The Firefly Phenomenon In This Ancient Forest In South Carolina Is Magical And You'll Want To See It

A magical light show is about to swoop into an ancient forest in South Carolina with an enchantment seen for only two weeks per year. Beginning in mid May and continuing into June, a swarm of synchronous fireflies will descend upon Congaree National Park and the extraordinary light show is one you won’t want to miss.

Flickr/ xenmate

The fireflies are called "synchronous" because during "firefly season" they all light up at the same time and zip around the national park in Hopkins, South Carolina in a captivating light show.

Related Stories

The Coveted State Park Every South Carolinian Needs To Visit At Least Once

Not Many People Know This State Park In South Carolina Is Riddled With Massive Sinkholes

The Underrated South Carolina State Park That Has So Much To Discover

Flickr/ 李 彥璋

The short-lived event is actually part of their mating ritual. Males fly around in swarms lighting up at the same time for four to eight flashes. Then they stop flashing altogether for another 12 seconds waiting for the females to flash in the same way so they (the males) can locate them.

Advertisement

Flickr/ 禾 Lin

The dark, damp climate found in Congaree National Park has historically been perfect for the phenomenon to occur here year after year. In fact, it's the most popular two weeks of the entire year at the national park — and this year they've even dedicated a special trail in which you're mostly likely to get the full experience.

Want to see more of this phenomenon? Take a look below at the video from youtube user GreatSmokyMountains:


The firefly mating season usually begins in mid May and lasts into the middle of June. The exact date varies each year. You can keep a keen eye on this page on the website of the National Park Service for updates.

Congaree National Park is located at 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, SC 29061. The park will be open for extended hours until 10:00 p.m. during designated weeks as seen on the national park website. Be sure to review firefly viewing etiquette and other important rules that apply for this special event. You can see dates, etiquette and rules halfway down this page on the NPS website.

For another fleeting phenomenon that only occurs once a year in South Carolina, take a look at what happens each May in this South Carolina State Park.