Bigelow Hollow State Park
Bigelow Hollow State Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
24 reviews
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1
D. Aaronson
Asheville, NC719 contributions
Oct 2022
Beautiful lake, lots of hiking trails and some interesting rocky ridges to explore. We visited in Autumn and it was absolutely lovely. The parking pass for the Connecticut state parks could be a lot easier to use though. In fact, I'm not sure they could be more complicated than they are. As long as you can figure that out though, the park is worth the visit.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shashialabur
Bengaluru, India1,205 contributions
Oct 2019
We were in Mystic on the second weekend of October and after finishing the Aquarium and the Sea Port at Mystic, we decided to head further up north to catch the Fall colors. The Fall Tracker said the peak colors could be seen around the CT-MA border and we felt that the Bigelow Hollow State Park fit our interests !
The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors.
I had seen some reviews for this place which mentioned about visitors playing loud & boisterous music and making the place dirty. Luckily, we did not find any crowd of that type .... probably, that happens during the peak summer months, but not on a slightly chilly October afternoon.
The park has a lot of trails for the hikers and hence the time to spend depends very much on what you want to do.
The lake itself is very picturesque and beautiful, but we were probably just a bit early to see the peak fall colors.
I had seen some reviews for this place which mentioned about visitors playing loud & boisterous music and making the place dirty. Luckily, we did not find any crowd of that type .... probably, that happens during the peak summer months, but not on a slightly chilly October afternoon.
The park has a lot of trails for the hikers and hence the time to spend depends very much on what you want to do.
Written December 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skippermark
Connecticut395 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
One of Connecticut's best state parks. There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. Bigelow Pond is a "no gas motors lake", so canoes & kayaks are great here. There's islands with picnic tables that make great destinations for lunch.
Mashapaug Lake is bigger and holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. Motors of any size are allowed, but there's a 10 MPH speed limit. Both lakes have nice boat launches with dock facilities so passengers don't have to get wet. Mashapaug is the most popular, and the parking area fills quickly.
The islands on Mashapaug are private, but there's two great picnic areas on Mashapaug, with lots of access to the water. We usually kayak to the farthest picnic area because it's a long walk (about 1/2 a mile) through the woods. Both areas have picnic tables and fire pits. Even though motorboats are allowed, the waves are generally small because the boats can't go fast, but the wind can be strong, making for white caps sometimes.
If you're planning on swimming and going in the water a lot, the second picnic area is the better choice because it offers the best access to water. The water here includes both very deep areas for swimming and shallows areas for wading.
The water is crystal clear, so it's a great place to snorkel, and it's not uncommon to see SCUBA divers. There's also miles of hiking trails with varied terrain, so this park has something for everyone. This is a carry in/carry out park, meaning there's no trash cans, so you must carry out everything you carry in. Because most visitors adhere to that, plus with with the limited development around the lake, this area maintains a pristine, almost "untouched" feel.
If you visit on a summer weekend, get here early. Parking is limited, and you can find yourself walking over a mile just to get to the boat launch if you get here late. Weekday visits are free, but there's a parking fee on summer weekends.
Mashapaug Lake is bigger and holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. Motors of any size are allowed, but there's a 10 MPH speed limit. Both lakes have nice boat launches with dock facilities so passengers don't have to get wet. Mashapaug is the most popular, and the parking area fills quickly.
The islands on Mashapaug are private, but there's two great picnic areas on Mashapaug, with lots of access to the water. We usually kayak to the farthest picnic area because it's a long walk (about 1/2 a mile) through the woods. Both areas have picnic tables and fire pits. Even though motorboats are allowed, the waves are generally small because the boats can't go fast, but the wind can be strong, making for white caps sometimes.
If you're planning on swimming and going in the water a lot, the second picnic area is the better choice because it offers the best access to water. The water here includes both very deep areas for swimming and shallows areas for wading.
The water is crystal clear, so it's a great place to snorkel, and it's not uncommon to see SCUBA divers. There's also miles of hiking trails with varied terrain, so this park has something for everyone. This is a carry in/carry out park, meaning there's no trash cans, so you must carry out everything you carry in. Because most visitors adhere to that, plus with with the limited development around the lake, this area maintains a pristine, almost "untouched" feel.
If you visit on a summer weekend, get here early. Parking is limited, and you can find yourself walking over a mile just to get to the boat launch if you get here late. Weekday visits are free, but there's a parking fee on summer weekends.
