Fossils rockhounding sites in Kentucky

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

56 fossils destinations in Kentucky.

Rockhounding sites in Kentucky — fossils: 56 spots in our directory. Sort live from your phone with near me, or browse all U.S. fossils rockhounding sites and the Kentucky state page.

Fossils collecting in Kentucky

Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.

We currently document 56 fossils collecting sites in Kentucky. Each listing includes original descriptions, visitor notes, and last-updated dates when available.

What to know before you collect

Fossils destinations in Kentucky vary widely in access, season, and legality. Some are official recreation areas; others are informal gravel bars. Read the access and safety sections on each listing — never assume collecting is allowed without checking current signage.

For trip planning beyond this filter, browse the full Kentucky state page, our guides, or use near me to sort by distance from your location.

How we research listings · Report a correction · Safety disclaimer

What to pack for fossil hunting

Splitting shale and hiking exposures — gear we compare for paleontology field trips.

Chisels & Wedges — Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

Chisels & Wedges

Split matrix cleanly and protect your specimens

5 products compared

Safety Glasses — Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

Safety Glasses

Non-negotiable eye protection when hammering rock

4 products compared

Specimen Bags & Wrap — Get your finds home without chips and scratches

Specimen Bags & Wrap

Get your finds home without chips and scratches

4 products compared

Field Gloves — Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

Field Gloves

Cut and abrasion protection for sharp rock and tools

4 products compared

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Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

02-gs-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

02-gs-a

Fossil collection site in the Clays Ferry, Marion County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

02-lr-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

02-lr-a

Fossil collection site in the Sunset, Richmond County, Kentucky. Environment: open shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

02-pv-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

02-pv-a

Fossil collection site in the Clays Ferry, Washington County, Kentucky. Environment: offshore ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

03-fcl-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

03-fcl-a

Fossil collection site in the Sunset, Fleming County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

04-aa64-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

04-aa64-a

Fossil collection site in the Sunset, Mason County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

04-aa67-a — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

04-aa67-a

Fossil collection site in the Bull Fork, Mason County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

04-fle-a1.4 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

04-fle-a1.4

Fossil collection site in the Bull Fork, Fleming County, Kentucky. Environment: sand shoal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Bighill Locality — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Bighill Locality

Fossil collection site in the New Albany Shale, Madison County County, Kentucky. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Blue Licks 2 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Blue Licks 2

Fossil collection site in the Kope, Nicholas County, Kentucky. Environment: offshore ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Boston — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Boston

Fossil collection site in the Sanderson, Nelson County County, Kentucky. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Boston, Locality 5, Read 1939 — fossil rockhounding site near The New Albany Shale, KY

FossilKY

Boston, Locality 5, Read 1939

Fossil collection site in the New Albany Shale, Kentucky. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe New Albany Shale

Brooksville 1 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Brooksville 1

Fossil collection site in the Kope, Bracken County, Kentucky. Environment: offshore ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Bugwood Narrows, Southeast Of State Resort Park, Main Bend Of Lake Cumberland — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Bugwood Narrows, Southeast Of State Resort Park, Main Bend Of Lake Cumberland

Fossil collection site in the Fort Payne, Russell County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

C2 - Maysville — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

C2 - Maysville

Fossil collection site in the Fairview, Mason County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

C3 - Sunset — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

C3 - Sunset

Fossil collection site in the McMillan, Fleming County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

C4 - Newcastle — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

C4 - Newcastle

Fossil collection site in the McMillan, Henry County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

C4 - Sw Of Stanford — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

C4 - Sw Of Stanford

Fossil collection site, Lincoln County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Drowning Creek Area — fossil rockhounding site near The Boyle, KY

FossilKY

Drowning Creek Area

Fossil collection site in the Boyle, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe Boyle

Exposure In Quarry — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Exposure In Quarry

Fossil collection site, Kenton County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Highland Pike — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Highland Pike

Fossil collection site in the Fairview, Kenton County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Holst Creek 2 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Holst Creek 2

Fossil collection site in the Kope, Bracken County, Kentucky. Environment: offshore ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Irving, Locality 11, Read 1939 — fossil rockhounding site near The New Albany Shale, KY

