Fossil Hunting Experience at Naturley In Fruition

Naturley in Fruition is located on 24+ acres of mostly wooded property along Main St in Hancock, MD, overlooking the Potomac River and C&O Canal. Hancock is well known as a town involved in the Civil War by history, and currently popular as a recreational stop for travelers on the road to/from Western MD and WV as well as bikers, hikers, and campers enjoying the Western MD Rail Trail and Potomac River.  

When we purchased our Homestead in November 2023, we had no idea about another unique history the town holds. In routine hikes around our property, Becky, who loves rocks in general, serendipitously began finding an abundance of fossilized rocks containing shell pieces and clear markings of former marine life. Online and local research intrigued her, and her lifelong rock collecting habits worsened as she found new fossils - as well as a multitude of crystallized rocks - on a nearly daily basis. 

What we learned is that Hancock sits within the Valley & Ridge Province of the Appalachians, and the rocks around it record repeated episodes of shallow tropical seas.  Approximately 484-444 million years ago, during the Ordovician Period, what is now the town of Hancock was submerged in clear tropical marine waters with coral-like reef systems, and abundant marine life including: Trilobites, Brachiopods, Crinoids, and early Mollusks.  

The seas returned again during parts of the Devonian Period, approximately 419–359 million years ago. By this time, early fish were thriving, reef systems were extensive, and thick layers of shale, sandstone, and limestone were deposited. Much of the limestone and dolomite found in western Maryland formed from shells and marine sediments deposited during this time, and these sediment layers are still visible in roadcuts and cliffs near Hancock today.

We are excited to have such a unique property filled with really cool fossilized and crystallized rocks and gems and would love to share it with others who may gain the same joy as we do finding these little pieces of history scattered throughout our property. We utilize easy on-line resources to learn more about the fossils we find, and will teach you how to do the same with fossils or anything you find and are curious about learning more.

Come join us for a guided tour of our property, learn more about the unique history of Hancock, and identify a variety of fossilized and crystallized rocks. Gaze upon the rocks we've collected, and find new ones still situated in the ground or along our trails. Following a property tour, participants may disperse on their own to explore and enjoy our beautiful mountains and woods until the event time ends.  

*Each participant will be allowed to take home one fossil or crystallized rock (under 6” radius) of their choice as a memento of the experience.  We encourage taking photos/videos of our rock collections throughout the tour as desired. 

*Participants are also welcome to bring a metal detector to use as well. Hancock is also famous for its part in the Civil War, and you may just find some War artifacts as well. Leave or keep what you find.

We are MD Forest Stewards and value our environment and abundant wildlife, as well as our honeybee hives.  We ask that you please respect the boundaries of our property and leave no trace.  Participants will be asked to review and sign a waiver upon arrival.

What to Bring:

• Close-Toed Shoes: For safety, we recommend wearing sturdy, close-toed shoes.
• Clothing: Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.
• Water: Stay hydrated during your tour.

We will do our best to accommodate your selected time and will confirm your tour quickly. Our goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and informative experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Naturley in Fruition offers a variety of personalized outdoor experiences. We invite couples, families, friends, and small groups to enjoy a completely personalized private experience on our peaceful 24+ acre wooded Homestead, where nature, animals, learning, and connection come together.

Create your own adventure and choose from experiences such as:

🌲 Take a guided hike through our mountainous forest trails, surrounded by scenic beauty, wildlife, and peaceful mountain views.

🐔 Meet our chickens and bunnies and enjoy the simple joy of connecting with friendly farm animals.

🪨 Search for ancient marine fossils scattered throughout our hills and learn about the incredible 

prehistoric history of the region, when this area was once covered by a shallow tropical sea.

🐝 Visit our apiary and discover the fascinating world of honeybees, beekeeping, pollination, and honey production.

🚲 🌊 Take a stroll down our driveway and across Main Street to the historic C&O Canal, Towpath, and Potomac River, soaking in the beauty and rich history of Hancock’s unique landscape.

🧘‍♀️ Explore mindfulness, grounding, and coping strategies inspired by nature. Becky’s 3 decades of clinical social work experience can be thoughtfully incorporated into your visit, offering opportunities to learn practical wellness tools in a peaceful, restorative environment.

Whether you’re hoping for an educational family outing, a restorative couples experience, a group outdoor learning experience, or simply meaningful time together, every private visit is thoughtfully tailored to your interests, ages, goals, and comfort level. No two adventures are alike — because no two families or groups are alike.

✨ Your experience, your pace, your adventure.

Pricing: Experiences are priced hourly and thoughtfully customized based on the number of participants and activities selected.  Discounted rates are available for nonprofit organizations and groups.

Come explore, learn something amazing, reconnect with nature, and make extraordinary memories together!