Montour Preserve Fossil Pit is a premier fossil collecting location in Montour County, Pennsylvania. The site exposes Middle Devonian fossils where visitors can hunt for brachiopods, trilobites, corals, pelecypods, cephalopods, bryozoans, crinoids, and gastropods.
The fossil pit consists of approximately one acre of exposed Mahantango Formation shale formed 390-395 million years ago. The site is open dawn to dusk year-round, admission is free, and visitors may keep any fossils they find. The site was named one of the 30 Most Impressive Fossil Sites in North America in a Top Value Reviews article. The shale can have sharp edges; long pants and sturdy shoes recommended. Bring small geologist’s hammer, soft brush, safety goggles, bucket, and newspaper.
The site was discovered when the hillside was excavated for fill material for parking lots during construction of PPL Montour Environmental Preserve in 1972. The fossil-rich shale was recognized and preserved as a dedicated fossil pit. Portions are still dug out from time to time to use as fill material, which helps expose new fossils for visitors.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Montour, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit. Danville provides the nearest services and amenities for visiting collectors.
Location and Directions
Montour Preserve Fossil Pit is located at 160 Sportsmans Road Danville PA 17821. The fossil collecting site is in Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania.
Directions to Montour
To reach Montour: Park at the preserve entrance on Sportsmans Road; follow the 400-foot gravel trail through the woods to the exposed shale hillside. The fossil pit is in the eastern corner of the preserve.
When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located at the exposed hillside fossil pit in the eastern corner of the preserve.
What Fossils You’ll Find
Montour contains Middle Devonian fossils preserved in shale, siltstone, sandstone. Brachiopods are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Trilobites are also found throughout the collecting area. Corals occur less frequently but have been been discovered at Montour.
Geologic History
Montour exposes the Mahantango Formation, a significant Middle Devonian geological unit in Montour County, Pennsylvania.
Millions of years ago, the area that is now Danville, Pennsylvania was covered by a warm, shallow sea (the Kaskaskia Sea) that fluctuated in depth over time, creating a preserved middle Devonian reef system. The climate was tropical with warm shallow marine waters supporting diverse coral reef ecosystems and abundant marine invertebrates.
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 Montour today.
How Montour Became a Fossil Collecting Site
Montour 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 Montour 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 allowed at Montour. Visitors may keep the fossils they find at this public collecting site.
Key Points:
- No permits or fees required
- Open to all experience levels
- Specimens become property of the collector
- Free access to fossil beds
Tools and Equipment
Recommended Tools:
Fossil collectors should verify which tools are allowed before beginning their search. Some sites provide tools for visitors, while others require collectors to bring their own equipment.
Common Collecting Tools:
- Rock hammers and chisels
- Brushes for cleaning specimens
- Hand screens for processing sediment
- Sturdy containers, bags, or buckets
- Newspaper or bubble wrap for protection
- Spray bottle with water (reveals fossil details)
Safety Guidelines
Essential Safety Guidelines:
Safety should be a top priority when visiting Montour.
Personal Protection:
- Wear closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction
- Eye protection is essential when using rock hammers or chisels
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing
- Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated
Site Awareness:
- Supervise children at all times
- Watch for unstable rock faces, deep water, steep slopes
- Be aware of poisonous plants and wildlife
- Let someone know your plans before visiting remote sites
- Never collect alone in isolated areas
Happy fossil hunting!
Sources
Montour Preserve documentation, regional geological surveys
New to fossil hunting? Start here! Beginner's Guide to Fossil Hunting!
Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.