Trails Around Walden Pond in Massachusetts

Whether you are a writer, small farmer, philosopher or hiker, no trip to Concord, Massachusetts, is complete without a quiet hike around the tranquil and famous Walden Pond. A National Historic Landmark that has been deemed the birthplace of the conservation movement, Walden Pond is often overlooked for its hiking potential. There are 335 acres of pristine woods surrounding the lake, including hiking trails that were traversed by Henry David Thoreau himself.

  1. Layout

    • Walden Pond State Reservation is both a preservation -- the 2,500-acre "Walden Woods" -- and a 335-acre public park. At the center, Walden Pond provides a peaceful landmark for hikers who can spend the day traversing the shoreline or venturing out into the surrounding woods. The visitor center and parking lot overlook the pond's primary sandy beach, which is the starting point for the main hiking trail.

    Hiking Trails

    • Only one hiking trail, the 1.5-mile "heart-healthy" Pond Path, circles Walden Pond, although several others branch off into the surrounding woods. This shore-hugging trail provides spectacular views of the lake, particularly in the fall when the trees begin to change color. Along the trail, you will come across a replica of Thoreau's one-room cabin where he wrote "Walden" in 1854, as well as other historic markers. Clearly marked side trails veer no more than a mile into Walden Woods. To the north and west of the pond, you can pick up Emerald's Cliff Trail, Heywoods Meadow Path, Esker Trail and the Pine Ridge Trail. To the south and east, shorter trails branch off Pond Path, including Ridge Path and Sherwood Trail. When you arrive at the main parking lot, stop at the visitor center to pick up a detailed trail map, or download a copy at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation website.

    When to Go

    • Walden Pond State Reservation, including the hiking trails in Walden Woods and the pond itself, is open year-round from 5 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset. When the recreation area reaches capacity, or 1,000 visitors, the park closes to newcomers. This is often the case on busy American holidays and three-day weekends in the summer. Plan to arrive early to secure a spot on the trail. For up-to-date capacity reports, call the park directly at 978-369-3254.

    Tips and Considerations

    • The 102-foot-deep Walden Pond is safe for swimming, so you can enjoy a post-hike dip at the pond's sandy beach, which is across from the main parking lot. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimmers may not attempt to swim across the lake. In the winter, Walden Pond's hiking areas double as cross-country skiing or snowshoe trails, so be prepared to yield if you are walking the trails. Due to the historic status of the reservation, there are quite a few things you will need to leave at home, including pets, flotation devices, bicycles, grills, alcoholic beverages, camping tents, hunting equipment, off-road vehicles and metal detectors.