I set out on a nice autumn day to do some backpacking at Bigelow Hollow State Park. [7], Aquatic vegetation is quite sparse in most areas of Mashapaug Lake, except in certain areas of shallow water; although recently, infrequent lowering of the lake during the wintertime has increased shoreline aquatic vegetation. This could go past 2PM depending on the group. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection stocks the lake with brown and rainbow trout. To access trails and the lake, head to the parking area on Wallum Lake Park Road. The lake is open year round and has a 10 mph speed limit on the West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The 18-acre pond has cool, clean water and can be used for swimming, fishing, boating, or scuba diving! Where there are no houses, the lake's shoreline is heavily forested, with the Bigelow Hollow State Park surrounding the southern and southwestern areas of the lake. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. To begin the hike just simply enter the woodland path and follow the trail. These species include sunfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. 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 … Things flatten out a little and become more “civilised’ as you approach Mashapaug Pond, with plenty of picnic benches and grill spots. Bigelow Hollow State Park looking north from the southern shore of Mashapaug Lake at sunset. He said the three- quarter acre island is undeveloped -- … Life After Death Experience (NDE) with Steve Gardipee, Vietnam War Story | One of the Best NDEs - … Bigelow Hollow State Park, Nipmuck State Forest, Mashapaug Lake, Breakneck Pond, Bigelow Pond Union Connecticut 05/22/20 Music: The Old RV Rate this Adventure This state park in Connecticut is a water playground for those who love the simplicity of the good old days. This is a new adventure! Some plants that can be found in the shallows are yellow pond-lily (Nuphar variegata), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), and pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.). Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre (1.20 km2) lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in the town of Union in northeastern Connecticut. Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Union, Connecticut that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The Sprague Land Preserve (also known as the Mukluk Preserve) was an incredible surprise. Whether it's hiking, fishing, or horseback riding it's a beautiful spot for anyone that can get there at sunrise and out before sunset when the gates close.Y... Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.9 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre (1.20 km2) lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in the town of Union in northeastern Connecticut. A boat launch can be found at this access point. 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… Bigelow Hollow State Park Nipmuck State Forest UNION 41 5 9' . Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.9 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! The state park property only encompasses Bigelow Pond to the shore of Mashapaug Pond and the rest of the park is Nipmuck State Forest land both east and west. Visitors can access the Mashapaug Lake through Bigelow Hollow State Park at its southern end. When you first go in the park the first pond In order to go under the bridge just simply take the first ... Douglas State Forest is located off of Rte 16 in south central Massachusetts. Where: Bigelow Hollow State Park Distance: 6-mile loop Must see: Enjoy beautiful views of Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow Pond in one of the largest forest areas in … Bigelow Hollow State Park — Union, CT. In total, there are thousands and thousands of acres to enjoy in this area even if you don’t fish. Bigelow Hollow State Park is home to a stunning freshwater lake and two smaller natural ponds. 11.8 miles 1 ft gain Hike Breakneck Ridge Loop Bigelow Hollow State Park is the northeasternmost state recreational area and is tucked into the 9,000-acre Nipmuck State Forest. People can also swim in the lake. 6 " N, 72 0 '36 .59" W This map shows lake depth. The northern and northwestern shores of the lake, however, are more densely populated than the rest of the lake. 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. Content updated February 2018 Bigelow Hollow Pond, Mashapaug Lake and Breakneck Pond is a 11.9 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union: This jewel of our park system, way up in the northeast corner and “hidden” away in the 9,000-acre Nipmuck State Forest, has a lot to Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union: This jewel of our park system, way up in the northeast corner and “hidden” away in the 9,000-acre Nipmuck State Forest, has a lot to keep you occupied. Regulations: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. Bigelow Hollow also seems to have a bit of a fern problem, and the combination of these three things gave the impression of a way more ancient and remote forest than we were actually in. Bigelow Hollow State Park on Bigelow Pond Loop Trail (Yellow). ), and the heaviest channel catfish ever caught in the state was caught there in 2004 (29 lbs. The lake has a maximum depth of 39.5 feet (12.0 meters), and an average depth of 15 feet (4.6 meters). