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? read more

See all

Great walk (takes about 1 hour with kids) around the pond all year long. Easy for kids however not smooth for strollers the entire loop. No dogs allowed but otherwise this is very family friendly. Kids love the train that comes through as well. It is busy in the summer at the beach so we enjoy this off season. Winter strolls are the best! read more

Walden Pond State Reservation - A moment of pause - my daughters 7 and 8! - Parks Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Walden is the best open body of water for open water swimming in MA in my opinion. It is a great size where it feels big enough to go out and back and feel like an accomplishment without being too tired. Walden also has a lot of history where you can see Thoreaus house and his statue. There is also a beautiful hiking trail around the pond. The pond has a nice beach with a beach house to use the bathroom and change as well as a life guard on duty. Experienced triathletes can swim at their own risk as well outside of the buoyed zone. The water feels clean and not too cold or warm read more

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

We were visiting places near the Lexington-Concord battle sites and saw this listed. We had some time so we decided to stop by. Entry fees for non-MA residents is $15. There is a visitors' center adjacent to the parking lot. You then can cross the road and visit the pond itself. They have a trail around the perimeter (maybe 2 - 2.5 miles?) which is not that hilly. We started out and decided en route to complete the loop. It was early May and cool, so the hiking was pleasant. Facing the pond, the original Thoreau cabin site is at about 2 o'clock. We made it there and visited the site. There is a plaque and an outline of the layout. Apparently devotees of Thoreau should bring a small stone from home and add it to a pile nearby; we were unaware of this. It was a nice hike. The location, though not too far from Boston, seems in the semi-countryside. We enjoyed the visit. Recommended. read more

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! read more

See all

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. read more

Walden Pond State Reservation - Panorama of a warm day at the pond. May 2016 - Parks Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

See all

It has been many years since I visited Walden Pond, and I was generally very impressed by the changes in the Walden Pond State Reservation. There's now a new $7 million information center with a lot of interesting displays, a Ken Burns film on Thoreau and a separate bookstore and shop. The replica of Thoreau's little house is still there, and you can swim or boat (non-motorized) in Walden Pond. There are lots of hiking trails. Unfortunately, there's now a fairly stiff admission fee ($15 for non-Massachusetts residents, and $7.50 for Mass. residents.) read more

As we pulled in the lot to park the car, the attendant regaled us with his description of English teachers so giddy with excitement, they're practically peeing in their pants at the mere thought of exploring this place. Okay, so am totally paraphrasing. But he so said something to this effect. Though hubby, me, and the kid weren't nearly as gaga, am glad we had the chance to stop here: Unfortunately, we didn't have a whole lot of time, so we wound up just walking the Pond's shoreline perimeter. It did feel vaguely serene, though less so as we continued and more people showed up. It took longer than I thought it would to make it all the way around. By then, we were only able to stop and check out the replica of Thoreau's little, and I do mean little, cabin, not too far from the Gift Shop. It made our NYC digs look palatial and that's saying something. There are, apparently, also some sort of hiking trails that we never got to check out. Now, as I alluded to in my intro, I'm no Henry David Thoreau fangirl. In fact, though I seem to have entirely blocked out sitting through high school English class, am willing to wager his work was a source of torture for me. But even so, it was kind of cool knowing he walked these grounds. Word to the Wise: Based on our experience, if you want to soak up any tranquility whatsoever, try and get here no later than 10:30 or 11. read more

See all

Bucolic calm harkens back to the days of Thoreau The walking trails are beautiful. Parking is convenient and # of cars is limited. Facilities are modern and visitors center quite informative. There is a parking fee but its worth it to preserve this important piece of American history. Close to everything but a million miles away! read more

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

See all

An absolute treasure NOT to be missed if your are in the area. It literally took about an hour to walk around the pond. Parking is so easy, costs about $30 which goes directly into the continuing preservation of the site. The welcome center and gift shop are a must stop for all visitors. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and full of great tips. I dipped my feet into the water. Folks were swimming, fishing and kayaking the day I was there. The site gave me a lift spiritually. The trail is not very wide, so bring a mask and wear it when folks are passing each other. I brought a small salad and had lunch on a rock overlooking a gorgeous site. read more

