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Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest

Route 171

Stafford Springs, CT 06076

Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest

860-684-3430

Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.

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AARP Events for Stafford Springs

AARP Events for Stafford Springs

• Featured Event

  AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET

  Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Hartford, CT

• Featured Event

  AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET

  Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Hartford, CT

• Featured Event

  AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET

  Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

  Hartford, CT

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
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					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
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					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</h1></header>

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					<div>
											<div>Route 171</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
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				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</h1></header>

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</h1></header>

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											<div>Route 171</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</h1></header>

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>Route 171</div>
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							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
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										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>Route 171</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/stafford-springs-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>Route 171</div>
											<div>
							<span>Stafford Springs</span>,
							<span>CT</span>
												<span>06076</span>
											</div>
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								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Bigelow-Hollow-State-Park-Nipmuck-State-Forest/Facilities" target="_blank">Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-684-3430</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union lie within one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Eastern Connecticut. Nipmuck is the second oldest state forest in Connecticut. The first parcel was acquired in 1905. Additional lands in the towns of Stafford, Ashford, Willington, and Woodstock have been added to the forest over the years. Today Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow total over 9,000 acres. The recreation area in Bigelow Hollow was established in 1949 by the State Park and Forest Commission.The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. According to older residents of Union, the name is derived from "Big Low" in reference to the deep hollow in which the 18-acre pond of that name is located. The word "Mashapaug" is the Nipmuck Indian word for "Great Pond". The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. The latter party was forced to give up the battle when they ran into a ledge and later joined forces with their rivals to create the present lake. Two other smaller ponds, Breakneck and Griggs, lie to the north and east of Mashapaug in Nipmuck State Forest.The contrast of rock, water, and mixed deciduous/evergreen woodland provide ample beauty to the many visitors this park receives.</p>		</div>
		

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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Stafford Springs</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Stafford Springs</h2>
	</header>
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										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
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										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-day-the-wadsworth-atheneum-museum-of-art-hartford-ct-112124-z4njtdpbx3n.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-CT-DAY-THE-WADSWORTH-ATHENEUM-MUSEUM-OF-ART">AARP CT Day @ The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art</p>
					<p class="loc">Hartford, CT</p>
					
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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
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Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
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