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Bigelow Hollow State Park facts for kids

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Bigelow Hollow State Park
Bigelow pond 9.6.2005.jpg
Bigelow Pond, near the park entrance
Bigelow Hollow State Park is located in Connecticut
Bigelow Hollow State Park
Bigelow Hollow State Park
Location in Connecticut
Location Union, Connecticut, United States
Area 516 acres (209 ha)
Elevation 741 ft (226 m)
Designation Connecticut state park
Established 1949
Administrator Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Website Bigelow Hollow State Park

Bigelow Hollow State Park is a fun outdoor place in Union, Connecticut. It's a state park covering about 516 acres. This park is next to Nipmuck State Forest and Mashapaug Lake.

The park sits in a big dip in the land, like a giant bowl. It is about 700 feet lower than the hills around it. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection takes care of this park.

What's Around Bigelow Hollow?

Bigelow Hollow State Park is part of a very special area. It is called the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. This area has some of the biggest forests in Connecticut.

The park is surrounded by other large forest areas. These include the Nipmuck State Forest and the Yale-Myers Forest. There are also the Natchaug State Forest and the Norcross Wildlife Refuge.

This state park was created in 1949. It was once part of the Nipmuck State Forest.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

People say this park feels very remote for Connecticut. It's a great place to explore nature. You might even want a map to help you find your way.

The park and nearby forest have over 35 miles of trails. Some trails go around Breakneck Pond. This is a quiet lake you can only reach by walking.

Lakes and Ponds for Water Fun

You can find a boat launch at Bigelow Pond. This pond is about 25 acres big. It's right at the park's entrance.

There are also places for picnics here. Mashapaug Lake is another big lake in the park. It's about 287 acres and is found near the end of the main road.

Fishing and Winter Sports

Fishing is a popular activity here. You can fish in the summer and even in winter. In winter, people enjoy ice fishing.

The streams, ponds, and lakes have many kinds of fish. You might catch trout, bass, or pickerel.

If you like snow, you can go snowmobiling. The snowmobile trails start in the state park. They continue into the Nipmuck State Forest.

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