Walden Pond State Reservation

This place is currently undergoing a «green renovation» and none of the bathrooms were open on Sunday! There were only porta-​potties available so –1 star for the restroom situation until the new place is completed!
Other than the extremely inconvenient bathroom situation this is a lovely place to visit to get away from the city and walk on the trails or along the beach. They also have the interesting model Thoreau log cabin and a statue of him. It looks like they also do tours occasionally my friends and I discreetly joined in on a tour to learn some more information about the park. I haven’t been here for swimming but the water looks lovely! It’s $ 8 per car to get into the park for the day, but if you live near by you can just bike/​walk here and get in for free.

We had the pleasure of visiting Walden Pond over Memorial Day weekend. When we arrived in Concord the pond was closed due to capacity (1,000 people), and it was slated to reopen in a few hours at 1:30. For the record, they do not allow cars to line up along the road prior to reopening. We thought that would be the case, so we arrived in the area around 1:10 but were told by staff we couldn’t park along the road. What followed was a treacherous 20 minutes of driving up and down 126 and finding new and innovative ways to do U-​turns. I wish they had a better system for managing the traffic because it was chaotic, but we managed to get in at the 1:30 reopening (the pond closed again after 30 minutes). It also didn’t matter what side of the street you were on to get back in. The entrance has two lanes so one was for traffic making left-​turns in to the grounds and the other for right-​turns. We were coming up the opposite side of the road when it opened and were concerned we wouldn’t be able to turn in, but the staff flagged the cars in equally from both directions.
As for the pond, it was wonderful. We visited as «literature tourists» so we didn’t bring any swimsuits, but we regretted that because the water looked gorgeous and a lot of fun. We did the 1.7 mile hike around the pond. If you follow the trail, though, you’ll generally always have trees obscuring your view of the pond, so we would occasionally following the shoreline at times. Near the back you can visit the site of Thoreau’s cabin. We went counter-​clockwise from the entrance around the pond; the path seemed more undulating near the end, so if you want to get the more «difficult» part of the path out of the way first I would suggest going clockwise. Our four-​year olds managed the walk fine, but were complaining a bit at the end about their legs hurting (and being grouchy about not being able to go swimming).
Recommend visiting the store too. They are building a gorgeous new visitor center, but on our visit the shop was located in a temporary trailer. However, there was a lot of interesting items for sale, including very awesome writers of Concord pint glasses (which we bought without a second thought).

Love love love it here. Go early during summer, because they do close it up once the parking lot is full. The upside: that’s why it doesn’t get too obnoxiously crowded. Great place for kids, people tend to be nice, and you can even find a nice shady spot on the beach. I almost didn’t post this because it still feels like our awesome secret and I don’t want it spoiled. But I can’t hog all the awesome. That’s just wrong.

I love Walden! A must-​see in the summer and fall. Great place to go for a quiet walk in the woods, or to sit by the water – very peaceful and naturally beautiful. There’s sufficient parking across the street, but you do have to pay to get in. Highly recommended if you live in MA!

I’ve only come here during the fall so far. My roommate and I came on at the end of November. Most of the foliage had already fallen but it’s still beautiful. I imagine it’s beautiful here during all seasons.
The water was so still it was scary. I say it’s scary because it’s such a vast difference from the busy-​ness of the city. People come here for other activities, including picnics, fishing, running, or just walking. At the end of November, the pond is closed for the season so swimming is prohibited. It’s a super romantic area. There were many couples, married and new. We witnessed a couple who seemed to be on a first date, based on our eavesdropping.
The hike through the woods is easy. Running shoes or regular sneakers will suffice. Trails are adequately labeled. We only found one directory/​map. Try taking a look at the map online if you want to try a specific trail. My roommate and I chose a trail at random, and it was wonderful. I can’t remember the names of the two trails that we took. We found another body of water that looked like a swamp but the trail’s indicated there would be a meadow. There was no meadow, which was slightly disappointing but it was still a sight. It’s not likely you will get lost, but just be alert to where you are going.
The replica of Thoreau’s cabin is great. Too bad the Visitor’s Center is currently under construction.

