A Visit to Walden Pond

“Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

A few weeks ago I was in need of some peace and quiet that I just didn’t feel I would get at home. I am way too prone to logging on to the computer and getting things done even when I am just trying to relax and recharge. So I piled Arielle and my mom into the car and we headed to Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts.

It is a beautiful place to take a walk and sit and think about everything going on in life. While I am no nature girl, I certainly can understand why Henry David Thoreau built a small shack on the grounds of this National Park to write some of his most famous works. 

If you plan on visiting, there is a large parking area with kiosks to pay for the day. It’s $8 for Massachusetts residents for the day and $30 for those with out-of-state plates. 

On the way to the Walden Pond Visitor’s Center, you can pop into a recreation of Thoreau’s home and see a statue of the famous author. I would suggest dropping into the Visitor’s Center so you can grab a map of the Reservation and check out the exhibits, then head across the street to take a walk around Walden Pond. 

We did not go all the way around because I knew halfway through I would have to carry Arielle, but it should take about an hour if you choose to do the whole thing. You can also sit on the beach if you’d rather enjoy the stillness. We saw a few divers suiting up to take the plunge into the pond right off the beach. It was only about 55 degrees out so I cannot imagine what the water temperature must have been!

Once you’ve had enough of the beautiful scenery, head back across the street to the gift shop where you can pick up a copy of On Walden Pond, or a tee shirt or mug. They have snacks and drinks too if you’re feeling peckish after your walk. You can also head into Concord for lunch at Main Streets Cafe and check out more local history!

For more of the beauty of Walden Pond, head over to my Instagram. 

Have you ever been to Walden Pond? What did you love about it?