Henry Hikes to Fitchburg by D. B. Johnson is a book for ages 4 to 104. It is based on Walden written by Henry David Thoreau, a writer, naturalist, and surveyor in the mid 1800s. In the book, Henry and his friend travel from Concord to Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Henry hikes the 30 miles while his friend works odd jobs for the train fare. Who arrives first? Read this delightful book, then choose your path to Fitchburg by clicking on either Hike or Train. Be sure to keep a journal of your activities. You can also begin with a scavenger hunt through the book.

We would like to thank the following individuals for their wonderful support of this project: the author D.B. Johnson; Richard Smith (Thoreau); Leslie Wilson, Curator of Special Collections, Concord Free Public Library; and Jeff Cramer, Curator and Director at the Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods. With their gracious assistance and warm hospitality, we are able to enrich the lives of students with this virtual activity. So many children cannot make the trip to Concord to view the important primary source material or experience the essence of Thoreau and his friends. With much gratitude, we hope you enjoy the activities and the fun of discovery.