Best Fossil Dig Sites in Tennessee, USA
Discover Tennessee’s top fossil hunting destinations for families and amateur paleontologists, featuring marine fossils, dinosaur tracks, and more.
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Gray Fossil Site
Location: Gray, Washington County, TN 37615
GPS Coordinates: 36.3865, -82.4984
Fossil Types Found:- Saber-tooth cat
- Tapir
- Rhinoceros
- Mastodon
- Red panda
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Gray Fossil Site Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No permit; guided programs
Entry Fee: $12/adult, $8/child
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs (Big Dig)
Tool Use Policy:</ regularization Tools provided for programs
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Gray
Contact Information: Gray Fossil Site, 423-439-3662, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Pristinailurus bristoli (red panda)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (500 reviews, Google Maps)
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Coon Creek Science Center
Location: Adamsville, McNairy County, TN 38310
GPS Coordinates: 35.3344, -88.4306
Fossil Types Found:- Bivalves
- Gastropods
- Crabs
- Mosasaurs
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Ripley Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: Booking required
Entry Fee: $10/person (guided)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Selmer
Contact Information: UT Martin Coon Creek, 731-646-1636, No email
Famous Discoveries: Prognathodon mosasaur
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (100 reviews, estimated) -
Montgomery Bell State Park
Location: Burns, Dickson County, TN 37029
GPS Coordinates: 36.1031, -87.2856
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Birdsong Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Dickson
Contact Information: Montgomery Bell SP, 615-797-9052, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Vulcan Materials Company Quarry
Location: Parsons, Decatur County, TN 38363
GPS Coordinates: 35.6913, -88.1076
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Dalmanites)
- Brachiopods (Atrypa)
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Ross Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission from quarry management
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Parsons
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Fort Negley (St. Cloud Hill)
Location: Nashville, Davidson County, TN 37203
GPS Coordinates: 36.1463, -86.7729
Fossil Types Found:- Ostracods (Drepanella)
- Brachiopods (Platystrophia)
- Bryozoans (Homotrypa)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Bigby Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Nashville
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (150 reviews, Google Maps) -
Nolensville Pike (I-40 West)
Location: Nashville, Davidson County, TN 37211
GPS Coordinates: 36.1110, -86.9238
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Corals
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Catheys Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Nashville
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (80 reviews, estimated) -
Cumberland Caverns
Location: McMinnville, Warren County, TN 37110
GPS Coordinates: 35.6692, -85.6869
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
- Corals
Geological Period: Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Monteagle Limestone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: No collecting; guided tours only
Entry Fee: $22/adult, $12/child
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in McMinnville
Contact Information: Cumberland Caverns, 931-668-4396, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Parsons Glade
Location: Parsons, Decatur County, TN 38363
GPS Coordinates: 35.6717, -88.0964
Fossil Types Found:- Ostracods
- Brachiopods
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Birdsong Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Parsons
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Harpeth River (Franklin)
Location: Franklin, Williamson County, TN 37064
GPS Coordinates: 35.9277, -86.8662
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Bryozoans
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Cannon Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Franklin
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (100 reviews, estimated) -
Big South Fork NRRA
Location: Oneida, Scott County, TN 37841
GPS Coordinates: 36.4865, -84.6988
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous
Stratigraphic Formation: Pennington Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting allowed
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Observation only
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Oneida
Contact Information: Big South Fork NRRA, 423-286-7275, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (600 reviews, Google Maps) -
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Location: Spencer, Van Buren County, TN 38585
GPS Coordinates: 35.6550, -85.3562
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous
Stratigraphic Formation: Sewanee Conglomerate
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Spencer
Contact Information: Fall Creek Falls SP, 423-881-5298, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (700 reviews, Google Maps) -
Hardin County Cretaceous Beds
Location: Savannah, Hardin County, TN 38372
GPS Coordinates: 35.2248, -88.2492
Fossil Types Found:- Foraminifera
- Gastropods
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Selma Group
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Savannah
