We think you’ll find each of these parks and forests to be the perfect viewing spots for fireflies in all of North America. I live just north of Orlando, Florida and theres a lightning bug flashing on my back door right now. The best times to see the fireflies is during late May and early June, the two week period generally shifts a bit due to weather conditions. This old growth forest is surrounded by swamp lands, a perfect habitat for fireflies. And, since this park isn’t quite as popular as others, chances are you might have the ability to watch the fireflies all by yourself! One of the lesser known parks in the system, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is also home to some of the top firefly “shows” in the country. And, since the fireflies typically arrive after dusk, visitors to the park who indicate they want to stay to see the fireflies can get a special pass to stay after the park closes. Here, the best time to visit to see fireflies goes from late March to early April. Blue Spring State Park is one of those firefly spots. Florida: Blue Spring State Parkįireflies love being around both humid weather and water, so it should be no surprise that there are pockets of Central Florida that are great spots to enjoy the sites. At the festival you can learn from guides about fireflies, take in live music and games, and spend the night camping. Now, the area in and around the national forest celebrates the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival every 4th Saturday in June. Dancing through the air, occasionally flashing their delicate lights, they communicate with each other about their location, to warn off predators, and to mate with other fireflies. It was here where people first noticed the sheer number of fireflies that gathered in the area, and for a long time, it was considered the top spot for viewing. In dark areas near waterways with tall grasses, shrubs, or trees, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida fireflies (also known as lightning bugs). Tucked into the delicate branches of the Allegheny National Forest you’ll find a top spot for watching fireflies in the United States. To get a good look, head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they have firefly shuttles to get you to the action. They spend the two weeks during their highest peak flashing their bursts multiple times every few seconds. The fireflies in this area are known to be incredibly active between May in June, depending on the air and soil temperature. One of the best places in the entire world to see fireflies in action is in and around the Great Smoky Mountains.

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