As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, past peak, season runs to ~November 1. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Dismalites are the bioluminescent larvae of the fungus-gnat Orfelia fultoni.
At a handful of Appalachian sites, and in its largest known concentration at Dismals Canyon, larvae cling to damp, mossy sandstone and emit a steady blue-green light to attract prey.
Guided night tours let visitors view the colonies under strict dark-sky etiquette.
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 |
|---|
| Dismals Canyon Country Store (main entrance & registration) |
| Canyon Floor - Main viewing area (largest Dismalite colony) |
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.