Asheville's Blue Ghost Fireflies: Where and When to See Them

If you’re in the Asheville area in late spring, you’re in for a breathtaking natural phenomenon—the blue ghost fireflies. 

These elusive fireflies emit a continuous blue-white glow rather than the typical blinking pattern seen in other fireflies. Unlike their flashing relatives, blue ghost fireflies create an eerie, floating effect, making the forest feel almost enchanted.

Unlike other fireflies, blue ghosts have a distinctive blue-green glow that can last up to a full minute. Males float low over the forest floor with a steady glow, while females—who do not fly—emit a fainter light from the ground. Their mating season is shorter than other fireflies, lasting only a few weeks each year. Conservation efforts, such as limiting artificial light and preserving their natural habitat, are crucial to protecting these rare creatures.

Where to See Blue Ghost Fireflies

These rare fireflies are found in specific locations within the Southern Appalachian Mountains, particularly in the moist, undisturbed forests near Asheville. Some of the best places to witness their glow include:

• DuPont State Recreational Forest – One of the most popular spots for viewing blue ghost fireflies, with trails leading to streams and waterfalls where they thrive. Specific trails known for sightings include:
  • Corn Mill Shoals Trail – A moderate hike leading to damp, wooded areas where fireflies thrive.
  • Hooker Falls Trail – A short, easy trail near waterfalls where blue ghosts are commonly seen.
  • Lake Imaging Trail – A quieter option with a mix of open and forested sections, ideal for firefly viewing.
• Pisgah National Forest – Particularly in the lower elevation valleys and near streams. Recommended trails:
  • Pink Beds Loop Trail – A flat, scenic trail near wetland areas where fireflies gather.
  • Sycamore Flats Trail – Close to water sources and sheltered by dense tree cover, perfect for firefly displays.
• Cataloochee Valley – A remote valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is home to these fireflies.

Blue Ghost Firefly Twilight Tour at the Cradle of Forestry

The Blue Ghost Firefly Twilight Tour returns this year starting in May at the Cradle of Forestry in America (11250 Pisgah Highway, U.S. 276, Pisgah Forest). The official date has not yet been released. This special event includes an educational presentation at 9 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater, followed by a self-guided walk through the forest’s paved trails in search of the fireflies. Tour guides stationed along the path provide additional information about the fireflies’ habitat and behavior.

The tour's website describes the appearance of blue ghost fireflies as resembling "a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest."

• Time: 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• General Admission: $50 | Youth (Ages 4-12): $25
• Advance tickets required – Be sure to book online as spots are limited to 125 participants per night to minimize disruption to the fireflies’ habitat.

Best Time and Conditions for Viewing

The peak season for blue ghost fireflies is from mid-May to early June. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, usually appearing just after sunset. For the best experience:

• Choose a night with little to no moonlight for maximum visibility.
• Be patient—let your eyes adjust to the darkness.
• Avoid using flashlights or phone screens, as artificial light can disrupt the display (use red lights if necessary).