OK, It just occurred to me to write a review of this place. I used to work at Walden so here is the deal: DO NOT EVER (I cannot stress this enough) come to Walden on a weekend day in the summer. I'm quite sure that Dante was influenced by a hot summer day at Walden Pond when creating his 5th level of hell. The place is crowded with people- children, adults who act like children, you name it. When Walden reaches capacity they cannot let anyone else on the property, and you will be turned away. They don't care how far you have driven or how much you complain (trust me). They post a time that the pond will reopen and you have to go away until then. If you try to stop your car on the side of the road, a State Police unit will usually come and make you move. Seriously, you do not want to go there on a weekend (or even a really hot weekday) in the summer. For some reason, these hot days seem to draw some of the most insanely idiotic people I have ever encountered. One guy actually demanded that we chop down all the trees to make room for more parking! I swear I could hear Thoreau spinning in his grave (well, even more than usual). Contrary to previous reviews, the parking is NOT free after 5pm and you will normally get a fine if you park in the lot without paying at the machine. Someone suggests parking at the nearby high school if the parking lot is full. The trouble with this is that you will likely get a parking ticket, and as Walden only closes its parking lot (during the day) when the pond itself is at capacity, if they see you walking from the other side of the road you will be turned away after walking the half mile from the high school parking lot. Regarding urine content, the water is checked every Tuesday, and they haven't had a problem for years. (Even so, If you are a parent, for the love of God use some common sense and don't let your kid wear its dirty diaper in the water!!!- This is something that many parents thoughtlessly allow). The best time to come for swimming is around 6:00 am on a summer weekday. The steam rising off the pond is remarkable. If you plan to walk, the fall months are by far the best times. The place is absolutely beautiful when you are sharing it with only a few people. To make a long story short, I love Walden I just wish that no one else did. read more

A must see. Beautiful park with nice trails. Make sure to walk all the way around. Lovely.

great little spot very close to the city. rich in history and symbolism, a wonderful place for a walk or just a chance to swim in a clean and very deep pond. $5 to park is reasonable, just get there before the crowds. read more

I love this place, I just feel that it is a huge problem with management. They close the parking lot at the time it gets full, but instead of reopening it when several cars get out (like many other parks do!), they close it for 4-5 hours and just go away. I usually come at 9am in order to get in. When I leave at 12:30 the parking lot is usually half empty, but the gates are still closed until 2pm. I think it is unfair to all the people who want to enjoy this beautiful place. Yesterday I wanted to come after work and called to find out if it is open. It was 6pm already, but the message was recoded at 2:30, saying the park was closed and would reopen at 5:30. Of course I didn't go - I didn't want to risk driving in vain... I hope that management gives it a thought and changes the way they operate to make this place enjoyable for people. read more

One of my favorite places to go in the summer. Tons of special memories made here. My husband and I have been coming here for about 4 years now, (since before we were married) and will continue to do so now that we're moving to the same street as Walden pond. We couldn't be more excited! We're definitely getting a kayak now. I've seen people fishing here, and hiking, but it gets very packed on hot summer days. So arrive early because the sand space is small. read more

I've been waiting years to come here, and I finally went last week! It was cold and the pond was frozen over, making it seem more serene and peaceful, in my opinion. I'm a huge Thoreau enthusiast, like I'm sure a lot of visitors are. It was amazing getting to see and feel the nature around that inspired him so much. I love this place and I'm making it a point to come back this summer to see it in full bloom. read more

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). read more

The park rangers shut down the park whenever they feel "it's full." It opened at 7:00 on 7/16 and by 8:30 was already closed. It's not fun to drive an hour and be turned away, especially when the parking lot was half empty. I drove another day and the same thing happened. I'm sure it's a lovely park...too bad I've been sent away twice. read more

I have never been to Walden Pond in the summer, which is why I still like it. I like to go in pretty much any other season, but you could not pay me in go in the summertime. Taking the train to Concord is cool way to start the trip and you can walk from the train station to Walden Pond. The trails around the pond are well maintained and give you pretty views of the water. I like swimming here in the early Fall, when the water is not to frigid. This one of the few tourist spots I can stand and that says a lot. read more

