Nipmuck State Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails, and an 18-acre pond in Eastern Connecticut. It is intended for general $ informational purposes only. 6 " N, 72°0 '36 .59" W This map shows lake depth. Be prepared to pay to get in, A Great State Park for Swimming, Kayaking and Picnicing, One of Connecticut's best state parks. STAY AWAY, I didn't mind the area in which we visited and I understand based on the location there is no running water. Lake bathymetry contour lines may not align well with other features on the map. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors. Other than that, clean picnic. This idyllic lake is well worth the effort. Seriously! Darker video is about 25 feet down, lighter video is about 15 feet down. Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails, the 18 acre Bigelow Pond, and 300 acre Mashapaug Pond in Eastern Connecticut. There's limited parking so we had to walk a bit, but that gave us the chance to enjoy the park more. However, don’t let it’s size fool you as it is famous for yielding Connecticut’s state record for a largemouth bass of 12-pounds and 14-ounces and the state record channel catfish weighing in at 29-pounds and 6-ounces. Great variety on the trail. We are close to UConn, Eastern, CT and MA casinos, Bigelow Hollow State Park, and many other attractions. 171, 1.3 miles east of junction with Rte. Or bring your kayak and go for a paddle!" This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. The Fall Tracker said the peak colors could be seen around the CT-MA border and we felt that the Bigelow Hollow State Park fit our interests ! The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. Lots of drinkng and trash. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076-4818. Parking: 15 cars. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the teen was swimming in Mashapaug Lake at Bigelow Hollow State Park Sunday afternoon when he drowned. It was a Tuesday so there was no entrance fee and it was pretty busy. Bigelow Hollow State Park, Tolland County, CT. Lower Bigelow Lake. Bit of a hike to the lake. Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.9 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Bigelow Hollow tragedy: Southbridge mother of accident victim casts no blame . Luckily, we did not find any crowd of that type .... probably, that happens during the peak summer months, but not on a slightly chilly October afternoon. One of Connecticut's best state parks. Weekends & holidays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state vehicle, $5 after 4 p.m. Hikers should be prepared to walk at least 6 miles to complete a loop around Breakneck. We spent several hours by Mashapaug, at a nice, $15 for an out of state vehicle for just a hike! Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest are absolutely wonderful but litter is the biggest issue they face during the warm weather months. The bass fishing is great at Mashapaug Lake. There's a boat launch and large picnic area, but the nearest parking lot fills quickly, so be prepared to walk a bit. Pricing: Weekdays: free. Most of the locals call it Bigelow Hollow … The state park's 516 acres (209 ha) border Nipmuck State Forest on the east and west and Mashapaug Lake on the north. The park is in kind of a remote area in Ct. Bigelow Hollow State Park is public recreation area in the town of Union, Connecticut, in the Quinebaug Highlands. I set out on a nice autumn day to do some backpacking at Bigelow Hollow State Park. It has incredibly clear water with lots of shallow water near the shore - ideal for kids - and deeper water for adults. Bigelow Pond is a "no gas motors lake", so canoes & kayaks are great here. When you first go in the park the first pond that you see is Bigelow pond on the left. Membership; Admin; Contact; Facebook; Twitter; Amazon Paved boat launches are available for those interested in fishing from a boat. Very quiet. Please watch in HD!!!! We followed the Breakneak Loop trail. Located in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Mashapaug Lake covers a massive 287 acres. Passed 6 others along the trail. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. We visited Veterans' Day weekend. The park has a lot of trails for the hikers and hence the time to spend depends very much on what you want to do. For those who are kids at heart, Went and spent the afternoon here and thought it was great. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There's islands with picnic tables that make, Hotels near (PVD) Theodore Francis Airport, Bigelow Hollow State Park: Tickets & Tours‎. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Please refer to the Boating or Angler's Guide for current boating regulations. Bigelow Pond is a "no gas motors lake", so canoes & kayaks are great here. I arrived at Bigelow Hollow State Park at about 10:00 am, it was cloudy and cool. The park adjoins Nipmuck State Forest so most of the signage covers both. 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. It is truly a nice place for a family outing; however, I would not rate it as a top pick for a kayaking only trip. Oct 17, 2020: Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union - See 21 reviews, articles, and 40 photos of Bigelow Hollow State Park on Tripadvisor. It is a nice property in northern Connecticut - 9,000 acres according to the official website. The views to the water are amazing, and varied depending on what you like. But we think it’s during the warmer months that this park truly shines. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Try walking around the lake and you might just discover your own hidden picnic area. The park and forest are located in a large hollow or depression approximately 700' below the surrounding ridgelines. more, Stoggy Hollow Restaurant and General Store, Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com, Things to do near Bigelow Hollow State Park. Clearly marked - easy to follow. 