Foxfire Night Hikes begin soon at Anna Ruby Falls

HELEN, Ga. — After sunset, when the crowds fade and the forest settles into silence, something remarkable begins to happen along the banks of Smith Creek near Helen.

A soft blue light emerges.

At first, it’s subtle, a flicker here, a glow there. But as your eyes adjust, the darkness transforms. The forest floor and rock walls come alive with tiny points of light, shimmering like a constellation fallen to earth.

This is Foxfire.

And for a few nights each year, visitors can step into it with Foxfire Night Hikes.

A rare phenomenon in the North Georgia mountains

Tucked inside the Anna Ruby Falls recreation area in White County, this natural light show comes from Orfelia fultoni, the larvae of a small fly. They are unique. In fact, they are the only bioluminescent fly species in North America.

Suspended along damp rock faces near the twin waterfalls, the larvae, often called glowworms, spin delicate, mucus-lined threads. Their blue glow — considered the bluest of any known insect — acts as a lure, drawing in unsuspecting prey.

The result is both scientific and surreal: glowing strands resembling fiber-optic cables woven through the forest.

“It’s one of the most unique natural phenomena in the Appalachian Mountains,” said Dallas Martin, chief education officer for FIND Outdoors. “Every year, it creates a truly magical experience.”

Stepping into the darkness

The Foxfire Night Hikes begin not on the trail, but with a moment of understanding. Guests gather for an educational presentation, learning the science behind the glow and the fragile ecosystem that makes it possible. Then, as night deepens, the group heads out.

The hike itself is short — just under a mile round-trip — but the pace is unhurried.

Flashlights dim. Voices soften.

And gradually, the forest reveals its secret.

The paved trail winds gently uphill toward the falls, where the glow intensifies along the cool, damp rock walls beside the cascading water. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, letting their eyes adjust, and the experience unfold naturally.

Attendance is intentionally limited to just 55 people per night, preserving both the habitat and the sense of quiet wonder.

Dates, tickets, and what to know

The Foxfire Night Hikes are more than a seasonal attraction; they are a reminder of how much of the natural world remains hidden until we slow down enough to notice it. For those willing to walk into the dark, it’s a chance to see the mountains in a way few ever do.

The 2026 Foxfire Night Hikes will be held on select evenings from mid-May through mid-June, including:

• May 12 (Tuesday)
• May 13 (Wednesday)
• May 15 (Friday)
• May 16 (Saturday)
• May 19 (Tuesday)
• May 20 (Wednesday)
• May 22 (Friday)
• May 26 (Tuesday)
• June 5 (Friday)
• June 6 (Saturday)
• June 8 (Monday)
• June 10 (Wednesday)
• June 12 (Friday)
• June 13 (Saturday)
• June 14 (Sunday)
• June 15 (Monday)
• June 18 (Thursday)
• June 19 (Friday)

Gates open at 7:30 p.m., with programs beginning at 8 p.m.

Ticket prices

Weekdays: $30 adults, $15 youth (ages 4–12)
Weekends (Friday–Sunday): $40 adults, $20 youth

Tickets must be purchased online in advance from FIND Outdoors and are non-refundable. Organizers say they typically sell out quickly.