See all
552 photos

Walden Pond State Reservation

Lake, Scenic Lookout, and Park

Concord

Save

8.9^/10

208

ratings

"Easy to see why Thoreau loved it."(10 Tips)
"... for a walk around the perimeter of the pond or just find a spot on the..."(3 Tips)
"... kiddos at the main beach, walk on the path around the perimeter to..."(2 Tips)
"Great for walking, hiking, photography, a picnic, and more!"(4 Tips)

55 Tips and reviews

Filter:

thoreau
hiking
trails
perimeter
picnics
henry david thoreau
biking
fishing
quiet
ponds
sunsets
swimming
sunbathing
beach
cabins
parking
lines
noisy
lakes
photography
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Juliana FaccendaJune 30, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The yearly pass is well worth it and works at other Mass parks as well. The cost for a pass is $35 for one car or $55 for two (one pass total). Be gentle on the trails, they are easily overused.
PatriciaAugust 26, 2014
Been here 5+ times
If you want to avoid screaming kiddos at the main beach, walk on the path around the perimeter to the other side. Ahh, quiet. I think this is more of what Thoreau had in mind.
Yvette MasonSeptember 25, 2018
Parking is easy and definitely stop in at the visitor center and watch the 30 minute video about Walden Pond. Great this time of year (late Sept).Very peaceful with many accesses to the shoreline.
Patricia M.August 14, 2015
There's a public beach with a life guard. You can also swim by yourself (at your own risk). If you walk enough on the trail around the pond, you can also find a small private beach area.
Michelle RSeptember 3, 2017
Went on a drizzly day and had most of the park to ourselves, which we appreciated. Beautiful lake that allows open swimming and fishing.almost sad to see it so taken over by humans.
riley starshipOctober 12, 2015
beautiful, scenic park with nice hiking trails. the pond gets crowded, but the trails are usually pretty empty. love listening to the birds and commuter rail pass by.
Alexa Jane BrooksSeptember 22, 2014
Perfect for a beach day, family picnic, or alone with a book. Cleanest and clearest water ever. No dogs allowed.
Ingrid HartmanAugust 2, 2013
Perfect summer getaway - kinda obvious because everyone else thinks so too. :) water is perfect for swimming - bike there from Arlington or alewife to get the full experience.
Jeremy CNovember 15, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Go in late Fall or early Spring on a cool day for a walk around the perimeter of the pond or just find a spot on the small beach and read.
Benjy WeinbergerAugust 25, 2020
Come to contemplate man's place in nature, leave when you realize that it's basically a crowded swimming pool. Probably better to visit in winter.
RachelOctober 30, 2014
Absolutely beautiful! Great for walking, hiking, photography, a picnic, and more!
Michelin Travel & LifestyleSeptember 22, 2012
The trees lining this lake (where Thoreau built his famous cabin) offer gorgeous autumnal colors. There is a $5 parking fee. Enter the reservation on Rte. 126. - Green Guide Editor
Caitlin C.September 21, 2013
If you visit often, get an annual parking pass, since entrance is $5 per visit year round. The best time to buy is January; the pass is for the calendar year.
Zach WoodsSeptember 11, 2014
Been here 50+ times
Thoreau would be shocked by the summertime crowds but it is a great place for a stroll in the other seasons.
FoodiesprAugust 4, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Great for suntan, hiking, fishing and have a good time
KaitlinJanuary 16, 2016
Beautiful. Easy to see why Thoreau loved it.
Miquel SVAugust 8, 2017
Peaceful on cloudy days
Michelle RSeptember 3, 2017
Parking is $8 for in-state plates. Pay stations accept credit cards.
Rusty WilliamsOctober 21, 2011
If you're hearty and bring a wet suit you can swim until Halloween. At least that's what the triathletes do. The latest I've ever made it (with out a wet suit) is late September.
Maureen SoulesJuly 5, 2014
The healthy heart walk around the shore line is lovely and takes about one hour at an easy pace.
Michelle RSeptember 3, 2017
Parking is $15 for out of state plates. There are pay stations that accept credit cards.
Anthony SouzaSeptember 28, 2020
Absolutely fantastic! Great for swimming and sun bathing!!
Ric FulopOctober 28, 2012
Bring some crocks or similar shoes if you want to go in the water. There are lots of rocks.
Eric AndersenAugust 24, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Boat access road on the east side of the pond, off of 126
Christine DaCruzJune 21, 2015
Remember to take a walk around the pond. It's easy and beautiful.
WaterstonesMay 3, 2013
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach..." - Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Meg RuggieroOctober 1, 2012
Parking is $5 and the machine gives you back change with dollar coins. So I would recommend not using a $20 bill like I did, haha
Mo WangJanuary 25, 2010
Like a wonder land, no matter in Winter or Spring, Summer or Fall.The lake make you doubt why do you live in the noisy world.
Maureen SoulesJuly 5, 2014
$5 is a small price to pay for such beauty.
Gary LombardoJune 16, 2010
Been here 100+ times
Swim from the main beach to the furthest point across is .55 miles. Swim the perimeter is just under 2 miles.
SukebeAugust 12, 2013
Bring GPS for the paths, they only have a handful of signs!
Caitlin DeanJune 21, 2009
Go to Walden Pond and place a rock on the pile next to the site of Thoreau's cabin. From main entrance go left. Follow the trail about 2/3 around to signs for "home site"
Tom WangAugust 31, 2015
You can pee here just don't tell anyone
anna simmonsJune 11, 2019
Been here 50+ times
use public restrooms and protect our Walden
Kyle FrenetteApril 20, 2011
Been here 10+ times
go early or go late. parking lot often closes mid day.
Tian FangDecember 12, 2015
A Thoreau heritage.
AlesiaSeptember 19, 2015
Thoreau 's house
Rob W.February 23, 2014
No pets allowed anywhere on the reservation ಠ_ಠ
Kathleen DeodeneMay 30, 2015
Seriously difficult to get in !
Kyle WackrowAugust 11, 2011
bring the love of yr life here. it's too beautiful to go alone
Saurav TuladharMarch 9, 2019
Calm and serene.
george de la florSeptember 1, 2019
Bring swim trunks and towels!!
Credo ReferenceAugust 22, 2011
Walden, by Henry David Thoreau: Here's where Thoreau built his cabin, living life out in the woods.
DakotaMay 27, 2012
Swim out as far as you want! Gets deep fast.
Doug MacphersonJune 15, 2013
Great quick hike w Doog celebrating Father's Day
Brendan TApril 13, 2013
Saw one beaver, and a million mosquitos
Gidget KnowlesJuly 31, 2013
Been here 25+ times
Not the "real" Walden Pond from the book. Thoreau wanted to keep it a secret so it wouldn't attract crowds and traffic. Smart man.
Nicole LedfordJanuary 3, 2012
Swam all the way across that pond!
Me DarcyJanuary 28, 2013
Breathe...
Marc SchultzJune 10, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Leave it as you found it

1 2

552 Photos

Planning a trip to Boston?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Walden Pond State Reservation

Related Searches

Places inside Walden Pond State Reservation

You might also like

Places people like to go after Walden Pond State Reservation

Appears on 95 lists

Is this your business? Claim it now.