Top 3 Glow-in-the-Dark Trips

Missed bioluminescence in biology class? Here are three wild places to see this phenomenon–a chemical reaction between an enzyme called luciferin and oxygen that lights up sea life, insects, and mushrooms.

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, and 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

San Juan Island, WA

Sea kayak in shimmering waters.

Watch trails of liquid moonlight follow your boat as you paddle the waters around San Juan Island. Bioluminescent plankton are found all over the world’s oceans, but gather in abundance here, where strong currents upwell nutrients into the chilly waters. Launch at Jackson Beach, in Friday Harbor, and follow the North Bay shoreline east. After about 300 yards, duck into the first of several shallow coves to the north; they’re protected from wind, which makes for better bioluminescence spotting. The water becomes silvery-blue when agitated. Before rounding the peninsula, about one mile into the paddle, turn back–currents rip beyond here. Take a guided tour with Discovery Sea Kayaking (866-461-2559

Porcupine Mountains, MI

Link a path of glowing mushrooms.

Known as foxfire, bioluminescent fungi is found throughout temperate zones in wet, rotting bark. Scientists don’t know why some fungi glow and not others, but hypothesize that the glow attracts insects, and they spread the mushrooms’ spores. Bring a headlamp (with a red filter, if you have one, to preserve your night vision) and head north from the Pinkerton trailhead through old-growth conifers toward Lake Superior on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Look for soggy, downed trees on this 5.2-mile out-and-back, and agitate chunks of bark to oxidize the mushroom’s enzymes and reveal a light blue glow. (906) 885-5275