Asheville , United States

Nighttime Forest Firefly Hike

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Western NC's diverse firefly species, including the elusive Blue Ghost, on our intimate night hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For $185 per person, this 3-hour experience includes transportation from downtown Asheville, guided interpretation, snacks, and red-light headlamps (required for firefly viewing). The easy to moderate 2-mile hike accommodates most fitness levels and is perfect for ages 14+. With a maximum of 6 participants, your expert guide will lead you through well-maintained trails while sharing insights about local ecology and history. Tours depart at 7pm and return around 10pm, running daily from May 22 - June 1 and June 26 - July 1. Please note that while this area is known for firefly activity, sightings cannot be guaranteed, particularly following Hurricane Helene. Closed-toe shoes are required, and photography is prohibited to protect the habitat. Book through our trip calendar - minimum 2 participants required.

Available options

Nighttime Forest Firefly Hike

What's included

Headlamp with red light

Please notify us in advance of any dietary restrictions

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Your guide will help you select a hike from over 1,000 miles of trails within Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the Blue Ridge Parkway! Travel time depends on the hike chosed; drive time is typically 20-60 minutes.

What's not included

Gratuity for our team of well-trained professional guides is not included in the trip price. Industry standard gratuity for a guided hike is 15-25%.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This hike meets at downtown Asheville Visitor Center. Hikers will ride to the trailhead in our company vehicle. Because of limited parking at the trailhead, we ask that participants use our transportation instead of their own.

About Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and rich history. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and culture seekers, offering a unique blend of mountain charm and urban sophistication.

Top Attractions

Biltmore Estate

America's largest home, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age. The estate includes a mansion, gardens, and winery.

Historical/Architecture 4-6 hours Moderate to Expensive ($60-$100 per adult)

Blue Ridge Parkway

A scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

River Arts District

A vibrant arts district with over 200 artists' studios, galleries, and murals, located in a historic industrial area along the French Broad River.

Cultural/Arts 2-4 hours Free to explore, costs vary for purchases and tours

Asheville Pinball Museum

A unique museum featuring over 100 playable pinball machines and arcade games from the 1960s to the present.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Budget ($15 per adult)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Biscuits and Gravy

A classic Southern breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw and BBQ sauce.

Lunch Contains gluten (unless served on a lettuce wrap)

Fried Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken served with sweet, fluffy waffles and maple syrup.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Zip-lining Whitewater rafting Spa treatments Yoga and meditation Scenic drives Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

September to November

Fall is the most popular time to visit Asheville due to the vibrant fall foliage, pleasant temperatures, and various festivals. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's cultural attractions.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Asheville is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs or handling cash in public
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Asheville Regional Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

Amtrak Asheville Station

By bus

Asheville Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with routes connecting major attractions, downtown, and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Asheville Montford West Asheville

Day trips

Chimney Rock State Park

25 miles (40 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A stunning state park featuring a 315-foot chimney rock formation, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

50 miles (80 km) from Asheville • Full day to overnight

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering stunning mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. The park is known for its waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic cabins.

Hendersonville

20 miles (32 km) from Asheville • Half-day to full day

A charming, historic town located in the heart of Western North Carolina's apple country. Hendersonville is known for its historic downtown, local shops, and apple orchards.

Festivals

LEAF Festival • October Asheville Wine & Food Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Biltmore Estate early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful lighting for photos
Explore the River Arts District on a weekend to catch studio tours and see artists at work
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning views and photo opportunities
Try local craft beers at one of Asheville's many breweries, such as Wicked Weed Brewing or New Belgium Brewing
Sample farm-to-table cuisine at one of Asheville's many innovative, eclectic restaurants