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Visit Walden Pond Reservation

Last week, Nancy and I had an opportunity to visit the beautiful Walden Pond State Reservation, located in Concord, MA.  The reservation is most notably known for being the the former home of Henry David Thoreau and the inspiration for his book, Walden.  Walden Pond State Reservation also offers over 300 acres of land, which is used for mainly swimming and hiking.

Upon arriving at the Walden Pond Reservation, Nancy and I parked in the large designated parking area, without any issues.  Parking Fees do apply; Cars and Vans $8 for MA Residents, $15 Out Of State Residents.  You are able to pay these fees at the entrance gate or at a parking machine.

Nancy and I then decided to check out the Visiting Center.  The Visiting Center hours are November 11-30, 10:00am-4:00pm and the Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The center offers free guided group and school tours, the tours must be scheduled two weeks in advance.  The center also offers monthly Programs and Events, for more information on their schedule, please visit their website @ https://www.mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-state-reservation.

Walden Pond State Reservation Visiting Center

While in the Visiting Center, Nancy and I were very impressed with the amount of information which was available about Henry David Thoreau.  There was a Henry David Thoreau statue and beautiful paintings, plus so much more!!

The center also offers free information regarding the wildlife and free pamphlets explaining about the Walden Pond State Reservation, Monthly Interpretive Public Programs, and much more.  Restrooms are also located in the Visiting Center.

Discover Henry David Thoreau’s Cabin 

It was now time to explore the area.  Nancy and I decided to follow the pond trails to the Site Of Thoreau’s Cabin.  The trails were easy to moderate in activity level and the walk from the Visiting Center was approximately 20 minutes.  The trails  were well manicured, making for a short enjoyable hike.

Once we arrived to Thoreau’s site, we observed cement pillars marking the location of Thoreau’s cabin.  The Site Of Thoreau’s Cabin was discovered on November 11, 1945 by Roland Wells Robbins.

While we explored the cabin site, we also observed two other markings, a Site Of Woodshed marking and a Chimney Foundation marking.  We enjoyed our time exploring around the Site Of Thoreau’s Cabin!

Discover Beautiful Walden Pond

We then decided to take a pond path around the beautiful Walden Pond.  The Walden Pond is approximately 102-foot deep and a famous example of a kettle hole, being formed by glaciers approximately 10,000-12000 years ago.  We were impressed with the cleanliness of the pond.

The pond is very clean and we could easily see the bottom of the pond.  Throughout the year, the pond is also open for swimming, however, to conserve Walden Pond, DCR does limit visitation.  If you are planning a day of swimming at the pond, make sure you arrive by 8am the latest.

Henry David Thoreau’s House Replica

After enjoying some time exploring around the pond, we decided to return to the Walden Pond Visiting Center area to see the Thoreau House Replica.  Thoreau’s small house was tightly shingled and plastered, with living quarters of 10 feet wide and 15 feet long.  The post and beam interior was approximately 8 feet in height.

Could you imagine living in a house like Thoreau’s for 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days?!? Thoreau’s House Replica is beautifully constructed and give you an accurate understanding of how Thoreau lived during his time in the house.

Go To Amazing Walden Pond State Reservation!

Our time at the Walden Pond Reservation was time well spent! We were amazed with the beautiful Walden Pond State Reservation!! In fact, if you are now planning a 2019 Summer trip to the reservation, don’t be surprised if you see Nancy and I hanging out on the beach or swimming in the amazing pond.

Happy Travels!!

For more information on Walden Pond State Reservation, visit their website @ http://Mass.gov click locations – Walden Pond State Reservation.