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Walden Pond State Reservation

Address

915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742
Directions 

Phone

(978) 369-3254

Online

walden.pond@state.ma.us
Self-guided opportunities  View a trail map  Download brochure  DCR Recreational Advisory Open Water Swimming at Walden Pond  October 2021 Programs  Wood Path and Thoreau House site accessibility improvements to house site and trails  Walden OWS Policies Update 
Accessible
Historic site
Get Directions to Information 

Details

Overview

Let a visit to Walden Pond bring you back in time to the mid-1800's. Experience the connection with nature that inspired Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Enjoy a day of swimming, walking around the famous pond or boating out on the water. Also be sure to visit the replica of Thoreau's single-room cabin.

Organized groups must call in advance to make a reservation. Park hours vary seasonally.

Hours

Sunday - Saturday:
7:00 am-5:30 pm

Boat ramp

Sunday - Saturday: 5:00 am - 5:30 pm

*opens automatically, for boaters only. Accessible parking available.

Parking

Parking is located in the large lot off Rt. 126

MA resident  $8

Non-MA resident  $30

Mobile payments accepted via the YODEL app  Parking in MA State Parks - YODEL FAQs

Resident and non resident status is determined by the vehicle license plate

Annual and senior passes NOT sold in park, use link below to purchase a pass:

Get a parking pass for Massachusetts state parks

Get a lifetime senior parking pass (MA residents)

Activities

Children swimming

Swimming

Cool off from the summer heat in this 102-foot deep pond created by a melted glacier.
A person walking.

Hiking & walking

Take a peaceful stroll along the pond or on one of the trails through Walden Woods.

Facilities

  • Boat ramp
  • Picnic areas
  • Restrooms
  • Visitors center
  • 4 electric vehicle charging stations available when the park is open
    • stations are first come, first serve
    • visitors must pay a parking fee to use the parking lot

Accessibility

  • Accessible education programs
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Accessible visitors center
  • Beach wheelchairs
  • Universally-designed Thoreau House Site Trail

Learn about DCR's Universal Access Program

Restrictions

  • No dogs or pets 
  • No fires or grilling
  • No camping
  • No bikes on trails
  • No alcoholic beverages
  • No gasoline engines
  • No hunting
  • No blow-up water toys
  • No parking on the streets
  • No drones
  • No hammocks

More info

Open Water Swimming

DCR Updates Open Water Swimming Guidelines at Walden Pond

Following extensive outreach and stakeholder engagement in 2015, the Department of Conservation and Recreation established rules and guidelines to manage open water swimming at Walden Pond. In early July 2021, DCR engaged in a brief pause on open water swimming to assess safety considerations, review and update its rules and guidelines.

Beginning July 9, 2021, DCR will again allow open water swimming with updated rules and guidelines that include designated hours for open water swimming, designated points of entry into the pond for open water swimming, and a requirement for open water swimmers to utilize a safety apparatus while swimming.

 

The parking lot will be closed once it reaches capacity. Call (978) 369-3254 before heading to the park to make sure lot is not full

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