Paleontology at Stratford Hall
Paleontology at Stratford Hall
Significant fossil finds at the Stratford Hall Cliffs include:
- 1998: Discovery of a 13-foot Miocene crocodile, the most complete specimen ever found, currently housed at the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, VA.
- 2003: Discovery of a 6-foot Baleen Whale skull, the largest example found within the Cliffs.
- Recent Finds: 45 specimens of 1.6-million-year-old footprints representing mammals, birds, amphibians, and lizards of the middle Pleistocene, found within the Bacon’s Castle formation.
Interested in Exploring Paleontology at Stratford Hall?
Whether you are a seasoned fossil 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!
Organized Fossil Hunting Excursions
for the Public
Between the months of May through October, Stratford Hall offers monthly fossil hunting excursions that are open for public registration. Excursions last approximately 6 hours, weather permitting. During these trips, participants are accompanied by Stratford Hall employees and/or volunteer guides and given access to the restricted area of the beach which includes approximately 2 and half miles of riverfront.
Fossil hunting excursions are designed so that participants can set their own pace dependent upon their experience level and physical abilities. However, we do rate our fossil hunting excursions at a moderately strenuous activity level. Trips involve long periods of standing and walking, crossing slick or uneven surfaces, climbing over and/or under downed trees, and wading in water. Due to changes in weather conditions, water levels, and the influence of tides there are portions of the beach that may not be accessible at all by foot.
Group sizes are approximately 40 participants per trip. Please be aware that while there are guides available during these excursions to ensure guest safety and assist with fossil hunting tips and identification, we do not classify these as “guided” experiences as the ratio of participants to guides is typically 7:1.
Signed waivers and participation in a safety lecture are required of all who attend. All participants must be at least 8 years of age to attend and any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
2024 Fossil Hunting Excursions at Stratford Hall
Sunday, October 6 (Registration opens September 1st)
Fossil Excursions Frequently Asked Questions.
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Private Group Excursions
Stratford Hall accepts reservations for private group excursions between the months of March and November. A minimum of 30 days advance notice is required to make a reservation. Groups are required to have a minimum of 5 participants to book an excursion, with a group maximum of 40 people. Groups of less than 20 people are scheduled Monday through Friday. Signed waivers and participation in a safety lecture are required of all who attend. All participants must be at least 8 years of age to attend and any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To book a private excursion, please contact Kelly Childress by email.