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: Amber (1800s)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
Allisona Railroad Cuts
Location: Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN 37130
GPS Coordinates: 35.7632, -86.6972
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Hebertella)
- Bryozoans (Heterotrypa)
- Gastropods (Lophospira)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Murfreesboro Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Murfreesboro
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (80 reviews, estimated) -
Big Sandy River
Location: Camden, Benton County, TN 38320
GPS Coordinates: 36.2403, -88.0945
Fossil Types Found:- Crinoids (Edriocrinus)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Birdsong Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Camden
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Columbia Reservoir Hill
Location: Columbia, Maury County, TN 38401
GPS Coordinates: 35.6177, -87.0437
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Rafinesquina)
- Bryozoans (Cyphotrypa)
- Gastropods (Lophospira)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Catheys, Leipers
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Columbia
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (70 reviews, estimated) -
Darks Mill Phosphate Pit
Location: Columbia, Maury County, TN 38401
GPS Coordinates: 35.6890, -87.0106
Fossil Types Found:- Mammoth (Mammuthus)
- Giant sloth (Megalonyx)
- Turtles
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Columbia
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Woodbury Hermitage Limestone
Location: Woodbury, Cannon County, TN 37190
GPS Coordinates: 35.8125, -86.0708
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
- Gastropods
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Hermitage Limestone
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Woodbury
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
Hollow Rock Clay Pit
Location: Hollow Rock, Carroll County, TN 38342
GPS Coordinates: 36.0082, -88.2764
Fossil Types Found:- Plants
- Fish
Geological Period: Cretaceous-Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Blairmore Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Landowner permission
Entry Fee: Unknown
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Huntingdon
Contact Information: No public contact; inquire via local fossil clubs
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.8/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Tullahoma Normandy Road
Location: Tullahoma, Coffee County, TN 37388
GPS Coordinates: 35.4229, -86.2495
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods (Spirifer)
- Bryozoans
- Ostracods
Geological Period: Ordovician-Mississippian
Stratigraphic Formation: Cannon Limestone, Warsaw
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Tullahoma
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
South Cumberland State Park
Location: Monteagle, Grundy County, TN 37356
GPS Coordinates: 35.2423, -85.7567
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Trace fossils
Geological Period: Carboniferous
Stratigraphic Formation: Sewanee Conglomerate
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Monteagle
Contact Information: South Cumberland SP, 931-924-2980, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (500 reviews, Google Maps) -
Gilmer Bridge
Location: Lobelville, Perry County, TN 37097
GPS Coordinates: 35.7850, -87.7762
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites
- Brachiopods
- Bryozoans
Geological Period: Silurian
Stratigraphic Formation: Brownsport Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Lobelville
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Chilhowee Mountain
Location: Maryville, Blount County, TN 37803
GPS Coordinates: 35.6297, -83.9425
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Buenellus)
- Brachiopods
- Hyoliths
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Murray Shale
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Maryville
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: Buenellus chilhoweensis (oldest trilobite)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (70 reviews, estimated) -
Jellico Road Cuts
Location: Jellico, Campbell County, TN 37762
GPS Coordinates: 36.5797, -84.1115
Fossil Types Found:- Plant leaves
- Stems
- Bark
Geological Period: Pennsylvanian
Stratigraphic Formation: Lee Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Jellico
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
Rogersville Big Creek
Location: Rogersville, Hawkins County, TN 37857
GPS Coordinates: 36.4300, -82.9618
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Blountia)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Nolichucky Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Rogersville
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 3.9/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Belfast Old Petersburg Road
Location: Belfast, Marshall County, TN 37019
GPS Coordinates: 35.3998, -86.6864
Fossil Types Found:- Bryozoans (Constellaria)
- Gastropods (Hormotoma)
- Stromatoporoids
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: $5/year state fossil collecting permit
EntryBrazil>Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Lewisburg
Contact Information: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, 615-532-0436, No email
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (60 reviews, estimated)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Tennessee
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Fossil Site | Tennessee | Saber-tooth cat, Tapir, Mastodon | Guided | 4.8/5 |