FossilKY

Irving, Locality 11, Read 1939

Fossil collection site in the New Albany Shale, Kentucky. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesThe New Albany Shale

Ky Route 206 Roadcut — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Ky Route 206 Roadcut

Fossil collection site in the Chattanooga Shale, Adair County, Kentucky. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

L&n Rr Cut (1) — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

L&n Rr Cut (1)

Fossil collection site in the McMillan, Boone County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Locality 15. North-south Tributary To Deer Creek 3¼ Miles South Of Lola — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Locality 15. North-south Tributary To Deer Creek 3¼ Miles South Of Lola

Fossil collection site in the Glenn Dean, Livingston County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Louisville — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Louisville

Fossil collection site in the Corniferous, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Louisville (oolites Area) — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Louisville (oolites Area)

Louisville (oolites area) is a documented mineral occurrence near KY. Reported specimens include Silicified fossils, Oolites. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesKentucky

Louisville (quarry Area) — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Louisville (quarry Area)

Louisville (quarry area) is a documented mineral occurrence near KY. Reported specimens include Fossilized quarry, Petrified wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesKentucky

Morehead I64 Roadcut — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Morehead I64 Roadcut

Fossil collection site, Rowan County, Kentucky. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Owen’s Branch Buildup, Eastern Side Of The Indian Creek, Lake Cumberland — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Owen’s Branch Buildup, Eastern Side Of The Indian Creek, Lake Cumberland

Fossil collection site in the Fort Payne Chert, Clinton County, Kentucky. Environment: reef, buildup or bioherm. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Road-cut Along Kentucky Route 1159 Just South Of The Alexandria To Ashland Hwy — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Road-cut Along Kentucky Route 1159 Just South Of The Alexandria To Ashland Hwy

Fossil collection site in the Kope, Bracken County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Rowan County — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Rowan County

Rowan County is a documented mineral occurrence near KY. Reported specimens include Fossils, Crystals. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.

Fee variesKentucky

Sadieville — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Sadieville

Fossil collection site in the Clays Ferry, Scott County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Southern Side Of Cave Springs Ridge, Se Of Wolf Creek Mouth, Lake Cumberland — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Southern Side Of Cave Springs Ridge, Se Of Wolf Creek Mouth, Lake Cumberland

Fossil collection site in the Fort Payne, Russell County, Kentucky. Environment: reef, buildup or bioherm. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4072-co: 0.75 Miles East Of Milner Ky, Then 1 Miles Southwest On Shryock Ferry Rd — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4072-co: 0.75 Miles East Of Milner Ky, Then 1 Miles Southwest On Shryock Ferry Rd

Fossil collection site in the Lexington, Woodford County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4073-co: 0.75 Miles East Of Milner, Then 1 Miles Southwest On Shryock Ferry — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4073-co: 0.75 Miles East Of Milner, Then 1 Miles Southwest On Shryock Ferry

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Woodford County, Kentucky. Environment: open shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4874-co: Between Trinity And Antioch Churches; 1 Mile Southwest Of North End Of Kentucky Rte 595 On Kentucky River — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4874-co: Between Trinity And Antioch Churches; 1 Mile Southwest Of North End Of Kentucky Rte 595 On Kentucky River

Fossil collection site in the Lexington, Jessamine County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4928-co. Rd Exposure 0.5 Miles East & 1.6 Miles South Of Northwest Corner Of Salvisa Quadrangle — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4928-co. Rd Exposure 0.5 Miles East & 1.6 Miles South Of Northwest Corner Of Salvisa Quadrangle

Fossil collection site in the Lexington, Woodford County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4940-co. Road Expsure On W. Side Of Kentucky River, At Bridge Crossing Of Central Kentucky Parkway On N. Side Of Parkway, Near Salvisa — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4940-co. Road Expsure On W. Side Of Kentucky River, At Bridge Crossing Of Central Kentucky Parkway On N. Side Of Parkway, Near Salvisa

