Bigelow Hollow Summer Hike, Swim, and Picnic

[David Ostafin]

Join us for a summer hike around Bigelow Hollow Pond at Bigelow Hollow State Park (298 Bigelow Hollow Road, Route 171, Union, CT) on Saturday, August 24, 2024.  Due to the popularity of the park on summer days (and limited parking) we are asking participants to plan to arrive by 10:00 a.m..  The hike will be followed by a swim in the nearby Mashapaugh Pond, and afterwards a group picnic.  Bring your bathing suit & towel, and your picnic lunch.

The 516 -acre Bigelow Hollow State Park is located just South of the Massachusetts border with Connecticut, in Union, Connecticut.  Union is the smallest town in the state by population (its motto is:  "The smallest town with the biggest heart").   It is believed the name of the park is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond is located.  The park is easily accessible from I-84.  It is a  popular spot for hiking, swimming, camping, picnicking and boating.  Connecticut-registered vehicles are not charged a fee.  Out-of-state registered vehicles are required to pay an online out-of-state fee of $15 on the day of the visit (passes-ReserveAmerica).

We will meet at the Bigelow Pond picnic area at the trailhead parking lot.  There are four parking lots along the park roadway.  This is not the first parking area at the entrance to the park from off Route 171.  Drive past the first parking lot, and also past the boat launch area (where there is a small parking lot) to the next parking area at the northern tip of Bigelow Pond.  The paved road will end at the Mashapaugh Pond boat launch, and we will later walk the rest of the paved road for our swim and picnic.

The plan is to hike a loop around Bigelow Pond counterclockwise, along the yellow-blazed trail from the parking area.  After we complete the loop around the pond, we will walk along the paved road to the Mashapaugh Pond, the favorite swimming spot for all who visit the park (because Mashapaugh Pond has clear water and beach areas).  We will enjoy a swim in Mashapaugh Pond (remember to bring bathing suit and towel).  Also bring your picnic lunch and non-alcoholic beverages for our picnic after our swim.  NOTE:   You can leave your lunch in your vehicle during the hike around Bigelow Pond, as we will return to the parking lot before our walk to Mashapaugh Pond. 

The hike is relatively easy, and is mostly flat.  It is expected that the walking time will be approximately two hours in duration.

DIRECTIONS: From points South in Connecticut, take I-84 East to Exit 73.  Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Route 190 N (Buckley Highway).  Follow Route 190 N to a right onto Route 171 (Bigelow Hollow Road).  The entrance to the park is a left on Route 171.  You can use "298 Bigelow Hollow Road, Union, Ct" as an approximate GPS address.

As always, dress appropriately for hiking, including suitable footwear.  Bring ample water, as August can be hot.  Read our Disclaimer in the About Us section.  Dogs on leash are welcome everywhere in the park.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday, August 25, 2024.

David Ostafin & Giovani Querido

[Michael Iannotti]

Sounds great. Unfortunately I'll be in Montreal that week. Next time for sure.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CT Pride Hikers" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ct-pride-hike...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ct-pride-hikers/CAPKpN91PN88v%3DR8FSU%3D9xdGeRvx6AX5_-eDY3N3gmO-oKfWhqw%40mail.gmail.com.