Hidden deep in Alabama, there's an enchanting forest that holds secret magic. At twilight, the woods sparkle with bioluminescent light, a natural phenomenon that occurs in only a handful of places around the world. Dismals Canyon offers a bioluminescence night tour where you can watch as your surroundings glow with what looks like scattered blue stars. Located in Phil Campbell, AL, Dismals Canyon is approximately a two-hour drive from Birmingham. It was named after the bioluminescent creature that lives there, called dismalites. These dreamy critters can also be found in the state of Georgia and are close cousins to a similar bug found in New Zealand and Australia. When darkness starts to fall, these glow worms begin sparkling amongst the moss that covers the trees and rocky terrain in the canyon. Bring a flashlight and look carefully for these little guys inching across the canyon walls. During peak season, it will appear as though the forest is aglow with blue-green fairy lights. The Dismalite light show is strongest during the spring and fall seasons. Reservations for the guided night tour of the area will open after May 18. View this post on Instagram đđĄđ One of the few places on Earth to see Dismalites! #dismalites #dismalscanyon #naturesmilkywayonearth #thisisalabama #visitnorthal A post shared by @ wanderingmrsfox on Apr 8, 2017 at 10:04am PDT The canyon is known for its captivating natural beauty and is considered a hidden gem in Alabama. The glowworms thrive in the state's humid and unique landscape. According to Alabama Local, these tiny creatures even resemble star-shaped flowers under a microscope. View this post on Instagram Glow worms- known locally as dismalites. I had to borrow the first photo from Dismal Canyonâs website because I had no way of capturing the fairy like glowing colonies on the rocks on our night tour. The next two are from my phone - you can barely makeout a tiny larva in the circle. The larvae are the only species in the world, they glow from both ends and they exist only in this Alabama canyon. A few have been spotted in North Carolina- but no where else. They are cousins to New Zealandâs and Australiaâs glow worms- but are their own species. The canyon is a perfect habitat for the tiny creatures because they die immediately once they reach the top of the canyon. They are Mosquito eating machines so I đthem. Spring is their peak season for viewing. . . . #dismalscanyon #alabama #getoutside #explore #nature #hike #naturalwonder #rarenature #glowworm #creek #spring #dismalites A post shared by Sharisse Steber (@sharisse_isniceroutside) on May 13, 2018 at 9:41am PDT The canyon staff offers four tours per evening with up to 20 people in a group. The tour typically lasts about 45 minutes, and reservations are required before arrival. View this post on Instagram Dismals Canyon, near Phil Campbell, AL, is one of only a few places where insects called Dismalites can be found. The larval forms of these flies emit a bright blue-green light to attract food and mates. They cover the canyon wall. The first and third shots are 30 second exposures I lit with a pocket flashlight that was bounced off the canyon wall. It was pitch black otherwise. This was probably one of my favorite shoots from my time at #goodgrit. ⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠#editorialphotography #longexposure #hiking #nighthike #dismalscanyon #dismalites #glowworms #wilderness #explore #adventure #photoshoot #photography #depthoffield #instagood A post shared by Austin Richardson (@ajonrich) on May 1, 2018 at 5:34am PDT This luminous adventure belongs at the top of your Bama bucket list. You can wander by waterfalls and watch the forest sparkle with bioluminescence. Dismalite Guided Night Tour Price: $10 for adults (rates may vary) When: Reservations available after May 18, 2020. