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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
River Valley Region
Bigelow State Park
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BIGELOW STATE PARK
BIGELOW STATE PARK
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.
History of the Area
Established in 1952, the park is located in Union, Connecticut. It was named after Everett H. Bigelow, a local benefactor.

Bigelow donated land to create this public space for outdoor recreation and nature preservation purposes.

The area spans over 516 acres with Mashapaug Lake as its main attraction offering swimming, fishing and boating activities.

It also features hiking trails through forest areas rich with diverse flora and fauna species native to New England region.

Over time it has become popular among campers due to its well-equipped camping facilities available throughout the year.

In winter months cross-country skiing becomes an additional recreational activity at this location attracting many visitors annually.

Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
Nearby Accommodations
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Friendship Valley Inn - Brooklyn, CT
BBs / Inns
A Bed Breakfast in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut on Route 169, a National Scenic Byway.
17.1 miles from park*



Trails
- Bigelow Hollow Loop: A 6.2-mile loop trail featuring a lake, primarily used for hiking and nature trips.

- Breakneck Pond via Nipmuck Trail: This is an out-and-back trail of about 9 miles that leads to the beautiful Breakneck pond.

- Mashapaug Lake Viewpoint Trail: An easy-rated, approximately one mile long hike offering scenic views over Mashapaug Lake.

- Ridge Trial in Bigelow State Park: Moderate difficulty level with some steep sections; this route stretches around four miles through diverse forest landscapes.

- East Ridge to Mountain Laurel Sanctuary Loop - Approximately five miles round trip; features abundant mountain laurel blooms during late spring/early summer months.

-Nipmuck Trail North from Route 171 - It's a moderate rated back-trail which spans across roughly six-miles leading towards Wolf Rock Nature Preserve

-Park Road Walk Up- Easy two-mile walk up on park road providing panoramic view of the surrounding area at its peak point

-Bigelow Pond Loop - Short half-a-mile family-friendly loop encircling picturesque Bigelow Pond ideal for bird watching or picnicking

-Snow Hill Fire Tower Hike - Roughly three-miles-long trek taking you uphill towards historic Snow Hill fire tower site

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Sun Valley Beach Club
51 Old Springfield Road
Stafford, CT
860-684-5861
Mineral Springs Family Campground
135 Leonard Road
Stafford Springs, CT
860-684-2993
Brialee RV & Tent Park Inc
174 Laurel Lane
Ashford, CT
Nickerson Park Campground
1036 Phoenixville Road
Chaplin, CT
860-455-0007
Charlie Brown Campground
98 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-0142
Peppertree Camping
146 Chaplin Road
Eastford, CT
860-974-1439
Beaver Pines Campground
1728 Route 198
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0110
Chamberlain Lake Campground
1397 Route 197
Woodstock, CT
860-974-0567
Roaring Brook Cooperative Campground
Route 190 8 South Road
Stafford Springs, CT
860-684-7086
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located on over 100 wooded lakefront acres, overlooking Ashland State Park. Right out our front door you get to truly enjoy the great outdoors. Easy access to trails for hiking, and an area for swimming. Come and enjoy all that Ashland State Park has to offer, and stay at the Warren Center right next door.
38.3 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Directions from Hartford, Connecticut:

- Start on I-84 E.
- Take exit 68 for CT-195 toward Tolland/Mansfield.
- Turn right onto CT -195 S (signs for Mansfield).

From New Haven, Connecticut:

- Begin at I - 91 N.
- Continue to Meriden and take the exit towards Waterbury/I -691 W from US -5N/CT15 N/Wilbur Cross Pkwy
- Follow Route 8 North until you reach Exit #38.

From Boston Massachusetts:

- Get on MA -3 South in Hingham from Derby St/South Shore Plaza Drive and Rockland Street.
- Head southwest on Beacon Hill Rd toward Main St/Pleasant Valley Roadway.
- Merge with MA -3 South via ramp to Braintree/Cape Cod.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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