Walden Pond State Reservation

The yearly pass is well worth it and works at other Mass parks as well . The cost for a pass is $35 for one car or $55 for two (one pass total). Be gentle on the trails , they are easily overused.

If you want to avoid screaming kiddos at the main beach , walk on the path around the perimeter to the other side. Ahh, quiet . I think this is more of what Thoreau had in mind.

Parking is easy and definitely stop in at the visitor center and watch the 30 minute video about Walden Pond . Great this time of year (late Sept).Very peaceful with many accesses to the shoreline.

There's a public beach with a life guard . You can also swim by yourself (at your own risk). If you walk enough on the trail around the pond , you can also find a small private beach area.

Went on a drizzly day and had most of the park to ourselves, which we appreciated. Beautiful lake that allows open swimming and fishing .almost sad to see it so taken over by humans.

beautiful, scenic park with nice hiking trails . the pond gets crowded , but the trails are usually pretty empty. love listening to the birds and commuter rail pass by.

Perfect for a beach day, family picnic , or alone with a book . Cleanest and clearest water ever. No dogs allowed.

Go in late Fall or early Spring on a cool day for a walk around the perimeter of the pond or just find a spot on the small beach and read.

Come to contemplate man's place in nature, leave when you realize that it's basically a crowded swimming pool . Probably better to visit in winter.

Perfect summer getaway - kinda obvious because everyone else thinks so too. :) water is perfect for swimming - bike there from Arlington or alewife to get the full experience.

The trees lining this lake (where Thoreau built his famous cabin ) offer gorgeous autumnal colors. There is a $5 parking fee. Enter the reservation on Rte. 126. - Green Guide Editor

If you visit often, get an annual parking pass, since entrance is $5 per visit year round. The best time to buy is January; the pass is for the calendar year.

Absolutely beautiful! Great for walking, hiking , photography , a picnic , and more!

Beautiful. Easy to see why Thoreau loved it.

Thoreau would be shocked by the summertime crowds but it is a great place for a stroll in the other seasons.

Great for suntan, hiking , fishing and have a good time

If you're hearty and bring a wet suit you can swim until Halloween . At least that's what the triathletes do. The latest I've ever made it (with out a wet suit) is late September.

Peaceful on cloudy days

Parking is $8 for in-state plates. Pay stations accept credit cards.

The healthy heart walk around the shore line is lovely and takes about one hour at an easy pace.

Parking is $15 for out of state plates. There are pay stations that accept credit cards.

Absolutely fantastic! Great for swimming and sun bathing !!

Go to Walden Pond and place a rock on the pile next to the site of Thoreau 's cabin . From main entrance go left. Follow the trail about 2/3 around to signs for "home site"

Boat access road on the east side of the pond , off of 126

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach..." - Henry David Thoreau , Walden

Remember to take a walk around the pond . It's easy and beautiful.

Bring some crocks or similar shoes if you want to go in the water. There are lots of rocks.

Parking is $5 and the machine gives you back change with dollar coins. So I would recommend not using a $20 bill like I did, haha

Not the "real" Walden Pond from the book . Thoreau wanted to keep it a secret so it wouldn't attract crowds and traffic. Smart man.

You can pee here just don't tell anyone

use public restrooms and protect our Walden

Bring GPS for the paths, they only have a handful of signs!

$5 is a small price to pay for such beauty.

A Thoreau heritage.

Thoreau 's house

Swim from the main beach to the furthest point across is .55 miles. Swim the perimeter is just under 2 miles.

Like a wonder land, no matter in Winter or Spring, Summer or Fall.The lake make you doubt why do you live in the noisy world.

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau : Here's where Thoreau built his cabin , living life out in the woods.

Bring swim trunks and towels!!

Calm and serene.

Swim out as far as you want! Gets deep fast.

Great quick hike w Doog celebrating Father's Day

Seriously difficult to get in !

No pets allowed anywhere on the reservation ಠ_ಠ

go early or go late. parking lot often closes mid day.

bring the love of yr life here. it's too beautiful to go alone

Saw one beaver, and a million mosquitos

Breathe...

$5 for parking ? And no pets allowed? I don't think Thoreau would approve

Swam all the way across that pond !