Walden Pond State Reservation

Great walk/hike around the lake even on the rain. Beautiful fall colors.

This is a great place for any easy stroll and beautiful views both adored by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Thoreau - you can visit the small cottage where arguably the American conservationist movement was born to protect such beauty.

this is a “kettle hole” or pond formed by the retreating glaciers 10 to 12,000 years ago. You know if you’re interested in that sort of thing :-) the lake is 108 feet deep and 61 acres of area, now stocked with trout for fishing and boating enthusiast.

easy access to the park from the convenient parking lots

One of the coolest stops on the most epic road trip was Walden Pond, where I immersed myself in the world of Henry David Thoreau. This place, immortalized in Thoreau's work, "Walden," is a sanctuary and bucket list experience those seeking a deeper connection with the world around them and history lovers.

Henry David Thoreau's teachings on simple living and the importance of nature still resonate strongly today. His timeless words remind us to slow down, simplify, and find solace in the natural world. Visiting Walden Pond, I was reminded of the profound impact this place had on his writing, and how it continues to inspire us all to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

In our fast-paced lives, Thoreau's wisdom is a gentle nudge to cherish the simple moments, like the ripples on the pond, the rustle of leaves, and the songs of birds. If you haven't visited Walden Pond, I highly recommend it for an escape that will leave you feeling reconnected with nature and inspired by the words of a literary legend.

Walden Pond State Reservation is a 335-acre state park and recreation site managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The reservation was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 for its association with the writer Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862), whose two years living in a cabin on its shore provided the foundation for his famous 1854 work, Walden; or, Life in the Woods. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 ensured federal support for the preservation of the pond.

Beautiful! Walked around the lake. There are several spots to walk down a few stone steps to the water. Many people were swimming laps and kids playing on the beach. I did get a few bug bites, but it was worth the visit.

30$ for parking for anyone from out of state and 8$ for MA residents. Guess they don't want people to come from out of state. Took the hike to the original site before we realized that the reproduction was right in the parking lot. Nice walk, but disappointed that it was just some stones. The museum was small but interesting. The restrooms need a deep cleaning. The pond was very pretty.

I had the chance of visiting this amazing pond that ticked all the right boxes. It was not only perfect for swimming, but also impeccably clean. Surrounded by lush trees and vibrant greens, the setting felt like a serene oasis. There were numerous hiking trails available, catering to all levels of expertise. The water was delightfully fresh and cool, providing a rejuvenating experience. I highly recommend this pond for anyone seeking a refreshing and tranquil getaway.

Wonderful and reflective experience.

The staff at the visitor center is knowledgeable and more than willing to share their knowledge and experience at Walden.