Fossils can be found in the loose rocks lying on the ground surface along roads, in creeks, and on rocky surfaces in the Forest. Finding the fossils is a lot easier once you know what to look for. You can see a fossil exhibit weekdays in the New Castle Ranger District office, located on Route 615 about 2 miles north of the town of New Castle. This fossil exhibit was completed in partnership with the Roanoke Valley Mineral and Gem Society. You may also find clusters of fossils.
Fossils are easy to see on fresh or broken rock surfaces found in road ditches.
Fossil collecting for commercial purposes is not allowed. The fossil-bearing geologic formations extend for many miles across the National Forests. Fossils are abundant and widespread in many areas on the New Castle Ranger District of the National Forest. Paleontology studies life forms and the environments of past geologic time. Paleontology uses fossil plants and animals and the aquatic and terrestrial environments preserved in geologic formations to discover relationships with existing plants, animals, and environments.