The fireflies come out and put on a show at Congaree National Park every year. The show of synchronized lighting starts in mid-May and runs until mid-June. It has begun and the insects are fully active now.

The Harry Hampton Visitor Center at the park will be open until 10 p.m. every night through May 27. There is a designated fireflies trail for access to prime viewing areas. A one-way trail begins at the picnic shelter, goes under the elevated boardwalk and ends at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

There are only three species of synchronous flashing fireflies in North America, out of 2,000 species, according to a release from CNP. The synchronized flashing happens while the fireflies are searching for a mate.

The elevated section of the boardwalk will only be open to those with mobility issues during evening hours, due to the large number of people who come out to see the show.

The following are prohibited from the fireflies trail:
-dogs
-strollers
-wagons
-headlamps
-using smartphones as flashlights
-chairs, hammocks or blankets
-flash photography
-smoking/vaping
-applying insect repellant (please apply prior to arriving at the park)

The COMET public transit system will transport visitors to the Congaree National Park Friday through Sunday.  Buses will start at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia direct to the Congaree National Park Harry Hampton Visitor Center.   Multiple buses will shuttle from the fairgrounds and Congaree National Park every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m.  The last bus will depart the fairgrounds at 9 p.m. and the last bus will depart the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 10:35 p.m. Park representatives said parking at the visitor’s center is quite limited.

Click the link for more information: HERE.