The Calvert Cliffs along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay expose Miocene sediments 10 to 20 million years old, and they shed shark teeth, Chesapecten scallops, Ecphora snails and other fossils onto the beaches below. It is the best place on the East Coast north of the Carolinas to find shark teeth.
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| Best places | Calvert Cliffs State Park, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Matoaka and Breezy Point beaches |
|---|---|
| Cost | Park entrance or beach fees |
| Best time | Low tide, especially after a storm or northeast wind |
| What to bring | Kitchen sieve or 1/4-inch sand sifter |
| What you will find | Sand tiger, mako and snaggletooth shark teeth, ray plates, Chesapecten and Ecphora shells |
| Not allowed | Climbing, walking beneath or digging into the cliffs |
The rule
Collect only from the beach and from blocks that have already fallen. Climbing on or walking beneath the cliffs is prohibited because they collapse without warning, and digging into the cliffs is illegal. The Maryland Geological Survey notes that people have been killed by cliff falls.
Where to go
- Calvert Cliffs State Park: a 1.8-mile hike on the Red Trail to an open beach where sieving the sand is allowed.
- Flag Ponds Nature Park: a county park with a daily entrance fee; check off-season hours.
- Matoaka Beach and Breezy Point Beach: fee beaches with easier access.
- Bayfront Park (Brownies Beach) in Chesapeake Beach is currently open only to residents.
When to go
At low tide, and especially after a storm or strong northeast wind that has stirred up new material. Spring and fall are the most comfortable; in summer beaches are busy and nettles can be in the water.
What you will find
Mostly small teeth from sand tiger, mako, snaggletooth and other sharks, ray dental plates, and fossil shells. Megalodon teeth are found occasionally. A kitchen sieve or a 1/4-inch sand sifter works well in the wash zone.
Questions
Where is the best place to find shark teeth in Maryland?
Calvert Cliffs State Park, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Matoaka Beach and Breezy Point Beach along the Calvert Cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay.
Can you dig in the Calvert Cliffs?
No. Climbing, walking beneath or digging into the cliffs is prohibited. Collect only on the beach and from blocks that have already fallen.
When is the best time to hunt for shark teeth at Calvert Cliffs?
At low tide, especially after storms.
Back to the Maryland rockhounding guide · Rules by land type
Official sources
- Maryland Geological Survey: fossil-bearing formations and geologic maps for Maryland.
- National Park Service fossil laws: fossils may not be collected in national parks.