Safety at Purgatory Chasm

DCR's safety guidance for Purgatory Chasm comes down to two things: the edges and wet rock. DCR's own history of the park records a death here: in 1876 a visitor fell from the rim at the spot now called Lover's Leap, where the drop is 70 to 80 feet by the Boston Globe's account. DCR's rules today: keep clear of the chasm edges, don't climb during or after bad weather, wear proper shoes, and stay off the Chasm Trail in winter, when DCR closes it.

The Accident at Lover's Leap

DCR's self-guided tour tells the story at its second stop. In 1876, Ellen Prentice and her husband George had a picnic at the chasm and sat down at the brink on its southern side. As they got up to leave, she stepped back for one more look and fell. The Boston Globe reported a fall of about 70 feet. DCR calls it the chasm's first known fatality.

DCR's Safety Rules

• Keep clear of the edges of the chasm.
• Avoid climbing during or after bad weather; the rocks will be slippery.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes or hiking boots.
• Take your time, plan a few footsteps ahead, and help others in your group.
• Stay on the blazed trail, and don't climb on the chasm walls.
• Stay off the Chasm Trail in winter; DCR closes it in icy, slippery conditions.

Wet Rock

DCR repeats this warning on its park page, its trail map and its tour sheet: the chasm rocks and slopes are slippery, and more so when wet. Avoid the chasm during rain and for a while after it. A dry day changes the whole experience.

Tight Spots and Ledges

Fat Man's Misery is a slot about a foot and a half wide, and DCR warns that a ledge is close by. If it looks intimidating, DCR suggests the smaller Devil's Corn Crib instead. Never push into a gap between boulders that you can't easily back out of. More on each spot: rock formations.

Kids in the Chasm

DCR aims its guided chasm hike at ages 8 and up and requires children to be with an adult on its programs. Keep younger children within arm's reach on the boulders and well back from the rim. For a gentler day, see kids and families.

Rescue Training

The Town of Sutton announced that its fire department, with Commonwealth special operations teams, held a technical rescue training exercise at Purgatory Chasm on September 17 and 18 (2026).

If Something Goes Wrong

• Call 911 for any injury or emergency.
• DCR's trail map lists the local police department at (508) 865-4449.
• For non-urgent park questions, call the DCR park office at (508) 234-3733.
• Know where you are: the formation names (Lover's Leap, Devil's Coffin, Fat Man's Misery) are the easiest way to tell responders your location.