Fossil Dig Sites in Maine, USA
Note: Maine’s sparse fossil record, dominated by metamorphic rocks and erosional gaps, limits publicly accessible fossil dig sites. Most fossils are Ordovician to Devonian marine invertebrates and plants, with no dinosaur fossils. Below are verified public sites suitable for informal fossil hunting. For more options, consider museums or nearby regions like New Brunswick.
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Machiasport Coastal Exposures
Location: Machiasport, Washington County, ME 04655
GPS Coordinates: 44.6981, -67.3953
Fossil Types Found:
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Crinoids
- Bivalves
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Silurian–Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Eastport, Edmunds, Pembroke Formations
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Check local regulations; collecting may require permission
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with caution
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Machias
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: Diverse Silurian brachiopods
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (50 reviews)
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Moose River Valley
Location: Jackman, Somerset County, ME 04945
GPS Coordinates: 45.6261, -70.2661
Fossil Types Found:
- Plant fossils
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Tarratine Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: None for informal collecting; check local laws
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Jackman
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (30 reviews)
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Presumpscot Clay Pits
Location: Various (e.g., Portland, Cumberland County, ME 04101)
GPS Coordinates: 43.6652, -70.2958
Fossil Types Found:
- Marine mollusks (clams, snails)
- Barnacles
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Presumpscot Formation
Public or Private Access: Mixed (some public, many private)
Permit Requirements: Permission required for private pits
Entry Fee: None for public pits
Best Season to Visit: Spring–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed where permitted
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Portland
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (40 reviews)
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Mapleton Pyle Mountain
Location: Mapleton, Aroostook County, ME 04757
GPS Coordinates: 46.6652, -68.2260
Fossil Types Found:
- Graptolites
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
Geological Period: Ordovician–Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Perham Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Check local regulations
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer–Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Presque Isle
Contact Information: None
Famous Discoveries: None
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (35 reviews)
Comparison of Maine Fossil Dig Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machiasport Coastal Exposures | Maine | Brachiopods, Trilobites, Crinoids, Bivalves, Gastropods | Public, Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Moose River Valley | Maine | Plant fossils, Brachiopods | Public, Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Presumpscot Clay Pits | Maine | Marine mollusks, Barnacles | Mixed, Self-guided | 3.8/5 |
| Mapleton Pyle Mountain | Maine | Graptolites, Brachiopods, Trilobites | Public, Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Maine
Fossil hunting in Maine offers a distinctive, though niche, experience for those exploring the best fossil dig sites in Maine, despite the state’s limited fossil record shaped by metamorphic rocks and erosional gaps. Unlike regions boasting public dinosaur excavation areas in Maine, the state’s geological history yields Ordovician to Devonian marine invertebrates and plants, with no Mesozoic dinosaurs. Family fossil hunting trips in Maine thrive at sites like Machiasport Coastal Exposures, where Silurian-Devonian brachiopods and trilobites dot public beaches, and Moose River Valley, where Devonian plant fossils emerge from gravel pits. Low-cost paleontology tours in Maine, such as self-guided fossil digs in Maine at Mapleton Pyle Mountain, uncover Ordovician graptolites, while Presumpscot Clay Pits yield Pleistocene mollusks in select public locations. These rockhounding destinations in Maine attract beginners, though collectors must navigate private land permissions or sparse fossil yields. Paleontology field adventures in Maine peak in summer and fall, when coastal and inland sites are accessible. Common fossils in Maine include trilobites, brachiopods, and plant impressions, with *Pertica quadrifaria*, the state fossil, a highlight. Fossils of animals in Maine are limited to marine invertebrates, lacking vertebrate finds. Prehistoric site tours in Maine, while not featuring Jurassic fossil parks in Maine, captivate with rugged landscapes and hidden treasures. Visitors to Machiasport, Jackman, and Portland enjoy nearby lodging and parking, though facilities are minimal. For those wondering where to find fossils in Maine, the Maine Geological Survey provides guidance, but organized digs are rare. While dinosaur dig vacations in Maine are absent, the state’s ancient marine and plant fossils, complemented by museum visits in Augusta or fossil-rich regions like New Brunswick, ensure memorable discoveries for amateur fossil hunters.
Fossil Digging FAQs
Can anyone dig for fossils in Maine state parks?
No, collecting fossils in Maine state parks and national parks like Acadia is prohibited to preserve resources.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Maine?
Sturdy shoes, gloves, hand tools (hammer, chisel), a sifter, and a bag for fossils. Eye protection is recommended.
Do I need a permit for fossil hunting in Maine?
No permits are needed for common invertebrates on public land; private land requires landowner permission.
When is the best time to fossil hunt in Maine?
Summer to fall (June–October) for accessible sites and favorable weather.
Can kids join fossil digs in Maine?
Yes, sites like Machiasport are family-friendly with adult supervision.
Are guided fossil tours available in Maine?
No formal guided tours are widely available; self-guided exploration is common.
Can I keep fossils I find in Maine?
Common invertebrates can be kept on public land; private land fossils require landowner approval.