Nipmuck State Forest is a pretty place in Connecticut. It’s a big forest where you can walk, sleep in tents, and catch fish. This guide tells you about its paths, tent spots, and water. My name is Douglas Baltes. I studied sea animals at the University of Tasmania. I learned about nature for five years. I write fun stories about places like Australia’s Great Southern Reef. Now, I want to share Nipmuck’s beauty with you. Let’s go see this special forest!
Why Nipmuck State Forest Is So Nice
Nipmuck State Forest is a quiet spot in east Connecticut. It has over 9,000 acres of trees and land. It includes Bigelow Hollow State Park. Together, they make a huge forest far from cities. You can walk, sleep in tents, or fish here. It’s great for people who like trees, water, and animals. Nipmuck is part of the Last Green Valley, a place with lots of beauty.
The forest started in 1905. It’s one of Connecticut’s oldest forests. It’s in towns like Union, Woodstock, and Ashford. You’ll see rocky hills, clear water, and tall trees. Animals like deer, coyotes, and owls live here. It’s a fun place to enjoy nature.
Walking in Nipmuck State Forest
Walking is a happy activity in Nipmuck State Forest. The forest has over 30 miles of paths. The Nipmuck Trail is the biggest path. It goes 41.5 miles from Mansfield to Massachusetts. Other paths join it, so you have lots of ways to walk.
The Nipmuck Trail
The Nipmuck Trail has blue marks to follow. It starts in Mansfield at Puddin Lane or Mansfield Hollow State Park. It ends at Breakneck Pond in Bigelow Hollow State Park. The south part is easy with flat paths near water. The north part is hard with rocky hills and steep climbs. You can see neat things on the trail. Wolf Rock is a big old rock. Fifty Foot Cliff shows a view of Mansfield Hollow Lake. Pixie Falls is a small waterfall. Coye Hill is the tallest spot on the trail. It’s fun to walk up!
Other Paths to Try
Bigelow Hollow State Park has 20 miles of extra paths. The Bigelow Pond Loop is short, just one mile. Kids like it because it has rocks to climb and nice views. The Mashapaug Pond View Trail is longer. It shows Mashapaug Lake, which is 297 acres big.
The Breakneck Pond area has hard paths. The Ridge Trail and Breakneck Pond View Trail are rocky. They’re not circles, so you walk out and back. A circle around Breakneck Pond is six miles. Wear strong shoes because the paths are tough. Bring a map to stay safe.
Tips for Walking
- Wear bright clothes in fall. Hunters are in the forest from October to December.
- Bring a map or phone with GPS. Some paths are hard to follow.
- Stay on the paths. This keeps the forest safe and helps you stay found.
- Carry water and snacks. There are no stores in the forest.
Sleeping in Tents in Nipmuck State Forest
Sleeping in tents in Nipmuck is simple and calm. You can sleep at three special tent spots. These are called backpack tent spots. They’re basic with no bathrooms or water. You must call the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) two weeks before to save a spot.
Tent Spots
The three tent spots are on the Nipmuck Trail. They are:
- Near Pixie Falls in Natchaug State Forest.
- Near Knowlton Brook.
- General Lyons tent spot.
These spots have room for tents. They have one or two fire pits. You bring your own tent and water. Pixie Falls has a stream nearby. Ask DEEP if the water is safe.
Tent Rules
- Don’t make fires on the ground without a permit.
- Stay only one night at each spot. This keeps the forest clean.
- Take all your trash with you. Leave the forest nice.
- Wear bright colors like orange in hunting season.
- Keep pets on a short leash, no longer than seven feet.
Other Tent Spots Nearby
If you want a fancier tent spot, try private ones near Nipmuck. Hipcamp lists farms or cabins close by. For example, a farm in North Stonington is 20 minutes away. These places might have bathrooms, showers, or fire pits. Some sell eggs or wood.
Catching Fish in Nipmuck State Forest
Catching fish is fun in Nipmuck and Bigelow Hollow State Park. There are three main places to fish: Bigelow Pond, Mashapaug Lake, and Breakneck Pond. These waters have lots of fish to catch.
