Review of Calvert Cliffs State Park
by Marcy Fisher
August 13, 2008

9500 H. G. Truman Parkway
Lusby, Maryland
Google map

Looking for an easy escape day trip from the DC Metro area? Hop in the car with your family but don’t forget to bring your fossil finding tools! Packed with a fossil-rich shoreline, Calvert Cliffs State Park is a hidden gem in Lusby, MD. Over 600 species of fossils have been identified from Calvert Cliffs. Do you dare to be a scientist for a day and join 150 years of research? If so, read on!

Once there you will find thirteen miles of marked foot trails (six individual trails). The Red Trail (about 1.8 miles each way) was the trail of choice for this team of OK reviewers. The trail, which can be found by way of the parking lot, will take you to the cliffs and beach area. The walk is fairly flat and most of it is shady. Keep your eye out for various wildlife as approximately 90% of the park is wooded. As you reach the shoreline, you will be rewarded with a 100-yard stretch of beach where you can dig for fossils and take in the view of the cliffs. Do note that the cliff area is closed to public access due to the threat of collapsing and eroding cliffs.

While the main attraction of this park is the cliffs, shoreline and fossil hunting, there is much more that Calvert Cliffs State Park has to offer. There are a number of picnic tables, a pavilion area and a unique playground for children. A small fishing pond is next to the parking lot.

Admission is $5.00 per carload. If you are interested in buying a trail map, the cost is $3.00. Bathrooms are available on the premises in the parking lot area.

Things to Note:

  • When driving to the cliffs, be aware that there are several “Route 765” signs along the way. Make sure you take Route 765 South if you are coming from the DC area.
  • If you plan on eating or drinking while in the park, be sure to take all of your trash with you as you exit the park. Trash cans do not exist in this park.
  • Use the bathroom facilities before you leave the parking lot for your hike, there are none along the trails.
  • This park is a great place to get out for a kid-friendly hike with your family and take in the beautiful scenery. Many families picnicked on the shoreline and enjoyed the view. Bring your camera and water!
  • Wear aqua socks or flip-flops if you plan on fossil hunting. The shoreline is full of various shells and rocks.
  • As a responsible fossil finder, please take one handful of fossils to allow other scientists the same enjoyment years from now! Consider packing something to take home your fossil finds.
  • Other things to bring: a towel or two, small kid shovels, extra clothes to store in the car, wear bathing suits underneath your clothes, sunblock, hat and sunglasses. With that said, pack as lightly as possible because of the length of the hike to the beach.
  • The hike to the beach is 1.8 miles, OK would recommend it for ages 4 and up. If you have younger children who are up to the challenge, it is worth the trek. The red trail is jogging stroller passable.
  • Read the online Calvert Cliffs State Park Trail Guide before you go. It gives practical tips on hiking, the various trails that are offered and other good cautionary information.

Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a fun place to take the kids, but not far from home, head to Calvert Cliffs State Park. The hike alone will burn off loads of energy and ensure the kiddos take a nice long nap on the drive home. Our dinosaur, fossil-loving children had a blast just looking for fossils the entire afternoon. We found a handful of fossils and even two shark teeth, which still has the kids talking today!

Have you been to Calvert Cliffs State Park? What's your opinion? Just drop us a note and Our Kids will add your comments to this review.