Love it here! I come here in the fall and the foliage is beautiful! You can get some really good pictures! If you come on a weekend, come early because the past fee times i have been here the lot has been closed till a certain time to let it empty out. Other than that, its great!

This is by far one of the best places to hang out during summertime. Pond water is very clean and safe to swim in. If you stay still enough, sometimes a bunch of fish will come to you which I find it to be very cool! I haven’t explored their hiking trails much but I think they are worth checking out during the Fall season when the leaves usually start to turn color.
A few tips to keep in mind:
— Check their twitter account before going. They are very strict about how many people enter the pond and will shut down their parking lot for hours. If you need a place to park, you can drive a block down on route 126 and there is a remote parking lot that you can use. You just have to walk a little bit but its worth saving $ 8. The only caution would be I don’t think this is legal so you MIGHT get a ticket or get your car towed…
— Don’t bring alcohol or drugs. This place is heavily monitored and no matter how discrete you think you might be, most likely you will get busted and get kicked out of the park. Plus, people usually bring their kids so not an ideal place to do that sort of stuff.

So, I have a baby now… This summer she’s in the 1 – 4 month old range. It’s also been kinda hot. I love the refreshment of the ocean and on weekdays you can find parking at all the HOT spots, but with a baby … And can’t use spf. and the water is ice cold. blah blah … Need to find refreshment where there is shade and the water isn’t so cold that baby can’t handle it even when mom can.
So, with $ 8 in my pocket (cards are accepted), a car, and bagged lunch, we haul to Walden regularly, for peace and gorgeous clean pond water.
I can load my stroller with all the things necessary for an over-​packing mom (and you’ll be able to carry more with the stroller) and stroll down the hill path and straight onto the beach, thanks to handicap accessible ramps! A water fountain at the beach keeps you well hydrated and a bathroom is nearby (beach and parking lot).
I prefer to swim outside the kiddie area (but within allowable swim zones) and try to find the shady beach parts. We are always successful at this.
So, not a bad spot. I don’t love the sand beyond the kiddie area as it is pebble-​y and I have found old broken glass… yikes! Definitely should bring beach chairs, adults. And a small tent for the baby (sadly, mine was misplaced on my last visit. blue, in a round bag. pm me if you find it please!) And perhaps a couple towels for cushioning…

This should be on every I LOVE AMERICA and literary buff. Its not for its «OH WOW THAT WAS EXCITING FUN» factor, but because of the solemn and almost spiritual contact with nature. The pond is beautiful with a gorgeous hiking trail, breathtaking during fall foliage. And Richard hosting the gift shop, is an amazingly professional and well educated historian, that will simply leave you commanding more respect for mother nature and the history surrounding this haven, than you could ever imagine. This is one of those places that truly make you re-​believe in nature, all humans as equals and the goodness and kindness of our hearty new englanders.

While vacationing in New England this was a major stop my dad wanted to make while we were in Massachusetts because he read Thoreau’s book, Walden, in his high school english class. I have to admit that I never read Thoreau’s book but I definitely took interest after hearing about it from my dad. After researching Thoreau and his book (unfortunately I didn’t have time to read the book before going on vacation) it was definitely interesting to learn about how this famous author lived in seclusion out in the woods for two years and wrote a now famous book detailing his experience. Even more interesting was that the site of his cabin had been found in the 1940s nearly one hundred years after it had been abandoned.
When you visit here they have a cool replica of Thoreau’s cabin near the parking lots that shows you how simple his life at Walden Pond would have been. Then you can walk one of several paths that lead to the actual site of his cabin. The remains of the cabin foundation have been outlined and there is a stone pile memorial. Its really cool to see the actual site.
I’ve talked a lot about the history aspect of Walden Pond but it is also a very popular place for people who just want to get out and get some fresh air and enjoy the pond and walking trails through the woods.

I love this lake.
There is a nice trail where you can walk around the Pond. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the loop.
You can swim in the Pond.
We paid $ 8 entrance fee.

