Once the heat sets in this summer, head on out to Mashapaug Lake in Connecticut in Bigelow Hollow State Park, where you’ll be able to beat the heat and stay cool. While waterparks are sure hits, they can get expensive. Try one of our natural swimming holes in Connecticut that are a less costly swimming option. Bigelow Hollow State Park is home to a stunning freshwater lake and two smaller natural ponds. This state park in Connecticut is a water playground for those who love the simplicity of the good old days.

Bigelow Hollow State Park’s 516 acres of beautifully preserved nature are located in the town of Union. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, this town is perfect. Its population of about 785, makes it the least-populous town and municipality in the state.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark In 1949, this Bigelow Hollow recreation area was established by the State Park and Forest Commission.

Several water features are available at this park. The 92-acre Breakneck Pond is only accessible by foot, and is a great fishing spot where yellow perch, sunfish, largemouth, and calico bass are known to grab the line.

Google Images/Jairo Rodriguez And Bigelow Pond has 25 acres of water for you to explore. The park is also bordered by the larger Mashapaug Lake on the north. Or come back in the winter for ice fishing, another popular sport on the lake.

Mashapaug Lake’s 297 acres, and maximum depth of 39.5 feet, are surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest. By the way, Nipmuck is the second-oldest state forest in Connecticut.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark Both the lake and Bigelow Pond have picnicking facilities and boat ramps, making them the best choices to enjoy hot summer days.

The Passport to the Parks program allows anyone in a Connecticut-registered vehicle to park free-of-charge, year-round, at all Connecticut State Parks and Forests.

TripAdvisor/Kristin H Splash or float in the clear water for total refreshment at these natural swimming holes in Connecticut.

Why not swim out to the large rocks and sun yourself like a freshwater turtle?

TripAdvisor/Skippermark Watch out for the occasional kayakers rowing along.

This isn’t just a spot for swimming, the water is smooth and perfect for paddling too.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark Burn some calories while exploring the water’s wildlife, such as the eastern newt, the green frog, or the hairy woodpecker.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are other activities that are popular at the park.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark What underwater creatures are awaiting your discovery?

When you get waterlogged and need a break from the lake, enjoy miles and miles of hiking trails

TripAdvisor/Skippermark You’ll love the shady forested setting that looks like it came out of a storybook.

Bigelow Hollow State Park is open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Pets are permitted but must remain on a leash.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark You’ll find this amazing state park and its swimming holes off of Connecticut State Route 171. Bigelow Hollow State Park has so much more to offer. Visit and find out for yourself! Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USA

Have you ever been swimming at this swimming spot? Or do you have your own favorite swimming hole that you are willing to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

TripAdvisor/Skippermark

In 1949, this Bigelow Hollow recreation area was established by the State Park and Forest Commission.

Google Images/Jairo Rodriguez

And Bigelow Pond has 25 acres of water for you to explore. The park is also bordered by the larger Mashapaug Lake on the north. Or come back in the winter for ice fishing, another popular sport on the lake.

Both the lake and Bigelow Pond have picnicking facilities and boat ramps, making them the best choices to enjoy hot summer days.

TripAdvisor/Kristin H

Splash or float in the clear water for total refreshment at these natural swimming holes in Connecticut.

Watch out for the occasional kayakers rowing along.

Burn some calories while exploring the water’s wildlife, such as the eastern newt, the green frog, or the hairy woodpecker.

What underwater creatures are awaiting your discovery?

You’ll love the shady forested setting that looks like it came out of a storybook.

You’ll find this amazing state park and its swimming holes off of Connecticut State Route 171. Bigelow Hollow State Park has so much more to offer. Visit and find out for yourself!

