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Guide to Fossil Hunting along the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland

CALVERT CLIFFS FOSSIL HUNTING

Guide to Fossil Hunting along the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland



Chesapeake Beach Weather

Calvert Cliffs Maryland

Fossil Hunting Guide to the Calvert Cliffs - Including Fossil Shark Teeth

Calvert County, Maryland ~ 23 - 8 Million Years Old
Early to Middle Miocene
Chesapeake Group: Calvert, Choptank, and St. Mary's Formations

Videos of Calvert Cliffs Fossil Hunts

YOUTUBE VIDEO

This is a short video from one of my fossil Shark tooth hunts along the Miocene Calvert formation



YOUTUBE VIDEO

This is another of one of my fossil Shark tooth hunts along the Miocene Calvert formation



View of the Miocene Fossil Cliffs. This area along the Chesapeake bay is ideal for fossil hunting.



Another View of the calvert cliff exposures along the Chesapeake Bay



View of the Miocene Fossil Cliffs. This area along the Chesapeake bay is ideal for fossil hunting.



Fossil Hunting at the Calvert Cliffs in Winter

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About the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland

Diagram of the Salisbury Embayment during the middle Miocene - from Pazzaglia, 1993. The Red Dot is where the Calvert Cliffs are.

The fossil bearing Calvert Cliffs of Maryland is part of a large collection of fossiliferous exposures, called the Chesapeake Group. The Chesapeake Group encompasses exposures around the Chesapeake bay, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. These exposures were created by sediment accumulation in the Salisbury Embayment, an area encompassing the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coastal plains which is often covered by the ocean (Kent, 1994, p.111).

The Calvert Cliffs run for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland in Calvert County. These cliffs contain an amazing Miocene fauna. More than 600 species of fossil plants and animals have been found here (Glaser, 1979, p.56). Among these countless species, are a wide variety of marine animals such as porpoises, whales, seals, sea turtles, sea cows, and crocodiles. Also, parts of land mammals are occasionally found, the most common being the peccary; a pig like animal. However, more interesting creatures have been found, such as mastodons, wooly rhinos, and camels. Also, the cliffs boast an extremely diverse sea life, from countless genera of sharks and rays (including C. megalodon), to many kinds of fish. Most of these fossils are found as bone fragments, and isolated teeth.

Around this time in the early to middle Miocene, the Salisbury Embayment was a shallow sea. It is thought to have been used as a calving ground for many species of early dolphins and whales. Since there were so many marine mammals here, the largest of prehistoric sharks, the Megatooth sharks (including C. megalodon), spent a lot of time feeding here. The climate was warmer than it is now, so on the shore, a diversity of plants grew here, from Cyprus trees to Oak trees.

This is a great destination to travel to if you are looking for Fossil shark teeth!


Rough map of Cavlert County showing the various miocene formations along the Calvert Cliffs.


The rough map above shows the Miocene Geologic Formaitons that run along the Calvert Cliffs.

Each Formation is layered on top of the other, with the youngest on top. However, these Miocene deposits are slightly tilted, gradually dipping toward the ground as one moves south, approximately 10 feet per mile (Gernant,1970,p.6).

This results in the Calvert Formation going completely underground around Scientists Cliffs, and the Choptank Formation going underground near Cove Point. Basically, what this means is the further south one goes, the younger the deposits get (almost like a time machine), as shown on the map.

St. Mary's Formation is roughly 8 - 12 million years old.
Choptank Formation is roughly 12 - 18 million years old.
Calvert Formation is roughly 18 - 22 million years old.


Fossil Shark Tooth Collecting Sites along the Calvert Cliffs and Chesapeake Bay


Google Map of the Calvert Cliffs Area




The Calvert Cliffs area is a great place to take your family fossil hunting - Kids love finding the fossil shark teeth.

Although these are some of the best miocene exposures on earth, most of it is private property, so it's difficult to gain access to the Calvert Cliffs. Also, the parks do not let you enter the cliff areas, as the cliffs are dangerous as they frequently collapse.

Below is a list of available fossil collecting locations along the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland in no particualar order (linked to locations when available).

Remember the cliffs can be dangerous. Please adhear to the following guidelines:

Stay away from the Cliff areas, they fall all the time!!! You simply need to beach comb for fossils that wash up.

Do not dig in the cliffs! This is illegal on federal and state lands and incredibly dangerous.

Please check ahead to make sure the times the fossil collecting locations are open did not change

Finally, check the tides! If you arrive at high tide, the beach may be submerged.


1. Flag Ponds Nature Park

This is a park halfway up Calvert County. It again, contains nice hiking trails that lead to a large beach area. There are no cliff exposures present here, but fossils wash up via the currents.

  • There is no cliff access at this park. However, some fossils can be found washing in the surf.
  • Small fee
  • Open Memorial Day to Labor Day and Weekends in Winter
  • On route 2/4, 9 miles N. of Solomons, you will see signs for it.