Visited in late May on a Monday and it was incredibly beautiful and serene. Not too crowded, but I imagine it gets packed on summer weekends. Parking is $ 8 for a MA car, $ 10 for out of state. I recommend walking the trail along the pond to get to the site of Thoreau’s cabin, it is a beautiful walk with great views of the pond. The site is a small outline of the cabin as well as a few plaques, but still interesting if you are a fan. I would definitely go just for a quiet beach day if you can’t make it out to the shore or the Cape!

An absolutely beautiful place, peaceful, relaxing I see why Thoreau choose/​was drawn to this place. I have to admit a certain bias as I’m a local but it really is worth the trip. If your up a walk, hike, picnic or relaxing in and around the pond. Plenty of trails and areas to explore.

I love this place. I brought my dad here when he was visiting when I was living in MA and he really liked it as well. It is a very small pond but it is very enjoyable and relaxing. There is a narrow path/​trail where you can walk around the pond — very nice for a light workout or catching up. I saw people fishing, on boats and even swimming on the pond which makes me thing that it is probably not as polluted. Comes here for a nice stroll or to relax. Nice photo spot too!
Best thing is that it is free and plenty of parking.

Walden Pond– where Henry David Thoreau sough solace from a life of «quiet desperation” — is an interesting spot. Combination historical site, tourist trap, natural spot, it’s in a sense, all things to all people. However, it’s important to have good timing or else you’ll be searching for a parking spot in quiet desperation. There’s a nice trail around the lake, you can see the sites of Thoreau’s bean field and his cabin. One of the more compelling parts is the replica of Thoreau’s cabin. You get a sense of what his daily life was like. His experiment in Emersonian «self-​reliance» lasted about 2 years. It’s often too crowded to be a Transcendental experience (Thoreau should’ve gone westward, young man) but it’s interesting. A nice day trip.

I love this place. We went twice, the week of labor day. One day was a little overcast, but there were still plenty of people out enjoying the water. We just did some relaxing and reading on the sand. The other day was in the high 80’s and sunny, and the water was so cool, clean and refreshing. We laid out in the sun that day and had a picnic lunch. It was great. Did not try the hikes, but would not mind going back. Parking is $ 10 for out of state license plates (and I think $ 5 for Mass license plates), doesn’t matter if you’re a Mass resident with out of state plates, you still pay $ 10. Parking gets full early, and once it is full they close it for hours at a time, so I would recommend getting there early.

Please Move Your Bloody Scissors
Walden Pond is the most serene, tranquil place I’ve been in MA. You pay only $ 5
a car. Be sure to get there early, and be prepared to walk. Bring only necessities: sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera you can hide and keep dry, (if you’re gonna obsess over it, *forget it*), an extra towel, mallow bars and/​or GORP, whatever floats your boat, iced coffee, and a beverage that will quench your thirst. Don’t forget extra bags to bring out your trash. Wear comfy sandals or lightweight sneakers.
Go past the beach, way past the beach. To the opposite end. It may take ½ hour, but it’s worth it. There’s a small travel path (it’s a 2-way).I usually walk until I see the train tracks above. If you find a place, particular that round, secluded place with the cairns built up around it, take it quickly. It’s prime real estate. If not, keep going over the hill, down and a little bit longer to get to the perfect spot on right. You’re going to be swimming around anyway, right? Depending on the circumstance, you may prefer a more secluded home base. But, this is not your lake. So be friendly~
I’ve set my towel down before and chipmunks have come right up to me. Something about this place changes your mindset. I had one wacky as in WTF? experience here this summer, and I could laugh it off and move.
My friend and I, I guess, «invaded someone’s space.» These two ass-​hats had set up a series of fishing rods in the sand as to hook poor, outmatched fish while putting in no effort whatsoever. What sport. In German, I think one said «Make sure they don’t take our rod,» but I’m rusty. Then I looked at the ground, and saw a bloody pair of industrial scissors. I asked the guy (the term «gentleman» doesn’t apply) to move it. It was nasty, and *never* did I think I’d be saying the words, «please move your scissors,» especially at Walden Pond. He pretended not to hear me. I repeated myself, incredulously. He said, «those are mine.» in Germlish «I know,» I continued, «I don’t carry bloody scissors with me. I don’t want them. I want you to move them so I can sit down.» He did nothing.
We ended up just moving to a much less dangerous place. I let it go in less time than I normally would have in «real» life. You notice more here. Good things. The water is clear. The fish tickle your feet. You can float and get sun. It’s a haven for those who have bad backs. I felt no pain in the water.
I’m not sure if it’s technically allowed, but on a few occasions, a friend and I brought in blow up boats (’cause we’re grown up like that). It was Heaven. I think I hyperventilated blowing it up, but it was worth it.
Nothing compares to watching two dragonflies being born. A «thing» fell on my towel, and a miracle occurred. It brought a lot of people together. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen, and it happened twice.
Take note of when the park closes because they will close the gate if your sorry ass isn’t at your car at a certain time. We were informed of this by mounted police (?) on horseback. Expect a bit of surrealism. Usually of the good kind. We made it, but cut it damn close.
If you’re going for an educational tour, please don’t do this to your kids. If you must, the house is no longer on the grounds. It was moved to the front, near the entrance. You can walk in and see where Thoreau did his writing, thinking, and preparing to go home, which was 3 miles away. ha ha.

