The scenic Walden Pond State Reservation is a popular site for reflecting on nature and learning about conservation history. Writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau lived here from 1845 to 1848, inspiring his book "Walden," which helped garner respect for the environment in the United States. The legacy of Thoreau and his book enabled the pond to achieve National Historic Landmark status, and it is credited as the conservation movement's birthplace. You can visit a replica of where Thoreau lived and follow a hiking trail to the site of the original cabin. Explore the surrounding forest, and, if weather permits, enjoy a dip in the clean pond water. In keeping with conservation efforts, the number of daily visitors is limited. To visit Walden Pond State Reservation on your holiday in Concord, and find out what else Concord has to offer, use our Concord.
Create an itinerary including Walden Pond State Reservation
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Walden Pond State Reservation reviews
-
Our goal was to see the new visitor center but it was closed due to Covid 19. We had walked on the Emerson Thoreau Amble from Emerson’s home in Concord. It was a long walk before we reached the the... more »
-
Went for a pleasant walk around the pond, which took less than an hour. Even though it was mid week the parking lot was very crowded, but most people were there for the beach. It's $8 to park (pay... more »
-
Most Central Mass woodland parks are idyllic. Walden Pond is no exception. Hiking trails are well-maintained, and, for the most part, under canopies of towering trees. It's especially enjoyable to walk the trail around the glistening pond, about a mile and a quarter circumference. Two or three small public beaches crowd with sunbathers and swimmers in summer. All along the pond, small clearings appear sporadically on the shore, with space for intimate gatherings and activity (fishing, swimming, etc.). Tripping across the original site of Thoreau’s handmade house in the woods is treat, if you're into that sort of thing. Parking can be tough. Bring bug spray.
-
Very pretty when weather is nice. The trail around the pond is perfect for a afternoon walk without getting sweaty.
Plan your trip to Concord
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Concord
Side trips from Concord
Hidden gems in Concord
Historic Sites in Concord
Nature in Concord
Trails in Concord
Trips to Walden Pond State Reservation by other users
7 days in Lexington
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem Witch Museum
Peabody Essex Museum
27 days in Boston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Museum of Science
Charles River Esplanade
Copley Square
15 days in New England
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Boston
Concord
Sudbury
24 days in Boston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Freedom Trail
North End
The Paul Revere House
15 days in Boston
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Good Harbor Beach
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Granary Burying Ground
1 day in Concord
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Walden Pond State Reservation
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Minute Man National Historical Park
