What does Maryland DNR say about fossils at Calvert Cliffs?
DNR states: “Fossils of over 600 species have been found along Calvert Cliffs.” Its natural area page says visitors can comb the beaches for shark teeth, skate teeth and other remains of ancient animals.
The park page adds detail. It says over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era, 10 to 20 million years ago, have been identified in the cliffs. It lists Chesapecten, Ecphora, Miocene oyster shells and sharks teeth as common finds.
Where is Calvert Cliffs State Park?
DNR lists the park at 10540 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, Maryland. It gives the hours as sunrise to sunset, daily, year round. The park’s phone line is 443-975-4360.
| Fact | What DNR says |
|---|---|
| Address | 10540 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, daily, year round |
| Trails | 13 miles of marked foot trails |
| Route to the beach | The Red Trail, 1.8 miles from the parking lot |
| Pets | Leashed pets allowed; dogs must stay leashed at the beach |
| Fossil hunting | At the open beach area at the end of the Red Trail |
Fees and rules change. DNR links its fees and park status pages from the park page, so check them before a visit.
What is DNR’s cliff safety notice?
DNR’s notice is blunt. It says: “Due to the danger of landslides caused by active cliff erosion, and the serious injuries they cause, CLIMBING UPON AND WALKING BENEATH THE CLIFFS IS PROHIBITED.” It calls the area permanently closed and says it is illegal to collect fossils beneath the cliffs.
If you write about the park in a listing or a tenant welcome note, repeat that notice. Do not tell readers to walk the base of the cliffs.
How should a Lusby owner mention the park in a listing?
Treat it like any other landmark. State the facts and let the reader decide.
- Use the official name: Calvert Cliffs State Park.
- Give the address DNR lists, and a distance you measured on a map.
- Say what DNR says is there, such as 13 miles of marked trails and a beach.
- Pass along the cliff safety notice if you mention the beach.
- Skip claims about who would enjoy the park. Describe the place, not the person.
- Do not promise fossils. DNR says what has been found, not what a visitor will find.
The Fair Housing Act glossary entry explains why listing copy should describe places and features, not people.
What rental rules apply near Lusby?
The Maryland People’s Law Library table, last updated September 22, 2026, shows no long-term rental license for Calvert County. The towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach license separately. Check with the county or town before you list, because local rules can change.
Read the rental license entry and the Southern Maryland rental license guide for the other counties. The vacancy rate entry explains how empty weeks cost an owner money. Our Calvert County page lists the towns we serve there.
How were the cliffs formed?
DNR’s natural area page says that over 15 million years ago a shallow sea covered much of Maryland. As the sea receded, it left layered sandy and clayey sediments. The shells and bones of dead animals settled to the bottom and were buried in those layers. Waves and storms then eroded the exposed sediment and formed steep cliffs.
The state park page says the cliffs run along the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County. It describes the park as a day-use park with a sandy beach, a playground, fishing, a freshwater and tidal marshland, and 13 miles of hiking trails.
What else does DNR say about the park?
A few facts a reader may want, all from the DNR park page.
- A one acre fishing pond sits in the picnic area. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
- Fishing is allowed only in the pond, for visitor safety and to protect wetlands.
- About 550 acres of the park are open to public hunting, with restrictions. DNR’s natural area page also says the area is used seasonally by hunters.
- The pavilion holds about 50 people and is reserved through the state system.
- DNR says beach access for visitors with disabilities can be arranged by calling the headquarters office at least two weeks ahead.
Fees, hours and closures change. Link to the DNR page in your listing or welcome packet instead of copying these details.
Next step
Own a home in Lusby or elsewhere in Calvert County? Request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.
Frequently asked questions
How many fossil species have been found at Calvert Cliffs?
Maryland DNR says fossils of over 600 species have been found along Calvert Cliffs. Its park page says the species come from the Miocene era, 10 to 20 million years ago, and lists sharks teeth and Ecphora among the common finds.
Where is Calvert Cliffs State Park?
DNR lists the park at 10540 H. G. Trueman Road in Lusby, Maryland. It is open from sunrise to sunset daily, year round. DNR says the park is a day-use park, so check its page for current fees and notices.
Is it safe to walk under the cliffs?
No. DNR says climbing upon and walking beneath the cliffs is prohibited because of landslides caused by active erosion, and that the area is permanently closed. It also says it is illegal to collect fossils beneath the cliffs.
Does Calvert County require a rental license?
The Maryland People's Law Library table, updated September 22, 2026, lists no long-term rental license for Calvert County. The towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach license separately. Confirm with the county before you list a home.
Terms on this page
Sources
- Maryland DNR: Calvert Cliffs Natural Area
- Maryland DNR: Calvert Cliffs State Park
- Maryland DNR: Calvert Cliffs State Park, fossil hunting
- Maryland People's Law Library: Rental license requirements by county and municipality
Checked against the sources above on October 25, 2026. Laws, fees and programs change, so check the linked page before you act.
