These tours are only available for two weeks in the middle of May when the adult fireflies are active.
Have you heard of the special blue ghost firefly? Want to witness its spectacular display? Well then, you’re in the right place!!
Blue ghost firefly tours take place in the Enchanted Forest
Blue Ghost Fireflies are a special species of firefly that live only in the eastern United States, found in a few counties in Appalachia, including Buncombe County in western North Carolina. Different from other fireflies that have blinking patterns, the tiny Blue Ghost firefly has a light that stays on for 30-60 seconds. To the casual observer witnessing this it seems like magic–could it be forest fairies wandering through the darkness, holding small lanterns just a few feet off of the ground? That’s what it looks like–the dark forest lit by hundreds of moving light trails. It something people of all ages can enjoy and appreciate– pure magic to feed your soul!
Blue ghost firefly habitat
This event will introduce you to one of our most famous fireflies, the Blue Ghost, a firefly with a silent light show that will fill your soul with magic.
But you’ll get a chance to learn about other fireflies too. Did you know there are 2000 species of fireflies in the world, or that they all have a unique way of finding mates? Most have some kind of blinking pattern, maybe two long lights followed by two short ones, or one short followed by three long ones. Each species is different. During this event we will learn about the lifecycle of fireflies, including our famous blue ghost.
A blue ghost firefly is only the size of a grain of rice, as seen here next to a few pieces of rice.
Then, when darkness is closing in, we will take a short walk to the edge of the forest where we will find a chair to sit in, silently waiting. As the last daylight fades, we will start to see the first glimmers of this magical firefly, the males silently roaming the forest floor looking for stationary females.
Amazingly, this is a blue ghost female firefly. She has no wings and is only the size of a grain of rice.
How big are these fireflies? What do they eat? How long do they live? What makes them special? These and many more questions will be answered by Naturalist and Photographer, Sharon Mammoser who has been sharing nature with people of all ages for more than 30 years.
Blue ghost light trails in a dark forest.
After our fill of the evening’s magic, we will circle up, share a closing ceremony and then find our way back to the parking area, heading home with the silent music of fireflies dancing in our heads. It’s definitely an experience you’ll never forget!
Chairs will be provided for watching the fireflies.
Tour Details:
Blue Ghost fireflies are only active as adults for two to three weeks. For us here in western North Carolina, that is usually around the second and third weeks in May.
The tour lasts from 7:30pm-10:00/10:30 and costs $25 or $30. Early bird tickets will be available for $25 and will be sold until May 1st. The end time is variable as to the interest of the participants.
Each night hosts a maximum of 16 guests to allow for an intimate experience.
You will be asked to arrive for the program between 7:30-8:00 pm. There will be some small group activities to do if you choose when you arrive, aimed at introducing you to some other creatures of the night. PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8:00! We want to be sure you get the full tour, including the background information about the very special blue ghost firefly.
There is a short distance to walk, on mostly level, but uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is recommended. While you are watching the fireflies, chairs will be provided.
The fireflies start to become active right about dark, which for us is usually 9:15-9:30pm. We will continue to be immersed in the night magic and talk quietly for about 30-45 minutes, or until the group is ready, before heading back, aided by the light from small flashlights (also provided for you.)
All participants will be loaned a small flashlight with a red filter. These will only be needed when the evening is over and we make our way back to “base camp” where we will circle up and share in a closing ceremony. Then guests will turn in their flashlights, say their goodnights and head off into the night.
Cancellation Policy:
Reservations cancelled more than 24 hours in advance of the tour will be issued a full refund. Reservations cancelled less than 24 hours in advance of the tour will NOT receive a refund. In the event of heavy rain, the tour will be cancelled and a full refund given, or we will attempt to reschedule you for a different day, if possible. We will continue the tour in light rain. Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear appropriate for walking on uneven ground in the dark.
FYI
The Blue Ghost Firefly Tours are suitable for children aged 4 and up. Please don’t bring younger children as they are often afraid of the dark, bored with waiting, not able to sit quietly and desperate to catch the fireflies.
Due to the tiny size and fragile nature of the fireflies, you are prohibited from catching the fireflies.
The property is NOT wheelchair or handicap accessible.
There is NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED during the tour, including with a cell phone. Photographing the blue ghosts is very challenging, even for professional photographers, and especially in complete darkness. Photographers distract others from the sensory experience and are therefore not allowed.
The location for the tour is a private residence and will not be provided until the tour date grows closer, and after you have reserved your space. We ask that this address is not shared, either in person or on social media. The owners are gracious enough to want to share this experience but do not want strangers showing up at all hours or days, seeking to view the blue ghosts. Please help us respect their privacy.
After buying tickets you will be sent an email confirming purchase, and as the event date gets closer, you will be sent the address and directions. For planning purposes now, this event will take place at a private residence that is a short 15 minute drive from Biltmore Park Town Square (1 Town Square Blvd) in south Asheville off of Long Shoals Road, easily accessible from Interstate 26.
Everyone attending will be REQUIRED to fill out a liability waiver –this will be shared with you via email ahead of time, and are asked to send it back before the event or bring it filled out on the night of the event. To participate in the tour everyone in your party will need to have the waiver filled out. This is for legal purposes and can’t be skipped.
Sunset in NC
25% of all proceeds will be donated to the International Dark Skies Association (IDA), an organization staffed with passionate people who want to make a difference in the world by educating others about the negative effects of light pollution on everything from migrating birds, to insects, and even plants. The International Dark-Sky Association promotes win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.
