Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, recycled tire playground, fishing, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails located in Calvert County.
History
The massive cliffs, from which Calvert Cliffs State Park was named, dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County and were formed over 10 to 20 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the sea receded the cliffs were exposed and began eroding. Today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species Including sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes.
The massive cliffs, from which Calvert Cliffs State Park was named, dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for roughly 24 miles in Calvert County. They were formed over 10 to 20 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the sea receded the cliffs were exposed and began eroding. Today these cliffs reveal the remains of prehistoric species Including sharks, whales, rays, and seabirds that were the size of small airplanes. Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, an accessible recycled tire playground, fishing, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails
Fossil Hunting
Fossil hunting can be done at the open beach area at the end of the red trail, approximately 1.8 miles from the parking lot. Over 600 species of fossils from the Miocene era (10 to 20 million years ago) have been identified in the Calvert Cliffs, many of which can be found at Calvert Cliffs State Park. Chesapectens, Ecphora, Miocene era oyster shells, and sharks teeth are common finds.
Sieves and shovels can be used to sift the sand for fossils.
Beach
The Calvert Cliffs' beach area is a sandy quarter mile stretch located on the Chesapeake Bay.
The shortest route to the beach is the 1.8 mile Red Trail. Fossil hunting and typical beach activities are common reasons people visit the beach.
No lifeguard is present and swimming is at your own risk. Please keep in mind that the area beneath the cliffs is CLOSED due to dangerous landslides and potential for injury. Dogs must remain leashed at the beach.
Trails
Designated as a wild lands area, 1,079 acres of the park are preserved for hiking and nature appreciation. Thirteen miles of marked foot trails are open to the public. Cyclists and equestrians are restricted to the service road. Biking and horseback riding are prohibited on designated wild land trails to prevent further impact. The Maryland Park Service does not rent horses, and only provides the trails as a means of recreation.
Picnicking and Pavilion
Picnic tables and grills are available on a first come, first serve basis.
The pavilion can accommodate approximately 50 people and is available through our reservation system.
Youth Group Camping
There are five youth group camping sites available and reservations are required. Youth Group passes are honored.
Access to pit toilets, fire ring, and one 12 foot picnic table are provided with each site. (Available April-October)
Fishing
A one acre fishing pond is located in the picnic area. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older.
A Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing license is required for fishing at the beach, which is located on the Chesapeake Bay.
Hunting
Approximately 550 acres are open to hunting for upland game, turkey and deer. Upland game species include squirrels and rabbits. Turkey hunting is permitted only during the spring gobbler season. Deer hunting is permitted during seasons established by the Wildlife and Heritage Division. All hunters must register at the hunter parking area.