What kid under the age of 99 wouldn’t like the chance to look for shark teeth/fossils and gems? Enough said. We were all eagerly anticipating our chance to visit our 10th Virginia State Park. Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Virginia of the Northern Neck region of Virginia. The park is most known for its beaches where visitors have a chance to dig and sift for shark teeth. Legend has it that every 2 years or so, a visitor will find even a megalodon tooth! Megalodon (otodus megalodon) is an exctinct species of giant mackeral shark that live 23 to 3.6 million years ago. The average length of a megalodon was estimated at 33.5 ft! This thing would’ve snacked on Great White Sharks.

The kids packed up their rock digging kits, shovels, sifters and we head out to the Norther Neck of Virginia. On April 1, 2024, it was a partly overcast day with a high of 65, the wind at the beach made it feel colder though. After parking at the visitor center, the kids made the short 0.7 mile hike to fossil beach. It is a gentle decline with labels for tree identification. The trail is lined with evergreens, oaks, beech, gum and much much more.

The end of the trail opens to a beautiful view of the mighty Potomac River at the bottom of the Horsehead cliffs. It is incredible to think that embedded in cliffs are fossils and remains of all sorts of sea animals dating back millions of years ago. Erosion over time, has revealed them to us over time. Most recently an old Baleen Whale was excavated from the cliff.

The kids got immediately to work, digging and sifting. They loved their gigantic sandbox. Their excitement rose as other people around us shared their shark teeth discoveries. The wind was strong and the water was cold on this early spring day, but they persisted in the frenzy of their excitement. After finding several interesting shells and rocks, we found a tiny shark tooth through the sieve. We searched for about an hour longer but no additional shark teeth. Regardless, they were all very satisfied. After a short trip to the discovery center and the playground we all made our way back home.

Overall, the trip to Westmoreland State Park was fun, exciting and successful. A trip to fossil beach is a chance for kids and adults to dig, play and have their chance at discovering the next megalodon tooth. An unforgettable experience any budding paleontologist out there…..pretty much every kid.

Photos taken with Sony a6700 (tamron 28-75mm lens)

Things to bring:

• shovels
• buckets
• sieves
• water bottles/snacks
• sunscreen
• beach umbrella or tent in the summer
• consider waders when it’s colder
• make sure you use the restroom at the visitor center prior to heading to fossil beach.