Fossils are a part of the earth’s natural history.  Hundreds of thousands of years and ice ages have caused the extinction of numerous creatures.  The evidence of bones, teeth, and shells can be found along our river shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay region.

A Fossil Frenzy Hike at York River State Park is a great activity for students on Spring break to gain and maintain an interest in natural history.  While we have never found the tusk of Woolly Mammoths or Tyrannosaurus Rex teeth, guest and rangers have made quite a few unique finds.  Among them are the scallop like Chesapecten jeffersonius (our state fossil), the carnivorous Ecphora snail (the Maryland state fossil), and fragments of the giant clam, Isognomon.  A little luck and careful eye may also reveal whale bones and sharks teeth.

York River will host ranger guided Fossil Frenzy Hikes on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3, 4, 10 and 11 from 10 am to noon.  Participants are permitted to keep their favorite fossil as a souvenir.  Guests are welcome to hike to Fossil Beach (located along the Mattaponi Trail) and view these strange relics of the past.  Be sure to stop by the park office and check out a “Park Pack” to help identify what you find. 

Directions to York River State Park:  From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park. The park is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.