Nighttime Forest and Fireflies Hike
Experience the Blue Ghost Fireflies in the Pisgah National Forest.
Location:
Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina | Fly In/Out Location: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
2026 Dates:
Offered nightly during peak firefly season: May 21st – June 1st | June 22nd - 30th
Cost:
$160 per person
Overview
Walk into the Blue Ridge mountains at dusk to witness the rare and quiet glow of the Blue Ghost fireflies. Led by professional naturalists, this evening hike takes you into a secluded forest cove where thousands of these unique insects hover just inches above the forest floor. It is a slow-paced, observational experience designed for those who want to see a natural phenomenon without the crowds.
Highlights
Rare Natural Phenomenon: A chance to see the unique, steady blue-white glow of the Phausis reticulata firefly in its native habitat.
Guided Night Hike: A steady walk on forest trails using red-light headlamps to protect your night vision and the fireflies' environment.
Local Forest Lore: Insights from your guide about the ecology of the Appalachian and the life cycle of these rare insects.
Hassle-Free Logistics: Round-trip transportation from downtown Asheville and all necessary gear, including headlamps and trekking poles.
Meet your guide
Eli Adams
Hiking & Backpacking Guide for Blue Ridge Hiking Company in Asheville, NC
Originally from South Florida, Eli is a former kayak guide who traded the Gulf Coast for the Appalachian Mountains. With four years as a mountain guide, she spends her free time foraging and studying Appalachian ecosystems while running a local hiking club that partners with WNC conservation non-profits. If you are looking for an energetic guide with a keen eye for flora and forest lore, Eli is your guide! To further outdoor inclusivity, she is currently re-learning her first language and hopes to begin guiding Spanish-speaking groups within the next year.
Total Mileage:
2-3 Miles
Transportation Included?
Yes! Round-trip from downtown Asheville.
Tendency for Break
Occasional and as needed: We keep a steady rhythm but stop for water, snacks, and interesting trail finds.
Duration:
4 Hours: We’ll be out for 4 hours total, counting the drive to the trailhead and our time walking in the woods.
Strenuous Level:
You will be walking on dirt trails with rocks and roots in the dark, so you'll need to be comfortable stepping over uneven ground with the help of a headlamp.
Pace:
Slow and Scenic: We let our curiosity set the pace, stopping whenever we want.
Max Group Size:
6 Hikers
Minimum Age:
13 Years Old
Experienced Needed?
No special skills are required beyond being able to walk on a forest trail at a relaxed pace.
This experience is perfect for:
This is for nature lovers who want to see a rare mountain phenomenon and feel comfortable navigating the woods after dark with a guided group.
What's Included:
A professional guide from Blue Ridge Hiking Company who is certified in wilderness first aid.
A ride from downtown Asheville to the trail and back.
Red-light headlamps for the fireflies, light snacks, and water.
Optional use of trekking poles and daypacks at no extra charge.
What's Not Included:
Dinner before the hike or any meals beyond the provided trail snacks.
Personal hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Gratuities for your professional guide.
Cancellation Policy:
We hike in most weather conditions unless it becomes severe, but our policy includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee and one complimentary rescheduling opportunity; cancellations more than seven days in advance receive a refund minus the fee, while those within seven days qualify for a 50% refund, and within 48 hours, refunds are only issued if we cancel the trip due to weather.
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