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Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Lee Thao
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000013To5
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Get ready for a deep-woods epic through the "Last Green Valley!" 🌲🥾 We’re tackling a sprawling 9-mile hike through Bigelow Hollow and Nipmuck State Forest, hitting high ridges and pristine waterside views. We’re kicking things off with the push to Cat Rocks . This is the rugged heart of the park—a dramatic ridge of "house-sized" glacial boulders and cliffs that once served as a legendary den for bobcats. After navigating the rocky terrain and soaking in the primeval forest vibes, we’ll transition to the water highlights. The second half of our journey takes us past the Bigelow Pond Dam to admire the clear, tranquil waters of the "Big Low" hollow, before finishing up at the Mashapaug Pond Spillway Dam . As one of Connecticut's largest "Great Ponds," the views at Mashapaug are the perfect reward for the miles we’ve put in. This route is roughly 9.05 miles with 564 ft of gain. While the elevation is relatively gentle over that distance, the terrain is classic New England—rocky, rooted, and beautifully wild.
🎒 What to Bring: 1+ liters of water 💧 (9 miles in this remote terrain requires extra hydration!) Lunch & snacks 🥪 (There will be a social after the hike, but do bring snacks or lunch to refuel while on the hike) Moisture-wicking layers 🧥 (The "Hollow" is famous for being significantly cooler than surrounding towns) Sturdy hiking boots 🥾 (Essential for the uneven, rocky stretches and potential mud near the spillways)
🅿️ Parking: Parking is free for CT-registered vehicles via the Passport to the Parks program. $15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays) - collected at the park $10 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays) $112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)
🍻 Social: This event is part of the 20’s & 30’s Interchapter Spring Fling with the Connecticut, Narragansett, Southeastern MA, Western MA, and Worcester chapters. After the hike, participants are encouraged to attend the Social at Treehouse Brewing in Charlton, MA at 4pm. Tree House Brewing: https://treehousebrew.com/visiting-charlton-1 Address : 129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, MA 01507 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KzhxATZBfQjDqpZeA
📧 Confirmed participants will receive: Weather updates A Google Sheet for optional carpooling Exact meeting location
Connecticut's Official State Park Site: https://ctparks.com/parks/bigelow-hollow-state-park
Explore Connecticut: https://explorect.org/bigelow-hollow/
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-d01c813

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

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