Purse State Park
🦈 60-Million-Year-Old Shark Teeth on the Potomac — Maryland’s Premier Fossil Hunting Beach — An undeveloped, rustic park on the Potomac River where visitors find Paleocene-era shark teeth, ray plates, and marine fossils at the waterline — Charles County, Maryland
Purse State Park (now part of the Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area) is Maryland’s best-kept fossil hunting secret — a rustic, undeveloped stretch of Potomac River shoreline where 60-million-year-old shark teeth, ray plates, and marine fossils wash out of the eroding Aquia Formation and scatter across the beach at low tide.
This is not a museum or a guided experience — it’s raw, unstructured fossil hunting on a wild Potomac River beach surrounded by tidal wetlands and mature forest. The fossils here are Paleocene-era (55–60 million years old), significantly older than the more famous Miocene-era fossils at Calvert Cliffs. Bald eagles soar overhead, and the surrounding wetlands support a rich diversity of wildlife.
Fossil Hunting Guide
| What to Find | Size | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Teeth | ¼” – 1″ | Black, scan sand/gravel at waterline |
| Ray Plates | ½” – 2″ | Flat, dark, hexagonal shapes |
| Marine Shells | Various | Fossilized gastropods, bivalves |
| Formation | Aquia (Paleocene) | 55–60 million years old |
What to Know
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trail | ¼–½ mile to beach | Easy, through forest |
| Best Timing | LOW TIDE | Beach disappears at high tide |
| Facilities | NONE | No restrooms, water, or services |
| Parking | Small gravel lot | Off Route 224 |
| Rules | Collecting OK | No digging — surface collecting only |
| Wildlife | Bald eagles, herons | Tidal wetlands, forest habitat |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 55–72°F | Low tides, comfortable weather, eagles |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 52–72°F | Storm-exposed fossils, cooler temps |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 78–90°F | Longest days for low-tide windows |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–48°F | Fresh erosion exposes new fossils |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Access | FREE | No fees, no facilities |
| Day Trip | FREE | 60-million-year-old fossils on the Potomac |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the fossils?
55–60 million years old — Paleocene era. These are significantly older than the Miocene-era fossils at Calvert Cliffs. They come from the Aquia Formation, a marine sediment layer exposed along the Potomac.
Do I really need to check the tide?
Absolutely. The beach is narrow and can completely disappear at high tide. Always check tide charts before visiting — plan to arrive 1–2 hours before low tide for the best window.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, with preparation. Kids love finding shark teeth, but bring your own water, snacks, insect repellent, and sun protection. There are zero facilities on-site.
🦈 Ancient Fossils on the Potomac
60-million-year-old shark teeth washing up on a wild Potomac River beach — free access, raw adventure, bald eagles overhead.
Park Location
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