2. Breezy Point Beach and Campground


Small fossils wash up from the Calvert Formation, however the Beach is small, and no cliffs are present. Therefore, the teeth found are the TINY ones that wash up from other locations. However, it's a convenient place to camp at if you are collecting at the cliffs for a few days.

  • Small Entrance Fee
  • Open April 15 to October 15
  • On Rt. 261, a few miles south of Chesapeake Beach, turn onto Breezy Point Rd.

3. Matoaka Beach Cabins

Matoaka Beach Cabins is a rustic camping and cabin area pearched right on top of the southern part of the Calvert Cliffs. You can hear the waves crash when you sleep! Matoaka is open year round for day fossil collecting and open from spring through fall for camping and cabin rental.

  • Choptank Formation is exposed.
  • When at the cliffs, walk north and search for the fossils in the surf.
  • Open year round for day fossil collecting for a small cash entrance fee.
  • Open for Cambing and Cabin rental from spring to fall.
  • Address: 4510 Mataoka Ln. Saint Leonard, Maryland 20685
  • Visit their website for updated/detailed information

4. Calvert Cliffs State Park

This is probably the worst public location to collect at. It is a park toward the southern end of Calvert County. The park has scenic hiking trails, with one that leads to a VERY TINY beach. One can fossil hunt at the small beach, but cannot go near the cliff sections. It's a very scenic park, nice for hiking, but not for fossil collecting.

  • St. Marys Formation is exposed. A very nice park that allows collecting at a VERY tiny beach.
  • There is a 2 mile? scenic hike to get to the beach.
  • Small Park Enterance Fee.
  • Collecting under cliffs here is illegal
  • On Rt. 2/4, 5 miles N. of Solomons, you will see signs for it.

5. Bay Front Park - CLOSED TO PUBLIC


The local town council has CLOSED this park to non-county residents

  • CLOSED to non-residents.
  • There is NO CLIFF ACCESS at this park.


6. Westmoreland State Park in VA


This is not at the Calvert Cliffs, but it has the same cliff formations present. They are called the Horsehead Cliffs.

  • Cliff access is prohibited, however, they have a nice "fossil beach" next to the cliffs where fossils can be found.
  • The park also offers a "Fossils, Fun and Fitness River Kayak Trip." This kayak trip is offered Wednesdays, Sundays, and some Saturdays. It takes you below the Horsehead cliffs to a beach with fossils.
  • Small Fee. Use the link above to see hours, fees, maps, directions, and more information.

7. Calvert Marine Museum


This is not a site, but they have scheduled fossil collecting tours. They also have a HUGE fossil exhibit from the cliffs that is worth a visit.

The museum is in Solomons. To get to Solomons, on Rt. 2-4 S, Bear right (onto Rt. 2) just before crossing the large bridge leading to St. Marys county.

Check their website, via the link above, to see their hours and fees.



8. Guided Tour: Chesapeake Heritage And Paleontology Tours


If you don't want to try going alone, you can always join a guided tour. Chesapeake Heritage and Paleonotlogy Tours offer small and private fossil hunting tours along the Chesapeake Bay. These tours are run by my friend Paul, he's a great guy and is incredibly knowledgeable about the Paleontology of the Cliffs!



Fossil Identifaction for the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland

If you plan on collecting shark fossils or any other fossils at the cliffs, or need Calvert fossils identified, this is your place.
click the image below to go to the fossils that can be found at Calvert Cliffs.


Recommended Fossil Collecting Equipment and Collecting Tips

The following is a list of recommended equipment to bring with you when fossil hunting at the Calvert Cliffs:

Small Shovel and Sifter with a 1/8" or 1/4" screen or a Sand Sifter

Remember, it is illegal to dig in the cliffs. Plus they fall all the time, you want to stay away from them.

The small shovel is for screening. Go to the surf, where you see pebbles and small rocks, toss a shovel full in your sifter and see what fossils you get!


RELODECOR Beachcombing Shark Tooth Sifter - Lightweight Sand Sifter for Shark Teeth and Fossil Hunting, Durable with Comfortable Grip and Wrist Strap
RELODECOR Beachcombing Shark Tooth Sifter

RELODECOR Beachcombing Shark Tooth Sifter - Lightweight Sand Sifter for Shark Teeth and Fossil Hunting, Durable with Comfortable Grip and Wrist Strap

This is a small 14/5" x 11" lightweight shark tooth mesh sifter. Made of PVC and pool floaties, it floats in the surf and is very light to carry. The small mesh is good for a scoop of pebbles along the surf to search for shark teeth.



Invariably 4 Pcs Beach Sand Sifter, Shark Teeth Sifter Shell Shovel Rock Scooper with Shell Collecting Bag- Beach Scoop Shovel and Sifter Tool for Picking Up Shells Beachcombing & Rock Hunting
Invariably: 4 Pcs Beach Sand Sifter, Shark Teeth Scooper with Shell Collecting Bag

Invariably 4 Pcs Beach Sand Sifter, Shark Teeth Sifter Shell Shovel Rock Scooper with Shell Collecting Bag- Beach Scoop Shovel and Sifter Tool

If you don't want to lug a small shovel and sifter to shark tooth hunt, this is for you! These light weight 30" extendable scoops are perfect for cathing shark teeth in the surf before they wash away, AND you don't have to constantly bend over! A must-have for shark tooth hunting along the beach!"



Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max XS Samsung, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag Beach Essentials 2Pack-8.3
Hiearcool: Waterproof Phone Pouch

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max XS Samsung, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag Beach Essentials 2Pack-8.3 inches

After a few mishaps with my phone fossil hunting in the rivers and coast, I highly recommend a cheap waterproof phone holder. Even though phones are now waterproof, it keeps the mud, salt, and sand off, and out of the speaker and charging ports, which quickly destroys a phone. This keeps your phone in pristine condition so you can use to I.D. your fossils on this website! This model is large enough to fit most newer phone sizes.

Waders

If you don't want to stung by sea nettles or are collecting in cold weather, waders are a good idea.

Note:Felt bottomed waders are illegal in Maryland. They help spread invasive algae. Use non-felt lined waders

Sunscreen/Water/Snacks

Anytime you are outdoors, you should have adequate amounts of water, insect repellent, some food, water resistant suntan lotion, and a hat! There's often no shade along the beachs.

Don't Overpack

I often see collectors who look like they are hiking the appalachian trail for 6 months. Don't overdo it. You want to have fun while collecting. You don't want to have to carry 30 pounds of MRE's, 2 tents, 3 changes of clothes, a rubber ducky, etc...
Idealy, you want to pack light and come home heavy with shark teeth and other fossils.

Tips for fossil collecting at the Calvert Cliffs

Make sure you check the tides, winds, and weather for the bay before collecting.
If you show up at high tide, the collecting beach may be submerged!
Here is a page where you can find all of the Meteorological data.

Stay away from the base of the cliffs. Large chunks that could turn you into a pancake fall off quite often.

It is best to collect at low tide, so check the tide charts.

Walk along the shore slowly, the teeth are mixed in with shell fragments and small pebbles, making them hard to spot. If you are not careful, you will walk over many of the teeth.

Beware of the swarms of biting flies and stinging jellyfish in late summer!!!

Recommended Books for Fossils and Nature of the Calvert Cliffs

The Geology and Vertebrate Paleontology of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland
Stephen J. Godfrey (Volume editor) - 2018

This is the latest comprehensive review of the fossils of Calvert Cliffs. This volume includes fossil sharks, skates, and rays. It also has ray-finned fish, crocodiles, and sea cows.
The shark section is incredible! The second volume is also about about Miocene Turtles and Cetacea. This is a technical publication, for paleontologists and avid fossil collectors of the Calvert Cliffs.
The volumes are published online and can be downloaded FREE at the openSI website. Once at the site, search for ISSN 1943-6688 for the 1st volume and ISSN 1943-6688 for the 2nd volume.



Fossil Shark Teeth of the World
Fossil Shark Teeth of the World

Fossil Shark Teeth of the World: A Collectors Guide
by Joe Cocke, 2002

A great book for identifying all those teeth. This book is laid out "as simple as possible." It's ease of use and small size makes it great to carry during collecting trips. This book shows teeth from around the globe, but all the Calvert teeth can be found in it.



Outdoor and Nature Books about the Chesapeake Bay

Thesea are good read to explore the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area when your are done fossil hunting!


Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide
Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide

Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide
David Malmquist, 2021

The Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide is an ideal companion for visitors exploring the famous estuary, offering insights into its beauty and history. Discover 14,415 miles of shoreline, hiking trails, wildlife preserves, and more.




A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region
A Year across Maryland

A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region
Bryan MacKay, 2013

A comprehensive week-by-week guide, A Year across Maryland, by Bryan MacKay, explores the state's rich wildlife and plants. From nesting bald eagles in January to mistletoe harvesting in December, it offers insights for spontaneous adventurers and serious planners, complemented by over seventy species' photographs.



Additional Photos / Images of the Calvert Cliff Fossil Area

To use or purchase any of these photos, please contanct me. I have high res, unwatermarked versions of most of them, plus many others.


Get Your Very Own Megalodon Tooth:


These are Authentic Megalodon teeth sold by Fossil Era , a reputable fossil dealer (that I personally know) who turned his fossil passion into a business. His Megalodon teeth come in all sizes and prices, from small and inexpensive to large muesum quality teeth. Each tooth has a detailed descriptions and images that include its collecting location and formation. If you are looking for a megalodon tooth, browse through these selections!


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