Bigelow Hollow State Park: a visit from Sturbridge

Bigelow Hollow State Park is at 298 Bigelow Hollow Road in Union, Connecticut, and the park is about an 11-minute drive from Sturbridge Plaza Hotel. The park map shows parking areas and boat launches on Bigelow Bridge off Route 197, also called Bigelow Hollow Road.

For Bigelow Pond Boat Launch, the Connecticut DEEP listing gives a more specific approach: it is inside the park, off Route 171, 1.3 miles east of the junction with Route 190. Parking capacity can affect your arrival; if the lots are full, no additional vehicles are allowed into the park for the rest of that day.

If you are arranging a wider day in town, a one-day Sturbridge itinerary can help put the park outing in context.

Bigelow Hollow’s landscape combines forest with 419 acres of open water. The park adjoins the 3,400-acre Breakneck Block of Nipmuck State Forest, creating a broad setting for walking and outdoor recreation.

The water includes 97-acre Breakneck Pond, 25-acre Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake, which covers 297 acres. Boat launches are available at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake. Bigelow Pond does not allow internal-combustion engines; Mashapaug Lake has a 10 mph speed limit and does not permit waterskiing.

Breakneck Pond has no motor-vehicle access. Walk-in access is approximately 1.2 miles from the north end of Bigelow Pond, so plan for the approach on foot as part of your outing.

Hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking and birdwatching are among the activities available at Bigelow Hollow State Park. The park also offers scuba diving in Mashapaug Lake, plus winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

The northern terminus of the 35-mile Blue-Blazed Nipmuck Trail is in the park area. For a shorter walk, trails west of the park road form loops. Trails east from Bigelow Pond toward Breakneck are not loops, and walking a loop around Breakneck Pond requires at least six miles.

There are no designated swimming areas, and the park’s waters are not tested for water quality or indicator bacteria. If you are hiking during regulated hunting seasons, wear high-visibility clothing and stay on designated trails, as the park advises.

Connecticut State Parks gives daily hours of 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Connecticut-registered vehicles do not pay a daily parking fee. For out-of-state vehicles, the daily fee is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays, from April 1 through October 31.

When the ticket booth is closed, out-of-state visitors must pay online on the day of their visit. During the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, and on holidays, fees are collected at the entrance. The season pass for out-of-state vehicles costs $112. Hours and fees can change, so check the official site before you go.

Keep to designated parking areas. Buses seating 30 or more passengers are not allowed, alcohol is prohibited, and pets must remain on a leash no longer than 7 feet. Camping and ground fires are not permitted within the park.

For a day built around the ponds, use the boat launches at Bigelow Pond or Mashapaug Lake and follow the different boating rules for each. If you plan to walk toward Breakneck Pond, account for its walk-in access and the longer distance required to complete the pond loop.

Where is Bigelow Hollow State Park?

The park is at 298 Bigelow Hollow Road in Union, Connecticut.

Does Bigelow Hollow State Park have a swimming area?

No. The park has no designated swimming areas, and its waters are not tested for water quality or indicator bacteria.

Can you camp at Bigelow Hollow State Park?

No. Camping and ground fires are not permitted within the park.

Are dogs allowed in the park?

Pets are permitted on a leash no longer than 7 feet.