Step Into Concord’s Storybook:
A Fun Walk Around Walden Pond and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Discover Nature and Literary Legends in Massachusetts
Ready for an adventure? Tie up your comfiest sneakers and grab your sense of wonder—because this day trip is all about relishing the beauty of Walden Pond and uncovering the fascinating tales tucked away in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery! Whether you’re a longtime fan of Thoreau and his pals or just love a good walk in the woods, you’re in for a treat.
# Event Overview
Imagine strolling beside the sparkling waters of Walden Pond, retracing the steps of Henry David Thoreau as he sought out peace, inspiration, and a bit of quiet mischief in the woods. Then, just a hop, skip, and a jump away, you’ll wander into Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where some of America’s most famous writers are buried. Every path is an opportunity for discovery, laughter, and a little literary magic! Event Itinerary
· Meeting Point: Walden Pond State Reservation Main Entrance
· Start Time: 9:00 AM
· Duration: About 4 hours (but who’s counting when you’re having fun?)
· Activities: Self guided stroll around Walden Pond, picnic lunch, story sharing, a visit to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and moments to just soak it all in!
## Admission Prices for Walden Pond
· Daily Vehicle Fee: $8 if you’re rocking Massachusetts plates, $30 for out-of-state vehicles
# Part I: Walden Pond—Where Inspiration Lives
## Walk Like Thoreau
Start your morning breathing in that fresh pine-scented air as you wander the (very doable!) 1.7-mile loop around Walden Pond. This is where Thoreau built his cozy cabin and wrote about living simply—and you never know, maybe some of that inspiration will rub off on you! Along the way, your guide will share quirky stories from Thoreau’s adventures, his experiments with self-reliance (and maybe the occasional neighborly visit for cookies).
## Soak Up the Scenery
Walden Pond is pretty much the definition of “Instagrammable”—think crystal-clear water, shady trees, and sunny spots perfect for a quick picnic or a lakeside selfie. You’ll hear birds calling, see turtles sunbathing, and if you’re lucky, spot a great blue heron striking a pose. Be ready for a quick mindfulness moment: your guide might ask you to pause, listen to the wind, and see what thoughts bubble up—just like Thoreau did.
## Cabin Time and Creative Vibes
Don’t miss the replica of Thoreau’s cabin—snap a photo or imagine what it would be like to spend a night here (with more snacks, probably). At this little clearing, everyone’s invited to share favorite lines from “Walden” or just chat about what simple living means today. Got questions? Toss them out! This is a laid-back, curiosity-filled zone.
## Lunch by the Pond
After your walk, it’s time for a chill picnic, A bit of tail gating activity. Everyone bring a snack (charcuterie type stuff) to share. Kick back, meet your fellow explorers, and check out the visitors’ center for cool displays and books to bring some inspiration home.
# Part II: Sleepy Hollow Cemetery—A Literary Playground
## From Pond to Page
Next, you’ll head over (it’s a quick trip!) to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, a green, peaceful spot where history and stories are everywhere you look. This is no spooky graveyard—think more enchanted garden with rolling paths and towering trees.
## Meet the Legends on Authors Ridge
Now for the real fun: Authors Ridge! Here, you’ll find the graves of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott—the original Concord dream team. And don’t miss out on the other fascinating folks who rest here, like Ellery Channing (poet and Thoreau’s buddy), Sophia Peabody Hawthorne (artist and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s wife), John Bartlett (of “Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations” fame), and Frank Sanborn (an educator and abolitionist who knew just about everyone).
Your guide will keep the stories rolling—tales of friendship, creativity, and maybe a little rivalry. Got a favorite quote? Feel free to share it by the graves. You might even pick up a new favorite along the way.
## Art, History, and a Little Whimsy
Sleepy Hollow is also a feast for the eyes, with unique monuments and plenty of Victorian flair. You’ll learn about the efforts to keep this place beautiful and green, and might even spot some local critters joining the tour.
## Wrap-Up and Reflection
Before you go, gather for a relaxed group chat in a quiet corner—jot down your thoughts, share a laugh, and make a memory or two for the road.
# Event Details and Tips
· Who’s Invited? Anyone who loves stories, nature, history, or just a fun day out!
· What to Bring: Comfy shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, water, a notebook if you’re feeling inspired, and your best literary quotes or jokes.
· Accessibility: Paths are mostly easy, but some parts might be a bit hilly or uneven—let us know if you need extra help.
· Weather: Rain or shine, it’s all part of the adventure—just check the forecast and dress accordingly.
*Note: MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1. Check your local library to see if you can get reduced pricing. especially if you live in Massachusetts.
2. The early start is because the parking lot is fairly small and they control the amount of people who are there each day. We need to arrive there as close to 9:00am as possible otherwise they literally close the parking and the park. You won't get in.
3. Please use the event chat to have discussions about carpooling options and availability and what you intend to bring for our charcuterie board. As always, the expectations is that if you are carpooling you help with gas and the entrance parking fee.
4. Bring a water bottle, if you have room in your vehicle, a camp chair might be helpful for the tail gating lunch, or a blanket for a true picnic.
5. For the walk around the pond, we adopt the pace of the slowest walker. Let's take our time and pace ourselves. We leave no one behind on the trail, ever.
5. For ADA persons, the trail is fairly flat around the pond, however, there are many people walking in both directions and the trail is not very wide. There is fencing on the waterside of the trail so the in those spots where the fencing exists there is not a place to pull over. You can go the other way and see the ruins without going all around the pond.
Why You’ll Love This Walk
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a chance to laugh, learn, and take home a little piece of Concord’s magic. Whether you’re a bookworm, a nature lover, or just looking for something different, Walden Pond and Sleepy Hollow have something special waiting for you.
So come join us! You’ll leave with new friends, new stories, and maybe even a new favorite author. Concord’s woods and words are ready to welcome you.
I look forward to this trip.
Thanks! Margaret