Written June 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin V
1 contribution
Nov 2018 • Couples
We visited Veterans' Day weekend. Very quiet. Passed 6 others along the trail. Beautiful views. Great variety on the trail. Some flat, some rock scrambles, a few streams to cross on logs or rocks. Walking sticks helped in the water crossings. Several spots to stop for lunch or breaks along the trail. We followed the Breakneak Loop trail. It was about 8 miles round trip. Clearly marked - easy to follow.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy H
Scottsdale44 contributions
Aug 2018
Lots of drinkng and trash. Bit of a hike to the lake. People have no respectt for the environment. Crawling* all over the shore and islands causing terrible erosion, lots of trees and vegetation being lost. STAY AWAY
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
404ivettem
150 Great Wolf Drive3 contributions
Jul 2018
I didn't mind the area in which we visited and I understand based on the location there is no running water. But that would be my number one concern. I would've liked at least a washing area for your hands or even hand sanitizer after every use. Other than that, clean picnic area and a beautiful sight of the water and view ahead.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gilbert S
30 contributions
Aug 2017
This is one of the the largest lakes in CT. It has incredibly clear water with lots of shallow water near the shore - ideal for kids - and deeper water for adults. It's deep enough for lake trout (I haven't caught any, though), and has lots of coves and drop-off homes for good-sized bass (good eating).
There's a boat launch and large picnic area, but the nearest parking lot fills quickly, so be prepared to walk a bit. This idyllic lake is well worth the effort.
There's a boat launch and large picnic area, but the nearest parking lot fills quickly, so be prepared to walk a bit. This idyllic lake is well worth the effort.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malarky1212
Ashford, CT52 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
Not a bad little park on weekdays. Lots of hiking options. Swimming in the summer. Plenty of parking.
Weekends are a waste. Too crowded with lots of inconsiderate people.
Garbage everywhere. Loud and obnoxious behavior. Stay away on weekends.
Weekends are a waste. Too crowded with lots of inconsiderate people.
Garbage everywhere. Loud and obnoxious behavior. Stay away on weekends.
Written February 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
curiousflea
Johannesburg, South Africa44 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
We spent a long day here as a big family group, ages 13-73. The views to the water are amazing, and varied depending on what you like. Some are close to the water, some are a bit elevated from the water, giving a bit better view of the water. For those who are kids at heart, you can find a rope swing that lands you in the water. Picnic tables scattered throughout the wooded area and along the water line. Very nice place.
Written October 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontaukTFD
Montauk, NY64 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Went and spent the afternoon here and thought it was great. It was a Tuesday so there was no entrance fee and it was pretty busy. There's limited parking so we had to walk a bit, but that gave us the chance to enjoy the park more. We spent several hours by Mashapaug, at a nice area with picnic tables and barbecues. It was completely shaded by tree cover which was nice because it was an especially hot day. I liked that there was access to swim in the lake from pretty much every picnic spot so people weren't tripping over eachother. There were a lot of families with kids and dogs which created a nice atmosphere, but if you're looking for quiet you might want to find another spot. Overall refreshing on a hot summer day.
Written August 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i was looking for a place we can come for the day and picnic, grill, and swim.. relax and hang out... is there any openings for tomorrow??
Is there a weekday entrance fee, parking fee??
Dorothy Williams
Boiling Springs, PA335 contributions
No weekday entrance fee, only on Sat/Sun & holidays.
MarthaBSturbridge
Sturbridge, MA64 contributions
I live nearby in Sturbridge and had planned on exploring Bigelow this summer. Unfortunately, I suffered a heart attack in Dec. with many complications. Are any of the water areas for swimming/wading close enough to use my cane or walker or should I expect to use my wheelchair and is it access able for wheelchairs?
Dorothy Williams
Boiling Springs, PA335 contributions
There is a picnic place (and with a large port a potty for convenience) on the left side of the dirt road about 1/3 of the way up. There is a boat ramp that kayaks can enter & you can get into the water in your float. Parking is ample & it's less congested than the main area at the end of the main road. You should do fine there. If you want to cook out, there are grills as well!
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Claim your listingBigelow Hollow State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bigelow Hollow State Park
- Hotels near Bigelow Hollow State Park:
- (9.17 mi) Inn at Fox Hill Farm
- (9.40 mi) Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges
- (9.92 mi) Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge - Brimfield
- (8.19 mi) Southbridge Hotel And Conference Center
- (9.60 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sturbridge, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Bigelow Hollow State Park:
- (9.54 mi) Cedar Street Grille
- (9.48 mi) Sturbridge Seafood
- (9.41 mi) B.T.'s Smokehouse
- (3.70 mi) Traveler Restaurant
- (8.47 mi) Annie's Country Kitchen
Bigelow Hollow State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 10 |
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Very Good Reviews | 10 |
Bigelow Hollow State Park Photos | 40 |