North Ferry Point: Fossil Hunting in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Updated June 2026

North Ferry Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Reported finds include amber, fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Anne Arundel County
State: Maryland
Nearest road: North Ferry Point Road
Postcode: 21122
Coordinates: 39.08566, -76.50264

Geology at North Ferry Point

This spot sits on Magothy Formation, mapped as sand that formed roughly 145 to 66 million years ago. Reworked sediments like these can carry fossils eroded from older beds upstream, typically as rolled bone fragments, teeth, and shell material.

Mapped unit: Magothy Formation
Age: 145–66 Ma (Cretaceous)
Rock types: sand
Elevation: 70 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit North Ferry Point

Best months: February to December. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 44°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 29°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ANNAPOLIS POLICE BRKS station (6 mi away).

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at North Ferry Point

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of North Ferry Point.

Across the state line from North Ferry Point

North Ferry Point is close enough to the Maryland border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

North Ferry Point FAQ

Where is North Ferry Point?+

North Ferry Point is in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 39.08566, -76.50264. Nearest road: North Ferry Point Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at North Ferry Point?+

North Ferry Point is reported to produce Amber, Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at North Ferry Point?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to North Ferry Point?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit North Ferry Point?+

The most comfortable months at North Ferry Point are February to December.

How do I get to North Ferry Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.08566, -76.50264 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Ferry Point Road.

More rockhounding in Maryland

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Open North Ferry Point on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.