This place is beautiful, I highly recommend coming during the fall, less crowds. Easy to walk around the pond on the trails, can easily complete the look in less than an hour. read more

I once heard that Walden Pond should be avoided at the the end of the summer, for fear of what bacterial growth may be evolving in the water. Hmm, not a pretty thought, so if I go early summer is it better?? I love people watching and crowds don't disappoint me, but if you need more space than your towel to wiggle around on on a hot summer weekend, find yourself another pond. Or, try to get there early to snag one of the little alcoves along the trail. When you get there you'll know what I mean. They're not great for sunbathing, but are perfect for the privacy. And, of course, how many public watering holes come with a really rich connection to American history? If you haven't been, it's fascinating to check out the site of Thoreau's original shack and envision what his experience here may have been like. read more

Well, our Yelp policemen might take this review down because I haven't actually been to Walden Pond -- but it's not because I didn't try - I was turned away TWICE today! and once the following week. All 3 times (10:30am and 4:00pm) it was totally shut down to visitors due to OVERCROWDING, with no parking anywhere and a patrol. I saw hundreds of people in bathing suits with beach chairs spoiling the beauty that is Walden Pond to the point that it has become a waterpark rather than a celebration of natural solitude. They wouldn't let us in because there were too many people there. I went back later in the day and also was turned away. Tried a separate day and turned away a third time - THE SAME THING - too crowded even for a local! Can you imagine that I actually live within 4 miles of the pond but they wouldn't either let me drive OR WALK there since there were too many beachgoers already! They've turned a spiritual refuge into a beach. DISGUSTING! Thoreau is without a doubt rolling in his grave. read more

Few parks irritate me as much as Walden Pond State Reservation. It is absolutely beautiful, and as bucolic a spot (especially on the far end) as you will find in the Boston area. But between the beach now being mostly gone, the stringent rules about hiking with large groups there, and the fee for parking in the off-season, it is not the most people-friendly place. These days, I prefer to hike through the adjacent Lincoln Conservation Land, and if I want water views, I'll go to Flint's/Sandy Pond near Lincoln Center. read more

a State run park but a park none the less, we pulled up here with my interest in small houses. There was a lot of posting on where not to park and a many sectioned parking lot of where to park. The guard shack was closed and threatened on paying but they had a garbage sack over the fee meter. We took our chances after speaking to a local getting out of their car and were not ticketed. When we got out, there were MANY people coming and going with swimsuits. It turns out this place isn't just for hovel fans but is a pretty nice park with swim beach. We saw the Thoreau statue and recreation cabin. As one would expect, not much to see here but based on the visitor log, it is well visited and was well maintained with garbage well used but not a litter I saw in the park. Great Work MA on a nice park (unlike other 'state' parks we saw with chain-link and barbwire telling you to keep out...taxpayer money at work?). read more

Walden Pond is near my house. I've been there many times in both the summer and winter. To me, there is no best time of the year for Walden Pond. The action there is constantly unfolding. Sometimes it's bold, sometimes subtle. Episodes evolve with the seasons. If you go there enough, you may have ventured across a white-haired octogenarian named "Bill". He frequents that strip of beach along the north shore of the pond, and sits-out routinely near a small birch tree about of the way down the beach. He's a retired Air Force veteran who whiles away his time at the pond. Still energetic for a man his age, he gets his exercise with a daily swim. Often, his energy spills out in the form of a loquacious banter. If you're a listener, you'll enjoy his wise musings, but if you value your time, you'll want to avoid him. His gravitational pull is hard to break. One Christmas Eve afternoon, I stopped by Walden to smoke a cigar on my way home from work. As I sat on the wall drawing on my smoke, I noticed the outline of a white haired guy to my right down near the birch. It was Bill. To my left was an Asian family with a new digital camera taking pictures of themselves and yuking-it-up. Being late December, there was a thin glaze of ice along the shaded edge of the pond that the sunlight hadn't melted yet. Suddenly, I heard a distorted sound of breaking ice reverberating under the ice along the beach. No shit - it was Bill diving into the pond. Thoreau would have applauded as I choked on my cigar. A Walden haiku: Robert Frost would say A pond in different seasons Has a conscious deep. read more

