Venture Out: Walden Pond

In southeast Concord, Mass., you’ll find a pond with just the slightest bit of history.

OK, it has a lot of history associated with it, including perhaps the most famous book ever based on a pond.

Walden Pond, once the isolated, tree surrounded centerpiece for Henry David Thoreau’s nature-geared “Walden,” is now a centerpiece for literary lovers, nature lovers and beach lovers alike.

Because of its literary legacy, Walden Pond has been designated a National Historic Landmark and, according to the reservation’s website, is considered “the birthplace of conservation.”

Today, visitors to the reservation can catch a glimpse of the isolation and minimalist quarters Thoreau experienced during his two years living on the pond's shores, or they can opt for the more modern visitor’s approach and take a dip in the pond, sunbathe on the beach and shop at the reservation’s gift shop.

Here are 10 things you need to know that will help you plan your trip to Walden Pond.

1. In order to protect the natural resources of the reservation, there is a 1,000 visitor limit at any given time. On hot summer days, that limit can be reached quickly. Arrive early (the park opens at 5 a.m.) and just plan to make a day of it.

2.  Leave the family dog and bicycles at home (they aren’t permitted in the park) and remember to bring along $5 for parking.

3.  Now the fun stuff – The beach at Walden Pond is well-kept and watched over by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you don’t mind a crowd, stick to the main beach and enjoy the conveniences.

But, if you’re looking for a bit more private of a day, take a walk down the trail that runs along the shore of the pond. The trail is well-maintained (you can handle it in flip-flops) and fenced. The fencing is intended to keep people on the path and protect the shoreline from erosion. Down the path a bit, however, are openings in the fencing and small areas along the shoreline that allow access to the pond and a place to spread your beach towel. These places aren’t as groomed as the main beach (nor are the overseen by a lifeguard, so be careful), but they are likely much less crowded.

4. If you’re more of a fisher than a swimmer, Walden Pond is still for you. Rowboats and canoes are welcome on the pond, as is fishing. Perhaps you, your rowboat and fishing pole, and a small container of worms are due a date on the pond.

5. But if you can quote Thoreau in your sleep and are in the mood for a literary pilgrimage, this is your spot. Thoreau’s original cabin is no more, but tucked into a little clearing in the woods, is the original site with a stone marking the old hearth as well as stone pillars outlining the original dimensions of the one-room home.

6. Next to where the cabin used to stand is a rather out of place pile of rocks. Teetering towers of stacked stones, painted rocks, rocks with people’s names on them … and just plain, old rocks of all shapes and sizes.

Visitors have piled the stones there, invited to do so by a nearby placard, in honor of Thoreau. Leave your mark in way that would make Thoreau proud: Naturally, with a rock.

7. If you need a bit more in the way of visuals to really embrace your inner Transcendentalist, head back up to the parking lot of the reservation. Tucked in the trees planted between different lots of the parking area stands a small – OK, it’s tiny – shack. Thoreau’s original Walden hut is no longer standing, but he took meticulous notes.

Thanks to those notes, this parking lot shack is believed to be a nearly exact replica, right down to its furnishings, of the one-room home in which Thoreau lived during his time at the pond.

Step inside, take a look at the minimal surroundings, and don’t forget to sign the guest book.

8. Perhaps you’re all about the outdoors and natural surroundings, but don’t really pay much attention to the natural in literature. No problem. You can hike any number of trails throughout the Walden Pond State Reservation without anyone quizzing you about the literary significance. A PDF trail map is available on the Department of Conservation and Recreation webpage for Walden Pond.

9. Before you leave, visit the Thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond. You’ll be able to pick up a few souvenirs, jewelry, books, DVDs, children’s gifts and more. All the proceeds from purchases here support the Thoreau Society’s mission, so you'll be doing a good deed when you stock up on postcards.

10. The Walden Pond State Reservation is open year round. Sure, you’ll probably want to avoid the beach in the middle of the winter, but the crowds are significantly reduced in the non-beach months and there’s still hiking to do and sights to see. Don’t count this out as a day trip option just because you can’t go swimming.