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Nearby Parks:
Bigelow State Park
Nipmuck State Forest
Natchaug State Forest
Wells State Park
Brimfield State Forest
Nye-Holman State Forest
Mashamoquet Brook State Forest
Shenipsit State Forest
Spencer State Forest
Quaddick State Forest
Quaddick State Park
Nathan Hale State Forest
Old Furnace State Park
Bolton Notch State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | 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. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Bigelow Hollow State Park. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
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| Trails: |
| Marked trails lead from Bigelow Hollow to the Breakneck area, but no trail in this area is a loop trail. Hikers should be prepared to walk at least 6 miles to complete a loop around Breakneck. There are no marked trails to Briggs pond. For hikers desiring trails that start and end in the same place, the trails west of the park road both form loops and cover less of a distance than the trails leading to Breakneck. This extensive trail system is maintained in cooperation with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, which provides volunteer assistance. For information on volunteering for trail activities throughout the state contact the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT 06481; Telephone: (860) 346-2372. |
| History of the Area: |
| Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.
The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | | The Tolland Inn - 1790s inn on historic village green. Close to University of Connecticut. Seven guest rooms/suites with private baths, full breakfast. Antiques and hand-made furniture throughout. | | |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Nipmuck State Forest/Bigelow Hollow State Park Information - Nipmuck State Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, Connecticut offer over 9,000 acres of recreation ... Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park offer over 9 ... | | CFPA Publications - ... Shenipsit Trail in DEP's Belding Wildlife Management Area, and the re-arrangement of trails at Bigelow Hollow State Park. The map and text material continue to be included in a 3-ring binder that ... | | CFPA's Blue Blazed Hiking Trails - ... sponsored by Connecticut Forest & Park Association Saturday, May 3 (8:30 a.m.) Location: Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT; Exit 73 from I-84, Rt. 190 North, Rt. 171 East. Meet at Picnic Area ... | | Connecticut :: Places We Protect :: Quinebaug Highlands Favorite Places to Visit - Have you visited these favorite places to walk and enjoy nature in the Quinebaug Highlands? ... and enjoy nature in the Quinebaug Highlands? Bigelow Hollow State Park: From Hwy 84 take exit 73. follow ... | | The US50 - A guide to the fifty states - The US50 is a extensive guide to history, outdoors, tourism, events and attractions for the fifty ... Outdoor Store State Parks Bigelow Hollow State Park A scenic, natural setting provides a nice ... |
| Directions: |
| Bigelow Hollow State Park is located on Route 171 and can be reached via I-84. Take Exit 73 or 74, then follow Route 190 north to Route 171 east to the park entrance. |
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