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From Hartford: Take Route 84 east, Exit 68. Route 195 south onto Bassetts Bridge Road. (You will cross Route 44, go through the UCONN campus and past the junction of Route 89 before seeing Bassetts Bridge Road. Bassetts Bridge Road is shortly after Route 89. Take a left on Bassetts Bridge Road. Park is on your left, off Bassetts Bridge Road.
General Description: Mansfield Hollow Lake (Lake Naubesatuck) was created by the damming of the Natchaug River by the Army Corps of Engineers which resulted in a scenic, 500-acre lake for boating and fishing. A boat ramp, centrally located on Bassetts Bridge Road, provides easy access to the lake and makes this a popular water recreation destination, especially during the summer. Swimming in the lake is prohibited as the lake is used as part of the public water supply for the city of Willimantic. The shoreline is mostly forested, with some areas of open land. On a pine-covered bluff overlooking the reservoir, picnic tables with fireplaces are available. Areas of open, closely mowed fields can be used for field activities such as kite-flying, softball and volleyball. Multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking wind through the park and around the lake. In the winter, the 4.5 mile trail circling the northern half of the lake becomes a popular cross-country ski trail. A variety of wildlife such as deer, racoon, red fox, pheasant and quail make their home on and in the vicinity of the lake. Bird watchers can train their binoculars on eastern bluebirds, great blue herons, turkey vultures, osprey, turkeys, birds of prey and other species. During seasonal migration, mallards, black ducks, and other waterfowl can be seen in wetlands areas. If you're into fishing, the lake is one of the state's best inland fishing areas and has a good population of large and smallmouth bass.
The Trails: The trails are well-marked and can be accessed from several points: The main parking lot, boat launch, baseball field off Route 89 or the secondary parking lot off Route 6. The loops, ranging in length from 4 to 13 miles, circumvent the northern part of the lake and wind through former pastures on mostly smooth singletrack trails. The variety of obstacles such as water bars, roller coaster stretches, rooty sections and short steep climbs and descents over loose gravel, make this a great ride for intermediate riders and beginners looking to advance their skills. Use your judgment.
Historical Note: Evidence of early Nipmumuck Indian Tribe activity can still be found near ancient travelways and along brook courses. Implements such as stone knives, arrowheads and skinning tools have been found. It is always exciting to discover evidence of people who lived long ago.
For More Information: Mansfield Hollow State Park Phone: (860) 928-6121
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