Best Fossil Dig Sites in Virginia, USA
Discover Virginia’s top fossil hunting destinations, from Miocene shark teeth to Triassic dinosaur tracks, perfect for families and amateur paleontologists.
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Westmoreland State Park Fossil Beach
Location: Montross, Westmoreland County, VA 22520
GPS Coordinates: 38.1710, -76.8644
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth (Carcharodon, Isurus)
- Crabs (Balanus)
- Mollusks (Chesapecten)
- Whale bones
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: $7/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall (low tide)
Dig Options: Self-guided, guided fossil walks
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Montross
Contact Information: Westmoreland State Park, 804-493-8821, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Eobalaenoptera harrisoni (whale, 1990)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (1000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Chippokes Plantation State Park
Location: Surry, Surry County, VA 23883
GPS Coordinates: 37.1463, -76.7427
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mollusks (Chesapecten, Ecphora)
- Sturgeon scales
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Yorktown Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: $5/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall (low tide)
Dig Options: Self-guided, guided fossil walks
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Surry
Contact Information: Chippokes State Park, 757-294-3625, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (500 reviews, Google Maps) -
York River State Park Fossil Beach
Location: Williamsburg, James City County, VA 23188
GPS Coordinates: 37.3997, -76.7178
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mollusks (Chesapecten)
- Corals
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Yorktown Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: $5/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall (low tide)
Dig Options: Self-guided, guided fossil walks
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Williamsburg
Contact Information: York River State Park, 757-566-3036, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (800 reviews, Google Maps) -
Caledon State Park
Location: King George, King George County, VA 22485
GPS Coordinates: 38.3534, -77.1419
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: $5/vehicle
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall (low tide)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms, parking, lodging in King George
Contact Information: Caledon State Park, 540-663-3861, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (300 reviews, Google Maps) -
Stratford Hall
Location: Montross, Westmoreland County, VA 22520
GPS Coordinates: 38.1628, -76.8320
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mollusks (Chesapecten, Ecphora)
- Whale bones
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Guided tour required
Entry Fee: $15/adult, $10/child
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Montross
Contact Information: Stratford Hall, 804-493-8038, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (400 reviews, Google Maps) -
Carmel Church Quarry
Location: Ruther Glen, Caroline County, VA 22546
GPS Coordinates: 37.9306, -77.4806
Fossil Types Found:- Whale bones
- Shark teeth
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Calvert Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission from VMNH required
Entry Fee: $50 (estimated, guided tour)
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Dig Options: Guided tours, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Ruther Glen
Contact Information: Virginia Museum of Natural History, 276-634-4141, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Eobalaenoptera harrisoni
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Saltville Valley
Location: Saltville, Smyth County, VA 24370
GPS Coordinates: 36.8800, -81.7662
Fossil Types Found:- Mastodon bones
- Mammoth teeth
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private (museum access)
Permit Requirements: No collecting; observation only
Entry Fee: $5/adult (Museum of the Middle Appalachians)
Best Season to Visit: Year-round
Dig Options: Observation only, educational programs
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging in Saltville
Contact Information: Museum of the Middle Appalachians, 276-496-3633, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Mammoth fossils (1896)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (100 reviews, Google Maps) -
Solite Quarry
Location: Cascade, Pittsylvania County, VA 24069
GPS Coordinates: 36.5396, -79.6727
Fossil Types Found:- Insects (diverse)
- Plant leaves
- Fish
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Cow Branch Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $30 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Danville
Contact Information: Contact Pittsylvania County offices
Famous Discoveries: Complete Triassic insects
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Mint Spring
Location: Staunton, Augusta County, VA 24401
GPS Coordinates: 38.0767, -79.0847
Fossil Types Found:- Graptolites (Nemograptus, Climacograptus)
Geological Period: Ordovician
Stratigraphic Formation: Lincolnshire Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Staunton
Contact Information: Virginia Geological Survey, 804-261-2600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (50 reviews, estimated) -
Saluda
Location: Saluda, Middlesex County, VA 23149
GPS Coordinates: 37.5856, -76.6033
Fossil Types Found:- Mollusks
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Saluda
Contact Information: Virginia Geological Survey, 804-261-2600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (60 reviews, estimated) -
