How about a little jaunt to Walden Woods via the Minuteman, Battle Road, and a woodsie path to the pond with a stop at deCordova sculpture garden? There are plenty of places to stop along the Minuteman if you forgot your picnic basket or sunscreen. 

The route starts in Porter Square at Simon’s coffee shop, where you can fuel up on pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Take the easy streets to the Minuteman and stop at Kickstand Coffee in Arlington if Simon’s didn’t do it for you. 

Fortify your picnic basket at Trader Joes or brave the crowds at Wilson Farm around mile five in Lexington if you’re looking for something ready-made and wrapped in plastic.  After leaving the Minuteman, you won’t see any stores before reaching Walden Pond although the deCordova cafe might be open. 

Leaving the Minuteman, you’ll dog leg through suburban avenues with historic sounding names. Then, you’ll  cross the I-95 bridge and pick up the battle road for a few gentle miles of gravel before turning off at Bedford Road towards the Sandy Pond East trails, which wend their way to the rear parking lot at De Cordova sculpture garden on moderately technical terrain culminating with a steep section you may choose to hike.  Exit the museum at the main entrance. 

Pick up the Sandy Pond Trust Land off Baker Bridge Road, which drops you off in a cul-de-sac. The trail continues on the opposite side of the cul-de-sac between two houses; these trails are open to the public despite passing between some backyards.

Continue on some trails with light roots and rocks until you cross Rt. 126 (Concord Rd.) and arrive at last in the Walden Pond woods. Stay on the Esker trail near Concord Rd to avoid a steep descent down to the south side of the lake.

At Walden Pond, relax and enjoy the beach!  There are a couple of bike racks located near the pavilion at the bottom of the stairs leading down to the beach at the east side of the lake. 

To leave the pond, you’ll pick up the Goose Pond Trail across Concord Rd. near the main entrance, which will lead you to the game tunnel beneath Rte 2A (caution this is a dark tunnel with a low ceiling).  

After the tunnel, you’ll exit the woods and regain suburban side streets that lead back to the battle road at Meriams Corner.  Be careful crossing here as there can be heavy vehicle traffic. 

Retrace your way back to the Minuteman and wherever your final destination may be.