The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a very unique creature that some say resembles a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest. The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a noticeably short amount of time, they illuminate the surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County, NC.
You’ll experience an educational presentation at our outdoor amphitheater starting at 9:00 pm. Using the cover of darkness and special red flashlights you will go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest. FIND team members will be stationed at key locations around the trail to provide further information about this amazing natural phenomenon. Please feel free to congregate near these areas with your fellow firefly enthusiasts or go explore on your own! We require everyone to stay on the trail, to prevent habitat damage. Team members will clear the trail and everyone will be required to depart by 10:30 pm.
We are excited you have chosen to participate in an event at FIND Outdoors’ flagship site, the Cradle of Forestry. We know you’ll have a wonderful time. A waiver must be completed for each participant on the night of your tour. Thank you for choosing to FIND your adventure on public lands, we’ll see you soon.
Red flashlights will be on hand the night of the event for a deposit of $5. You will receive your deposit back when you return the flashlight. This flashlight does not interfere with night vision and cuts down on light pollution allowing for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All ticket purchases are NON-REFUNDABLE. Unused ticket purchases will support the mission and work of FIND Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit organization, Tax ID# 56-1302500.
If you wish to transfer your ticket to someone else, make sure they give YOUR name at check in. We register guests the night of the event based off the name used to purchase the ticket.
Visitors will receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation decisions will be made by 5:00 pm on the day of the tour. Attendees will be notified by email and a sign will be posted at the Cradle site.
Season Passes purchased from January 1 to March 15, 2024 will receive a discount code by email to receive discounted tickets. Season Passes purchased after March 15, 2024 are not eligible to receive discounted tickets for this event.
