As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, peak season now, through ~September 30. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Bioluminescent fungi (commonly called foxfire or fairy fire) produce a faint blue-green light from fruiting bodies or mycelium on decaying wood.
In the temperate Appalachians the phenomenon is sporadic but predictable in warm, humid months after rain, when species such as Panellus stipticus, Armillaria spp., Omphalotus spp., and several Mycena species fruit on logs and stumps.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area - Visitor Center / Lower Trailhead (foxfire program site) |
| Elkmont Campground / Jakes Creek Trailhead (Great Smoky Mountains NP) - old-growth hardwood litter and fallen logs |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.