Witnessing the Salamander Migration is one of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences in the Brecksville Reservation. For a very brief period in the spring, you can watch elusive salamanders move from their underground hibernation spots to breeding ponds throughout the park.
Finding Salamanders in the Brecksville Reservation is not as easy as it seems. After years and years of experiencing the Salamander migration, I’m confident my guide will help educate you and provide you with the best adventure! I’m also providing an alternative area in the Brecksville Reservation to experience the salamander migration, and don’t forget my expert tip!
Salamander Migration Experience
When is the best time to experience the salamander migration?
The Salamander Migration occurs annually in and around the Brecksville Reservation. During spring, hundreds of salamanders and other amphibians leave their underground hibernation spots and travel to vernal pools (shallow, temporary wetlands), where they mate and lay eggs before heading back underground.
So, when is the best time to experience this migration in the spring?
According to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, “Spring migration almost always takes place in the rain.” This is due to salamanders breathing through both lungs and their skin. Because their skin always needs to stay moist, salamanders will only be seen when it rains or the ground is damp.
Because of this, the best time to witness the migration is during the first 1-2 weeks of warm (above 40 degrees Fahrenheit), rainy springtime nights in the park. Typically, this will occur in mid-March, but it may happen as early as late February or as late as early April.
You should closely monitor Brecksville’s weather report and follow the Cleveland Metroparks Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss it!
Salamanders You’ll Find
Some of the salamanders that you may observe are:
- Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
- Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
- Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
- Northern Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
- Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
In addition, you’ll also witness other amphibians like:
- Spring Peeper Frogs (Pseudacris crucifer)
- Western Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris triseriata)
- American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana)
Check out BirdwatchingHQ’s salamander identification guide to learn more about their appearance, characteristics, and other interesting facts.
Also, abide by park rules: do not touch these creatures, and stay at least 3 feet away from them when observing. Collecting amphibians during the part may result in a fine and a potential park ban.
Where to experience salamander migration in the Brecksville Reservation
Knowing exactly where to go in the Brecksville Reservation will increase your likelihood of finding Salamanders and help save you valuable time.
The best stretch of land to experience the Salamander Migration is on Valley Parkway between Brecksville Road and Chippewa Road, as identified on the map below.
How to Get There
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Input Oak Grove Picnic Area into your phone maps or gps.
Ensure you enter the park on Valley Parkway from Brecksville Road (Route 21). Drive approximately 1 mile east down the hill until you get to a section of the road blocked off to cars. Park in any parking spot or along the road.
*You do not want to enter from Meadows Parkway because the road is closed, and you’ll have to hike at least 1.5 miles to the migration spot. You should also not park down at the intersection of Chippewa Creek Road and Valley Parkway because you’ll have to walk a steep .5 miles uphill.* - Once parked, walk .25 – .5 miles east
You will walk past the do not enter (for cars) sign east for a .25 – .5 mile stretch until you reach Oak Grove Picnic Area (as seen on the map above).
- Begin Searching for Salamanders
You will begin searching for Salamanders from the bike/car marker on your right-hand corner until you reach the Oak Grove Picnic Area parking lot entrance.
Expert Tips
If you want to have the highest likelihood of witnessing salamanders, you should:
- Bring a flashlight with at least 1000 lumens and a red filter to help prevent disturbance. A phone light or app flashlight won’t be adequate.
- Stay close to small vernal pools (as seen below) on either side of the road in the shallow woods. Although you may see salamanders crossing the road, you’ll have a higher likelihood of seeing them next to mating pools.
- Be prepared to spend at least an hour looking for salamanders and another 20 – 30 minutes walking to and from your car. The longer you spend looking, the greater the chance you have to spot one.
Alternative Option
The Brecksville Reservation and the above spot are becoming increasingly popular, and you’ll most likely encounter quite a few spectators out every night.
If you want to avoid the crowds and have an even better chance of experiencing the salamander migration, hike the deer lick cave trail along Valley Parkway.
You will park in the same location above, but instead of following the road to the Oak Grove Picnic Area, you will walk directly north and east into the woods on the Deer Lick Cave trail.
This trail will be entirely wet and filled with vernal pools and creeks. Look on the trail and in the small pools along the shallow forest to find more salamanders than the main tourist location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bring a headlamp or flashlight with at least 1000 lumens and a red filter to minimize disturbance. You should also wear warm clothing, a rain jacket, and waterproof boots. Don’t forget your camera or phone to take lots of pictures too.
The best time to witness salamanders migrating is one hour after dusk, during the first two weeks of springtime when it is raining and the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best spot to witness salamanders and other amphibians migrating is the Oak Grove Picnic Area on Valley Parkway Road.
To observe salamanders safely, follow the online guidelines, signs in the park, and volunteer instructions. Stay on the trail, do not handle amphibians, and watch closely where you are walking.
No, dogs may scare or harm salamanders. Volunteers and park rangers will ask you to leave your dog in your car.
Yes, this is an experience all ages can enjoy. Kids and families will love trying to find salamanders and learning about them from volunteers.
You will find The four main species: spotted, eastern newt, red-backed, northern two-lined, and Jefferson salamander.
Short spurts of cold weather, High precipitation, high humidity, fog, or flooding can affect visibility.
No, there are currently no guided tours or organized events. The Oak Grove Picnic Area is blocked off, and volunteers will help guide you to where the best visibility is.
Plan to walk and observe the salamander migration for at least 1 hour. 2 – 3 hours is an appropriate amount of time to increase the likelihood of finding salamanders and other amphibians.
Expect several hundred salamanders to migrate over two weeks.
Learn more about the Brecksville Reservation
Not only is the Brecksville Reservation a great place to observe the salamander migration, but you can also do other fun activities, like hiking, running, biking, bird feeding, geocaching, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, children’s educational programs, and so much more!
- My favorite hike is the Hemlock Trail.
- All my favorite educational programs happen at the Brecksville Nature Center.
- The Andrews Nature Play Area is the perfect playground for kids in the summer.
Take Away
The salamander migration in the Brecksville Reservation is a fantastic experience for children and adults alike. Knowing what salamanders to spot, where to spot them, and, most importantly, the best times to spot them will make this an adventure you will not forget.
Hello I have lived nearby in ohio my entire life and appreciate all the tips and info above. We missed the migration last year but hopefully our family isn’t too late this spring and hope to get footage this weekend!
Hi George, thanks for the message and kind words. You aren’t too late. I was there last night and saw 20 Salamanders!
It looks like this Thursday (03/07) and Friday (03/08) will be a couple more great nights to spot them. If it rains, expect a ton of them!
Hello, do you think today will be a good day to see some salamanders? Ty
Tonight would be a good day to see the salamanders. Rain and mild temperatures is prime time for to see them.