Here, you can bask in the scenic views of the glittering pond and enjoy a full day of relaxation before resuming your backpacking adventures. The best guide to take along with you on a hike is CFPA's 20th edition of the Connecticut WalkBook (published since 1937). According to local lore, the name “Bigelow” is derived from “Big Low” in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The Nipmuck Trail is a Blue-Blazed hiking trail "system" which meanders through 34.5 miles (55.5 km) of forests in northeast Connecticut.It is maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and is considered one of the Blue-Blazed hiking trails. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. This entry is not for the parcel adjacent to Bigelow Hollow, this is for the Murray and Bradley Trails within the southernmost section of the Nipmuck State Forest. The trail is primarily used for hiking … Notice a map error, contact Clare at ccain@ctwoodlands.org; The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System would not exist without the gracious support of our landowner trail hosts. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/nipmuck-trail Bigelow Hollow State Park joins with the Nipmuck State Forest to form over 9,000 acres of forest, including many small rivers and a few ponds. I headed up to Willington in early fall and decided to add in a hike after my errands. There are two southern trail heads (two tines of a fork) in the south of the town of Mansfield, Connecticut. There are no marked trails to Briggs pond. We parked at the state park by the Bigelow Pond picnic area, and I’m realizing as I type this and peruse the map, that the majority of our hike was actually through the Nipmuck State Forest. Nipmuck Marathon has been running for 35+ years in the rugged northern sections and is a classic New England race (see more info here); Nipmuck South Trail Race started in 2014 and is part of the Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series. Nipmuck Trail is a 14.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ashford, Connecticut that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. It is also available as an e-book. Nipmuc River Trail Loop is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Harrisville, Rhode Island that offers the chance to see wildlife. It is one of the largest unbroken forest areas in the state. Bigelow Hollow State Park is within the Nipmuck State Forest. There are three large ponds and miles of blazed trails accessible to non motorized vehicles. It takes place annually in June (see more info here)Fastest Known Time (use this link for all FKTs) Nipmuck State Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park offer more than 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including hiking trails, an 18-acre pond for boating and fishing, cross country skiing, hunting, picnicking, scuba diving, and snowmobiling. Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park can be found in Union. I saw that Google Maps had a trail off Polster Rd in Willington.. Nipmuck State Forest and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities including miles of hiking trails, and an 18-acre pond in Eastern Connecticut. Explore the forested beauty that Nipmuck State Forest has to offer when you crash at Breakneck Pond campsite. Marked trails lead from Bigelow Hollow to the Breakneck area. Hikers should be prepared to walk at least 6 miles to complete a loop around Breakneck. 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