Citing heavy rains this spring that caused the pond's waters to rise, state officials announced today that they would limit access to Walden Pond State Reservation, the picturesque body of water and woods made famous after the 19th century author Henry David Thoreau lived there and wrote about the simple life.
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation said it would limit parking to 169 spaces, or about half the usual number and would also prohibit swimming beyond lifeguarded areas. Flooded trails, including sections of the popular trail that goes around the pond, will be closed and signs will alert visitors to restrictions and alternative paths.
Both a replica of Thoreau's cabin and the actual site where he lived were not submerged and are still accessible, said Catherine Williams, a DCR spokeswoman.
The park is a popular destination during warmer weather, both for area residents and for those drawn from far and wide to see the scenes that inspired Thoreau's book, "Walden." Adventurous swimmers sometimes cross the pond.
The department said water levels had risen several feet above normal after the recordbreaking rains that resulted in seven Massachusetts counties being declared disaster areas. The glacial kettle-hole pond, designated a national historic landmark, has no water flowing in or out and measures nearly 90 feet at its deepest spot.
"In the interest of protecting public safety and safeguarding the historic and natural features of the Reservation, DCR believes restricting public access is the best approach," DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. said in a statement. "Walden Pond is an extremely popular destination, both for local residents and indeed for visitors from around the world, and DCR is committed to keeping it open as much as possible."
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