Bigelow Hollow State Park

Bigelow Hollow State Park and the bordering Nipmuck State Forest are located just south of the CT and MA border in Union, CT, and are easily accessible from I 84. It is a popular spot for hiking, camping and swimming, and it encompasses a large area for picnicking and boating. The area contains several ponds and many hiking trails on more than 9,000 acres. From the Bigelow Pond picnic area we will hike from Bigelow Pond to Mashapaug Pond. We will go a short distance on Bigelow Pond Loop (yellow trail) to the Mashapaug Pond View Trail (blue-white bar trail). We will hike the blue-white bar trail to Mashapaug Pond where there is a nice spot for a quick swim (bring bathing suit and towel). We will then go to the Mashapaug Boat Launch and pick up the park roadway back to the the Bigelow Pond picnic area. There will be an optional after-hike social at a local restaurant).