Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord

To the people that left the pile of chicken bones by the rock wall at Walden Pond today, you are not very considerate. Or possibly just don't care. You probably will never read this. But I wanted to let you know everyone around watched a group of 5 geese begin to try and eat them... I am an animal lover. So I intervened, wrapped up, & tossed your trash for you. That could have possibly killed or hurt these geese. They were very mad with me, to say the least. They all tried nipping and attacking me for stealing their well earned feast! 😤 We had a great time otherwise! We love Walden Pond on weekdays. Especially during after hours (6-730pm.) Free parking after 6pm on weekdays in the on season. 8$ day parking for MA residents. Lots of parking too! Though it fills up fast on the weekend. Walk down or around the pond a bit for your own private stretch of beach. Though this place is always pretty crowded, it's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and hiking. Especially for open swimming. There is a lot of that there. I brought my 25 month old. The water was so warm and the perfect temp for younger kids to stay there all day (July 29 2022.) Wicked rad spot! Green pond pics are from 8/21/22, I just added them to my review.

My favorite summer/fall place! Amazing for swimming, even in early September it’s warm! Beautiful spot, not too crowded. Way better than Boston beaches. They have paid parking - $8 for MA plates, $30 for out of state. Public restrooms available

Arrived before noon . Not too crowded . Lovely view of THE pond. Swimmers w life preserver floats swimming length of pond . Nice walk around snd followed signs for Thoreau cabin . Some slight uphill grade . Signs providing information about where house stood as just stones outlining where it was. All people here very respectful and spoke softly. Nice children’s storyboards along path w colorful educational pages to read. Across street is a replica of Thoreau’s house with period furniture. Statue of Thoreau also. Gift shop small yet many nice choices . No line but only allow set number of people inside to maintain social distancing. Films to watch in Visitor Center. Paid to park .

Not only this place is a historical point, base for inspiration for Thoreau and his ecological studies, but it is a great place to walk, swim and relax. The trails are beautiful with loads of little beaches along the way. Make sure you walk around till the original place of Henry's cabin.

I absolutely loved it. So peaceful and serene. A wonderful way to spend a few hours to relax and recharge.