Fossils near Scranton, PA
5 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Scranton report fossil. The closest is Big Run, about 54 miles out (1 hr 8 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 5 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Scranton, Pennsylvania
Closest fossils spots to Scranton
- Big RunLycoming County, Pennsylvania54 mi · 1 hr 8 min driveRadioactive Copper, Fossils
- Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil ParkGloucester County, New Jersey117 mi · 2 hr 26 min driveAmber, Fossils
- Mullica HillGloucester County, New Jersey118 mi · 2 hr 28 min driveAmber, Fossils
- ManasquanMonmouth County, New Jersey124 mi · 2 hr 35 min driveQuartz, Fossils, Petrified Wood
- Chesapeake & Delaware CanalNew Castle County, Delaware128 mi · 2 hr 40 min driveFossils
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Scranton
Sorted by distance from Scranton. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big RunBig Run Road | Lycoming County |
| 41.2983, -76.6934 | Public |
| Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil ParkVeterans Memorial Highway | Gloucester County | 39.7622, -75.1274 | Public | |
| Mullica HillMullica Hill Road | Gloucester County | 39.7331, -75.2202 | Public | |
| Manasquan | Monmouth County | 40.1127, -74.0318 | Public | |
| Chesapeake & Delaware Canal | New Castle County | 39.5585, -75.5898 | Public |
Fossils near Scranton FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Scranton?+
5 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Scranton report fossil. The closest is Big Run in Lycoming County County, roughly 54 miles away (1 hr 8 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Scranton?+
5 of the 5 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Scranton do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 54 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 128 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Scranton
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Hunt fossils around Scranton with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