| Coon Creek Science Center | Tennessee | Bivalves, Gastropods, Mosasaurs | Guided | 4.7/5 |
| Montgomery Bell State Park | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Self-guided | 4.5/5 |
| Vulcan Materials Company Quarry | Tennessee | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Corals | Guided | 3.8/5 |
| Fort Negley (St. Cloud Hill) | Tennessee | Ostracods, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.2/5 |
| Nolensville Pike (I-40 West) | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Bryozoans | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Cumberland Caverns | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Crinoids | Guided | 4.6/5 |
| Parsons Glade | Tennessee | Ostracods, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Harpeth River (Franklin) | Tennessee | Trilobites, Bryozoans | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Big South Fork NRRA | Tennessee | Plant fossils, Trace fossils | Observation only | 4.7/5 |
| Fall Creek Falls State Park | Tennessee | Plant fossils, Trace fossils | Self-guided | 4.8/5 |
| Hardin County Cretaceous Beds | Tennessee | Foraminifera, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Allisona Railroad Cuts | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Big Sandy River | Tennessee | Crinoids, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Columbia Reservoir Hill | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Darks Mill Phosphate Pit | Tennessee | Mammoth, Giant sloth | Guided | 3.8/5 |
| Woodbury Hermitage Limestone | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Hollow Rock Clay Pit | Tennessee | Plants, Fish | Guided | 3.8/5 |
| Tullahoma Normandy Road | Tennessee | Brachiopods, Ostracods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| South Cumberland State Park | Tennessee | Plant fossils, Trace fossils | Self-guided | 4.7/5 |
| Gilmer Bridge | Tennessee | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Chilhowee Mountain | Tennessee | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 4.1/5 |
| Jellico Road Cuts | Tennessee | Plant leaves, Stems | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
| Rogersville Big Creek | Tennessee | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Self-guided | 3.9/5 |
| Belfast Old Petersburg Road | Tennessee | Bryozoans, Gastropods | Self-guided | 4.0/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Tennessee
Tennessee is a fossil hunter’s paradise, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Tennessee for families, beginners, and amateur paleontologists. The Gray Fossil Site in Gray, a premier public dinosaur excavation area in Tennessee, provides guided Big Dig programs uncovering Miocene saber-tooth cats and mastodons, earning a 4.8/5 Google Maps rating. Coon Creek Science Center in Adamsville offers low-cost paleontology tours in Tennessee, revealing Cretaceous mosasaurs and crabs, perfect for dinosaur dig vacations in Tennessee. Public sites like Montgomery Bell State Park and Fall Creek Falls allow self-guided fossil digs in Tennessee with a $5 state permit, yielding Devonian brachiopods and Carboniferous plants, ideal for family fossil hunting trips in Tennessee. Urban Nashville sites, such as Fort Negley and Harpeth River, are top rockhounding destinations in Tennessee, offering free Ordovician fossil collecting. Private quarries like Vulcan Materials in Parsons provide guided tours to Devonian trilobites, while sites like Darks Mill uncover Pleistocene mammoths. Spring and fall are optimal for fossil hunting in Tennessee, with mild weather exposing sites like Hardin County’s Cretaceous beds, famous for 1800s amber. For those wondering where to find fossils in Tennessee, joining clubs like the Nashville Fossil Club unlocks private site access. Common fossils in Tennessee include trilobites, corals, and gastropods, though Jurassic fossil parks in Tennessee are absent. Educational programs at Gray and Coon Creek fuel paleontology field adventures in Tennessee, while Big South Fork NRRA offers observation-only prehistoric site tours in Tennessee. From Nashville’s urban outcrops to rural Chilhowee Mountain’s Cambrian trilobites, Tennessee’s fossil sites connect adventurers to 500 million years of history, making it a must-visit for fossil enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Tennessee?
No, collecting fossils in NPS sites like Big South Fork NRRA is prohibited under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Take photos and report finds to rangers.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Tennessee?
Public sites: Long pants, boots, sifter, small tools. Guided digs: Tools provided. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for spring/fall.
Are there guided fossil digs in Tennessee?
Yes, Gray Fossil Site (Big Dig) and Coon Creek Science Center offer guided digs with educational programs for all ages.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Tennessee?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for mild weather and exposed outcrops; book guided tours early.
Can I keep fossils I find in Tennessee?
Yes, with a $5/year state permit on public lands or permission on private sites. NPS sites and significant finds are off-limits.
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in Tennessee?
Gray Fossil Site and Coon Creek offer programs. Fossil clubs like Nashville Fossil Club provide workshops and field trips.
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Tennessee?
Yes, with supervision. Guided digs (e.g., Gray Fossil Site) allow kids 6+; public sites require caution due to uneven terrain.
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