Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach is one of Maryland's most rewarding beach destinations for fossil enthusiasts, combining a 1.8-mile woodland hike with a secluded Chesapeake Bay beach at the base of the iconic Calvert Cliffs. Located near Lusby in Calvert County, the park protects more than 13 miles of trails through mature coastal forest of pine, oak, and beech, culminating at a bay beach framed by dramatic fossil-bearing cliffs that rise up to 100 feet above the shoreline. The beach itself is a narrow crescent of coarse sand and crushed shell, calm and shallow on the Chesapeake Bay side, with gentle wave action characteristic of the middle bay. The cliffs have been eroding for millennia, releasing Miocene-era fossils estimated at 10 to 20 million years old directly onto the beach. Shark teeth from dozens of species — including the giant Otodus megalodon and Carcharocles chubutensis — are among the most sought finds, along with ray dental plates, whale bone fragments, and prehistoric mollusk shells. Park policy allows surface collection of loose fossils for personal use; digging into the cliff face is prohibited and potentially dangerous due to active erosion. No lifeguard is stationed at the beach; swimming is popular in summer but entirely at the visitor's own risk. The trail from the parking area is well-marked but can be muddy after rainfall, and the final approach to the beach crosses a small footbridge. Parking is free and the park is open year-round, though winter ice can make the trail impassable. Restrooms and picnic areas are available at the trailhead. There is no concession stand inside the park.
Amenities
- Fossil hunting (Miocene era shark teeth, 15-20 million years old)
- Swimming (no lifeguard)
- Fishing
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms at trailhead
- Archery range
Good to know
- Best for
- beachcombers, families, wildlife-watchers, photographers, solo
Location
10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657
38.4831, -76.4438 View on map
Highlights
- Beach at the base of the Calvert Cliffs where Miocene fossils including megalodon teeth wash onto the shoreline
- 1.8-mile forested hiking trail through mature coastal woodland leading to the secluded bay beach
- Surface fossil collecting permitted with no fee — among the most productive public fossil sites on the East Coast
- Calm Chesapeake Bay swimming in a peaceful undeveloped setting far from resort crowds
- Free parking and no admission fee — one of Maryland's best value state park experiences
Tips for visiting
- The 1.8-mile trail each way makes this a 3.6-mile round trip — wear comfortable shoes and allow 90 minutes minimum for a complete visit with beach time
- Best fossil hunting conditions follow storms or high water events that actively erode the cliff face — visit soon after a weather system passes
- Carry all food and water from the trailhead parking area as no concessions or water fountains operate at the beach
- Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience; summer weekends see significant trail traffic from mid-morning onward
- Do not approach the cliff base directly — active erosion creates overhangs and rockfall hazards along the base of the cliffs
- Bring a small bag for fossil finds and wet-weather layers as the forested trail collects moisture after rain
When to visit
April through October for the full experience. Spring offers excellent fossil hunting after winter erosion events and pleasant hiking temperatures. Summer is popular for beach swimming but the trail can feel long in heat — starting early in the morning is advised. The park is open year-round but winter trail conditions can be poor.
Frequently asked questions
What fossils can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park Beach?
The beach is known for Miocene-era fossils including shark teeth from species such as Otodus megalodon, Carcharocles chubutensis, and bull sharks, as well as ray dental plates, whale bone fragments, and prehistoric mollusks. Surface collection of loose fossils on the beach is permitted for personal non-commercial use.
How long is the hike to the beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park?
The main trail from the parking lot to the beach is 1.8 miles one way, totaling 3.6 miles round trip. The trail is rated easy to moderate with minimal elevation change but can be muddy after rain. Allow approximately 90 minutes to two hours for a complete visit including beach time.
Is there an admission fee at Calvert Cliffs State Park?
No. Calvert Cliffs State Park currently charges no admission fee and offers free parking. This makes it one of the most affordable public beach destinations in Maryland. The park is open year-round, though winter trail conditions can vary significantly.
Are there lifeguards at Calvert Cliffs Beach?
No. The beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park is unguarded. Visitors swim at their own risk. The Chesapeake Bay here is calm and relatively shallow near shore, but bay currents and submerged hazards exist. Children should be supervised closely.
Can visitors dig into the Calvert Cliffs to find fossils?
No. Digging into or disturbing the cliff face is prohibited by park rules and is physically dangerous due to active erosion and potential rockfall. Visitors may only collect fossils that have eroded naturally and are lying loose on the beach surface.