Due to the erosion from the Ausable River and the Hobbs
Mackenzie Drain, fossils from the Devonian Era are strewn around on
the surface by the thousands.
You are allowed to take one sample home!
If you are there when the museum is open it's worth taking a
look as it has some fine specimens of fossils found in the
area.
The Ausable River Gorge and the Rock Glen section is famous for
its exposed beds of fossils, dating back to the Devonian period in
Ontario's history, about 350 million years ago.
We have many visitors that come to this area to find fossils
that are scientifically named - crinoids, brachiopods and
trilobites.
These ancient treasures were once strange types of shellfish
that swam, crawled or drifted about in the tropical waters of
Ontario. Surprisingly, these creatures survived 400 million years
of change and remained trapped in their 'rock tomb' until the
glacier retreated. The melting waters from this glacier formed the
Rock Glen Falls and the Ausable River Gorge about 13,000 years
ago.
The Falls have actually moved about 400 meters upstream to its
present location. Rock Glen Falls is in the Rock Glen Conservation
Area.
This is just outside of Arkona. There is a nice parking and
picnic area and a $3 per person entry fee.
There are stairs, boardwalks and bridge allowing visitors to
safely explore the steep sides of the glen and the 10 metre high
waterfall A wooden stairway leads you down into the gorge right to
the base of the falls. You could stand under them if you wish. You
can hike down the gorge. There are lots of fossils to be found
here, so keep your eyes open if you like that sort of thing.
The park is home to the Arkona Lions Museum and Information
Centre which houses an impressive collection of Devonian Era
fossils and Indian artifacts found in the local area.
Just upstream of the Ausable River. Visitors and amateur
archaelogists from all parts of North America have found many
fossils in the exposed beds dating back 350 million years.
Scientific names for these ancient treasures include crinoids,
brachiopods and trilobites.
The story of civilization around Rock Glen dates back to the
time when the Paleo or Early Indians utilized the nearby hills to
hunt the barren ground caribou some 10,000 years ago. Succeeding
the Paleo age were the Archaic Indians who had adapted to a much
milder climate some 6000 years ago. The museum displays "fluted
points" associated with the Paleo age and many "cache" blades from
the Archaic natives. Picnic Area Barrier-free trails allow all
visitors to see the park highlights including the scenic lookouts,
museum and picnic areas.
To log this earthcache you need:
1. to have a photo of you taken with a fossil in hand as well as
your GPSr at the base of the falls.
2. the number of people in your group.
3. measure and record the type and size of the fossil you
find.
Driving Directions:
From Sarnia or London take Exit #44 off the 402 to Arkona on Cty
Rd #79. Park is located on Rock Glen Road 2 km outside of
Arkona.
Notes
* An extensive collection of fossils and Native artifacts can be
viewed in the Museum and Information Centre. * Numerous trails and
board walks for exploring nature in this Carolinian forest. The
Lookout, washroom, Museum and some trails are wheel-chair
accessible. * The scenic Rock Glen Falls can be viewed from the
Lookout or go exploring for fossils at the bottom of the falls in
the Rock Glen Gorge. * Two picnic pavilions can be reserved for
groups or family reunions * Guided Hikes and Education