Officials say people are hacking through fences to access Walden Pond beachfront

Local news

Limited beach space sends persistent park visitors to the restricted section of Walden Pond’s shoreline.

Beachgoers reportedly destroy the shoreline as they seek to enjoy the idyllic views and refreshing waters of Walden Pond.

Park officials say visitors are crowding the banks of the historic Kettle Pond, going so far as to cut or bend through fences and chip away at plant life in undesignated areas, according to a WBZ Report.

Above average rainfall has raised the dam’s water level and weakened the beach to about 60 feet long and 15 feet wide. State officials anticipate the shoreline will likely stay underwater by the fall, if not longer.

The rainfall has led to nearby beaches being closed due to high bacteria levels, likely leading to an influx of visitors to Walden’s already crowded beach area.

“We’re going to see people bringing in really big things, almost pop-up tents, tables, hammocks, people trying to bring in grills,” Walden Pond Park Supervisor Lisa Little told WBZ.

Others have taken it further by venturing past the “Stay on Trails” sign, leaving damaged trees in their wake.

“Even the trees that are around, you’ll see branches that have been snapped off, where people have tried to stabilize themselves so they don’t slip,” Little told the outlet. “Some people come here and it’s just a swimming hole for them. They don’t realize the significant history.”

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) said similar behavior began at the pond in early summer. DCR officials shared a video at the time, expressed frustration with people trampling on plants and wildlife in their search for seating.

DCR asked visitors to go to other state parks and beaches instead of Walden Pond until the high water levels subside.