Top Fossil Dig Sites in Georgia, USA
Discover the top fossil hunting sites in Georgia available to the public:
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Shark Tooth Island
Location: Savannah River, near Savannah, GA 31410
GPS Coordinates: 32.0704, -80.9743
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Megalodon, Carcharodon)
- Mollusks
- Vertebrate bones (porpoise teeth)
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Duplin (possible)
Public or Private Access: Public (boat access)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Boat tour fees vary
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided surface collection
Tool Use Policy: Hand collection only
Nearby Facilities: Boat ramps, lodging in Savannah
Contact Information: wrightsvillebeachkayak.com
Famous Discoveries: Megalodon teeth
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (100 reviews, 4.6) -
Tellus Science Museum Fossil Dig
Location: 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120
GPS Coordinates: 34.2424, -84.7695
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Snail shells
- Dinosaur bones (planted)
Geological Period: Various (simulated)
Stratigraphic Formation: N/A
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: $17 adults, $13 children
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Self-guided, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Brushes provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Cartersville
Contact Information: tellusmuseum.org, (770) 606-5700, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None (educational site)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews, 4.8) -
Taylor Ridge
Location: Near Ringgold, GA 30736
GPS Coordinates: 34.8832, -85.1086
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (road cuts)
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking at road cuts, lodging in Ringgold
Contact Information: fs.usda.gov/conf, (706) 638-1085
Famous Discoveries: Trilobites in museum collections
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (50 reviews, 4.3) -
Tibbs Bridge
Location: Conasauga River, near Chatsworth, GA 30705
GPS Coordinates: 34.7364, -84.8572
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Aphelaspis)
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Conasauga
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Summer
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Chatsworth
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: Aphelaspis trilobites
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (40 reviews, 4.2) -
Lumpkin-Louvale Trail
Location: Near Lumpkin, GA 31815
GPS Coordinates: 32.1163, -84.8141
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Bivalves (Exogyra, Ostrea)
- Gastropods (Turritella)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Ripley
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Lumpkin
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (30 reviews, 4.1) -
Hannahatchee Creek
Location: Near Lumpkin, GA 31815
GPS Coordinates: 32.1463, -84.9223
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Squalicorax, Scapanorhynchus)
- Bivalves (Exogyra, Crassostrea)
- Dinosaur bones (hadrosaur)
- Coelacanth (Megalocoelacanthus)
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Blufftown, Cusseta
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Lumpkin
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: 4m coelacanth fossil
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (60 reviews, 4.4) -
Shell Bluff
Location: Savannah River, near Waynesboro, GA 30830
GPS Coordinates: 33.2279, -81.8278
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Crassostrea, Ostrea)
- Gastropods (Turritella, Calyptraea)
- Shark teeth (Carcharias, Isurus)
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Lisbon, Clinchfield, Dry Branch
Public or Private Access: Private (permission required)
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Guided with permission
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools with approval
Nearby Facilities: Limited parking, lodging in Waynesboro
Contact Information: georgiasfossils.com
Famous Discoveries: Large Crassostrea gigantissima
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (35 reviews, 4.5) -
Montezuma Bluffs
Location: Near Montezuma, GA 31063
GPS Coordinates: 32.3370, -84.0286
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves (Ostrea, Venericardia)
- Gastropods (Turritella)
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Clayton
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring, Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Montezuma
Contact Information: None specific
Famous Discoveries: None widely publicized
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (25 reviews, 4.0)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Georgia
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Tooth Island | Georgia | Shark teeth, mollusks, vertebrate bones | Public, self-guided | 4.6/5 |
| Tellus Science Museum Fossil Dig | Georgia | Shark teeth, snail shells, dinosaur bones | Public, self-guided | 4.8/5 |
| Taylor Ridge | Georgia | Trilobites, brachiopods, bryozoans | Public, self-guided | 4.3/5 |
| Tibbs Bridge | Georgia | Trilobites | Public, self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Lumpkin-Louvale Trail | Georgia | Shark teeth, bivalves, gastropods | Public, self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Hannahatchee Creek | Georgia | Shark teeth, bivalves, dinosaur bones, coelacanth | Public, self-guided | 4.4/5 |
| Shell Bluff | Georgia | Bivalves, gastropods, shark teeth | Guided, permit-only | 4.5/5 |
| Montezuma Bluffs | Georgia | Bivalves, gastropods | Public, self-guided | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Georgia
Georgia is a hidden gem for fossil hunting, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in the USA for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. From the public dinosaur excavation areas at Hannahatchee Creek, where hadrosaur bones and coelacanth fossils await, to the self-guided fossil digs at Shark Tooth Island, the state’s diverse geology fuels paleontology field adventures. Fossil hunting in Georgia uncovers common fossils like Megalodon shark teeth, trilobites, and mollusks from the Cretaceous, Eocene, and Cambrian periods, found in formations like Blufftown, Conasauga, and Clayton. Unlike national parks, where fossil collection is restricted, sites like Tibbs Bridge and Lumpkin-Louvale Trail provide free, public access, perfect for low-cost paleontology tours and family fossil hunting trips. The state’s coastal plains and Appalachian ridges offer varied rockhounding destinations, with Taylor Ridge yielding Silurian trilobites and Shell Bluff boasting giant oysters. Spring and fall are ideal for jurassic fossil parks in Georgia, with mild weather enhancing your prehistoric site tours. Facilities like the Tellus Science Museum’s visitor center or parking at Montezuma Bluffs ensure comfort during your fossil hunting in Georgia. Joining groups like the Georgia Mineral Society can unlock guided access to private sites like Shell Bluff, enriching your dinosaur dig vacations. Whether you’re seeking fossils of marine animals in Georgia or planning a budget-friendly adventure, sites like Montezuma Bluffs offer accessible finds for all ages. Always check local regulations, as private sites require permission, and significant finds may need museum reporting. With high user ratings and welcoming vibes, Georgia’s fossil dig sites promise thrilling discoveries, making it a top destination for where to find fossils in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Georgia?
No, fossil collection in national parks like Chattahoochee-Oconee is prohibited without a research permit. Report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Georgia?
Hand trowel, sifter, gloves, brush. Some sites allow only hand collection; check rules.
Are permits required for fossil hunting in Georgia?
No permits for public lands like riverbanks; private sites like Shell Bluff need landowner permission.
What fossils can I find in Georgia?
Shark teeth, trilobites, mollusks, dinosaur bones, coelacanths from Cretaceous, Eocene, Cambrian.
Is fossil hunting in Georgia family-friendly?
Yes, sites like Tellus Museum offer safe, educational digs for kids and beginners.
Can I keep fossils I find in Georgia?
Yes, on public lands, but significant finds like vertebrate bones should be reported to museums.
What’s the best time to hunt fossils in Georgia?
Spring and fall offer mild weather, ideal for outdoor fossil hunting.
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