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. [8], Many species of fish reside within Mashapaug Lake. The hollow of Bigelow Hollow is formed by ridgelines to the east and west and when combined with the surrounding areas, forms one of the largest unbroken forest tracts in Connecticut. Bigelow Brook is formed in Union, Connecticut at the outflow of Mashapaug Lake.After leaving the lake, it flows south through the Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, and into Bigelow Pond. Bigelow Pond on September 8, 2005 Bigelow Hollow State Park , in Union, Connecticut is a Connecticut state park surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest , and bordering Mashapaug Lake . Westville Lake is situated on the Quinebaug River in the towns of Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It's up to you! It is a nice property in northern Connecticut - 9,000 Launch: In State Park off Rte. Be the first to leave a review! [6], Mashapaug Lake is open to the public for fishing and boating. adventures and follow local regulations. Bigelow Hollow Hike – 7.5 miles, this hike is intermediate due to length and some rocky hill climbs. Mashapaug Lake is fed by Wells Brook and several intermittent streams. Just over the Massachusetts border, Nipmuck State Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park in Connecticut offer plenty Learn More. From there hit the trail and explore the unusual gap between the tall granite walls, which might be adorned with climbers. Ice fishing on the lake is popular during the winter months. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. 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… Bigelow Hollow ( the park ) is about 600 acres nettled around the Yale, Nipmuck, and Natchaug State Forests. Bigelow Hollow State Park is public recreation area in the town of Union, Connecticut, in the Quinebaug Highlands. Bigelow Hollow State Parkis public recreation area in the townof Union, Connecticut, in the Quinebaug Highlands. From the parking lot, you can access the Coffeehouse Loop Trail, as well as a few other... For this 1-mile hike, you can park at the Purgatory Chasm Visitor Center. It drains south into Bigelow Brook, but when the water level is lowered for the winter, water is pumped north into the Quinnebaug River system. One takes you out and around a very large pond. Hike the Coffeehouse Loop, Douglas State Forest. Please explore responsibly! The lake has a maximum depth of 39.5 feet (12.0 meters), and an average depth of 15 feet (4.6 meters).  - Loop Trail. Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to exclusive discounts. [3], Mashapaug Lake is natural in origin, but the construction of two dams has raised its water level. The heaviest largemouth bass ever caught in Connecticut was caught in Mashapaug Lake in 1961 (12 lbs. There are picnic benches, beaches, and a boat launch, plus miles of hiking trails. The lake is very popular with fishermen and boaters from the area, and can also be used for swimming. Overview Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mashapaug Lake, http://www.landbigfish.com/fishingspots/showcase.cfm?ID=1046, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mashapaug_Lake&oldid=956364748, Protected areas of Tolland County, Connecticut, Articles needing additional references from November 2018, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without pushpin map alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 May 2020, at 23:39. Bigelow Pond view from Northeast near parking lot. Great for all ages and dogs are welcome too. [5], Sparse residential housing can be found along the shores of Mashapaug Lake, and also on two of the islands. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Bigelow Pond Loop is a 1.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Union, Connecticut that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. In the deep, flat areas of the lake's bottom, fine sand, silt, and organic muck can be found. Water flows over the Bigelow Brook dam at the southern end of Mashapaug Lake at all times of the year. The park and forest are located in a large hollow or depression approximately 700' below the surrounding ridgelines. Bigelow Hollow State Park is situated 2½ miles southwest of Hatchet Pond… 14 oz. The state park's 516 acres (209 ha) border Nipmuck State Foreston the east and west and Mashapaug Lakeon the north. 39 oz.).[9]. Its normal surface elevation is 706 feet. Its normal surface elevation is 706 feet. The park is in kind of a remote area in Ct. I've heard about this area from some friends on paddling net. Be the first to share your experience. A short pond loop trail, great views, and plenty of different trails to explore make this a family favorite. 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. Many people hike The drive to Diana's Pool is worth it in an of itself, taking you through the backroads of Eastern Connecticut. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. 171, 1.3 miles east of … The highlight of the park is Mashapaug Pond … It is intended for general $ informational purposes only. 11.8 miles 1 ft gain The dam at the northern end of the lake, however, is only used to drain the lake's water level during the winter. Westville offers a ... Overview Bigelow Brook is a beautiful, accessible and very wild stream that flows from Mashapaug Lake, just south of the Massachusetts border, within Bigelow … The park adjoins Nipmuck State Forest so most of the signage covers both. One of these dams lies on the lake's northern end, at an outlet which flows into the Quinnebaug River system, while the other lies on the southern end, at the Bigelow Brook outlet. Dogs are … Two state records were set from fish caught at Mashapaug Lake. The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. Have you done this adventure? Through a family inheritance, Rizner owns one of six private islands in Mashapaug Pond, which is part of Bigelow Hollow State Park. [4], The majority of Mashapaug Lake's bottom consists of gravel and sand, with some scattered boulders, trees, and stumps. 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 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Where to meet: Bigelow Pond picnic area, I will be in a grey Subaru Bigelow Hollow State Park Bigelow Hollow State Park on Mashapaug Pond View Trail (Blue/White) on southern shore of Mashapaug Pond. This is why trail running at Bigelow Hollow State Park is so great. 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