Westmoreland State Park Fossil Hunting Guide

Westmoreland State Park is a premier fossil collecting location in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The site exposes Miocene fossils where visitors can hunt for shark teeth, whale teeth, shells, and marine mammal fossils.

Beach collecting is allowed; follow park rules and regulations. State park facilities available including camping, cabins, swimming pool, and hiking trails.

Westmoreland State Park includes Fossil Beach where Miocene fossils erode from cliffs and wash onto the beach. The park sits across the Potomac River from Maryland’s famous Calvert Cliffs and shares similar Miocene geology and fossil assemblages.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about fossil collecting at Westmoreland, including directions to the site, collecting rules and regulations, the types of fossils you can find, and what to expect during your visit. Montross provides the nearest services and amenities for visiting collectors.

Location and Directions

You can find Westmoreland in Westmoreland County, Virginia. To reach Westmoreland: There is a trail from visitor center leads to Potomac River Fossil Beach along Chesapeake Bay. When you arrive, the fossil collecting area is located at Fossil Beach along the Potomac River.

What Fossils You’ll Find

Westmoreland contains Miocene fossils preserved in marine sediments clays silts sands.

Shark teeth are the primary fossil assemblage at the site. Whale teeth and bones are also found throughout the collecting area. Marine shells and mollusks occur less frequently but have been been discovered at Westmoreland.

Geologic History

The fossils at Westmoreland formed during the Miocene.

Millions of years ago, the area that is now Montross, Virginia was a shallow coastal marine environment. The climate was warm subtropical with shallow coastal waters supporting diverse marine life.

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 Westmoreland today.

How Westmoreland Became a Fossil Collecting Site

Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland. 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 every collector’s top priority when visiting Westmoreland.

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

Sources

Virginia state parks documentation; Chesapeake Group fossil localities