SUMMARY:
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).

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:
Take I 84 East to Exit 73. Turn right at end of ramp on to Route 190 N (Buckley Highway). Follow Route 190 North to Route 171 (Bigelow Hollow Road), East on right. Stay on Route 171 until you see park (on left). The park is listed with address Route 171 (275-285 Bigelow Hollow Road), Union, CT 06076. Try to car pool if possible, as there is a $9 per CT vehicle entrance fee ($15 for out-of-state). Meet at the Bigelow Pond picnic area in the trailhead parking lot. There are four parking areas. This is NOT the first parking area at entrance of park from Route 171. Drive past first parking area and the boat launch (where there is small parking area) to next parking area on northern tip of Bigelow Pond. Do not drive past Bigelow Pond. The park roadway ends at the Mashapaug Pond Boat launch.