Omg... a must see! I majorednin literature and taught Walden for years, so maybe I was biased, but it was wonderful. Lots of history. My son swam in Walden Pond. There was plenty to see. A highlight for me. We also went and explored more of Concord. So worth the trip. read more

Walden Pond, which I visited at the beginning of the summer was a very relaxing area to take a stroll in. It only costs a couple of bucks to park. Many would not know the historical significance of the area unless they read the signs around the Pond. The significance to the this area is that this is where Henry David Thoreau lived. Thoreau was a writer/poet during the Transcendentalist movement. Those who are interested with Thoreau or this time period would love this place; it definitely gives an insight in Thoreau's lifestyle. The site's mission is to educate individuals as well as provide them with a relaxing area to take comfort in. The site is made up of the pond, surrounding forest, and the shack where Thoreau lived. The area is not only for history lovers but for individuals who want to get away from the city life and take a relaxing walk around the Pond. There is even a little beach individuals can go to for a little picnic. The historical part of the Pond, the shack Thoreau lived can be viewed by anyone. All individuals need to do is walk in. The shack consists of a little bed, fireplace, and a couple of chairs. To improve the area and educate individuals a little more, I believe there should be a couple more educational pamphlets around the area. read more

Walden Pond State Reservation - Parks Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Parking was easy and the pond was close by. We walked the entire perimeter of the pond on the shore and not the inside trail, next time. I loved this place, very relaxing and imagined myself living here in the early days. We visited the replica log cabin and had fun taking pics with the Thoreau statue. Definitely Need to explore the area some more. It is worth the time if you like hiking, walking or some swimming, however water is too cold even in August for my taste. Beach area is extensive and plenty of outhouses towards the front.. read more

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. read more

Please do not go to Walden Pond, the anachronistic site of Thoreau's one-year stay, who would be appalled at the non-Utopian vision he shared of a simplistic lifestyle. Oh my you pay a ridiculous fee (prohibitively so to out-of-staters) to circle a formerly nice kettle pond now fringed with 2 highways (watch out crossing from the expensive parking area!), train tracks with roaring commuters and paths lined with metal fencing (want to feel like cattle in a shoot?). I am especially sad to say people from Boston and environs are lured here every summer and there are excessive drownings because it is deep, cold and a distance people think they can swim across. I love nature, Thoreau and what he believed and am 100% sure he would be disgusted with what it has become. read more

Walden Pond! I've only been here once but i'm including damning photographs of my moment of glory literally on walden pond. easy to get to, parking was cheap as i recall, a nice little path around the water, and when the ice is thick enough, a fun time had by all. read more

when's the perfect time to go to walden pond? when there are isolated t-storms with a 2% chance of sunny skies. for a solid hour i was maxing and relaxing in the water under sunny skies (2% is solid!). parking lot was empty. a sprinkling of families eating buckets of KFC, but i was far enough away to enjoy the solitude (though i was mighty sad that i didn't have my own bucket of chicken). what a way to spend a sunday. note: there were swarms of people leaving as i drove in under torrential downpours. they had closed the beach down. waited 1/2 hour and all was well. read more

Pretty - and takes you back to 9th grade literature.

Love to swim here and try to go on weekdays. The water is like spring water and cold but feels good on a nasty, humid day in June. Walden is tranquil, pleasant and mind clearing. read more

Pretty pond. Gross bathroom. I would recommend it to people who 1) have bladders of steel or 2) pee in the pond (gross).

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. read more

Oh Walden. I love going swimming and feeling little fishies nibbling my toes, I love seeing friends braver than I venture out onto your frozen landscapes in the winter, and I love seeing little chipmunks running around. I've yet to be brave enough to go swimming at night though. Someday. read more

The lake was clean, family friendly, but decently packed for a hot summer weekday. Lifeguards watch certain designated swim areas, but if you move out of that area it gets less crowded. Bathroom/changing facilities were decently maintained. Surprise $10 parking fee for out of state residents (despite $5 posted sign). read more

How can you not pee in Walden Pond? Oh and this year they have a flasher, and that means that they also have state troopers.....so watch out you pot smoking teens and 55 plus swingers! read more

