Bigelow Hollow State Park
Encyclopedia
Union, Connecticut
Union is a town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 854 at the 2010 census, making it the least populous town in Connecticut and the second-least populous municipality in Connecticut; only the Borough of Fenwick has fewer people...
is a Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
state park
State park
State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...
surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest, in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut State Forest. Its surrounds Bigelow Hollow State Park and includes parcels in Stafford and Ashford. The forest is part of a larger network of forest lands making up some in all....
, and bordering Mashapaug Lake
Mashapaug Lake
Mashapaug Lake is a lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in Union, Connecticut.-External links:*...
. There are picnic benches, beaches, and a boat launch, plus miles of hiking trails. This picture of Bigelow Pond is the first body of water you would see on the left of the park entrance. Most visitors spend their time at 300 acres (1.2 km²) Mashapaug Lake near the end of the main road.
The park's 600 acres (2.4 km²) is surrounded by some 40000 acres (161.9 km²) of forest. This includes 9000 acres (36.4 km²) in the Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest, in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut State Forest. Its surrounds Bigelow Hollow State Park and includes parcels in Stafford and Ashford. The forest is part of a larger network of forest lands making up some in all....
, nearly 8000 acres (32.4 km²) in the Yale Forest, 13000 acres (52.6 km²) in the Natchaug State Forest
Natchaug State Forest
Natchaug State Forest, in Ashford, Connecticut, Chaplin, Connecticut and Eastford, Connecticut is a Connecticut State Forest. It's are part of a larger network of forest lands making up some in all...
, 4000 acres (16.2 km²) of the Norcross Wildlife Refuge and the 7000 acres (28.3 km²) of forest held by Hull Foresters. This makes it one of largest forests in Southern New England and some of the largest unbroken tracts of forest as well.
Recreation opportunities
The park and forest is located in a large hollow or depression. The valley floor is approximately 700' below the surrounding ridgelines making the area exceptionally scenic. The park features over 30 miles (48.3 km) of trails, including several that go around Breakneck Pond, a secluded lake only accessible by foot. FishingFishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, picnicking and hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
are all popular here.
Fishing is popular both in summer and winter (ice fishing
Ice fishing
Ice fishing is the practice of catching fish with lines and fish hooks or spears through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Ice anglers may sit on the stool in the open on a frozen lake, or in a heated cabin on the ice, some with bunks and amenities.-Locations:It is a popular pastime...
). The streams, ponds and lakes feature stocked as well as native trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
, small and large mouth bass and pickeral.
Hiking is also popular. Be sure to have a trail map and potentially a compass to find your way if you get lost. The park is mostly evergreen
Evergreen
In botany, an evergreen plant is a plant that has leaves in all seasons. This contrasts with deciduous plants, which completely lose their foliage during the winter or dry season.There are many different kinds of evergreen plants, both trees and shrubs...
at lower elevations and the forest density can be so thick that you can lose the trail. The scenic beauty of the park and forest is well worth exploring.
Camping is allowed in the back country of the Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest, in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut State Forest. Its surrounds Bigelow Hollow State Park and includes parcels in Stafford and Ashford. The forest is part of a larger network of forest lands making up some in all....
but not in the park.
See also
- Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage CorridorQuinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage CorridorThe Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor is located in northeastern Connecticut and portions of Massachusetts. It is an area known for its rural character with rolling hills, farmland and classic New England scenery. This area was designated because it is one of the...
- List of Connecticut state parks