190. Bigelow Hollow State Park, in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut state park surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest, and bordering Mashapaug Lake.There are picnic benches, beaches, and a boat launch, plus miles of hiking trails. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. more, Things to do near Bigelow Hollow State Park. We spent a long day here as a big family group, ages 13-73. © 1996-2020 New England Mountain Bike Association. Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer more than 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond. I've heard about this area from some friends on paddling net. 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. To Southbridge we go for free access to west hill dam, Thus park is nice and peaceful. I have been doing litter clean up hikes around the State Forests this summer and when I visited Bigelow Hollow three weeks ago I was disappointed to find it so polluted with trash. The Fall Tracker said the peak colors could be seen around the CT-MA border and we felt that the Bigelow. Bigelow Hollow State Park is home to a stunning freshwater lake and two smaller natural ponds. Hotels near (PVD) Theodore Francis Airport, Bigelow Hollow State Park: Tickets & Tours‎. This small natural lake found within the Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park is only 297 acres with a average depth of 15 feet and just under 40 feet maximum. It's right on the lake with plenty of water toys. Beautiful views. Welcome Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest Union . DEEP is continuing to carry out its mission and provide services while keeping both the public and our workforce safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. See 45 photos and 3 tips from 297 visitors to Bigelow Hollow State Park. I had seen some reviews for this place which mentioned about visitors playing loud & boisterous music and making the place dirty. Gravel ramp. Dogs are … "Great place for a hike! area and a beautiful sight of the water and view ahead. Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union: This jewel of our park system, way up in the northeast corner and “hidden” away in the 9,000-acre Nipmuck State Forest, has a lot to keep you occupied. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission. Morrow Long/Flickr. Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond in Eastern Connecticut. They are managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076-4818, We were in Mystic on the second weekend of October and after finishing the Aquarium and the Sea Port at Mystic, we decided to head further up north to catch the Fall colors. Check out that view! Bigelow Hollow State Park — Union, CT. MASHAPAUG LAKE Bigelow Hollow State Park Union, CT (N E Connecticut) Last visited: 8/10/14. This pond is about mile long with a … The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors. This picture of Bigelow Pond is the first body of water you would see on the left of the park entrance. Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Union, Connecticut that features a lake and is rated as moderate. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 29 July 2008. Hollow State Park fit our interests ! Brian Lee Telegram & Gazette Staff @BLeeTG Friday Jan 15, 2016 at 9:20 PM Jan 16, 2016 at 10:15 PM. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Outbound Collective Regulations: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. I would've liked at least a washing area for your hands or even hand sanitizer after every use. Some flat, some rock scrambles, a few streams to cross on logs or rocks. There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. Bigelow Brook is a river in northeastern Connecticut, flowing from Mashapaug Lake in Union to its confluence with the Still River in Eastford.. Bigelow Brook is formed in Union, Connecticut at the outflow of Mashapaug Lake.After leaving the lake, it flows south through the Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, and into Bigelow Pond. Latitude 42 is beautiful year round- the fall foliage over the lake is particularly amazing. It was about 8 miles round trip. This state park in Connecticut is a water playground for those who love the simplicity of the good old days. Bigelow Hollow State Park, Nipmuck State Forest, Mashapaug Lake, Breakneck Pond, Bigelow Pond Union Connecticut 05/22/20 Music: The Old RV. Pack up the family, the dog, the burgers and hot dogs, the fishing poles…and your kayaks, and come to Mashapaug Lake. UNION -- A 17-year-old man from Southbridge, Massachusetts was pronounced dead Sunday evening after he was taken from the waters of a lake at Bigelow Hollow State Park Sunday afternoon. Bigelow Hollow State Park is a gorgeous recreation area! The Fall Tracker said the peak colors could be seen around the CT-MA border and we felt that the Bigelow Hollow State Park fit our interests ! The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors. This time of year, you might still have some time for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. There's islands with picnic tables that make … Beautiful Swimming and Fishing Spot - Visited Many Times, This is one of the the largest lakes in CT. Please choose a different date. But with so much land to explore, this swimming hole will feel like a different place every time! Walking sticks helped in the water crossings. Marked trails lead from Bigelow Hollow to the Breakneck area, but no trail in this area is a loop trail. Crawling* all over the shore and islands causing terrible erosion, lots of trees and vegetation being lost. Boating, scuba diving, hiking, hunting, and fishing are all allowed here. People have no respectt for the environment. But that would be my number one concern. good-sized bass (good eating). Two cameras, about 50 feet apart of eachother. There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. Please choose a different date. lunch or breaks along the trail. Several spots to stop for. 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