Quite a nice place to visit to learn a bit more about Thoreau and check out the small (real small) cabin that someone is usually there to give the quick 5 minute speech to teach you about his time here at Walden Pond. Parking is steep for $8 considering there is not much to do besides walking the small trails and seeing the cabin, so come prepared to relax a bit and sit by the water to really spend some quality time here! Car pool here with friends to save $ on parking, bring some snacks to enjoy by the water and munch on after walking the trails. read more

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

See all

The reservation itself is breathtaking. The pond is so clear and warm; it is perfect to swim in. The trails are clean and great for hikes. However, people tend to crowd this area especially on weekends. When i was there, some people smoked, some did not care to socially distance, and many did not bother to wear masks. Even on the trails, passing by others, people did not wear masks. Additionally parking was near impossible to acquire. read more

See all

Walking around Walden Pond was literally one of my favorite experinces in my life thus far. I read all the museum documents and watched the Walden Pond movie before walking the path along Walden Pond. I highly recommend watching the movie beforehand. It's such a beautiful piece of cinematography! It really sets the mood. Honestly, I cried I was so touched. Beautiful experience! The gift store is a real treasure, too! read more

This was on my to-do list while visiting Boston, however since my rental car has out of state plates the daily use parking fee is not $8, but $30. That's a complete middle finger to anyone visiting who'd simply like to take a quick walk along the pond, and read about a little history. Way to go, Mass, thanks for making me feel welcome.... read more

Though we love feeling close to Henry David Thoreau, we were disappointed that it is not possible to park near the pond for under $30 a day unless you have a Massachusetts plate. We finally found a place to park in Concord (1 mile away) and walked in. We had to walk along a very busy road to get there and it seems like the city of Concord does everything it can to discourage people to get near the pond. We would've loved to visit the book shop but we would've had to pay $30 or limit our visit 20 minutes. Still, once we finally got to the pond we found it lovely and enjoyed finding the cabin site. read more

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 1/2 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. read more

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

Come here numerous times every year. Love it to go kayaking and just hang out when the weather is nice. I always bring my kayak so get to park by the boat ramp which is nice. Recently renovated shop and information center as well all environmentally friendly and very green. Definitely check out this local treasure and hang out spot in the summer but be aware the parking lot does fill up on nice days and usually reopens later in the afternoon so call ahead if you can before driving out. Also get an anual DCR MA State Parks pass , it makes it that much easier when you already have a pass and don't need to pay to park each time. read more

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... read more

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

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. read more

Walden Pond State Reservation - Replica of Thoreau's cabin. - Parks Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

See all

We enjoyed a peaceful walk around the pond on a crisp Friday morning, that is, once the busload of squealing children left. After that, we came across maybe a half-dozen other hikers, two chipmunks, and noticed a lone swimmer, who just might have been training for the Olympics http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/22/sports/olympics/walden-pond-to-olympics-alex-meyer-thrives-open-water.html?pagewanted=all This "hike" is so easy, it's more like a stroll. Wire fencing will keep you on the trail (and protect the surroundings). We got some lovely photos of the autumn colors, and the blue sky's reflections in the water. Thoreau fans have marked the site of his cabin with tall piles of rocks. It looks like some sort of prehistoric cairn. Across the street is a small bookstore and gift shop, where you can buy products with every pithy Thoreau quote you can think of. When you ask your phone's nav system to direct you to Walden Pond, make sure it's the one in Concord. There's another Walden Pond, in Lynn, next to a golf course. That's the wrong pond. (We found out the hard way). read more

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

After moving to Concord last fall, I can see why you would want to visit Walden Pond from anywhere the in the world. Soak in its majesty. Explore it's mysterious. Calm yourself by its shore. This place is majestic, and I have spent many days walking its shoreline, meeting new people, and playing in its cool water. People are swimming, reading, relaxing, playing a pick-up game of something, and loving all that the pond has to offer. I hope to see you there, soon! read more

