Excursion: Fossils of the James

Location of Chippokes State Park in Virginia

Where

Chippokes State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883.
Farm and Forestry Museum

When

Oct. 28, 2023. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Did you know that 11 to 3 million years ago Chippokes, the James River, and most of the Tidewater area of Virginia was all under water and at the bottom of the Claremont Manor Sea? Join an interpreter on an adventure through the Fossil Beds of Chippokes to see what we can find...

There are many clues along the shoreline, preserved in the cliff formations, and scattered about in the James River that point to the Miocene and Pliocene Epochs. The Fossil Beds of Chippokes show evidence of large marine life that can be seen through the various shells of extinct species, teeth from different sea creatures such as many species of shark and the infamous Megalodon, and all sorts of bones that were covered, buried, and preserved in sediments through the passing of time.

All guests are welcome and encouraged to collect shark teeth...yes, this does in fact include if you find a Megalodon tooth (finders keepers). If you find a Megalodon tooth, please do not be afraid to share your findings with a Ranger, as we would love to celebrate your scientific discovery.

Meet in the Farm and Forestry Museum parking lot. Walk to beach is approximately 0.3 miles.

Shark teeth findings on the shoreline

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 757-294-3728
Email Address: Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov