Blue Ghost Walks take place in mid-late May, and a schedule will be posted in early spring. To be notified when they are posted, sign up on our mailing list at the bottom of the page. We will host one Chasing Spring Blue Ghost Retreat May 17-19, more details here.

Blue Ghost and Synchronous Firefly Tours are not-to-be-missed Blue Ridge experiences. These endemic species of lightning bugs (actually beetles) each fly for about three weeks at the beginning of each summer; during their peak nights, we'll take you for a magical walk through a blue ghost "fairy village" and explain their fascinating natural history. As the blue ghost season begins to wane, the famous synchronous fireflies (they are not only found in the Smokies!) begin their peak mating displays. In optimal conditions, we will also view "dismalites" (Orfelia fultoni), common but rarely-seen predatory fly larva who use their glow for more nefarious purposes. During peak firefly season, we will view several other species displaying in the meadows and treetops.  

Later in the summer, nightwalks may include searches for foxfire (luminescent fungi), phosphorescent lichens and arthropods, and other nocturnal lights and delights.