Bigelow Hollow State Park is publicly owned recreation area in the town of Union, Connecticut, in the Quinebaug Highlands. The state park covers, bordered by Nipmuck State Forest to its east and west and by Mashapaug Lake to the north. The park and forest are located in a large hollow or depression approximately 700' below the surrounding ridgelines.SurroundingsThe state park is a significant feature of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor and is part of one the largest unbroken forest tracts in Connecticut, which includes in the Nipmuck State Forest, in the Yale-Myers Forest, in the Natchaug State Forest, of the Norcross Wildlife Refuge, and the of forest held by Hull Foresters. The state park was carved out of Nipmuck State Forest by the State Park and Forest Commission in 1949.Activities and amenitiesThe park has been described as "emote by Connecticut standards," where a map and orienteering skills may be useful as the park is mostly evergreen at lower elevations and trails can be lost in the thick forest density. The park and forest have over 35mi of trails, including several around 92acre Breakneck Pond, a secluded lake only accessible by foot. A boat launch and picnicking facilities are located on 25acre Bigelow Pond at the entrance to the park and on 287acre Mashapaug Lake, which is found near the end of the park's main road.
"Bigelow Hollow State Park is Open Daily 8am to Sunset. The park may experience temporary closures for various reasons. Once parking capacity is reached, No vehicles will be allowed in the park for the remainer of the day. Follow @CTstateparks and @CTBoatingInfo on twitter for the most up to date closure information."
