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Backpacker Magazine – May 2009
Top 3 Glow-in-the-Dark Trips
See glowing plankton, mushrooms, and bugs on these brilliant adventures.
Fireflies in action (Judd Patterson)
Big South Fork, TN/KY
Follow fireflies to sandstone arches.
During the day, hikers come to the Big South Fork for its deep, winding gorges and imposing sandstone bluffs. But on summer nights with a new moon, the main attraction is something much more dazzling: fireflies. From the Twin Arches trailhead, hike south .7 mile to the Twin Arches–North and South Arch (51 and 70 feet tall, respectively), two of the largest natural bridges in the east. Watch the fireflies light up the sandstone walls. They don't blink randomly; different patterns and sequences indicate species, gender, territoriality, and even mating status. Continue east on the 4.6-mile Twin Arches Loop Trail, passing rustic Charit Creek Lodge as you close the loop. (423) 286-7275; nps.gov/biso
The Afterglow
Enjoy midhike milk and cookies on the Charit Creek Lodge porch. Call ahead. (865) 429-5704; charitcreek.com.
The Way
From Oneida, TN, take TN 297 west 19 miles to TN 154, turn right, and drive 1.5 miles to Divide Road. Turn right again, and make another quick right onto Twin Arches Rd. It's two miles to the trailhead.
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READERS COMMENTS
my favorite trip to take the wife and kids on was the catskills in NY during the beginning of july its the peak of the firefly season the kids loved it after chasing them all evening they would crash out in the tent and stay asleep till dawn giving my wife and I some great quality time
Posted: Oct 16, 2009 thomas
i woke two nights ago to put wood in the stove, much to my amusment the wood pile was glowing. a 4 inch wide strip 1 and ahalf inch deep the hole leigth of the logs just under the bark. this is a white glow like a floresent lightbulb. im in misouri, what is it? fungus?
Posted: Oct 14, 2009 bafold woodcuter
Try the Little River trail in the Great Smoky Mtns. Nat'l. Park to see Synchronous Fireflies that are found in only two places in the world: the Elkmont area of the GSM for two weeks in mid June and in Asia. The fireflies blink on and off together. Go backcountry for your own private light show!
Posted: Sep 19, 2009 Siouxfar
I have camped and hunted in this area all my life years before it was the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. I have very fond memories of when it was undisturbed and wild and very remote. This is a beautiful area and well worth a visit year round.
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 Budmanandwife
great tip! :) I would love to see some mushrooms glow! :) I think they glow because they gather up energy from the day.. Try looking into http://www.baraaza.com/contest/ to get some trip ideas and share with the travelers there...
Posted: Jul 12, 2009 mandino
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