Bigelow Hollow State Park, 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076, USA

If you are looking for more places to stay cool during the summer, take a look at these water wonderlands in Connecticut.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Mashapaug Lake in Connecticut May 20, 2022 Carolyn Harmon What is the best restaurant in Union, Connecticut? Traveler Traveler Food and Books, in Union, Connecticut encourages literacy. The staff cares about it so much, the purchase of a meal in the restaurant earns three used books to take home for free, totaling 100,000 books a year. Some daily specials might include California fish tacos, blackberry pork loin, lobster ravioli, and grilled mahi-mahi. Go visit, grab a book, and enjoy the great food at this unique little restaurant in Connecticut. Where are two other natural swimming holes in Connecticut? Several natural swimming holes in Connecticut offer cool summer fun, unique to public swimming pools. Enders Falls is off the beaten path but on a main road in West Granby, Connecticut, housed in the Enders Connecticut State Park. The trail is a short distance to the river and some smaller falls along the path. The ease of this well-maintained path allows gorgeous views without working too hard. Also, be sure to try out Lake Waramaug, a 656-acre lake that sits partly in Kent, Washington, and Warren, all in Litchfield County, Connecticut, tucked inside of Lake Waramaug State Park. In addition to breathtaking, wooded views, this park offers 77 different campsites from which to enjoy them. Where is another other state park in Connecticut? Several outstanding state parks in Connecticut are worth visiting. But if you are into history, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford offers panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the stunning summer mansion of the Harkness family, purchased in 1907 by Edward and Mary Harkness. It sits on over 230 seaside acres of lush lawns, and amazing gardens. In 1986, the park and botanical garden were added to the National Register of Historic Places.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Mashapaug Lake in Connecticut

May 20, 2022

Carolyn Harmon

What is the best restaurant in Union, Connecticut? Traveler Traveler Food and Books, in Union, Connecticut encourages literacy. The staff cares about it so much, the purchase of a meal in the restaurant earns three used books to take home for free, totaling 100,000 books a year. Some daily specials might include California fish tacos, blackberry pork loin, lobster ravioli, and grilled mahi-mahi. Go visit, grab a book, and enjoy the great food at this unique little restaurant in Connecticut. Where are two other natural swimming holes in Connecticut? Several natural swimming holes in Connecticut offer cool summer fun, unique to public swimming pools. Enders Falls is off the beaten path but on a main road in West Granby, Connecticut, housed in the Enders Connecticut State Park. The trail is a short distance to the river and some smaller falls along the path. The ease of this well-maintained path allows gorgeous views without working too hard. Also, be sure to try out Lake Waramaug, a 656-acre lake that sits partly in Kent, Washington, and Warren, all in Litchfield County, Connecticut, tucked inside of Lake Waramaug State Park. In addition to breathtaking, wooded views, this park offers 77 different campsites from which to enjoy them. Where is another other state park in Connecticut? Several outstanding state parks in Connecticut are worth visiting. But if you are into history, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford offers panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the stunning summer mansion of the Harkness family, purchased in 1907 by Edward and Mary Harkness. It sits on over 230 seaside acres of lush lawns, and amazing gardens. In 1986, the park and botanical garden were added to the National Register of Historic Places.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Where are two other natural swimming holes in Connecticut? Several natural swimming holes in Connecticut offer cool summer fun, unique to public swimming pools. Enders Falls is off the beaten path but on a main road in West Granby, Connecticut, housed in the Enders Connecticut State Park. The trail is a short distance to the river and some smaller falls along the path. The ease of this well-maintained path allows gorgeous views without working too hard. Also, be sure to try out Lake Waramaug, a 656-acre lake that sits partly in Kent, Washington, and Warren, all in Litchfield County, Connecticut, tucked inside of Lake Waramaug State Park. In addition to breathtaking, wooded views, this park offers 77 different campsites from which to enjoy them.

Where is another other state park in Connecticut? Several outstanding state parks in Connecticut are worth visiting. But if you are into history, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford offers panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the stunning summer mansion of the Harkness family, purchased in 1907 by Edward and Mary Harkness. It sits on over 230 seaside acres of lush lawns, and amazing gardens. In 1986, the park and botanical garden were added to the National Register of Historic Places.