the park are the final word.