See all

This place is really inflatable and flying. A beautiful place on the edge of the famous Walden Pond, which has become popular and popular with celebrities such as Henry "Hanky" Thoreau and Brett "Permanent Headband" Michaels. Been here a few times, most recently with me, Mo. An autumn or winter day or a spring or summer day is the best time of the year to look at this intellectual hot spot. It has some "big men" like Jim Dine, who is known for his big heart. Twenty large outdoor sculptures dot the grassy landscape. Some are amazing, some are silly, and some are interactive, so the viewer is an active participant in bringing these strange works to life. There is also an in-house gallery with local and changing exhibitions of often super-jejun art, including video and installation art. One such example is a close-up shot of a man's hands making meatballs. Now THIS one is very apt: "...this vignette reflects the scrupulous suppression of posthumous rebirth as the rabid curiosity that has become the bane of our society..." Also a decent gift shop - the perfect place for unique gifts. for your friends. Keep an open mind and be blunt, JELPers, and try some wicked intellectual time.. read more

If you grow up around this area, you might think Walden Pond is just one of those places you visit in elementary school. But it's so much cooler than that! Walden Pond is beautiful and an easy drive from Boston. Come here during the summer and you can take advantage of the gorgeous weather and even go swimming. Come in the autumn and see the beauty that is autumnal New England. And yes, it's got the historical stuff too. Go ahead, take a look at the Thoreau replica house with all the other tourists, no one will know. read more

I don't miss living in Boston. I do, however, miss swimming and picnicking at Walden Pond in the summer. I loved learning about the transcendentalist movement, as a kid and loved being able to swim and hike like Thoreau around the lake. Walden Pond is a tourist attraction. During peak tourist season, I would recommend coming early in the day and leaving before noon. I also don't recommend driving. I have either ubered here or taken the train (Fitchburg line). I have heard that parking can get very expensive and competitive. The visitors center is brand new, and the facilities are always clean (plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains). It is a great place to spend an early afternoon on a hot summer day. read more

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

Walden Pond State Park is a great way to spend a few hours. It offers some enjoyable walking/hiking trails, a humungous pond (what's the difference between a pond and a lake? Who knows) It's a peaceful and really awesome to see where Henry Thoreau lived for a few years. The cabin or what is more likely a replica, where he lived for two years is right on the banks of the pond. It is pretty intense to see how he lived. The cabin is pretty tiny; big enough for a bed, a fireplace and a small desk and chair. There were people swimming in the pond there when I went, it looked fun, but way too cold for a guy from California! But apparently it's a pretty popular spot for that. Next time I go, I'm for sure taking a dip! I don't want to miss out again. Also, the State Park is not all that Concord has to offer. There is a lot to do in the town. They have some pretty awesome little food places and some fun antique shops. Those New England antique shops are much cooler than the ones I've been to in northern California. Anyway, the Walden Pond State Park is a definite place to stop on your Massachusetts adventure. read more

See all

Peaceful, serene, amazing. The breeze that comes off the pond is perfect. I could sit here all day. Go early and avoid getting shut out of the parking lots. Even if there are spaces, the park sets a time when it will open next not based on the open spots at all. read more

See all

If there is a better spot on earth than Walden Pond, I've yet to find it. I visited for the first time in March, when there was still snow on the ground and ice on the pond. There were very few people there, lots of quiet stillness to appreciate, and natural beauty that would turn even the stodgiest into a poet. Came back again in August with my parents (my father is quite the Thoreau enthusiast) and got to experience the pond as a swimmer. The water is so clear, you can see the bottom of the pond even when it's far too deep to touch with your toes. It's warm, but not gross-warm - getting in is still a wee bit uncomfortable - but you can adjust quickly and I've never had to get out because I was shivering. Only because I was exhausted from swimming for over two hours. Since then, I've been back four or five times, and plan to go back many more times. The best part of Walden Pond is that they're not shoving Thoreau down your throat. Want to come out with your little one and let them splash around under lifeguard supervision? There's a spot for that. Want to come out and swim in the quiet with no one around to bug you? There are tons of spots for that. Want to come out and appreciate Thoreau's writing (yes, I know he was a poser, doesn't make his writing any less beautiful)? You're absolutely able to do that. There's a $5 parking fee if you drive, but a bike rack right by the beach if you bicycle out. The gift-shop is predictably overpriced, but the young man who runs it is delightful and the gifts are nice quality. The bathrooms are clean (if a bit creepy - the human waste composting system they use means you have to pee into a bottomless black hole with a cold draft coming up from below). Highly, highly recommend checking this out. It's the best place to swim I've ever found. read more