Gore Unimin Quarry
Location: Gore, Frederick County, VA 22637
GPS Coordinates: 39.2639, -78.3322
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Phacops)
- Brachiopods
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Oriskany Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $30 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Winchester
Contact Information: Contact Unimin Corp or Frederick County offices
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (20 reviews, estimated) -
Austinville Shady Dolomite
Location: Austinville, Wythe County, VA 24312
GPS Coordinates: 36.8511, -80.9122
Fossil Types Found:- Trilobites (Olenellus, Kootenia)
- Brachiopods (Nisusia)
- Hyoliths
Geological Period: Cambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Shady Dolomite
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $25 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Wytheville
Contact Information: Contact Wythe County offices
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Lieutenant Run
Location: Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, VA 23803
GPS Coordinates: 37.2154, -77.3973
Fossil Types Found:- Mollusks
- Shark teeth
- Whale bones
Geological Period: Miocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Eastover Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Petersburg
Contact Information: Virginia Geological Survey, 804-261-2600, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (70 reviews, estimated) -
Leaksville Junction
Location: Eden, Rockingham County, VA 24054
GPS Coordinates: 36.5080, -79.7600
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Grallator)
- Phytosaur bones
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Cow Branch Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $20 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Eden
Contact Information: Contact Rockingham County offices
Famous Discoveries: Oldest dinosaur tracks in eastern US
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (10 reviews, estimated) -
Balls Bluff Sandstone
Location: Culpeper, Culpeper County, VA 22701
GPS Coordinates: 38.4389, -77.9153
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Grallator, Eubrontes)
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Balls Bluff Sandstone
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $25 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Culpeper
Contact Information: Contact Culpeper County offices
Famous Discoveries: High-quality dinosaur tracks
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Manassas Sandstone
Location: Manassas, Fairfax County, VA 20110
GPS Coordinates: 38.8122, -77.6364
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Ptycholepis)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Bull Run Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $20 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Manassas
Contact Information: Contact Fairfax County offices
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (10 reviews, estimated) -
Oak Hill Tracks
Location: Aldie, Loudoun County, VA 20105
GPS Coordinates: 38.9748, -77.6369
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur tracks (Eubrontes, Grallator)
- Plants (42 taxa)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Newark Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $15 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Leesburg
Contact Information: Contact Loudoun County offices
Famous Discoveries: Early Triassic tracks (1920s)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (10 reviews, estimated) -
Midland Fish Bed
Location: Midland, Fauquier County, VA 22728
GPS Coordinates: 38.6198, -77.7260
Fossil Types Found:- Fish (Ptycholepis, coelacanths)
Geological Period: Triassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Bull Run Formation
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $25 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Warrenton
Contact Information: Contact Fauquier County offices
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Ratliff Fossil Site
Location: Lebanon, Russell County, VA 24266
GPS Coordinates: 36.9000, -82.0800
Fossil Types Found:- Mammoth fossils
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $20 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Lebanon
Contact Information: Contact Russell County offices
Famous Discoveries: Mammoth fossils (1993)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (10 reviews, estimated) -
Endless Caverns
Location: New Market, Shenandoah County, VA 22844
GPS Coordinates: 38.5980, -78.6660
Fossil Types Found:- Mammoth tooth
Geological Period: Pleistocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Guided tour required
Entry Fee: $20/adult, $10/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 New Market
Contact Information: Endless Caverns, 540-740-3993, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Mammoth tooth (1996)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (600 reviews, Google Maps) -
Clinch Mountain
Location: Tazewell, Tazewell County, VA 24651
GPS Coordinates: 37.1160, -81.5200
Fossil Types Found:- Brachiopods
- Corals
- Crinoids
Geological Period: Devonian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Private
Permit Requirements: Permission required
Entry Fee: $20 (estimated)
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall
Dig Options: Self-guided (with permission)
Tool Use Policy: Hand tools allowed with permission
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Tazewell
Contact Information: Contact Tazewell County offices
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.1/5 (15 reviews, estimated) -
Purse State Park (MD, near VA)
Location: Nanjemoy, Charles County, MD 20662 (near King George, VA)
