Hiking and Recreation

photograph of mother and child in woods
Enjoying nature around Walden Woods

Getting outdoors and exploring Walden Woods is a great way to connect with this important and historical landscape. About 80% of the 2680 acres that make up Walden Woods is conserved by state, municipal, and non-profit organizations, and most is open to the public for passive recreation.

Hiking

The public is welcome on most of the conservation land in Walden Woods. Detailed trail maps, use regulations, and parking information is available from the entities that manage individual properties.

Walden Woods Project properties:

Thoreau’s Path on Brister’s Hill Interpretive Trail and Handicap Assessed Trail Loop

Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods

Bear Garden Hill

The Farm at Walden Woods

Other notable properties (not managed by The Walden Woods Project):

Walden Pond State Reservation (MA DCR)

Town of Lincoln/Lincoln Land Trust

Town of Concord/Concord Land Conservation Trust

Paddling

Non-motorized boats can put in at the Walden Pond State Reservation for a $5 parking fee. Several Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet River canoe launches are available for river exploration.

Donation

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