Nipmuck State Forest

Nipmuck State Forest
Map showing the location of Nipmuck State Forest
Map showing the location of Nipmuck State Forest
Location in Connecticut
Map showing the location of Nipmuck State Forest
Map showing the location of Nipmuck State Forest
Nipmuck State Forest (the United States)
LocationConnecticut, United States
Coordinates42°00′51″N 72°10′25″W / 42.01417°N 72.17361°W / 42.01417; -72.17361[1]
Area9,209 acres (37.27 km2)[2]
Elevation945 ft (288 m)[1]
Established1905 [3]
Governing bodyConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
WebsiteNipmuck 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.

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]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Nipmuck State Forest". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "Bigelow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  5. ^ "Snowmobiling in Connecticut". Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  6. ^ Marks, Paul (June 16, 1993). "A sanctuary for the senses". Hartford Courant. Retrieved July 25, 2014.