You should also consider bringing your mountain bike or hiking… Fishing in CT State Parks. Best dogs leash trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Connecticut 678 Reviews Explore the most popular dogs on leash trails in Bigelow Hollow State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This popular state park and its adjoining state forest is a hiker's dream. But the pond offers picturesque paddling that takes some by surprise. Bigelow Hollow Park is located on Route 171 and can be reached via I-84. This combined forested property just south of the Connecticut-Massachusetts border includes Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow, Breakneck, and Griggs ponds, where boating and pond fishing are done. Kayak or canoe for a peaceful escape. It took me around 1.5 hours to paddle the entire pond around its outside. Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, Connecticut is a state park surrounded by Nipmuck State Forest, and bordering Mashapaug Lake. See a full description on our State & Local Parks page. There are picnic benches, beaches, scuba diving, mountain biking, and a boat launch, plus miles of hiking trails. Read More. In the fall, the park becomes a haven for photographers capturing the colorful reflection of the foliage in the mirrored surface of the water. Stratton Brook State Park Address: 1242 CT-171, Union, CT 06076. Kayaking on Mashapaug Lake - at Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union CT Rating: Two-and-a-Half Stars - There is a stiff per vehicle fee of $15 for non-CT plates. The name "Bigelow" is a mystery since no person of that name seems to have been associated with this area. This waterfront park boasts a historic lighthouse, paddling,and a number of adventure programs, including canoeing, kayaking. Steep, wooded slopes disappear into the cool, blue pond below. Bigelow Hollow State Park. Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT Enjoy 9,000 acres of outdoor space and an 18-acre pond at Bigelow Hollow State Park. Contact Information Squantz Pond immerses the visitor in a "mountain like" setting. Visit our website. In 1926 Squantz Pond was established as a state park.Show more With boat launches in both Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake, novice kayakers will be able to enter the water with ease. Bigelow Hollow is also a great place for a paddle. Activities include boating, cross country skiing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, pond fishing, scuba diving, and snowmobiling. Bass Fishing at Bigelow Hollow State Park in CT. Canoe fishing for bass. Learn more from the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at 203-944-6768. There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake. Don't be fooled by the small pond when you first enter the park, keep on going to get to the main lake area. Mashapaug Pond @ Bigelow Hollow State Park I went to Mashapaug Pond today because I was told it was a wonderful place to paddle and to hike, bike, swim, etc. That aside, this is a goud kayak route, and can be combined with swimming, hiking and picnicking opportunities for families/groups. Take Exit 73 or 74, then follow Route 190 east to Route 171 east to the park entrance.