Gay Outdoors - Gay Hiking and Adventure Travel Community

HIKES & EVENTS

Hike/Swim at Bigelow Hollow State Park

Hiking/Walk

DATE: Aug 25, 2018

END DATE: Aug 25, 2018

Hike/Event Location: Union CT

Trip Leader(s)

dave0729
Bolton, CT United States

Meeting Time: 11:00 AM

Max # People: 30

Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Hike Difficulty Level:

Easy

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Disclaimer: The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on our website you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on our web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. We do not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of our members to lead or participate in trips.

Summary

Bigelow Hollow State Park and the bordering Nipmuck State Forest are located just south of the CT and MA border in Union, CT ("the smallest town with the biggest heart") in the NE part of state, and are easily accessible from I84. It is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, boating, picnicking, and camping. The area contains several ponds and many hiking trails on more than 9,000 acres. We will meet at the Bigelow Pond picnic area in the trailhead parking lot. This is NOT the first parking lot at entrance to the park from Rt. 171. Drive past the first parking lot and then past the small boat launch area, to the next parking area opposite Bigelow Pond. Park here. (The park road ends at Mashapaug Pond boat launch.) We will hike from Bigelow Pond to Mashapaug Pond. We will walk a short way on the Bigelow Pond Loop (yellow trail) to the Mashapaug Pond View Trail (blue-white bar blazed trail). On this trail we will hike to Mashapaug Pond, to where there are many beautiful and popular swimming areas on the pond (bring bathing suit and towel). There will be time for a swim and short snack. Afterwards we will hike to the Mashapaug Boat Launch, and walk the park road back to the parking lot next to Bigelow Pond. It is expected that the whole trip will total about two and a half hours (unless we all decide to swim longer). "Bigelow" is believed to be a contraction of the two English words "big low," as the 18-acre pond is located in a geographical hollow. "Mashapaug" is a native Indian word meaning "great pond," since the Mashapaug Pond is nearly 300 acres and significantly bigger than Bigelow Pond. After the hike and swim, those interested will meet at a local restaurant for optional after-hike social.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From the South, take I84 East to Exit 73. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto route 190N. (Buckley Highway). Follow 190N to a right turn onto Route 171 (Bigelow Hollow Road), heading East. Stay on Route 171 (Bigelow Hollow Road) until you see the park entrance on the left. There is no exact GPS address, but the park is located generally at 275-285 Bigelow Hollow Road, Union, CT 06076. Entrance is now free for CT registered vehicles, but vehicles with out-of-state plates are charged $15 (in season).