Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if readers clicks through and make a purchase. See Affiliate Disclosure here.
“Like A Galaxy On The Forest Floor” – The Best Place To See Fireflies In Pennsylvania
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill forest where you can see the odd firefly or two, it’s one of the only spots in the entire Northeast where you can see synchronous fireflies.
That means thousands of fireflies blinking in perfect unison, like a galaxy on the forest floor.
The species that does this is called Photinus carolinus.
Most people fly to Tennessee to see them, but Pennsylvania’s got its own magical display right here in Allegheny National Forest.
Allegheny is also home to the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival, held every summer when the fireflies are peaking.
The forest here is remote, and that’s a good thing.
It means almost zero light pollution, so the fireflies really pop against the darkness because this is one of the best dark-sky areas in the state.
Picture this: the forest goes quiet, and suddenly, flash.
Then another.
Then hundreds all blinking at the exact same time.
It’s not random—it’s like they’re performing a choreographed dance in total darkness.
You’ll see thousands of tiny lights pulsing in sync, every few seconds and pictures almost never do it justice.
It’s totally silent, totally wild, and totally unforgettable.
Where to Go Exactly
Not all parts of the forest are equal when it comes to fireflies.
For the best viewing, head toward Kellettville and Tionesta, two quiet little spots deep in the forest.
Another amazing area is near Kellettville Firefly Farm (previously known as Black Caddis Ranch).
This eco-lodge is a partner of the firefly festival and has guided walks during peak firefly season.
You’ll want to find edges of the forest and open meadows, as that’s where fireflies tend to gather and sync up.
Stick close to areas with short grass and some moisture, like near creek beds or low-clearance woods.
If you’re using GPS, search for Firefly Festival Grounds, the Kellettville Campground, or Kellettville Firefly Farm(we have useful links further down in the post to the websites for each of these places).
It’s rural, so make sure your directions are downloaded ahead of time in case cell service drops.
Plan your trip for mid to late June, as that’s when the synchronous fireflies usually start their show.
The exact dates change a bit each year, depending on temperature and rainfall.
Keep an eye on the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival website or their social media for up-to-date timing.
The Pennsylvania Firefly Festival normally books out the whole of the Kellettville Campground for the last weekend in June, and you need to enter a lottery to get a spot.
The application opens on January 1st and closes on March 30th, so make sure you enter in time.
Even if you don’t get a spot at the Firefly Festival, you can always visit around this time on your own.
The magic window only lasts about 2–3 weeks, with the peak at the end of June (around when the Firefly Festival happens), so don’t wait too long.
If you don’t get a spot at the Firefly Festival, remember that you can still visit the area on your own to catch a glimpse of the fireflies.
The closest overnight stay options to be close to the action are the Kellettville Campground and the Kellettville Firefly Farm B&B.
Nearby towns like Tionesta and Marienville have some lodging, but spots go fast, so book your cabin, campsite, or B&B as soon as you know you want to go.
Weekends can get crowded fast, so if you can swing it, go on a weekday.
The forest is quieter during the week, but the fireflies still do their thing.
Red flashlight (or cover your regular one with red cellophane)
Bug spray (trust us—essential)
Light layers (temps drop fast after sunset)
Camp chair or picnic blanket
Camera with manual settings if you want the best pics (tripod helps!)
Snacks and water (nothing noisy)
Best Time of Night
Arrive 30–60 minutes before sunset to get your spot.
Stay for about 1-2 hours after sunset as the glow looks better as it gets darker, and it gives time for the fireflies to get to peak activity.
Firefly Etiquette
Lights:No white flashlights or phone screens—use red light only.
The reasons for this are twofold.
It helps you enjoy the experience more, and it reduces any disruption to the fireflies.
Your eyes take about 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness fully, but white or bright LED lights “reset” your eyes, making it harder to see fireflies and the natural glow around you.
Red light allows you to see your surroundings without ruining your low-light adaptation — it’s how astronomers and wildlife biologists operate at night
Red wavelengths are also less intrusive to a firefly, allowing the fireflies to keep glowing as nature intended.
Fireflies use their flashes to communicate and mate, so artificial white light can confuse or drown out their signals.
A sudden bright light can shut down the show, especially for synchronous fireflies, which rely on rhythm and visibility.
Leave them alone:
Don’t catch them.
Don’t touch them.
Just watch and enjoy.
Stay on the designated seating areas and trails, as stepping into the grass can crush eggs and larvae.
Keep noise low as fireflies (and other people) appreciate the quiet.
Best Alternatives to Allegheny National Forest for Firefly Viewing in Pennsylvania
If you can’t make it to Allegheny during peak season, these alternative spots still offer beautiful — and sometimes unexpected — firefly displays across the state.
Cook Forest State Park
A peaceful, old-growth forest adjacent to Allegheny, Cook Forest offers thousands of fireflies flickering among the ancient pines along the Clarion River and Forest Cathedral trails.
Best time: Late June to early July
Black Moshannon State Park
Set in a cool, elevated wetland ecosystem, this park offers great firefly habitat and even speculative reports of synchronous behavior in its darker, more remote areas.
Best time: Mid-June to early July
Susquehanna Greenway
This riverside corridor spans dozens of small towns and wooded areas, with good summer firefly activity near water, trails, and open fields.
Best time: Mid-June to early July
Ohiopyle State Park
In the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle offers moderate firefly displays across forested trails, meadows, and riverbanks — a beautiful backdrop for an early summer night.
Best time: Mid-June to early July
Missed Firefly Season This Year? 🥲
No worries, it’ll be back next summer, and now you know exactly where to go and when to show up.
So do your future self a favor and save this guide now and share it with a friend you want to watch fireflies with next year.
