Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest is a Connecticut state forest. Its 9,000 acres (3,600 ha) surround Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union and include parcels in Stafford, Ashford, and other towns.[4] The forest is part of a larger network of forest lands making up some 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) in all.
Nipmuck State Forest | |
---|---|
Location in Connecticut | |
Location | Connecticut, United States |
Coordinates | 42°00′51″N 72°10′25″W[1] |
Area | 9,209 acres (37.27 km2)[2] |
Elevation | 945 ft (288 m)[1] |
Established | 1905 [3] |
Governing body | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
Website | Nipmuck State Forest |
Recreation opportunities
Hiking is available on more than 30 miles (48 km) of trails. One of the most popular routes is up to and around Breakneck Pond. Other trails are available in other parcels of the forest. Snowmobiling trails are offered in winter.[5] Fishing is popular both in summer and winter (ice fishing). The streams, ponds and lakes feature stocked as well as native trout, small and large mouth bass, and pickerel. Camping is allowed in the back country of the forest.
Mountain Laurel Sanctuary
In the western portion of the forest, a Mountain Laurel Sanctuary is located on Snow Hill. Mountain laurel thrives here and reaches heights of 15 to 20 feet which is rare for mountain laurel.[6]
References
- "Nipmuck State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
- Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee (January 23, 2014). "State Parks and Forests: Funding" (PDF). Staff Findings and Recommendations. Connecticut General Assembly. p. A-3. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- "Connecticut State Forests Seedling Letterbox Series - Clues for Nipmuck State Forest". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- "Bigelow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- "Snowmobiling in Connecticut". Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- Marks, Paul (June 16, 1993). "A sanctuary for the senses". Hartford Courant. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
External links
- Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection