Calvert Cliffs is a premier fossil collecting location in Calvert County, Maryland. The site exposes Miocene fossils where visitors can hunt for shark teeth, whale teeth, marine mammal bones, shells, bivalves, rays, sea turtle remains, and crocodile teeth.

The Calvert Cliffs extend for roughly 24 miles from near Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point. More than 600 species of fossil plants and animals have been found here. Most land is privately owned; public access restricted to designated parks and beaches. Beach collecting allowed; cliff climbing and digging in cliffs strictly prohibited as cliffs frequently collapse (illegal and dangerous). Best collecting at low tide or after storms. Three Miocene formations exposed (from north to south): Calvert Formation (oldest 18-15 mya), Choptank Formation (middle 14-12 mya), St. Marys Formation (youngest 10-8 mya). Shark teeth are most common finds. Largest Megalodon teeth found are just over 6 inches. Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons has excellent paleontology exhibits. Layers slightly inclined to south so progressively younger beds exposed from north to south.

The Calvert Cliffs formed as ancient sea floor sediments were deposited in layers during the Miocene in the Salisbury Embayment. After the last ice age, sea levels rose and created Chesapeake Bay. The deposits that were once sea bottom now stand up to 100 feet above the water line. Wind and water continuously erode the 20-40 meter high cliffs, exposing fossils that wash onto beaches. First fossil described from North America came from St. Marys Formation in 1685. The cliffs have been a center for scientific inquiry since the 1800s. Designated some of the best-known fossiliferous deposits of any age. Over 600 species documented, with new species found every year that exist nowhere else in the world. 54 species of cartilaginous fish (3 chimaeras, 39 sharks, 12 skates/rays) identified.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Calvert Cliffs, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit.

Location and Directions

You can find Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County, Maryland.

Directions to Calvert Cliffs

To reach Calvert Cliffs: There are three main access points: (1) Calvert Cliffs State Park: 1.8-mile Red Trail hike to beach, (2) Matoaka Cottages: private access $10 fee at St. Leonard, (3) Bayfront Park/Brownies Beach at Chesapeake Beach (currently closed to non-residents).

When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located along the 24-mile stretch of Chesapeake Bay shoreline where cliffs expose Miocene sediments.

What Fossils You’ll Find

Calvert Cliffs contains Miocene fossils preserved in marine sediments.

Shark teeth are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Marine shells and bivalves are also found throughout the collecting area. Ray dental plates occurs less frequently but has been been discovered at Calvert Cliffs.

Geologic History

Calvert Cliffs exposes the Calvert Formation, a significant Miocene geological unit in Calvert County, Maryland.

Millions of years ago, the area that is now Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. The climate was warmer than today, similar to present-day North and South Carolina. A warm temperate environment with cypress swamps along the margins of the sea. Diverse plants including cypress trees and oak trees grew along the shore.

As these ancient organisms died, sediments buried and preserved their remains. Over millions of years, geological processes transformed these sediments into the fossil-bearing rocks visible at Calvert Cliffs today.

How Calvert Cliffs Became a Fossil Collecting Site

Calvert Cliffs was established as a protected area to preserve fossil resources while providing public access for education and collecting. Recognition of the site’s paleontological importance led to its designation as a managed collecting location.

Park or preserve status protects Calvert Cliffs from commercial exploitation while maintaining access for hobbyists and researchers. This management approach ensures fossil resources remain available for future generations while allowing current visitors to experience the thrill of discovery.

Collecting Rules & Regulations

Is Fossil Collecting Allowed?

Fossil collecting is permitted at Calvert Cliffs with certain restrictions in place.

Key Points:

• Specific rules regarding quantity limits or size restrictions
• Designated collecting areas may apply
• Some specimens may be protected
• Check current regulations before visiting

These restrictions help preserve fossil resources for future visitors while still allowing meaningful collecting experiences.

Sources

FossilGuy.com Calvert Cliffs guide; Maryland Geological Survey fossil collecting sites and Miocene sharks pamphlet; Calvert Marine Museum paleontology exhibits; Chesapeake Bay Foundation interview with Dr. Stephen Godfrey 2024; Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology No.100 2018 Godfrey ed.; Taylor & Francis journal article on shark teeth distribution; Maryland state fossil documentation; multiple technical publications on Chesapeake Group geology