Calvert Cliffs State Park
Discover ancient shark teeth and fossils on the shores of Calvert Cliffs State Park, featuring scenic hikes through woodlands and wetlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Calvert Cliffs State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient shark teeth and fossils on the shores of Calvert Cliffs State Park, featuring scenic hikes through woodlands and wetlands.
"A treasure trove for fossil hunters and nature lovers, with beautiful trails leading to a unique beach."
🪞 Bring a Sifter!
Tools are available to borrow for fossil hunting, but bringing your own sifter can enhance your search.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossil Beach
Beach area
Hunt for ancient shark teeth and fossils on this unique, eroding shoreline. A treasure trove for all ages!
Scenic Hiking Trails
Various trails
Explore diverse paths through woods and wetlands, leading to stunning views and the fossil-rich beach.
Wetlands Boardwalk
Red Trail
Enjoy a peaceful walk on boardwalks through marshy areas, spotting local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fossil Hunting Fun
Trail Tips & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Calvert Cliffs in Lusby
🪞 Bring a Sifter!
Tools are available to borrow for fossil hunting, but bringing your own sifter can enhance your search.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
Calvert Cliffs - How do I get to the good beaches??
Hiked at Calvert Cliffs State Park today for a beach picnic
⏰ Arrive Early
Secure a good parking spot and enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your hike and beach time.
Which locality near the Calvert Cliffs is the most productive?
Tips
from all over the internet
🪞 Bring a Sifter!
Tools are available to borrow for fossil hunting, but bringing your own sifter can enhance your search.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking.
⏰ Arrive Early
Secure a good parking spot and enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your hike and beach time.
🐶 Dogs Welcome
Leashed dogs are allowed, making it a great spot for furry friends to join the adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Calvert Cliffs for its unique fossil hunting opportunities and scenic hiking trails, particularly the Red Trail. The beach offers a chance to discover ancient treasures, and the park's natural beauty is a significant draw. However, some find the hike to the beach a bit long for the beach's size and note that the cliffs themselves are less prominent than expected due to erosion.
"Beautiful walk towards the beach is along the water so you can see turtles and frogs. About a 45- 1 hour walk to the beach and it can get pretty muddy because the path is close to the water. Fun beach and found a small sharks tooth. Also has little bin where you can use any of the tools for looking for fossils or shark teeth. But you should return it after!"
Britt Jacobsen
"This State Park allows you to hunt for fossils ONLY at the small beach, but cannot go near the cliff sections.
It's a very scenic park, nice for hiking offering 3 different hiking trial, (be aware of uprooted sections of the path), the red one is the shortest and if you walk at slow pace as you may take small breaks to admire the sights and sounds of nature and or take pictures it’ll take you approximately 42” to reward you with its great views.
Once there there’s a limited area to walk and see due to frequent land slides due to recent rain causing erosion.
Dogs are allowed, you’re able to swim on allowed areas and the water is clear and warm currently and fishing is totally prohibited!
There’s a $5.00 small fee if you’re a MD., resident and a $7.00 for out of state visitors.
There’s public restrooms at the base and portable toilets mid way through and different parking 🅿️ areas. Being there early will secure you some shady areas, the park is open 7 days a week from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM."
Alberto Zamorano
"We went to explore in mid-July. Very nice park with huge playground, picnic areas, a lake where people were fishing, flush toilets, ample parking. Took the red trail to the beach, 1.8 miles, with port-a-potties near the beach end. Beatific walk thru woods and wetlands. Wide trail, sandy and boardwalks through the marsh, not steep or strenuous. There were three steps. People were pulling wagons and pushing jogging strollers. The beach was ample, wide and long and there were about 60 people enjoying the beach and looking for fossils. The water was gentle and warm. There was a bin of "stuff" to borrow for digging and sifting. There was a service road and bike stands near the end. So I think you could bike down and back."
Alison Woodward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calvert Cliffs State Park is located in Lusby, Maryland. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. The park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Calvert Cliffs State Park directly. Driving is the most convenient method.
From Baltimore, take MD-10 S to US-301 S, then MD-231 W to MD-765 S. From Washington D.C., take US-50 E to MD-4 S, then MD-231 W to MD-765 S. Follow signs for Calvert Cliffs State Park.
While not a primary mode of transport, biking is possible to the park, and there are bike stands available near the beach end of the Red Trail.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas within the park, including near the main entrance and closer to the beach access points. Arriving early helps secure preferred spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee: $5.00 for Maryland residents and $7.00 for out-of-state visitors.
Calvert Cliffs State Park is open seven days a week from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Advance booking is generally not required for day visits. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Maryland residents receive a discounted rate compared to out-of-state visitors.
No, the park closes at 7:30 PM, and overnight stays are not permitted within the park itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Red Trail is the shortest and most popular route to the beach, approximately 1.8 miles. It's a gentle slope and suitable for strollers.
The beach is described as a mix of sand and pebbles, with some visitors noting it's not a 'sandy beach' in the traditional sense. It's where you'll find fossils.
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas. The water is reported to be clear and warm during summer months.
The most common fossils found are shark teeth, but you might also discover whale bones and other marine fossils.
Yes, there are public restrooms at the base of the park and portable toilets located midway and near the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The eroding cliffs themselves offer dramatic backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset. The boardwalks through the wetlands also provide scenic photo opportunities.
Exercise caution near the cliff edges due to potential erosion and landslides. Stick to designated paths for safe photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with park authorities or the Maryland Park Service for current rules regarding drone operation.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's natural beauty.
The trails offer various viewpoints overlooking the wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay. The beach itself provides unique perspectives of the cliffs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a sifter for the fossil hunt. The park also has a playground and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full day here. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for potentially muddy trails and to keep an eye on children near the water and cliff areas.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity to explore the unique geological formations along the beach adds an extra layer of interest for nature lovers. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to enjoy a more serene hiking experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, as on-site dining options are limited. The park provides free amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a full day without breaking the bank. The fossil hunting itself is a free activity once you're inside the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Fossil Hunting
It's important to note that fossil hunting is restricted to the designated beach area. Visitors are advised not to climb on or disturb the cliff faces due to the risk of landslides. The park provides a bin of tools for public use, encouraging a communal spirit of discovery. Many visitors find success with even a short amount of time spent sifting through the sand and gravel.
For families, the excitement of finding a shark tooth is a major draw. The relatively short hike to the beach makes it accessible for children, and the chance to discover a piece of history adds an educational element to the fun. The park's commitment to providing tools and clear guidelines ensures a positive experience for all aspiring paleontologists.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
While the Red Trail is generally well-signed, some visitors have reported feeling less secure on other trails, like the Blue Trail, and suggest more signage could be beneficial. The terrain can be uneven in places due to uprooted sections. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe footwear is highly recommended to navigate these conditions safely and comfortably.
Beyond the Red Trail, the park features other options for exploration, allowing visitors to tailor their hiking experience. Whether you're looking for a short nature walk or a longer trek, Calvert Cliffs provides diverse opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Always check weather conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can impact trail conditions significantly.
Park Amenities and Visitor Information
Dogs are welcome at the park, provided they are kept on a leash, allowing pet owners to bring their furry companions along for the adventure. Swimming is permitted in designated areas, and the water is generally described as clear and warm during the summer. However, fishing is prohibited within the park.
The park operates daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with a modest entrance fee for both residents and non-residents. This fee contributes to the maintenance and upkeep of the park's facilities and natural resources, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
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