Spend an evening chasing synchronous and blue ghost fireflies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
June 4, 5, and 6 from 6pm to 12pm

This tour is your chance to experience one-of-a-kind firefly phenomena: the synchronous fireflies and the rare blue ghost firefly.

You'll spend the evening in a quiet spot in the woods to watch thousands of fireflies wink on and off together.

No photography experience needed! I'll help you upgrade your photography skills and get a shot of the fireflies.

It's a phenomena that only happens for one week in this one area. Plus, you get to experience the quiet beauty of the Smokies for yourself.

$200 per person

What's included:

• Transportation during the trip
  
• Snacks and water
  
• Park admission
• Guided hike and drive
• Photography coaching

What's not included:

• Transportation to the meeting location
  
• Camera and gear (You can rent from me for extra)

What are the synchronous fireflies?

Every year in June the Great Smoky Mountains twinkle with lights as tens of thousands of synchronous fireflies blink back and forth in patterns.

It only occurs for one week in select locations as the lightning bugs emerge to mate. The females rest on the foliage of the forest floor while the males fly above them, synchronizing their flashing patterns.


Picture being in the woods, with countless christmas lights strung up everywhere. They truly are one of nature's fleeting moments.

What are the blue ghost fireflies?

Blue ghost fireflies are one of the world's smallest fireflies, only the size of a grain of rice.

Unlike their blinking cousins, blue ghosts stay lit, sometimes for minutes, as they float through the woodlands.

These delicate forest fairies are lesser known and more challenging to find. From a distance, they appear bluish white.

What Will We Do?

My top priority is to help you see both speciies of fireflies. I also want to help you upgrade your photo skills. The Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to practice and learn.

Based on weather and/or crowd restrictions, we may not be able to see both types of fireflies.

6:00pm: Meet at Walmart in Maryville

6pm to 8pm: Drive to firefly viewing location
8 to 8:30pm: Walk / hike

8:30 - 11pm: View fireflies

11pm - 12:30pm: Return drive to Walmart in Maryville

What else do you need to know?

Fireflies aren't guaranteed
The bugs are fragile, and don't do well in wind or rain. I know of multiple locations, weather depending, but if all of them have inclement weather fireflies won't come out.

Luckily, the Great Smoky Mountains are still gorgeous.

How big will the group be?
I have room for 5 other nature enthusiasts, plus myself.

How will we get around?
I’m renting a van (depending on how many people come). It's big enough to hold all our stuff and ourselves.

Depending on where we watch the fireflies, there may be a 1-2 mile walk.

How strenuous is the hiking?
There may be a section that involves some strenuous elevation change. The paths may be rocky and uneven.

What will the weather be like?
It's summertime! It could be hot, but it could also be a little cooler at the higher elevations. Plus, there's always a chance of rain or a storm.

Do I have to have a nice camera or be a good photographer?
All skill levels and cameras are welcome, whether that's a smart phone or DSLR. Seeing them with your eyes is magical.

However, the fireflies are challenging to get a picture of with a phone.

What food options are there?

I will have water and light snacks, but if there is anything specific you'd like, the Walmart should have everything you need.

Can I get a room to myself?

If you'd like a single room, let me know. it will add approximately $350 to the cost of your trip.

What happens if you need to cancel?
Refunds are available up to 7 days before your trip date. After that, the trip is non-refundable.

What happens if its too rainy or windy for fireflies?
If the rain is predicted to be too strong or there is too much wind, the trip will be cancelled and you can receive a full refund, or reschedule for another evening, if space is available.