So skip the public pools and opt for this all natural experience instead. Saved from img-aws.ehowcdn.com. The ponds at Bigelow Hollow State Park are not designated state park swim areas and do not have lifeguards at that location. Bigelow Hollow State Park, along with Nipmuck State Forest and Yale Forest, covers 9,600 acres in northern CT. A triumvirate of ponds, Bigelow, Mashapaug and Breakneck, with fishing, swimming, and boating are big draws for park visitors. Want a swimming hole that truly makes memories? You can enjoy a picnic with the family, hike through one of the many trails or swim, fish, or kayak in the serene waters. We visited Veterans' Day weekend. Bigelow Hollow State Park: Great hikes! 171 in Union, you'll love exploring the more than nine thousand acres of Nipmuck State Forest! Reviews . Get more stories delivered right to your email. I just finished creating a page for one of my favorite swimming spots in Southern New England. It’s hard to believe this place is at your disposal. Crawling* all over the shore and islands causing terrible erosion, lots of trees and vegetation being lost. Beautiful Swimming and Fishing Spot - Visited Many Times This is one of the the largest lakes in CT. Union, Connecticut. The man was swimming with friends and family, and several people saw him go under water, but could not locate him. Just keep Fido leashed at all times. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. I set out on a nice autumn day to do some backpacking at Bigelow Hollow State Park. Bigelow Hollow State Park is home to a stunning freshwater lake and two smaller natural ponds. I've heard about this area from some friends on paddling net. The secluded cove at Hole In The Wall Beach is ideal for families. lunch or breaks along the trail. Some flat, some rock scrambles, a few streams to cross on logs or rocks. Visit Website Or call (860) 684-3430 for more information. good-sized bass (good eating). Clearly marked - easy to follow. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bigelow Hollow State Park is a lovely spot in Union, CT just over the line from Massachusetts. So feel free to sit at the end of the small dock and dip your feet, or bring your underwater camera and snap some awesome fish photos. Take Exit 73 or 74, then follow Route 190 east to Route 171 east to the park entrance. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. area and a beautiful sight of the water and view ahead. This picture was taken off one of the small islands (not privately owned) located in the middle of Mashapaug Lake > 1 year ago. Lots of drinkng and trash. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and even snorkeling at this clear freshwater lake. In the spring there are vernal pools with hundreds of tadpoles, the fishing can be good but it's a mile or so walk in to Breakneck pond. So feel free to sit at the end of the small dock and dip your feet, or bring your underwater camera and snap some awesome fish photos. The 18-acre pond has cool, clean water and can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, or scuba diving! Very quiet. The 18-acre pond has cool, clean water and can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, or scuba diving! Bit of a hike to the lake. Lucky for you, that place already exists! If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Located on Rte. Pricing: Weekdays: free. It's deep enough for lake trout (I haven't caught any, though), and has lots of coves and drop-off homes for. I would've liked at least a washing area for your hands or even hand sanitizer after every use. It has incredibly clear water with lots of shallow water near the shore - ideal for kids - and deeper water for adults. The state park's 516 acres (209 ha) border Nipmuck State Forest on the east and west and Mashapaug Lake on the north. Passed 6 others along the trail. 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. Several spots to stop for. There's islands with picnic tables that make great destinations for lunch. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Bigelow Hollow State Park offers miles and miles of hiking trails, an 18-acre pond for fishing, and picnic areas for you and your furry best friend to enjoy. Of course there's plenty of pond to go around anyway. - See 21 traveler reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Union, CT, at Tripadvisor. Posted on October 30, 2017 by Chris. It was about 8 miles round trip. 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Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! 3. 7. Nice boat ramp and picnicking area. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest are absolutely wonderful but litter is the biggest issue they face during the warm weather months. It's up to you! more, Stoggy Hollow Restaurant and General Store, Things to do near Bigelow Hollow State Park. This idyllic lake is well worth the effort. Bigelow Hollow Park is located on Route 171 and can be reached via I-84. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are traveling 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. The park is in kind of a remote area in Ct. Bigelow Hollow State Park. Bigelow Hollow State Park is public recreation area in the town of Union, Connecticut, in the Quinebaug Highlands. Bigelow Hollow State Park: Hiking in the Fall - See 21 traveler reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Union, CT, at Tripadvisor. One of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut, you can bet you'll find plenty of beautiful natural areas to explore. Learn more here. Divers were able to find him, but he was pronounced dead later that day. The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors. 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. One of Connecticut's state parks that has some of the most beautiful views. Hotels near (PVD) Theodore Francis Airport, Bigelow Hollow State Park: Tickets & Tours‎. Please choose a different date. 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. Swimming Holes. On Memorial Day, tragedy struck as a 23 year old man drowned in Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT, which borders Mashapaug Lake. Take Exit 73 or 74, then follow Route 190 east to Route 171 east to the park entrance. It took me around 1.5 hours to paddle the entire pond around its outside. Bigelow Hollow State Park: Beatiful Lake and Picnic Park - See 21 traveler reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Union, CT, at Tripadvisor. Returning to the car at sunset will let you capture some pretty gorgeous views as the hills become silhouetted against the sky. 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. Try one of our natural swimming holes that is a less costly swimming option. Bigelow Hollow State Park: Perfect for a family day in nature - See 21 traveler reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Union, CT, at Tripadvisor. Bigelow Hollow State Park: Beautiful..Crystal clear swimming destination - See 21 traveler reviews, 40 candid photos, and great deals for Union, CT, at Tripadvisor. There are hiking trails that will take you in the thick woods. You’ll need to find a place with stunning water views, few crowds and a whole lot of nature. This pond is about mile long with a few pretty islands. 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. Love Connecticut? Mashpaug is extensive, but there are also two smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, to the north and east, respectively. So get out and enjoy it! The views are beautiful around the pond. Beautiful Swimming and Fishing Spot - Visited Many Times, This is one of the the largest lakes in CT. Bigelow Po… When you first go in the park the first pond that you see is Bigelow pond on the left. The best part is that you rarely have to see other people, let alone crowds. It's up to you! Check out this drone footage for a look at the majestic still waters and lush forestry for yourself! We followed the Breakneak Loop trail. You should also consider bringing your mountain bike or hiking… Mashapaug Lake is bigger and holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. Mashapaug Pond @ Bigelow Hollow State Park I went to Mashapaug Pond today because I was told it was a wonderful place to paddle and to hike, bike, swim, etc. Experienced hikers will love exploring these evergreen landscapes. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. Want more freshwater action? 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. It has incredibly clear water with lots of shallow water near the shore - ideal for kids - and deeper water for adults. Great variety on the trail. 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