A 102-foot-deep kettle pond straddling the Concord/Lincoln line, famous as the site of Henry David Thoreau's 1845-47 cabin experiment and now a DCR-run state reservation with a swimming beach, a replica of Thoreau's cabin, and trails around the shoreline. It draws heavy summer crowds and the parking lot closes once it fills, so mornings or off-season visits are the calmer window.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $8/day MA plates, $30/day out-of-state
Dogs
No dogs or pets are allowed anywhere on the reservation, year-round. This DCR rule is stricter than, and separate from, Lincoln's townwide conservation-land leash rule.
Hours
7am-7pm daily (varies seasonally); the parking lot closes once the reservation reaches capacity, with closures posted at mass.gov/parkalerts and on the park's phone line.
Accessibility
Beach wheelchairs available; a universally-designed accessible trail and an accessible visitor center, restrooms, and bathhouse.
Swim
Allowed year-round; lifeguarded 10am-6pm through Labor Day, open swimming permitted outside guarded hours
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed ice-free months
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
978-369-3254 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Changing rooms
in the bathhouse
Common questions
Is Walden Pond State Reservation open today?
Walden Pond State Reservation is a public pond in Lincoln, MA. Posted hours: 7am-7pm daily (varies seasonally); the parking lot closes once the reservation reaches capacity, with closures posted at mass.gov/parkalerts and on the park's phone line..
Can I visit Thoreau's cabin site?
A replica of Thoreau's cabin stands near the parking area, and the original cabin site on the pond's shore is marked with a cairn, reachable by trail.
What happens when the lot fills up?
DCR closes the gate once the reservation reaches capacity; check mass.gov/parkalerts or call the park phone line before driving over on a summer weekend.
Where do I park at Walden Pond State Reservation?
Paid lot ($8/day MA plates, $30/day out-of-state).
Is there an entry fee at Walden Pond State Reservation?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Walden Pond State Reservation?
No dogs or pets are allowed anywhere on the reservation, year-round. This DCR rule is stricter than, and separate from, Lincoln's townwide conservation-land leash rule.
Is Walden Pond State Reservation wheelchair accessible?
Beach wheelchairs available; a universally-designed accessible trail and an accessible visitor center, restrooms, and bathhouse.
What rules should I know at Walden Pond State Reservation?
Pond is 102 feet deep at its center; swim within your ability, especially outside lifeguarded hours. No dogs/pets anywhere on the reservation. No fires or grilling. No gasoline boat engines.