Things to Do in Sutton
The chasm first, then a historic farm, a state forest and lakes.
The headline thing to do in Sutton, Massachusetts is Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, a boulder-filled chasm with a half-mile hiking loop, a playground and picnic areas, open sunrise to sunset. Beyond the chasm, Sutton has Waters Farm, a farm built in 1757 that is on the National Register of Historic Places and holds events through the year; Sutton State Forest for hiking; and lakes including Lake Singletary and Manchaug Pond.
Sutton at a Glance
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Start here. DCR's half-mile Chasm Loop Trail scrambles through a chasm with walls up to 70 feet high and named rock formations, and the rest of the park has a playground, picnic areas with grilling, a visitors center and free guided programs. See the park guide, rock formations and kids and families.
Waters Farm
Waters Farm was built in 1757 by Stephen Waters and is now on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Waters Farm Preservation, the volunteer group that keeps it running. It overlooks Lake Manchaug and has 120 acres of farmland, and it shows what 19th-century New England farm life looked like. Tours are by appointment year-round.
The farm's calendar is the main draw. Its 46th annual Waters Farm Days ran October 17–18, 2026; the farm's calendar also lists antique farm tractor pulls, the Sutton Chain of Lights with breakfast with Santa on December 5, 2026, an Easter egg hunt and open houses. Check the farm's site for current dates.
Sutton State Forest
DCR runs guided hikes in Sutton State Forest as part of its Blackstone Valley hike series. DCR's listing describes the forest road loop as loose gravel with steep inclines, and warns that there are no bathrooms and no water on site. DCR doesn't have a separate park page for it, so go prepared: bring water and a map app, and wear proper shoes.
Sutton History
The Sutton Historical Society runs free events open to the public and offers resources for a self-guided tour of the town's historic sites. Its 2026 calendar includes exhibits in the Darling Barn during Waters Farm Days, and stops at the Eight Lots School House and the General Rufus Putnam Museum during the town's December Chain of Lights.
Lakes
The Town of Sutton's local resources page lists two lake groups: the Lake Singletary Watershed Association and the Manchaug Pond Foundation. Waters Farm looks out over Lake Manchaug. Check with the town or the lake group before you plan to launch a boat or swim.
Nearby, Just Outside Sutton
- West Hill Dam, Uxbridge: over 16 miles of trails and 200+ bird species a year, per the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (entrance and parking closed September 15 to November 15, 2026). More in hikes near Worcester.
- Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge: free parking, canal trails, River Bend Farm and a visitor center.
- Douglas State Forest: the Midstate Trail, a cedar swamp boardwalk and Wallum Lake.
A Day in Sutton
- Morning: the Chasm Loop at Purgatory Chasm while the rock is dry.
- Midday: a picnic at the chasm, then the playground or the paved Spring Path.
- Afternoon: Waters Farm if an event is on, or a walk in Sutton State Forest.
Sutton FAQ
What is there to do in Sutton, MA?
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is the main attraction: a boulder-scramble hike, playground and picnic areas. Sutton also has historic Waters Farm (1757) with seasonal events, Sutton State Forest for hiking, and lakes including Lake Singletary and Manchaug Pond.
What is Waters Farm in Sutton?
A farm built in 1757 by Stephen Waters, now on the National Register of Historic Places, with 120 acres overlooking Lake Manchaug. Volunteers run it and hold events like Waters Farm Days and antique tractor pulls; tours are by appointment.
Where is Sutton State Forest?
In Sutton, Massachusetts. DCR runs guided hikes there as part of its Blackstone Valley series and notes loose gravel, steep inclines and no bathrooms or water on site.