OVERVIEW:
This guided night hike leads you into a secluded section of Pisgah National Forest to witness the enchanting Blue Ghost Fireflies. With their steady glow and brief seasonal appearance, these fireflies stand as one of the Southern Appalachians' most extraordinary natural wonders. The forest's protected trails and proximity to Asheville create a perfect setting for this unique experience.
A professional naturalist guides the 2-mile hike over easy to moderate terrain, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Throughout the journey, you'll learn about the area's nighttime ecology and firefly behavior. The experience includes transportation from Asheville and red-light headlamps. We keep groups small to preserve a peaceful, immersive experience.
While firefly sightings are likely during these periods, nature's unpredictability means they cannot be guaranteed. To protect the fireflies' habitat, we don't allow photography or videography during the hike.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Witness the Blue Ghost Fireflies—these remarkable creatures emerge for just a brief window each year, offering a rare chance to see them.
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Professional naturalist guides lead you on an easy-to-moderate 2-mile hike along well-maintained trails.
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Fascinating insights about local ecology, history, and the unique world of these special fireflies.
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Limit groups to just 6 hikers to ensure an intimate experience.
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Includes round-trip transportation from downtown Asheville, trail snacks, and special red-light headlamps.
ITINERARY:
7:00 PM – Meet your guide at the designated location in Downtown Asheville.
Details provided upon booking.
7:15 PM – Travel with your group to the Pisgah National Forest trailhead.
7:45 PM – Begin the Firefly Night Hike.
Your guide will lead you through the forest to observe Blue Ghost Fireflies while sharing insights about nocturnal ecology. The hike typically lasts 1.5–2 hours, varying with group pace and firefly activity.
10:30 PM – Return to Downtown Asheville.
What's Included
Join us for an enchanting evening hike led by a professional naturalist in Pisgah National Forest. This experience includes round-trip transportation from downtown Asheville and a guided 1.5–2-mile night hike. You'll witness the mesmerizing seasonal display of Blue Ghost Fireflies while discovering the forest's nocturnal wildlife and ecology. To ensure an intimate, quiet experience, groups are limited to six hikers. We provide headlamps, and trekking poles are available upon request. For your safety, all guides are certified in wilderness first aid.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made seven or more days before the hike, we offer a full refund minus a 10% processing fee. We cannot provide refunds for cancellations within seven days of the hike, as guide time and logistics are arranged in advance. If we must cancel due to inclement weather or unsafe trail conditions, you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule, subject to availability. We cannot offer refunds for no-shows or late arrivals who miss the departure time.
We proudly partner with Blue Ridge Hiking Company and operate under their special use permits for designated trails in Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, and other protected areas. These partnerships give us access to some of the region's most breathtaking and lesser-known trails while reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
When you hike with us, you support a network of guides, small businesses, and conservation efforts that help preserve these wild spaces.