If you love spending time in beautiful natural surroundings, Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord is an ideal destination. This is the area that was immortalized by Henry David Thoreau in his famous work, Walden. Today Walden Pond is a wonderful place to enjoy outdoors activities year round. During the summer months at Walden Pond, you can picnic, swim, fish, canoe and stroll the trails throughout the woods surrounding the Pond. A replica of Thoreau’s cabin is on site, and you can see the woods and view wildlife near his home site much as they appeared in Thoreau’s time. In the winter, trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In addition to exploring Walden Pond on your own, interpretive staff members provide guided tours. Special programs are held regularly, as well. The Thoreau Society gift shop at the Visitors Center is an outstanding place to purchase books and a variety of souvenirs. Walden Pond is an important nature preserve, yet it has suffered damage during the past few decades, mainly due to erosion caused by human activity. In order to preserve Walden Pond, it is important that visitors stick to trails and designated open areas to assist in the preservation of this beautiful place.