Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site
Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
trilobite fossilsphacops ranabrachiopodscrinoid stemsbryozoanscorals
State park dig · Free
Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site
DCNR describes an Upper Mahantango Formation exposure along Bear Hole Trail with significant marine fossil beds and excellent opportunities for fossil collecting — including Pennsylvania's state fossil, the trilobite Phacops rana. Park at the Swopes Valley trailhead near Suedberg and walk in to the pit. DCNR's Trail of Geology 16 guide to the park is worth downloading before you go; it maps what you are looking at.
The card catalog
| What you can find | trilobite fossils, phacops rana, brachiopods, crinoid stems, bryozoans, corals |
|---|---|
| Access | State park dig — Free |
| Fees | Free; no fee, permit or reservation is published for the fossil site, and DCNR presents it as an open collecting opportunity. Hand tools only, and pack out everything you bring in. |
| Season & hours | Open year-round during park hours. The Mahantango shale splits far better dry, so skip the days right after heavy rain. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Splitting shale with a light hammer is close to the perfect task for a grade-schooler. Broken shale edges are sharp — goggles and gloves are not optional. |
| Official source | Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Danville, PA
brachiopods, pelecypods, crinoid stems
Before you go
What does Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site cost?
Free; no fee, permit or reservation is published for the fossil site, and DCNR presents it as an open collecting opportunity. Hand tools only, and pack out everything you bring in. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site open?
Open year-round during park hours. The Mahantango shale splits far better dry, so skip the days right after heavy rain. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site good for kids?
Yes — Swatara State Park — Suedberg Fossil Site works for families. Splitting shale with a light hammer is close to the perfect task for a grade-schooler. Broken shale edges are sharp — goggles and gloves are not optional.