Massachusetts
Nature|Hiking

Hike Through Fascinating Remnants Of The Ice Age On Charley’s Loop Trail In Massachusetts

Charley's Loop Trail in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation offers a unique hiking experience with ancient rock formations dating back to the Ice Age.

Published Jan 11, 2020

Written by 

E Jamar

If you're an avid Massachusetts hiker, you've probably been to Purgatory Chasm State Park. This beautiful reservation is a unique national landmark, and within it is a short but sweet trail called Charley's Loop Trail. This area dates back to the Ice Age, and legend has it that glaciers left behind some of these beautiful rock formations that you'll find throughout the trail. While this hike won't take too much out of you, it'll take you through some of the most interesting, ancient rock formations in our state. Head over to Sutton to find Charley's Loop Trail, an incredible trail within Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.

Welcome to Charley's Loop Trail!

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Christopher LeBlanc/AllTrails

This 1.7-mile loop hike is located in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. While this trail isn't too long, it can be quite strenuous at times, so make sure to wear proper hiking gear.

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Christopher LeBlanc/AllTrails

Purgatory Chasm in Sutton is an incredibly unique Massachusetts landmark. This reservation is filled with interesting rock formations that are said to date back 14,000 years to the Ice Age.

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May Luo/AllTrails

As you hike upon this trail, you'll find many rock formations including the one and only Purgatory Chasm. This quarter-mile long formation runs as high as 70 feet.

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Steve Kuras/AllTrails

There are plenty of other rock formations throughout the area, too, and they all have sweet names like Lover's Leap, Fat Man's Misery, and so much more.

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Anthony D/AllTrails

There's simply nothing like hiking upon remnants of the Ice Age, and the surrounding nature is breathtaking.

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Chad Louthan/AllTrails

As there are many different rocks and boulders to climb upon, please wear proper hiking shoes.

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Mark Jodoin/AllTrails

If you're looking for a breathtaking hike in Sutton, Charley's Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation.

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Roger Barthelet/AllTrails

For more information on Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, click here.

Have you ever taken Charley's Loop Trail within Purgatory Chasm? How cool were the ancient rock formations? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your Massachusetts outdoor adventures with us in our Massachusetts Nature Lovers group on Facebook, or by tagging us at #onlyinmassachusetts on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in Massachusetts Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Hike to Spirit Falls, a hidden gem in Massachusetts. This beautiful waterfall offers cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

Tucked away in the small town of Royalston, Massachusetts, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: Spirit Falls. This captivating waterfall, nestled within the Jacobs Hill preserve, invites you to unplug, explore the trails, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the magic of this natural treasure.

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Spirit Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, but it's certainly a beautiful one. Water flows from Little Pond and drops 150 feet down a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque cascade. The falls are especially impressive in the spring (April-June) when the water flow is high.

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Robert deNormand/AllTrails

Reaching Spirit Falls requires a bit of an adventure. The Spirit Falls Trail is 1.5 miles long and considered moderately challenging. It's marked with white circles, but some hikers have mentioned on AllTrails that parts of the trail can be hard to follow. You'll hike through lush forests, with glimpses of diverse flora and fauna along the way. Be prepared for some uphill sections (you'll gain about 465 feet in elevation) and rocky terrain, especially as you get closer to the falls.

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Will Spellman/AllTrails

For a longer hike, consider taking a loop trail by connecting with the Tully Trail. This 22-mile long-distance trail, maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, offers a different perspective of the falls.

While Spirit Falls is undoubtedly the highlight, the Jacobs Hill preserve offers more to explore. Hike to "The Ledges" for breathtaking panoramic views of Tully Mountain, Mount Grace, and the Berkshire Hills. You can also check out Doane's Falls and Royalston Falls, two other stunning waterfalls within the preserve.

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Paul Loiselle/AllTrails

Jacobs Hill is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Find directions and more information on the website of The Trustees of Reservations. The preserve is located at Route 68, Royalston, MA, 01331. Important to note: the parking area isn't plowed in winter, and don't forget to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be present, especially during the warmer months.

Leave the everyday behind and awaken your senses at Spirit Falls. With its cascading waters, lush forests, and diverse trails, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and serenity in Massachusetts. So, grab your camera and get ready to discover the magic of Spirit Falls!

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Have you experienced the beauty of Spirit Falls or discovered other underrated spots in the area? Share your travels with us and nominate your favorite local waterfalls. Are you still looking for more hiking inspiration? Download the AllTrails+ app to find trails near you, or check out these 17 hidden waterfalls in Massachusetts that will take your breath away.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike the Newest Trail Through the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve for an Unforgettable Adventure

Hike or bike some or all of this breathtaking forest trail that begins in Fall River.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

We’re never far from our next adventure in Massachusetts, especially if we’re looking for an epic hike. While it’s been a few years since its official ribbon-cutting ceremony, the newest hiking trail at the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve still might be a bit of a secret unless you’re a local. The forest trail promises plenty of breathtaking natural scenery, quiet if you hike at the right time of the day, and an unforgettable adventure, making it worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

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The Bioreserve Loop Trail isn’t technically new. Rather, it’s a combination of smaller trails that create the 20-mile loop that meanders through the 16,000-acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River. If you’re up for an epic adventure and have enough time, around 6.5 hours, you can easily knock out the trail in a day, or you can explore as far as you want and turn around.

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All Trails/Tom Tower

If you’ve never been to the bioreserve, type 2929 Blossom Rd., Fall River, MA, into your GPS. The directions will lead you to the main parking lot and the trailhead.  While the trail earns an easy rating, come prepared with bug spray (if in season), plenty of water and snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. One downside of the trail is there are no bathrooms.

The trail gets incredibly muddy after it rains, so keep that in mind, and dress for the weather. Some hikers recommend bringing hiking poles to make navigating the rockier areas of the trail easier. The kid- and dog-friendly (remember to keep him leashed) trail is also popular with runners and bikers, so you never know who you’ll run into during your hike.

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All Trails/Adam Correia

To avoid running out of daylight, consider leaving in the morning if you plan to go the entire 20 miles. The pretty path leads through the forest and to such areas as Copicut Woods, Copicut Reservoir, Cedar Swamp, and the Ledge in Assonet. Watch for little surprises like fairy houses, maybe a gnome or two, and fairy-tale footbridges. Colorful wildflowers add a pop of color during the warmer months, and you might cross paths with deer and other wildlife.

Have you hiked the newest trail at the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River? What did you think? Do you have any advice for those who want to hike it? Let us know in the comments! Explore more of this unique town near Boston, and book a Vrbo to make it an overnight or weekend getaway.

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