Entry No. 14 — the Charleston file — filed under: fireflies

Sunset Blackwater Swamp Paddle & Fireflies (Charleston Kayak Co.)

For a few weeks each May, a private blackwater cypress reserve outside Charleston fills with thousands of Photuris frontalis fireflies flashing in unison — one of only a handful of places on Earth documented to have this synchronous display — and a kayak outfitter paddles small groups out into the dark swamp to sit in the middle of it.

The move: Book the peak-season paddle, glide out onto the blackwater lake as the sun drops, cut the chatter, and watch the swamp's treeline strobe in sync around your kayak.

• 📍 Woodlands Nature Reserve, West Ashley
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 4279 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · scnatureadventures.com

last checked: 2026-07-20