About
The Boiling Spring at Bear Garden Hill was Concord’s coldest and most popular spring from colonial days and a literary symbol for the Transcendentalists. It was so named because it bubbled as it oozed from the earth. Thoreau considered the Boiling Spring one of the wonders of Walden Woods. “There are few really cold springs,” he reflected in his Journal, “I go out of my way to go by the Boiling Spring.” In 1844, water rights to the Boiling Spring were sold to supply the Concord depot with water for the Fitchburg railroad.
Preservation
Because of its literary significance and proximity to Bear Garden Hill, the Boiling Spring property was purchased by The Walden Woods Project. This property, the Bear Garden Hill, and Farm at Walden Woods, all combine as a block of nearly 60 acres and are adjacent to many more acres of conservation land held by the Concord Land Conservation Trust.
Recreation
Boiling Spring has a few walking trails that connect to the Farm, Bear Garden Hill, Town of Concord wellhead property and other conservation land. Passive recreation trails can be enjoyed on this property.
Entrance/Parking information
The Boiling Spring is most easily accessed through Bear Garden Hill. A parking lot exists at Bear Garden Hill off of Sudbury Road.
Seasonal information
The trails surrounding the Boiling Spring may be impassible in the winter due to ice and snow. During spring, summer, and fall, poison ivy may be present on or near the trails. Check for ticks year round with extra consideration in the spring and fall when ticks are most prevalent.
Fees
There are no fees associated with accessing the Boiling Spring.
Nearby sites
Bear Garden Hill – The Farm at Walden Woods