See all

So let's start with this, Walden Pond, the pond, the water, always gets 5 stars!! Minus one star because the MassDCR could be doing more to clean up the errant water bottles that kids drop and careless adults leave behind. Will add my pics later. So some details. The park opens at 5am for any morning swimmers or hikers. The water is at a great temperature right now and the hiking path is easiest you will ever find. The hiking path is one way at the moment due to COVID but that really wasn't an issue, sorta made things easier actually. The gift shop is OPEN but the Visitors Center is closed and so are the bathrooms there. Garbage cans are taped up and shut so you NEED to take your garbage out with you! I arrived at Walden around 8am and the park was already busy with families arriving early for a beach day and triathletes finishing up their swim workouts. You pay for parking at a parking kiosk and leave the ticket visible on your car dashboard. $8 for Massachusetts residence. One reviewer said the water was "icky". No clue what she meant but the water was great, clear and cool, and only spotted 1Canadian goose and her 3 younglings. So no mounds of goose pooh anywhere. The life guards came on duty about 9am? Not sure on their start time but they were in full force, which was needed because by 10am the swim beach was fairly busy with kids and toddlers. I suggest to NEW VISITORS you must go early by 8am and during the week if you dislike the crowds. You must bring your own beverages and eats. Visit the MassDCR site for more details. They have a Twitter account and so does Walden Pond Reservation. The Pond was pretty full so that's awesome but a storm or two is needed for sure to keep it humming! I usually visit Walden twice during the summer and once in Fall. Need a winter visit this year. My entire visit was approximately 8am to Noon. A one hour pond swim and a quick hiking loop. Great start to Summer!! Enjoy the review and support Walden Pond!! read more

See all

Beautiful and well worth seeing. Parking is $8 no matter when you go. There is no signal on Rt 117 if you are coming form the West so make sure you take 126( I think that what it is). Better signs for this would help. My only gripe was the people working in the Visitors center. Rude. I was in running gear and she said there was no running. When I said I didn't see that on the signs , she said "go read the fine print". ( It is only on the signs around the pond and not on the signs in or around the visitors center. Also we all got kicked out of the visitor's center for maintenance. They were renovating a section. Maybe they should do the maintenance after hours. A number of tourists from out of state could not get in. read more

Walden Pond State Reservation - No jogging or running anywhere here? - Parks Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

See all

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. read more

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

Honestly, what's not to like? It's a historic reservation for many reasons and it's also beautiful and a great way to relax. Get there early and be courteous read more

I remember Walden pond as the "Cleanest non ocean beach around". That is not the case anymore. The beach stinks like sewage and geese which is no surprise with all of the geese and geese poop in the water. The water is sticky and mucky and gross. Even my three year old thought everything was "icky". Never again.... read more

As a local from Concord, MA it is a guarantee that I would have a strong predisposition to despise the small lake that Walden lived near a couple hundred years ago. Despite this natural born hatred for all things DCR and Walden pond state reservation related, I must say that I have had some pleasant experiences at Walden Pond. Swimming at Walden pond is a major no. Almost every summer the waterfront is shut down for several days due to extreme levels of urine and fecal matter from young children and the careless troglodytes who claim to be parents of these tykes. If you plan on swimming in the pond I would recommend either a full mouth scuba system or a shower directly after. Walking around the pond is a lovely source of exercise and a pleasant experience assuming you like that type of thing. As someone who absolutely detests all forms of exercise besides walking to the fridge, I found the walk better than expected but definitely not great. read more

"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone." HDT One of the things I "can afford to let alone" is Walden Pond. The pond itself is fine. It's the racket they have surrounding the pond that is disgusting. We have traversed the US twice and paid every attraction and park fee gladly without comment. But we get to Walden and you pay DOUBLE if you don't have Mass plates on your car!! Yes, it's that offensive. It's called tourism people. Or, you're doing it wrong. Great way to offend the out of stater before they even get out of the car. Will not go back and will suggest to others to just do a "drive-by." Totally not worth it. Plenty of other great things to see in the Concord area. read more