I’ve been wanting to visit this location since reading «Walden» when I was younger. I finally had the chance to stop as I was heading home after leaving a friend’s place that I had been visiting in Boston. About a 25 minute drive, maybe?
I pulled in to park and started heading down to the pond, and I think the only thing that ruined the serenity of the experience initially was the smell of the bathrooms from the park office. The smell was… well, pretty horrible. That said, I picked up the pace, crossed the road, and headed down the path to the beach.
I don’t know what else I can contribute that hasn’t already been said, but the area is beautiful. The pond is a retreat, and a small group of folks were still enjoying the water… swimming or kayaking through the calm.
I walked the path (about 2 miles in its entirety) and enjoyed the foliage, chipmunks running next to (and across) the pathway, and took photos along the way while making sure to just enjoy the moment.
As the sun was setting on the beautiful October day, I could understand why Thoreau had opted to retreat to this location and just… live simply. Clear waters, surrounded by the wonder of nature… how can you think of doing anything else?

I’m a big fan of Thoreau and the Walden concept, so I’m pretty sure they could have thrown a pile of rocks on the ground and called it a Walden attraction and I’d be giddy just knowing I was in the old cabin’s presence.
However, for those of you who might have more standards…
— to scale recreation of the cabin with (simplistic, of course) furniture inside
–beach area by pond for families to swim (something seems so in-​serene (word?) about this but maybe it’s just me
–actor portraying Thoreau who is brilliant at his job (pick his brain if you’re wanting to walk away with some Walden fun facts)
–Lastly, we had the treat of visiting during Watermelon weekend which included a free slide and the scoop on Thoreau’s enormous watermelon patch
All in all, definitely worth a visit in my book!

Walden Pond is a hit or miss type situation, but even on packed summer days, it’s a nice place to hang out and get some sun. Parking is $ 5 for the entire day. Getting there early is important, as the park stops accepting new visitors around 1pm regardless of how full the parking lots are — not sure what the premise is, but I’ve fallen victim to it twice. There is also a cop on the street making sure people aren’t just pulling over on the main road to wait until they let people back in. So that sucks.
The downside to getting there early is that’s when the families are there. Toddlers and babies getting all tuckered out for nap time. Uuuugh. But they leave around 12, so after that it’s mostly young people and adults, and leathery old men.
The main beach area is pretty popular with kids, so if you want quiet time, keep walking around the pond a bit to the second beach area. If you really want some privacy, there are non-​beach spots where you can access the pond, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re looking to get some sun.
There are changing rooms in the bathrooms, but no showers.
The ice cream truck comes around once a day or so.
There’s not much in the area for food, so bring some snacks and water.
The downside to Walden Pond is that it’s a well-​known tourist attraction, so it gets really busy even with non-​beach goers. The upside is there’s easy parking, and the pond is great to swim in. And it’s real life history!