Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

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

Nov. 11, 2023. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join an interpreter on an adventure through the Fossil Beds of Chippokes to see what we can find that will tell us what this area of Virginia was like, millions of years ago...

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 mean if you find a Megalodon tooth (finders keepers) it is yours to keep. 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.

Turritella snail shells and an ecphora gardnerae in the palm of a fossil walk participant

Other details

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