Bigelow Hollow State Park/Nipmuck Forest

 Seven of us met at the Breakneck Pond Trail head. It was a beautiful, sunny day. We walked the easy Bigelow Pond loop before walking the moderate Mashapaug Pond View Trail. We ate our lunches at Rock Island , enjoying the views of  Mashapaug Pond. After lunch we walked through the Nipmuck Forest to the shelter on the east side of Breakneck Pond. After the six hour hike, we all went to the Traveler's restaurant where everyone gets to pick a free book to take home. It was a great day!!!

 Located just south of the state line of CT and central MA near Rte 84 and minutes south of the Mass turnpike is a very popular hiking spot. Let me be your guide for the day, since I used to work here. Our hiking will have excellent views of the glacier formed ponds of Bigelow, Mashapaug, and Breakneck. You would have to travel to Maine to experience similar scenery. Meet  at 9:30 AM for this 8-mile hike, which will start at 10 AM sharp at the Bigelow Pond Picnic area trail head parking lot. We will hike the Bigelow Pond loop trail and the Mashapaug Pond view trail to Rock Island, where we will have lunch. Continuing along the east side of Breakneck Pond to a shelter. We will end about 4 PM with an early (optional) dinner at a unique local restaurant. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Bigelow is an alcohol free park. Bring 2 bottles of water, a light lunch, shoes for rocky terrain and something orange (preferably an orange vest or hat) since it is bow-hunting season. For more information and a map: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325174&depNav_GID=1650. Address for mapquest: Rt 171, Union, CT 06076. There are no fees at this time of year.