The Cradle of Forestry Overlook

This Western North Carolina National Forest Is One of the Only Places to See Blue Ghost Fireflies

"In late spring to early summer, a rare species of firefly (Phausis reticulata) in this part of the southern Appalachians produces a continuous, intense blue glow used during mating season; unlike typical blinking fireflies, males hover low and stay illuminated for seconds to a minute while flightless females signal from the forest floor, creating a wavering, floating carpet of blue light that many describe as eerie or like 'elves carrying lights.' These insects are notoriously difficult to photograph—photos tend to render their light as green and require specialized equipment—so visitors should not expect usable pictures. Guided, habitat-conscious tours run on select dates (May 19–June 7 in the season cited), require advance tickets that often sell out, begin with an educational program (arrive by 8:45 p.m.), and follow the roughly 1.3-mile paved Forest Festival Trail; attendees are asked to use red lights, avoid phone or flashlight beams that disturb the insects, be patient, stand quietly, and look into the woods for several minutes to increase the chance of seeing the display." - Elliott Harrell