One of my favorite places to ride. Its not fast moving double track like much of CT tends to be. There are some killer climbs, rock gardens, incredible views and a lot more. Trail selection and direction are key to a good ride out there. You can find yourself in the middle of a beaver pond or doing some serious HAB through boulder fields if you're not careful. Probably a good 20 miles of trails out there, maybe 15 miles of which are good to ride. 15 miles of Bigelow is like 25 miles of Case.

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Blue/white/blue-white/blue-orange counter clockwise around breakneck, blue white counter clockwise from the Mashapaug boat ramp.

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Snip, natchaug, nipmuck

great place to ride. Good single track lush forest,can be a bit slippery when damp or wet.Make sure you have a trail map and a compass before you go in. My brother and i got turned around late one evening when the sun was going down quickly and did not find our way out until 1:30 am . It is realy dark in that forest.Have fun !

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Light blue and orange, white trail.

this is an ok park. it has some good climbs. But ALWAYS bring a map, matches, and compass. My dad and uncle almost had to camp out in the forest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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blue

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I do not know the area

This is probably as close as you can get to adventure riding in Connecticut. Mixed hardwood and hemlock forrest, with very rough, up-and-down terrain, away from paved roads. Tough climbing, technical descending, some hike-a-bike. Few other trail users, especially now that 4-wheel drive traffic has been cut off. The Ridge Trail (blue/orange bar blazed) is a particular favorite, rideable (but sometimes barely) with granny gear climbs, great ridgeline overlooks, and screaming downhills. Make sure you know where you are, as there have been a number of lost hikers rescued here in recent years. Probably better in dry weather. All in all, a superb day trip for experienced riders who are looking for a little Northern New England flavor in Connecticut.

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Numerous routes are available, generally running north from the Park around Breakneck Pond, a long narrow lake that stretches into Massachusetts. Trails and woods roads are marked with painted dots. One favorite route of mine is to pick up the white blazed trail to the right of the park road across from the well pump. Follow the white to blue/white dot to blue/orange bar(the Ridge Trail) back to the park. Also try the blue/white bar trail (Mashapaug Pond View Trail)to the left of the park road.

This off the beaten path state park is worth the drive! The ride we take most often is a log road that runs away from the parking lot and out around a small lake. It starts off mellow, giving you a chance to warm up, but then the fun starts. The log road gets real technical in spots with hill climbs over serious terrain. You want mud, standing water, rocks, stumps, and hits to launch, this is the place. Best of all, it's far enough away that you'll be lucky to see any other riders - maybe the occasional hiker.

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After a hard ride, go jump into Mashpaug Lake (reservoir?) and enjoy the crystal clear waters and rinse off all the mud!

This review is based on 1 ride of 9.8 miles. I will review this area by Trail Number. PLease refer to the map at www.qvctc.commnet.edu/student/JohnWh/big.htm for details.
Trail 5: Hiking trail, don't bother!
Trail 4: Only ride this trail from the southern start near the north edge of Bigelow Pond (THIS IS WHERE YOU WILL WANT TO PARK YOUR VEHICLE). We took Trail 4 from the Northernmost park of the park. IT is ok but a lot of hike-a-bike section including a steep 5 minute climb. If you start from the south you can bike to the first lookout point (BEAUTIFUL!). On the map that is about inline with the writing "Private property". At that point turn around and head back down. Incredible downhill sections!
Trail 6: Did not try yesterday.
Trail 1: We took trail 1 right where trail 4 and trail 1 meet near the parking spot on the north edge of Bigelow Pond. This trail/logging road was fine right to the intersection of trail 2. Do not go further on trail 1 into the woods. IT IS 50% hike a bike and a rock garden! Try Trail 2 that runs close to Breakneck Pond.
Trail 2: Did not ride, but you need to travel back to RT 171 and head east for 50 yards then turn in. This is the start of Trail 2. I hope it is a good one!
Trail 3: Did not ride.

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Look below.

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These are really hiking trails unless trails 2 and 3 pan out to be good trails. Anyway a beautiful park and some good riding to be had.

Some great riding here. Pine needle forest single track with great technical hills, some nice views and one long gonzo rock garden on the white.

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blue, blue orange, white go here for a topo map
http://www.bikerag.com/images/MAPS/ct-bigellow_hollow_map.htm

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soapstone, nipmuk, natchaug

I love this place. Of all the places i have been to this is my favorite. It has some good downhill sections which may be a little complicated and some paths to cross that could get your feet wet. It all adds to the excitement. There are some rather steep uphill areas but you are greatly rewarded when you have to go back down again. I wouldn't recomend going here without a map. There are many areas that can take you off the map and even into marshy muddy regions. You should stay clear from these. This trail is lots of fun but don't go without expecting not to see some puddles. Theyre there all the time. Have fun.

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blue, white, orange

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mansfeild hollow

This set of trail is one of the best sets around this area. there is such a variation of trial styles and skills. if you havent ridden it you should.

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Trails at Black Pond in Woodstock Valley, CT of off Camp Road if you know where that is they are ok but not half as good as Bigelow