Visit Website Or call (860) 684-3430 for more information. One is used to driving distances to do anything in Connecticut, but I think Bigelow Hollow is only slightly closer to Storrs than Uncas. Two other ponds in the park, Bigelow and Breakneck, give you plenty of swimming options. Weekends & holidays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state vehicle, $5 after 4 p.m. The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. Welcome Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest Union . Connecticut State Parks offer many beautiful places to go swimming, from lakes and ponds to the shoreline. The ponds at Bigelow Hollow State Park are not designated state park swim areas and do not have lifeguards at that location. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Best dogs leash trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Connecticut 678 Reviews Explore the most popular dogs on leash trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Thank you! I have been doing litter clean up hikes around the State Forests this summer and when I visited Bigelow Hollow three weeks ago I was disappointed to find it so polluted with trash. For best results, use the customized Trip Planning Widget for Bigelow Hollow State Park on your website.It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. It took me around 1.5 hours to paddle the entire pond around its outside. This 287 acre lake, Breakneck Pond, and Bigelow Hollow Pond (see separate posts-links below) are located in Bigelow State Park on Route 171 in Union CT. It's deep enough for lake trout (I haven't caught any, though), and has lots of coves and drop-off homes for. Try one of our natural swimming holes that is a less costly swimming option. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: You'll find this amazing state park and its swimming holes off of CT-171 in Union, CT 06076. Try one of our natural swimming holes that is a less costly swimming option. Whether you enjoy splashing in cool clear water or sunbathing on warm sparkling sand, our State beaches offer the perfect way to spend a hot summer day. Boating, scuba diving, hiking, hunting, and fishing are all allowed here. good-sized bass (good eating). Once the heat sets in this summer, you’ll likely be looking for every possible way to stay cool. And while you may be tempted to load up the car with beach bags, sit in shore traffic for three hours, and wrestle a Snooki look-alike for a spot on the sand, we’re here to tell you there’s a better way to cool off this season. Located in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Mashapaug Lake covers a massive 287 acres. This state park in Connecticut is a water playground for those who love the simplicity of the good old days. Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjoining Nipmuck State Forest offer more than 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre pond. Pricing: Weekdays: free. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/bigelow-hollow-loop Have you ever been swimming at this swimming spot? If you are looking for more places to stay cool during the summer, take a look at these water wonderlands in Connecticut. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the teen was swimming in Mashapaug Lake at Bigelow Hollow State Park Sunday afternoon when he drowned. Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. The lake is open year round and has a 10 mph speed limit on the water. 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. ©2020 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. We walked for a good 90 minutes, along the blue white trail to Mashapaug Pond, then took the vehicle road back towards the car which was parked at the North end of Bigelow Pond. Shawn McNamee 2,442 views. It is ADA accessible IF you can find a parking space. 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. The 18-acre pond has cool, clean water and can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, or scuba diving! The bass fishing is great at Mashapaug Lake. On Memorial Day, tragedy struck as a 23 year old man drowned in Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, CT, which borders Mashapaug Lake. Bigelow Hollow State Park is home to a stunning freshwater lake and two smaller natural ponds. In Northeastern Connecticut, Bigelow Hollow State Park contains one of the prime swimming spots in the state. There are aren’t lifeguards on duty and the water quality isn’t tested though in years worth of visits I’ve never encountered any water quality problems. Contact: Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Love Connecticut? After what feels like an impossibly long, frigid NYC winter, summer is finally here. Or do you have your own favorite swimming hole that you are willing to share? While waterparks are sure hits, they can get expensive. 0:22. 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