| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, MA |
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 | Trails: |
Old Purgatory Trail, Spring Path, Chasm Loop Trail, Charley's Loop, Little Purgatory, Forest Road Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 19, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
According to https://www.mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation, the daily parking fee is $5 or $20 per car, depending on whether it has Massachusetts plates or not, but this is charged only May 14 through October 30, so we didn't have to pay. The large parking lot at the visitor center was essentially empty when we arrived at 10:30am, and half full when we left at 2:30pm. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
At the end of Little Purgatory, there is a small round chamber inside the rock that is accessible by a very easy rock hop. No other water crossings. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Allowed, but should stay leashed to avoid accidents on the cliffs. |
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 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
My favorite easy hiking within an hour of Boston! The trail map at https://www.mass.gov/locations/purgatory-chasm-state-reservation is useful. The "scrambling" on the short descent into the chasm is easy in comparison to that on many White Mountain trails, even those that are not Terrifying 25 trails or electives, say, but it may surprise inexperienced hikers, and in any case rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Make sure to see not only the chasm, but also the spectacular uprooted tree in the upper part of the loop at the end of the Little Purgatory trail. The rocks inside "Fat Man's Misery" are slippery, and the entry at one end is on the edge of a cliff.
The Chasm Loop Trail was open today, but it is closed in winter or whenever the rocks are wet from rain, snow, or ice. In contrast with my experience last year, they do answer the phone, so you can call (508) 234-3733 to find out whether it is open. The other trails in the reservation are always open (during daylight hours). |
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 | Name: |
mathbp |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-11-20 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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