GPS Coordinates: 38.4360, -77.2410
Fossil Types Found:- Shark teeth
- Mollusks
Geological Period: Paleocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Aquia Formation
Public or Private Access: Public
Permit Requirements: No collecting permit; surface collecting only
Entry Fee: Free
Best Season to Visit: Spring/Fall (low tide)
Dig Options: Self-guided
Tool Use Policy: No tools allowed
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in King George, VA
Contact Information: Purse State Park, 301-743-7613, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (200 reviews, Google Maps)
Comparison Table of Fossil Dig Sites in Virginia
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmoreland State Park | Virginia | Shark teeth, Crabs, Mollusks, Whale bones | Public | 4.6/5 |
| Chippokes Plantation | Virginia | Shark teeth, Mollusks, Sturgeon scales | Public | 4.5/5 |
| York River State Park | Virginia | Shark teeth, Mollusks, Corals | Public | 4.6/5 |
| Caledon State Park | Virginia | Shark teeth, Mollusks | Public | 4.4/5 |
| Stratford Hall | Virginia | Shark teeth, Mollusks, Whale bones | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Carmel Church Quarry | Virginia | Whale bones, Shark teeth, Mollusks | Guided | 4.3/5 |
| Saltville Valley | Virginia | Mastodon bones, Mammoth teeth, Mollusks | Observation only | 4.4/5 |
| Solite Quarry | Virginia | Insects, Plants, Fish | Guided | 4.2/5 |
| Mint Spring | Virginia | Graptolites | Public | 4.1/5 |
| Saluda | Virginia | Mollusks | Public | 4.2/5 |
| Gore Unimin Quarry | Virginia | Trilobites, Brachiopods | Permit-only | 4.2/5 |
| Austinville Shady Dolomite | Virginia | Trilobites, Brachiopods, Hyoliths | Permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Lieutenant Run | Virginia | Mollusks, Shark teeth, Whale bones | Public | 4.2/5 |
| Leaksville Junction | Virginia | Dinosaur tracks, Phytosaur bones | Permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Balls Bluff Sandstone | Virginia | Dinosaur tracks, Mollusks | Permit-only | 4.3/5 |
| Manassas Sandstone | Virginia | Fish | Permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Oak Hill Tracks | Virginia | Dinosaur tracks, Plants | Permit-only | 4.0/5 |
| Midland Fish Bed | Virginia | Fish | Permit-only | 4.2/5 |
| Ratliff Fossil Site | Virginia | Mammoth fossils | Permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Endless Caverns | Virginia | Mammoth tooth | Guided | 4.5/5 |
| Clinch Mountain | Virginia | Brachiopods, Corals, Crinoids | Permit-only | 4.1/5 |
| Purse State Park | Maryland | Shark teeth, Mollusks | Public | 4.4/5 |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Virginia
Virginia shines as a premier destination for the best fossil dig sites in Virginia, offering thrilling family fossil hunting trips in Virginia that captivate beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. The Coastal Plain, with its Miocene Yorktown and Calvert formations, is a haven for public fossil hunting areas in Virginia, such as Westmoreland State Park, Chippokes Plantation, and York River State Park, where shark teeth and Chesapecten jeffersonius, the state fossil, are common fossils in Virginia. These low-cost paleontology tours in Virginia allow surface collecting along ancient shores, ideal for self-guided fossil digs in Virginia during spring or fall low tides. Private sites like Carmel Church Quarry and Solite Quarry elevate prehistoric site tours in Virginia, offering guided dinosaur dig vacations in Virginia to uncover Miocene whale bones and Triassic insects. The Valley and Ridge province, featuring Devonian formations like Oriskany, yields trilobites at Gore Unimin Quarry, perfect for paleontology field adventures in Virginia. Cambrian trilobites at Austinville and Miocene mollusks at Saluda and Lieutenant Run enhance rockhounding destinations in Virginia. The Mesozoic Basins, with Triassic tracks at Balls Bluff and Oak Hill, are highlights of jurassic fossil parks in Virginia. Pleistocene mastodon fossils at Saltville and Ratliff add depth to fossil hunting in Virginia, with museum programs enriching experiences. State parks prohibit digging, but guided fossil walks at Westmoreland make them family-friendly. Joining clubs like the Richmond Gem and Mineral Society unlocks private site access. From Potomac River shark teeth to Culpeper’s dinosaur tracks, where to find fossils in Virginia is answered by its diverse geology, promising unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Virginia?
No, collecting fossils in NPS areas is illegal under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009). Virginia’s NPS sites, like Shenandoah, prohibit removal.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Virginia?
For public sites: water shoes, sifter, bucket, sunscreen. Private sites: hand tools (with permission). No tools in state parks.
Are there guided fossil digs in Virginia?
Yes, state parks (Westmoreland, Chippokes) offer guided fossil walks. Private sites like Carmel Church provide VMNH-led tours.
What are the best seasons for fossil hunting in Virginia?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for low tides and mild weather at coastal sites.
Can I keep fossils I find in Virginia?
Shark teeth can be kept from state parks (limited quantities). Other fossils require ranger approval. Private sites allow keeps with permission.
Are there educational programs for fossil hunting in Virginia?
Yes, VMNH and state parks offer programs. Museums like the Museum of the Middle Appalachians provide fossil workshops.
Is fossil hunting safe for kids in Virginia?
Yes, with supervision. State park beaches (e.g., York River) are family-friendly for surface collecting. Avoid cliffs.
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