Address
915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742
- This page, Walden Pond State Reservation, is offered by
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Walden Pond State Reservation
Details
Overview
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. ph. 978-405-2082
email. Walden.programs@mass.gov
Organized groups must call in advance to make a reservation. Park hours vary seasonally. ph. 978-405-2082
email. Walden.programs@mass.gov
Hours
Sunday - Saturday:
5:00 am-7:30 pm
Visitor Center Hours
Sunday - Saturday:
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Boat ramp
Opens automatically at 5:00am from April 1 to December 1.
Parking
Parking is located in the large lot off Rt. 126
The parking lot will be closed once park reaches capacity. Closures are posted at mass.gov/parkalerts and on the outgoing message of the park phone: (978) 369-3254.
Fees
Daily parking fees charged year-round.
Daily parking passes available for purchase at the Mass DCR YODEL Portal or at credit card pay machines in parking lots.
Cash not accepted.
Vehicles with MA plates: $8
Vehicles registered out of state: $30
Daily parking fees are waived at all DCR facilities for vehicles with:
- Disability license plates or placards
- Purple Heart Recipient license plates
- Disabled veteran license plates
Use links below to purchase annual and senior passes. Annual and senior passes are NOT sold in parks.
Get a parking pass for Massachusetts state parks
Get a lifetime senior parking pass (MA residents)
Passes will not provide admission to Walden Pond State Reservation during capacity closures.
Activities
-
Swimming
Cool off from the summer heat in this 102-foot deep pond created by a melted glacier. -
Hiking & walking
Take a peaceful stroll along the pond or on one of the trails through Walden Woods.
All Activities
- Fishing
- Boating (non-motorized)
Facilities
- Boat ramp
- 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 available
- Universally-designed Thoreau House Site Trail
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
- No SCUBA Diving
More info
Thoreau House Site Trails Accessibility Improvements (2020)
Open Water Swimming
DCR Recreational Advisory: Open Water Swimming at Walden Pond
Walden Open Water Swimming Rules and Best Practices
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 July 2021, guidelines were revised. Those who choose to engage in open water swimming at Walden Pond State Reservation should familiarize themselves with designated hours, designated points of entry, and the requirement for open water swimmers to utilize a safety apparatus while swimming.