Visitor Center & Programs

DCR runs free guided hikes and drop-in programs at Purgatory Chasm, with no registration, from the visitors center and the pavilion at the mouth of the chasm. In September and October 2026 there were six regular programs, from a one-hour guided Chasm Hike to Rock Detectives for kids 4 and up. Schedules change by season, so call DCR's program line at (508) 234-9610 for what's running now.

The Visitors Center

DCR lists a visitors center among the park's facilities, with accessible restrooms. The Chasm Loop Trail starts across the street from it, and the paved Spring Path starts at its back door. Several programs meet there. DCR doesn't publish the building's opening hours, so if you're counting on it being open, call the park office at (508) 234-3733.

Fall 2026 Program Schedule

This was DCR's September–October 2026 lineup. All programs were free, no registration, with children accompanied by an adult and appropriate footwear for hikes. Treat it as a guide to what DCR offers, not a promise for future dates.

Chasm Hike

Fridays 11 am to noon; Saturdays and Sundays 2 to 3 pm. Scramble through the chasm while a guide covers the park's history, the rock formations or the wildlife. Meets at the pavilion at the mouth of the chasm. Ages 8 and up. About half a mile over moderate terrain.

Chasm Primer

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am. A 15-minute talk on the chasm's history, meant as a warm-up before you hike. Meets at the mouth of the chasm. Ages 8 and up.

Glacial Geology Hike

Mondays 3 to 4:30 pm. A hike to Little Purgatory looking for evidence of the ice that covered the park more than 10,000 years ago. Meets at the visitors center. Ages 8 and up. About a mile and a half over moderate terrain.

Time Traveler Tour

Mondays 11 am to noon and Fridays 3 to 4 pm. An introduction to the park among its historic structures and geological features. Meets at the visitors center. Ages 8 and up. About half a mile over easy terrain.

Rock Detectives

Saturdays 11 am to noon. Look at a range of rocks and find out where they came from and where they're going. Drop in for five minutes or the hour. Meets at the pavilion near the chasm entrance, or the visitors center in bad weather. Ages 4 and up.

Secrets of the Skull

Sundays 11 am to noon. Learn how animals live by examining their skulls. Drop in. Meets at the pavilion near the chasm entrance, or the visitors center in bad weather. Ages 4 and up.

Blackstone River Valley Hike Series

DCR also runs a free weekly hike series across its Blackstone Valley parks, including Purgatory Chasm, Upton State Forest and Douglas State Forest. The October 2026 hikes were for ages 12 and up, 2 to 5 miles each, at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Douglas State Forest and Upton State Forest. Information: (508) 278-7604. More on those parks: hikes near Worcester.

Accessibility

DCR offers reasonable accommodations for its programs. For a request, its program flyer lists 617-645-0358. The park has accessible restrooms, and the Spring Path is paved and accessible.