Nipmuck State Forest

Nipmuck State Forest is a Connecticut state forest. Its 9000 acre surround Bigelow Hollow State Park in the town of Union and include parcels in Stafford, Ashford, and other towns. The forest is part of a larger network of forest lands making up some 40000 acre in all.

Recreation opportunities
Hiking is available on more than 30 mi 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. 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.