Trip Planner: USA / Massachusetts / Concord / Walden Pond State Reservation

Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord

4.3

#4 of 18 in Things to do in Concord

The scenic Walden Pond State Reservation is a popular site for reflecting on nature and learning about conservation history. Writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau lived here from 1845 to 1848, inspiring his book "Walden," which helped garner respect for the environment in the United States. The legacy of Thoreau and his book enabled the pond to achieve National Historic Landmark status, and it is credited as the conservation movement's birthplace. You can visit a replica of where Thoreau lived and follow a hiking trail to the site of the original cabin. Explore the surrounding forest, and, if weather permits, enjoy a dip in the clean pond water. In keeping with conservation efforts, the number of daily visitors is limited. To visit Walden Pond State Reservation on your holiday in Concord, and find out what else Concord has to offer, use our Concord trip planner .

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Walden Pond State Reservation Reviews

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552 reviews

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4.5

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4.9

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By Kathleen B On January 22, 2018

Lovely walk to commune with Thoreau's nature. Heavy use as a swimming destination in summer has compromised the rustic feel in Summer. Still worth a visit more »
By 332pjp On January 15, 2018

We've walked around this tranquil pond for decades. Erosion has forced the construction of many fences that compromise the rustic feel, but it's still a great walk in the woods. Equally, it's still a ... more »
By Dom B On January 5, 2018

Walden Pond is a special place, in part due to it's history as the birthplace of the 'environmental awareness' movement and because of it's sheer beauty. I've visited in three seasons - winter, summer... more »

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By Joe Hutson On March 31, 2018

Visited during spring so it wasn’t very busy. Lots of bugs but good for a little hike. Visitors center is very modern with lots of gifts. Make sure to go inside the replica cabin and read some of his journals.

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By cat wu On November 28, 2017

Like many other reviews, this park is beautiful tho packed with people. Staff work around the gate definitely weren't that friendly. There's no shower around so if you want to swim here you need to be prepared.

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By James Redmond On January 31, 2018

Ludicrously busy when the weather is decent. Car pool if you can. Great swimming and bird watching.

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By Bruce Caisse On February 4, 2018

Lovely spot to visit and walk on a nice day. Replica of Thoreau's little cabin and a path to the actual location where the original stood.

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By Robert Greenwood On January 19, 2018

A grey cloudy day today but still a beautiful walk around the pond.

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