Looking to get away from Boston without having to drive too far? Well Walden Pond should fit the bill. After paying the parking fee of $8, we walked across the street and were greeted by a peaceful, relaxing scene featuring a sandy beach and a huge, beautiful pond. Walking the circumference of the pond itself takes about 1-2 hours depending on your pace, but you'll certainly get distracted by all the natural beauty and may also want to stop by the original site of Thoreau's home described in the book "Walden." There's also a replica of his cabin near the parking lot if you'd like to learn more about the man who made this place famous. Overall this is a family-friendly place suited for all ages as the various walking trails (besides the main trail) are flat and not rocky at all. I can certainly see why Thoreau decided to camp out here for awhile. Just make sure to wear your bug spray to keep the ticks away! Note: The parking fee wasn't being collected when I came after 4 PM last time, so perhaps coming near sunset can help you save some money. read more

We were driving to the Berkshires from Noston along Highway 2 when we saw signs to Walden Pond. I commented to my husband, I wonder if that's Thoreau's Walden Pond." He said, "Do you want to stop?" Soon later he quickly made a turn and there it was! I remember when I was in fifth grade my mother made me go to summer school and one of my classes was "Thoreau's Walden Pond." My childhood memory of that time quickly flashed in my mind. He stopped in the bookstore parking lot and I ran across the street to get a glimpse of the pond the Thoreau made famous. We later went over to the bookstore where I purchased a book that I read on the remaining three hour trip back to the Berkshires. The historical society has done a great job of preserving Thoreau's memory at this location. I am sorry that I didn't read the other Yelp reviews because we missed seeing his actual house. Oh well...next time we will have to stop again! read more

See all

I loved it. Amazing historical spot but it has a beach type setting around part of the pond. There is a section roped off with lifeguards so the kids can swim about. It is very quiet and serene here. I'm sure on the weekends it's crazy packed but we came on a week day and it was very quiet, not many people, it was perfect. Trails to walk to Where Thoreau's original home was located and many other trails around the pond and property. They have a visitor center with restrooms and they play a 15-20 minute movie about Thoreau. There is a great gift shop which supports the Walden Pond State Reservation. So go crazy I did. So go swim, hike, grab a book, t-shirt , hat and learn some history and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of this world we live in. I highly recommend you don't miss this place. Thoreau was a great man, very inspiring. Simplify, Simplify. Henry David Thoreau read more

See all

No pets?? I understand when it's crazy busy in the summer months but Winter and I can't walk my dog on a leash??? Too many rules No thank you . I think HDT would have let me bring my dog. read more

This was our first time visiting here and we were so happy we made the trip. We only had a short time, so we walked the trail loop around the pond, which was a little less than two miles. There is a short off-shoot from that path to go see the site of Thoreau's original cabin. There is an enormous pile of rocks at that area and signage let us know that visitors from all over bring a rock to add to the pile. (If we would have known, we would have brought one ourselves.) The pile is actually a nice place to stop and build a cairn, as well. There are loads of them there. The walk around the pond is relatively easy and mostly flat. As we walked, we observed many small groups enjoying the pond: swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and just sunning themselves. There's so much natural beauty to appreciate along the path and even in the water itself. It's pretty clear and allows one to admire the rocks - including some rocks visitors placed in the water along the shoreline in neat arrangements. We also saw a couple of people who'd set up hammocks right off one of the paths to relax there. What a great place to rest! read more

See all

A remarkable historic preservation and memorial to one of America's leading Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. The property was once owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson, another prominent figure in the Transcendental movement and friend to Thoreau, who for a pittance, allowed him to build a small cabin next to the lake in 1845 which became the site of his famous book/treatise "Life in The Woods". As I walked the 1.7 miles of shoreline, it became abundantly clear why Thoreau had chosen the area: the faint irredescent green water color, clarity, quality and beautiful forested surroundings is remarkable in its serenity. Walden Pond is a glacial kettle hole formed some 10 to 12 thousands years ago with an average depth from 102 to 106ft. which makes it the deepest natural lake in Massachusetts. Hugh blocks of ice at the time were harvested during the Winter months and sent down South, to the Caribbean, Europe and India. The history of this area is unique in American culture and literature; it was to become the foundation and inspiration of the modern Environmental Conservation Movement. read more

See all