Photos

Description

Bigelow Hollow State Park

Connecticut State Park / Nipmuck State Forest

516 acres in Union, CT

Parking: Several large lots along the park’s road off CT-171.

Trail Map          Trails: 35 miles      Rating: ★★★★☆


The hollow of Bigelow Hollow is formed by ridgelines to the east and west and when combined with the surrounding areas, forms one of the largest unbroken forest tracts in Connecticut.  The state park property only encompasses Bigelow Pond to the shore of Mashapaug Pond and the rest of the park is Nipmuck State Forest land both east and west.  The two properties are so closely networked that they fall under the same heading at the DEEP. 

Hiking

The state park property has about five miles of trails including the yellow Bigelow Pond loop and the blue/white Mashapuag Pond View Trail.  However these trails connect to those in the Nipmuck State Forest for a total of 35 miles.

The area has a 3 mile stretch of the blue blaze Nipmuck Trail that serves as its northern terminus where it meets the Massachusetts border.

Swimming

The best swimming here is off the rocks on the peninsula a short quarter mile hike northwest of the boat launch on Mashapaug Pond.

Camping / Backpacking

These trails also provide access to 2 lean-tos and a camping area along Breakneck Pond. camping shelters

Send an application form at least two weeks before an intended stay to the address indicated on the form to reserve the site.  Helpful links for planning a backpacking trip using this campsite.

Boating

There are boat launches to Bigelow Pond (24.5 acres) and Mashapuag Lake (287 acres) along the park road.  The links provide overviews, pictures, and guidelines.

History:

Established as a state park in 1949 from Nipmuck State Forest land.  The origin of “Bigelow” is a mystery.


Links:

NEMBA – Mountain Biking at Bigelow Hollow
Peter Marteka – Golden Autumn Colors On Mashapaug Pond (2015)
CTMQ – TSTL’17.5: Bigelow Hollow State Park
Diego Cupolo – Bigelow Hollow State Park

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
Last updated April 23, 2019

Visited 3395 times, 2 Visits today

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