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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
Visit Massachusetts State Parks 
View a trail map 
Download brochure 
Historic site
Accessible

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

Main entrance

8:00am - 7:30pm The main entrance gate locks at 7:30pm and the exit gate locks at 8:00pm. All cars must be out of the parking lot at this time.

Boat ramp

Opens automatically at 5am - Locks at 7:30pm

Parking

Parking is located in the large lot off Rt. 126.

Daily parking fees:

MA residents $8
Non-MA residents $15

 

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

Accessibility

  • Accessible beaches
  • Accessible boating
  • Accessible education programs
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Accessible trails

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

More info

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

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