The blue ghost gives off a unique display of blue light during its three-week mating season in late spring, and forest managers saw large nighttime crowds visit the forest to spot them last year, possibly delivering long-term impacts to the firefly population. The trail closures, centered at the High Falls Access Area, will take place from mid-May through early June to offer the blue ghosts some protection. 

The Friends of DuPont Forest supports the trail closures and has suspended its annual guided tours of the insects.

The blue ghost is a different firefly species than the synchronous firefly, which has been responsible for large crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Trail closures will be posted at forest kiosks, the forest’s visitor center and online at ncforestservice.gov/Contacts/dsf.htm.