Best Fishing Places
- Bigelow Pond: This pond is 25 acres. It has trout, big bass, and sunfish. You can fish in summer or on ice in winter.
- Mashapaug Lake: This lake is 297 acres. It’s known for big fish, like a 29-pound catfish and a 12-pound bass. You can also catch walleye and pickerel.
- Breakneck Pond: This pond is 92 acres. It’s a 1.2-mile walk to get there. It has bass, perch, and pickerel. The water is clear and pretty.
Fishing Rules
- You need a fishing license from Connecticut or Massachusetts for Breakneck Pond. It’s on the state line.
- Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake have rules. You can keep six bass a day, but only two can be bigger than 16 inches.
- Trout rules change by season. From March 1 to mid-April, keep one trout over 14 inches. From mid-April to February, keep five trout, but only one brook trout over 14 inches.
- No motorboats are allowed. Use a kayak or canoe.
Fishing Tips
- Wear a life jacket if you use a boat. It’s the law.
- Check if ponds have water. Some streams dry up in summer.
- Use light gear for trout and strong gear for bass or pickerel.
- Fish early in the morning or late evening for the best catches.
Animals and Plants in Nipmuck
Nipmuck State Forest has lots of animals and plants. You’ll see oak, maple, and pine trees. In spring, flowers grow on the ground. In fall, leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. The Mountain Laurel Sanctuary on Snow Hill is pretty in June or July. It has pink and white flowers on big bushes.
Deer, coyotes, owls, and eagles live here. You might see eagles nesting near Breakneck Pond. Bring binoculars to watch them. Ponds have cattails and water lilies. These plants help fish and frogs stay safe. Stay far from animals to keep them happy.
History of Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest has an old story. The Nipmuck Native Americans lived here first. The forest’s name comes from them. In 1905, Connecticut bought 300 acres for $3.57 each. Now, it’s over 9,000 acres.
In the 1930s, workers built Snow Hill Road and the Mountain Laurel Sanctuary. Bigelow Hollow became a state park in 1949. “Bigelow” might mean “Big Low” because of the deep area by Bigelow Pond. “Mashapaug” means “Great Pond” in the Nipmuck language.
How to Get to Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest is in Union, Connecticut, near Massachusetts. The main entrance is at Bigelow Hollow State Park. Here’s how to get there:
- From I-84 East: Take Exit 73 or 74. Drive on Route 190 north, then Route 171 east to the park.
- For Mountain Laurel Sanctuary: Take Exit 72 from I-84. Go north on Route 89, then west on Route 190. Look for signs.
- Parking: Park at Bigelow Hollow State Park lots. It’s free for Connecticut cars.
Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Weather: Summers are hot, and winters are cold. Wear good clothes.
- Bring Stuff: The forest has no stores. Pack water, food, and a first-aid kit.
- Watch for Bears: Black bears live here. Keep food safe and make noise when walking.
- Be Nice to Nature: Don’t pick plants or bother animals. Take your trash home.
Why Nipmuck Is a Hidden Gem
Nipmuck State Forest is different from other parks. It’s quiet and far from cities. The paths and water are great for everyone, from kids to grown-ups. You can walk the long Nipmuck Trail, fish in Mashapaug Lake, or sleep by Pixie Falls. It’s a calm place to love nature.
I study places like the Great Southern Reef in Australia. Nipmuck’s water and trees are like the sea’s kelp forests. Both need care to stay healthy. The Australian Marine Conservation Society likes my work to save nature. Connecticut works hard to keep Nipmuck safe, too.
Let’s Conclude
Nipmuck State Forest is a wonderful place in Connecticut. It has paths, tent spots, and fishing places for everyone. If you like walking, sleeping in tents, or catching fish, you’ll love it here. Pack your things and visit this hidden gem. Have you been to Nipmuck? Tell us your favorite path or fishing spot in the comments!
Disclaimer: This article about Nipmuck State Forest is for informational purposes only. All information is based on research from reliable sources, like the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and other cited websites, as of August 2025. Rules for hiking, camping, and fishing may change, so always check with DEEP or local authorities before your visit. The author, Douglas Baltes, is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or issues that happen during your trip. Follow all forest rules and safety tips to protect yourself and the environment.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