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! read more

Stunning pond and surrounding forests. Great swimming and the option to hike light / flat, or steeper / more advanced. Even when the pond is crowded, you can walk in a bit and find your own nook to settle into. Grab a book, find your spot, and enjoy. read more

My favorite spot! Only $35 for a yearly pass, I went to Walden almost everyday last summer. The water is crystal clear, deep, cool and refreshing. Usually, if you get there early in the morning there are few people and its not crowded, its easy to find a spot to put your bag and clothes. Beautiful in the evening with the moon too. read more

A fantastic 1.8 mile walk around a pond that is clean and great for swimming or boating. The welcome center is new and modern, Thoreau s replica house is small and informative read more

So Walden Pond itself is lovely, the low rating is for the terrible treatment I received from a parking attendant at this place. I came by Uber, and he dropped me off by the parking lot, which was full. As soon as I got out of the car, a parking attendant accosted me and started screaming at me at "you can't come here, you can't get dropped off here, we are closed!" He made me get back in the Uber, which as you know, isn't a thing. I tried calmly explaining that to him but he kept yelling at me. I asked several people if the beach was closed, and they said no. Apparently, you can't even get dropped off by an Uber if the parking lot is full, which is utterly ridiculous. If there was another place to be picked up and dropped off, it was not told to me. There was also no reason for the rudeness, like Thoreau, I was searching for peace and tranquility on a summer day. Will not be returning. read more

I'm a nature lover, so having this place so close to Boston is a real treat. Granted there's not a lot of great hiking or anything, but it's a lovely little retreat anyway. We were here in september on a weekday, so it was obviously much less crowded than it would be in the summer. We still might come out to swim next year despite the crowds because the water looked so clean and the scenery is just beautiful. It's apparent locals come here for daily swims as we saw quite a few singular swimmers out there in the fall! Lots of picturesque views and a little slice of literary history...all in all, definitely worth a visit! read more

Walden Pond is a great little spot for a weekend trip if you're looking for some nature not too far out of the city. The pond itself is amazingly clear and clean - I can definitely understand why it would be a swimming attraction and there were a good number of swimmers, kayakers and paddle-boarders in the water. However, we were without our bathing suits and stuck to the hiking trails. The trail around the pond is well maintained and flat - perfect for families. We also took the trail from the north side of the pond that leads over to Heywood's meadow (which is in fact more of a watery swamp) and across Emerson's (rather small) cliff. It was a cool diversion away from the crowds and felt more nature-y with some varied terrain. Overall the park is cute and scenic, but a bit too small to be a recommended spot for hiking. read more

Walden Pond is lovely. I tend not to go swimming there during the summer due to the crowds and its reputation for high fecal coliform levels, though this doesn't seem to stop most people. I went one time in June, thinking (probably mistakenly) that early in the season is better, but I encountered a gigantic dead fish and decided to go home! I'm not making it sound too great, am I? Well, I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to freshwater swimming, and I find that lakes and ponds in NH and ME seem much cleaner (my feet don't always sink into muck and I can see below the surface). But it's nice to visit Walden any time of year for its historical significance, its aesthetic value, and to get some exercise walking or running its trails. It is pretty! $5 to park. Free if you bike. read more

I had an amazing time with my family.. the water was so nice warm and clear the next day I woke up with my forehead swollen then the following day my eyes and face was swollen went to urgent care had swimmers itch and a bacteria infection all over my face paying for it now its like pins and needles run threw my chest and arms wakes me up every hafe hr it's a great place to go site seeing and walk the trails and have a picnic but stay out of the pound!!!!!! I went July 5th 2017..... read more

So beautiful. A bit surprised by the large amounts of people swimming. I just hiked to the site of Thoreau's cabin. Concord is so close. A big hit with my visitors from the midwest. read more

such a wonderful spot to relax, tan and swim. beautiful views, clean water/sand, and a nice walkway around the whole pond. there are actually 2 small beaches with lifeguards present & some picnic tables if you want to bring some lunch and make a nice day out of it :) very close to boston - only $5 per car to park for a full day - so worth it. i haven't been in the fall yet, but i'm sure it is just as beautiful! read more