Purgatory Chasm
A deep, narrow crack in the rocks beside Second Beach, with a small footbridge over it from which you can watch the waves crash; it comes with legends.
Purgatory Chasm lies on the rocky coast west of Second Beach in Middletown. It is a rock fissure about 3 m wide and 50 m deep, and when waves rush in, the crash is loud. A small viewing footbridge spans the crack, giving views of the surging waves and Easton's Bay. Local legends tell of a devil and a maiden, and of a suitor who leapt across the chasm to win love. Entry is free and parking is limited. Where there are fences, never climb over them.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Second Beach
- Easton's Beach
- Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
- The Breakers
- Cliff Walk
- Newport Art Museum
- Redwood Library and Athenaeum
- International Tennis Hall of Fame