Bigelow Hollow State Park sits on 516 acres in Union, Connecticut, anchored by the clear waters of Bigelow Pond and neighboring Mashapaug Lake. Together with the adjacent Nipmuck State Forest, the area offers one of the largest stretches of undeveloped land in eastern Connecticut — a genuine escape from the densely settled corridor between Hartford and Providence.

The park’s centerpiece is its water. Bigelow Pond is a pristine glacial pond ringed by hemlock and hardwood forest, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for largemouth bass and panfish. A small boat launch provides easy access, though motors are restricted to keep the water quiet. Mashapaug Lake, accessible by trail, rewards paddlers willing to portage with even more solitude.

On land, hikers can explore roughly 15 miles of trails that wind through rocky terrain, past stone walls from the area’s farming past, and along ridgelines with filtered views of the surrounding forest. The Nipmuck Trail, a blue-blazed path that connects to the broader Connecticut trail system, passes directly through the park and draws serious long-distance hikers.

Fall is the standout season here — Tolland County’s hillsides light up with color, and the reflection off Bigelow Pond is worth the trip alone. Summer brings swimmers and picnickers to the designated beach area, while spring offers excellent birding as warblers move through the forest canopy.

With a 4.6-star rating across more than 1,300 reviews, Bigelow Hollow consistently ranks among eastern Connecticut’s most popular natural areas. Arrive early on summer weekends — the parking lot fills fast.

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