Fossil collection site in the Lexington, Anderson County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 4956-co. Road Exposure On W. Side Of Kentucky River, At Bridge Crossing Of Central Kentucky Parkway On N. Side Of Parkway, Near Salvisa — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 4956-co. Road Exposure On W. Side Of Kentucky River, At Bridge Crossing Of Central Kentucky Parkway On N. Side Of Parkway, Near Salvisa

Fossil collection site in the Lexington, Anderson County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5015-co. Mitchellsburg Rd East Side Of Chaplin River, South Of Perryville — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5015-co. Mitchellsburg Rd East Side Of Chaplin River, South Of Perryville

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Boyle County, Kentucky. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5072-co; Old Crow Distillery, Frankfort East B Section — fossil rockhounding site near County, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5072-co; Old Crow Distillery, Frankfort East B Section

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Franklin County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesCounty

Usgs 5073-co; Old Crow Distillery, Frankfort East B Section — fossil rockhounding site near County, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5073-co; Old Crow Distillery, Frankfort East B Section

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Franklin County, Kentucky. Environment: open shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesCounty

Usgs 5078-co. Exposures Along Road Up From Kentucky River Lock #7 To High Bridge — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5078-co. Exposures Along Road Up From Kentucky River Lock #7 To High Bridge

Fossil collection site in the Camp Nelson, Jessamine County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5080-co. Railroad Tracks West Of Herrington Lake Spillway — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5080-co. Railroad Tracks West Of Herrington Lake Spillway

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Mercer County, Kentucky. Environment: open shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5087-co. East Of Junction Of U.s. Routes 60 And 421 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5087-co. East Of Junction Of U.s. Routes 60 And 421

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Fayette County, Kentucky. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5092-co, Tyrone C Section (10-12 Ft Above Base Of Logana Mbr.) — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5092-co, Tyrone C Section (10-12 Ft Above Base Of Logana Mbr.)

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Woodford County, Kentucky. Environment: open shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 5095-co. East Of I-64 Bridge Over Kentucky River — fossil rockhounding site near County, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 5095-co. East Of I-64 Bridge Over Kentucky River

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Franklin County, Kentucky. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesCounty

Usgs 6034-co, Sulphur Well(s), New Watts Mill Rd., Little Hickman A Section — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 6034-co, Sulphur Well(s), New Watts Mill Rd., Little Hickman A Section

Fossil collection site in the Tyrone Limestone, Jessamine County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 6136-co. Route 52 East Of Balls Branch Run Crossing — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 6136-co. Route 52 East Of Balls Branch Run Crossing

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Boyle County, Kentucky. Environment: lagoonal/restricted shallow subtidal. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 7784-co. Southeast Of Route 27 Crossing Of Kentucky River — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 7784-co. Southeast Of Route 27 Crossing Of Kentucky River

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Garrard County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 7812-co. Farm Pond Southwest Of Junction Of Routes 27 And 62 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 7812-co. Farm Pond Southwest Of Junction Of Routes 27 And 62

Fossil collection site in the Clays Ferry, Harrison County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 7817-co. Southeast Of Black Bridge Crossing Over Hickman Creek — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 7817-co. Southeast Of Black Bridge Crossing Over Hickman Creek

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Jessamine County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs 7835-co. U.s. Route 27, 1 Mi S Of Intersection Of Road To Camp Nelson Cemet — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs 7835-co. U.s. Route 27, 1 Mi S Of Intersection Of Road To Camp Nelson Cemet

Fossil collection site in the Camp Nelson, Jessamine County, Kentucky. Environment: carbonate indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky

Usgs D-1196-co. Eastbound Lanes Of I-64, East Of Bridge Over Kentucky River — fossil rockhounding site near County, KY

FossilKY

Usgs D-1196-co. Eastbound Lanes Of I-64, East Of Bridge Over Kentucky River

Fossil collection site in the Lexington Limestone, Franklin County, Kentucky. Environment: deep subtidal ramp. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesCounty

Usgs Ky-1 — fossil rockhounding site near Kentucky, KY

FossilKY

Usgs Ky-1

Fossil collection site in the Kope, Carroll County, Kentucky. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.

Fee variesKentucky