Walden Pond State Reservation

02/14/06

Henry David Thoreau's old stomping ground is arguably the most famous pond in the world.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Take a walk or a jog, or find a flat rock and spread out the Sunday paper--just make sure to get here early (the parking lot can reach capacity by 11am). Once you're in, there's plenty to do: Go for a swim in the clear blue water, go boating, or find a quiet cove and drop a line for trout.

The Experience
The real draw is Thoreau's cabin, in which the 19th-century writer, philosopher and naturalist lived in solitude for two years. Drop a commemorative stone on the site, a ritual since 1852. The trail that loops around the pond is about one-and-a-half miles and flat, with only a steep bank by the entrance on Route 126. The park's staff provides guided walks and educational programs. A bathhouse by the beach offers restrooms and water fountains.

09/04/02

watery, leafy, and peaceful

by amsu at Citysearch

I would have to say that in eastern Massachusetts this nature preserve is the most peaceful place in and around Boston. Talk about good vibes, its amazing how good you feel hiking around the pond.

The other place I found as peaceful was the Peace Pogoda in Leverett, MA.

• Pros: Cheap, Peaceful, Beautiful
• Cons: Short

07/02/02

Just OK.

by Shaka_X at Citysearch

Dont even bother going if its a weekend. Youll end up sitting in a long line of cars sweating for the opportunity to fork over $5 to park. Only go on weekdays if you want to have a good time. Why wont the state make a bigger lot? The picturesque beauty of the pond described in Thoreaus book has already been destroyed by the few tons of sand that have been dropped on the place, not to mention a boathouse, so theres no point in pretending the natural beauty is still undisturbed. Mon thru Fri only.

• Pros: Close to city
• Cons: Ugly, Crowded, Overused

06/06/02

Serene surroundings

by bbagel at Citysearch

I went to Walden Pong last weekend with my family. It is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon. Parking is $5 per car and entrance is free. You can walk around the lake and just enjoy the scenary. A lot of people swim in the lake, lay out in the sun, or play frisbee, etc. There is also a trail that goes around the lake and you can jog it. You can visit a replica of Thoreau's house (basically a small hut), and there is a little bookstore right by the pond too. All in all, I recommend Walden Pond for a quiet or romantic afternoon, away from the hubbub of Boston city life.

• Pros: Quiet, Serene, Beautiful getaway

05/31/02

back to nature

by jpanderson_citysearch at Citysearch

though it can feel like a mall with the summer crowds, in the early spring and fall this place still has the magic of the thoreau book. beautiful when the leaves are changing, it's a lovely, calm, natural space. a great place to ride your bike out to, sneak off to the far side of the pond and skinnydip. to me, this IS new england.