Things to Do in Bigelow Hollow State Park
Bigelow Hollow State Park, located in the Quinebaug Highlands of Union, Connecticut, is a state park characterized by its rugged, glacially formed landscape and extensive forestland. This area encompasses 516 acres and borders the 3,400-acre Breakneck Block of Nipmuck State Forest, creating a large, continuous natural space. The park's topography features a "hollow" approximately 700 feet below surrounding ridgelines, with old forests and streams. It offers opportunities for several sports like hiking and road cycling.
Things to Do in Bigelow…
20
Routes
46
People visited
5
hikers
7.86km
02:12
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
19.8km
05:21
250m
250m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
2.27km
00:35
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.49km
00:55
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
97.2km
05:00
1,450m
1,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
2
riders
82.6km
04:11
1,240m
1,240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
1
riders
58.9km
02:50
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
1
riders
82.2km
03:49
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available at Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Bigelow Hollow State Park offers opportunities for hiking and road cycling. The park and adjacent Nipmuck State Forest feature an extensive network of trails. Mashapaug Lake and Little Mashapaug Pond also provide options for fishing and paddling.
What kind of hiking trails are in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Bigelow Hollow State Park and the adjacent Nipmuck State Forest offer over 35 miles of trails. These trails range from easy paths to more advanced and technical routes with roots, rocks, and elevation changes. Loop trails are available west of the park road, and the park is the northern terminus of the 35-mile Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail.
Are there easy hiking trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Yes, Bigelow Hollow State Park offers easy hiking options, such as parts of the Bigelow Pond Loop. For more detailed information on less strenuous routes, refer to the komoot guide Easy hikes in Bigelow Hollow State Park.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Bigelow Hollow State Park includes trails suitable for families. These routes often feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances. A dedicated komoot guide provides information on Family-friendly hikes in Bigelow Hollow State Park.
What are the notable natural features in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Key natural features include Mashapaug Lake and Little Mashapaug Pond, which are scenic kettle lakes. Breakneck Pond is a secluded 97-acre pond accessible primarily by foot. The park also features a rugged glacial landscape with old forests, streams, caves, and rock formations.
Can I go road cycling in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
While the park's internal trails are primarily suited for mountain biking due to their rugged nature, road cycling routes are available in the surrounding area. Information on these routes can be found in the komoot guide Road Cycling Routes in Bigelow Hollow State Park.
How popular is Bigelow Hollow State Park on komoot?
Bigelow Hollow State Park is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 190 visitors sharing their experiences. The park's 9 routes have an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction.
What komoot guides are available for Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Komoot offers several guides for Bigelow Hollow State Park, including Hiking in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Family-friendly hikes in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Easy hikes in Bigelow Hollow State Park, and Road Cycling Routes in Bigelow Hollow State Park.
Where can I find more information about Bigelow Hollow State Park?
Additional information about Bigelow Hollow State Park is available on the official Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website. The official website is portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest.
What is the contact number for Bigelow Hollow State Park?
The contact number for Bigelow Hollow State Park is +1-860-684-3430. This number can be used for inquiries regarding park operations and conditions.
What is the terrain like for hiking in Bigelow Hollow State Park?
The terrain in Bigelow Hollow State Park is characterized by a rugged, glacially formed landscape. Trails often feature roots, rocks, and elevation changes, reflecting the park's heavily forested environment and diverse topography.
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