New visiting hours: SERC is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.! We will be open on Thanksgiving (11/28), but closed on Christmas (12/25) and New Year's Day (1/1).
For the public
SERC's trails and dinghy dock are open to the public Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will be open on Thanksgiving (11/28), but closed on Christmas (12/25) and New Year's Day (1/1).
We have four miles of trails for hiking or biking, and a floating dock where you can launch a personal canoe or kayak to paddle along the Rhode River.
Trail maps are also located at kiosks at the Reed Education Center, Contee Watershed Trail, and New Dominion Building.
For more details about each trail, visit our Maps and Trails page.
Public Programs and Calendar
Check out our calendar for a full list of activities and events at SERC!
Plan a SERC tour or event! Learn more
For Boaters
We have a floating dock where you may tie up your canoe, kayak or dinghy. Motorized boats more than 15 feet long are not permitted, so please anchor out and come ashore by dinghy if you have a larger vessel. You may not launch any motorized craft from our docks; however, you may launch a non-motorized canoe or kayak to explore our water trails. The launch fee is $5.00 per kayak, payable at the Reed Center. Please note that due to limited parking and our mission to preserve the area, we can only accommodate small groups. Please call 443-482-2200 with questions and please alert us if you plan to bring multiple kayaks, due to limited parking.
SERC Canoe and Kayak Trail Map and Guide (PDF)
Parking
Public parking is available at the Reed Education Center and at the Contee Farm. Parking is also available at the Woodlawn History Center on select Fridays and Saturdays. Parking is not permitted in all other areas. You will not be allowed to park outside the park and walk in.
Safety Precautions
Before arriving, please do a health self-check. If you feel sick, please stay home to take care of yourself, and help protect our visitors and staff! Masks are no longer required, but anyone who wants to wear one is welcome to do so.
For safety reasons, flip-flops are not allowed on campus. When hiking, please be aware of poison ivy and follow precautions for ticks.
Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about visiting SERC.
For Visiting Scientists, Fellows, and Interns
SERC hosts visiting scientists, fellows, and interns who come to participate in research. Explore our research labs for collaborative research opportunities, or check out our internships and fellowships.
For visitors who need to SCUBA dive for their research, please see the Research Diving section on our Facilities page for more information.
Seeking housing information or looking to host a meeting or conference at SERC?
Please see our Meeting Spaces and Housing page.