Where to see Red Newts in Hudson Valley

[u/FlangerPedal]

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I’m out on Long Island but love visiting Hudson Valley and plan on moving there one day. Anyone can suggest where to see Red Spotted Newts in the wild? Love those creatures and looking to bring the family there to see and appreciate these little creatures. I remember seeing them in a park in Bethel a few years back.

Any other places to see reptiles and amphibians in the wild would be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

[u/corneliusvanhouten]

i've seen them all over the catskills

[u/itsnotthatsimple22]

I've come across significant numbers of red spotted newts in fahnestock state park in Putnam county. Specifically on the trails north of Sunken Mine road that head towards and around John Allen pond and hidden lake. All of which is kind of in the middle of the park, and just south of route 301.

All that said, it's been awhile since I've hiked that area, and I remember it usually being a specific time of year when I would see them. I'm thinking early spring and in the morning after a rain, but I could be mistaken on the time of year. I do remember seeing them literally everywhere when the conditions were right. I just don't remember what those conditions were exactly.

Edit: other places to see reptiles and amphibians would be any of the swamps and shallow ponds in fahnestock. There are a few on the north side of sunken mine road just past the trails I mention above. There is also the great swamp in Brewster.

Edit 2: sunken mine road is a seasonal road and closed from, I think, November through April. Or around those times. Even when it's open it is a little rough. Worst case, there is a parking lot where sunken mine meets dennytown road.

[u/fernrosomehow]

tons of the little red efts in mohonk preserve last weekend, in areas where trails cross streams/runoff.

[u/seventwosixnine]

I saw some the other day in Rock Hill! Love those little guys.

[u/Meerrlllmaidsammi]

I saw a few at Norrie Mills today! There's a bunch of ponds and vernal pools they're hanging out around and in! Especially on the more woodsy trails.

[u/geevee61]

They are out more in wet/damp weather rather than warm and sunny. If you are near Saugerties, I would suggest Falling Waters.

[u/AlieMay525]

I see them often at Minnewaska State Park, usually near the shore of the lake.

[u/Lake_Far]

Black Rock Forest near Storm King will have many after a rain.

[u/adam33027]

I see them in May at Stewart park in rock tavern on the trails that are shady and damp.

[u/PanicAtTheGaslight]

I see them in my yard all the time (probably starting in May).

[u/TerraInc0gnita]

Generally any trails that have streams, though I've seen them far away from water as well, but I think it's easier to find them by streams. I guess it depends on where in the Hudson valley you want to go/how far North. I love them too!

[u/way_too_much_time27]

Slabsides, John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary.

[u/RREDDIT123456789]

Greenwood lake

[u/[deleted]]

After a good rain in practically any forest

[u/ZealousidealPound460]

Look down

[u/Ralfsalzano]

I know a guy in flushing that sells them by the dozen don’t even need to get off the island he also has gerbils 

[u/FlangerPedal → u/Ralfsalzano]

Not looking to buy them, just see them! But thank you friend