The New England Orienteering Club

Parking

Bigelow Hollow SP has a $15 per car per day parking fee for out-of-state vehicles.  It is only payable online, and there is a $2 reservation fee, so it's really $17.  The QR code takes you to the Reserve America website for Bigelow Hollow Day Passes.  

https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/bigelow-hollow-day-use-entrance/CT/101266/day-passes

It is a day-use fee, so it must be purchased separately each day, but not before 8AM.  The cellular connection in the park is hit-or-miss.  You'll get a confirmation code that you can write on a slip of green paper (available at park kiosks, if they don't run out).   Leave a note on your windshield in the event of issues (no connection, website not working, no green slips left, etc)--park staff is typically lenient and asks you (on the honor system) to pay later in the day after leaving the park.

PXL 20220822 182853313

Yes, we know this is a horrible hassle.  It is state-directed so don't abuse the park staff.  Try as we might, we have been unable to find an alternative solution (pay as part of meet fees or registration, drop-box payment, manning the park toll booth, etc).  Complain to your local CT state representative and tourism board. 

If you are renting a car and can snag one with a CT license plate, you'll save $34 at the park, hint, hint.

There is plenty of parking behind the Union Town Hall (1043 Buckley Hwy, Union, CT 06076), which is 2 miles / 3 minutes from the entrance to the park, if you want to carpool in with other competitors and save a few dollars.

Directions

See overview map of meet locations.

  • From the direction of Hartford, CT, take Exit 73 (Union, CT) from I-84E.  Turn right onto CT-190, and in 2-miles turn right onto CT-171E.  Travel 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
  • From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take I-84W to Exit 74 (Holland, MA / Union CT).   At the top of the ramp, turn left onto CT-171.  In 150m, turn left to crossover the highway.  In 150m, turn right at the T/stop sign and travel 2 miles south along Buckley Highway, turning left again just past the Union town hall.  Technically this has been CT-171 the whole time since you left I-84, even though it has made four turns.  Travel 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
  • There is only one entrance to Bigelow Hollow State Park (298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT).  After turning off of CT-171, you will shortly pass an unmanned park toll booth.  
  • If you are coming from some other direction (ie not on I-84), please use a navigation app.

Model Event, Fri, Oct 7

  • For Friday's model, find parking in the park.  See model map for the most convenient parking.  

Competition Days 1 & 2, Oct 8-9

  • On Sat & Sun, follow the directions of the parking attendants.   Parking is spread along the ~1 mile park road.  All vehicles must be parked off the road.

NEOC 50th Anniversary Dinner, Sat, Oct 8

  • Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, (24 Hamilton Rd, Sturbridge, MA).  From I-84, take Exit 6B onto US-20W.  Turn right onto New Boston Rd.  In 2 miles, immediately after going through the I-90 underpass, turn left onto Hamilton Rd.  In 1/4 mile, turn right into the Rod & Gun Club.  Park at the north end of the lot near the white building.  GPS: 42.137484 -72.086503