Walden Pond State Reservation |  |
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More Historic Landmarks| Official Website: Walden Pond State Reservation Location: Route 126, Concord, MA map Phone:978-369-3254 Hours: Hours Vary see below Ages: Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults In/Outdoor: Outdoor Cost: $ see below |
Other Ideas: Old South Meeting House | Babson Globe | Boston State House | Castle Island and Fort Independence | Bunker Hill Monument
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years at Walden Pond in the mid-nineteenth century and wrote of his experiences in the well-known book Walden. Walden Pond is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the birthplace of the conservation movement. The Reservation includes 400 acres surrounding the pond which has a small beach (most of which has been completely eroded during the flooding of spring 2010), a swimming area and canoeing. There are also trails to walk on, wildlife to see and the charming replica of Henry David Thoreau's house to visit.
Swimming, hiking, fishing, boating for car-top boats and canoes (w/life vests), cross country skiing, marked trails. Guided tours upon request.
The area is popular for fishing, swimming, and walking. To protect the natural resources of the area and ensure that Walden Pond remains a pleasant place for people in the future, the number of visitors is limited to no more than 1,000 people at a time. Dogs, bicycles, floatation devices and grills are prohibited.
 Hours |  Top |
Open 7:00am - 8:00pm (5:00am for boats). No dogs or bikes. Parking lot fills quickly on hot days. Best to arrive early. No flotation devices are allowed in the pond.
Summer hours:
Sunday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fall hours:
Sunday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
 Cost | Top |
Parking is $5/car and $35 membership per year. It's free to pedestrians and bikers but access is limited during busy Summer days, (that is, park is closed to everyone when car park is full. One can only enter at certain times during day when they re-open).
 Tips | Top |
- Call first to check for parking availability; visitors are limited to 1000 at a time.
- Canoe & Kayak boat launch has a small parking area specifically for unloading boats.
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 Reviews | Top |
Should be better, Sat 31 Jul 2010
We took the kids kayaking at Walden Pond today. I have to say that I was not all that impressed. Most of the beach is completely eroded. Hardly anywhere for people to sit. Instead people sort of hunker along the tree banks and over near the Kayak launch. The staff was less than pleasant all around. The pond itself was okay for kayaking - although it doesn't offer much of wildlife or interesting areas. You can paddle around the pond and you'll see people walking around the perimeter paths or out swimming from the tree banks. It's just not that nice overall. And kind of noisy. I wouldn't hurry back for any reason - that's for certain.
Walden Pond Rates, Tue 25 Jul 2006
It's been a long time since Walden Pond was free. How unfortunate. The daily rate is $5.00 per car and $35.00 membership per calendar year. It's free to pedestrians and bikers but access is limited during busy Summer days, (that is, park is closed to everyone when car park is full. One can only enter at certain times during day when they re-open).
| We make best efforts to update information, but it changes frequently, so we cannot warrant it. Please call to check Walden Pond State Reservation schedules, fees, and directions before making the trek. We help you, please help us. Report an Error if you find one. |
