Many fossils in Maryland date back 542 million years ago to the Paleozoic Period.
In Maryland, there are many dig sites for fossil hunting. Most of these sites are along the coastal region of the state, where you can find fossils from marine life, plants and even dinosaurs. Maryland has a state dinosaur, the Astrodon. Large-bodied and long-necked, the Astrodon lived 130 to 95 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous Period.
Instructions
Maryland Fossil Dig Sites
1. Visit Dinosaur Park in Prince George's County. Located near the town of Laurel, Dinosaur Park is a 7.5-acre designated fossil dig site which has attracted archeologists and tourists since its inception in 2009. Access to fossil areas is limited, but Dinosaur Park does open to the public on the first and third Saturday of each month. County archeologist Donald Creveling hails Dinosaur Park as "one of the most prolific sites for dinosaur and plant fossils east of the Mississippi River." There is no admission charge, as Dinosaur Park is owned by Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation.
2. Take a scenic drive to Clavert Cliffs in Lusby. Located on the Western Shore region of Maryland, Clavert Cliffs are two giant rocks that rise above the Chesapeake Bay. These cliffs were formed by massive erosion, and fossils date back to the Miocene Epoch Period, approximately 40 to 20 million years ago. This fossil dig site is home to the remains of marine life including sharks' teeth, ray fish and mollusks. Digs are not allowed on the cliffs, but any fossil rock that falls between the cliffs to the water are considered yours to keep. Parking is free.
3. Choose your own sand pile along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. People have found fossils in the piles of sand and gravel left over from digging this area. Belemnoids, or "skeletons" of squid and the bivalve mollusk "Exogyra," have been unearthed. These fossils date to the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 65 million years ago. Park near the north bank of the canal and walk to the dig site.
4. Drive to Piscataway Creek at Old Fort Road and Indian Head Highway. Located off Route 210, this fossil dig site is rich in Turritellas, long and slender sea shells that resemble screws. The fossils are on the north side of the creek. Turritella fossils date back 145 to 65 million years ago to the Cretaceous Period. Two fossil groups, the Eocene Nanjemoy Formation and the Miocene Calvert Formation camp out in this area. Parking is free.
5. Travel and park along busy Henson Road off the Capitol Beltway. This suburban fossil dig site is easily accessible off the St. Barnabas Road exit. Paleocene mollusks, or giant clams, have been found in the dark clay at the bottom of the stream bed. Bring dental and ice picks to this dig site. These fossils date back 65 to 56 million years ago. Park off Henson Road and walk down to the stream.
6. Travel inland to Sandy Mile Road off Route 68. Sandstone and limestone formations contain very old fossils at this dig site. The weathered rocks around the quarry contain brachiopods. These primitive plant fossils date back to the Paleozoic Period, 542 to 251 million years ago. Brachiopods include lycophytes, sphenophytes and ferns. Park then hike down the short trail that leads to the quarry.
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