Bigelow Hollow & Nipmuck State Forest, CT
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Not Recommended for hiking. High near 38°F. Rain forecast later today (66%). Light wind (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (38°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Not Recommended for camping. High near 38°F. Rain forecast later today (66%). Breezy winds (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (38°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Boating
Not Recommended for boating. High near 38°F. Rain forecast later today (66%). Breezy winds (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (38°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Paddling
Not Recommended for paddling. High near 38°F. Rain forecast later today (66%). Breezy winds (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (38°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Fishing
Not Recommended for fishing. High near 38°F. Risk of rain later today (66%). Breezy winds (16 mph). Temperatures outside comfort limits (38°F).
- Temp: Unfavorable weather factor
- Rain: Marginal weather factor
- Wind: Marginal weather factor
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Bigelow Hollow & Nipmuck State Forest
The representative point supports planning for lake drawdowns, launch status, cold water, remote access and permit-based backcountry camping.
Planning the Day
Use Bigelow Hollow for day use and launch access; camping is limited to designated Nipmuck backcountry sites with reservations or permits, without drive-up services or dependable drinking water.
Weather and Access Tips
- Bigelow Hollow is day use, not a drive-up campground. Camping is limited to designated Nipmuck backcountry sites with required reservations or permits; drinking water and ordinary campground services may be unavailable.
- Check Mashapaug drawdown and launch status, wind and cold-water exposure before boating far from the ramp.
- Bigelow Hollow is day use; designated Nipmuck backcountry sites require permits or reservations and may lack drinking water and services.
Nearby Towns and Areas
- Union
- Mashapaug Lake
- Breakneck Pond
- Nipmuck State Forest
7-Day Forecast
Bigelow Hollow & Nipmuck State Forest Weather by Season
Winter
Natural snow and ice affect remote trails, but there is no maintained winter card or dependable groomed system.
Spring
Cold water, mud and drawdown recovery influence lake and backcountry access.
Summer
Lake wind and thunderstorms can strand small craft far from the launch; remote camps need self-sufficiency.
Fall
Cooler air favors hiking and fishing before early frost and shorter backcountry daylight.
Key Climate Data Points
- Local climate: Northeast highland climate; annual mean temperature roughly upper 40s °F; colder nights and greater snow potential do not guarantee maintained winter recreation.
- Warmest or primary-use period: Late spring through early fall supports lake use and backcountry trips, with afternoon lake wind strongest in warm weather.
- Coldest or limited-access period: December through March is coldest, but natural snow is inconsistent and no maintained winter system is implied.
- Primary hazard season: April and May bring cold water and mud; summer storms affect remote boaters, while autumn shortens backcountry daylight.
- Best practical window: June and September often balance launch access, manageable lake wind and comfortable hiking when permits are secured.