Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors

Adjoined to Nipmuck State Forest, Bigelow Hollow State Park and the surrounding forest offer over 9,000 acres of recreation opportunities as well as over 35 miles of hiking trails. Union is located in the northeastern corner of Connecticut and is one of the largest unbroken forests in Connecticut. Nipmuck Forest is the second oldest forest in region with the first parcel being acquired in 1905. Additional parcels in the towns of Ashford, Stafford, Willington and Woodstock have been added over the years to make the forest that attracts hikers today.

Believe it or not, no one can conclusively confirm how the park got it’s name. According to local records “Bigelow” is not associated with any individual name or local tribe in the region. Older residents of Union (population: 785 according to the 2020 census) say the name came from “Big Low” in reference to the deep hollow of the 18-acre Bigelow lake. The lake extends to a depth of more than 700ft below the surrounding ridgeline. The word “Mashapaug” is the Nipmuck Indian word for “Great Pond.” The 300-acre Mashapaug Lake (located on the north western side of the park/forest) is the largest lake in the park/forest. Breakneck Pond and Griggs Pond are two additional water bodies located on the northern end of the park.

The vegetation around the park, specifically the Breakneck Pond area of the park, is mostly pines and evergreen trees. This means the beauty of the conifers persists year round. Hikers looking to traverse the Breakneck Pond area should plan for a 6-7 mile hike, with about .5 miles into Massachusetts. Overall the hike to and around Breakneck Pond is mostly flat, however, there are definitely challenging areas. In the winter or when the ground is damp, fast flowing streams form that must be crossed using nothing more than a downed tree trunk as a makeshift bridge. Some of these streams can be 6-8 inches deep, and while you won’t get swept away if you fall in, hiking in clothes dampened with 40 degree water can lead to problems. Also along the route, hikers will be treated to a vast array of wildlife including beavers and hawks. Trails are not always marked, so be sure to know your route thoroughly before embarking.

Choosing to visit this hidden gem located in the smallest town in Connecticut is like traveling through a time machine. With a drive of just over 1h and 15m from New Haven, adventurers can easily find time to get away. Get away to a region where nature remains untouched and visitors can truly escape reality and experience what a real New England small town and true wilderness is like.

Parking: 298 Bigelow Hollow Road, Union, CT, 06076

AllTrails: Photos taken along the “Breakneck Pond Loop Trail.” See https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/connecticut/bigelow-hollow-state-park for the best hikes within the park!