Hunt for Fossils at the Stratford Cliffs

Spend a day hunting for fossils along the shores of the Potomac, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors!

Dating from the Miocene Epoch – approximately 17 to 10 million years ago –, the Stratford Cliffs are part of a rare geological phenomenon ranking among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Whether you are a seasoned collector, or this is your first experience, Stratford Hall is the place for you! Spend a day hunting for fossils along the shores of the Potomac, explore the Stratford Cliffs, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors!

Stratford Hall Fossil Excursion Information:

Activity Level

Excursions are rated at a moderately strenuous to strenuous activity level requiring long periods of walking, hiking, standing, stooping, and bending. If you wish to access the further extremities of the beach, this will include climbing over or under washed up debris or felled trees. 

Age Requirements

Minimum age requirements for all fossil hunting excursions are 8 years old. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Inclement Weather

Fossil hunting excursions are weather dependent activities and Stratford Hall reserves the right to cancel excursions at any time. A full refund will be given unless the cancellation is due to inclement weather, in which case a reschedule date will be provided. 

Participant Cancellations

All participant cancellations require a 48-hour email notice before the excursion takes place. Absence from an excursion is nonrefundable. Refunds are the sole discretion of Stratford Hall and will be considered in such cases where there is an illness or emergency. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to Kelly Childress, Director of Education, at kchildress@stratfordhall.org.

Stratford Hall Fossil Excursion Tickets

Cost: $40 per adults and $35 per child (ages 8 to 13)w

Age requirements: 8+ years of age

Availability: 40 slots per excursion

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all Stratford Hall fossil hunting excursions. Registration for each trip will open a month in advance.

Additional information will be provided via email prior to your visit. Please contact Kelly Childress with any questions regarding Stratford Hall’s fossil hunting excursions.

Registration Opens September 1st!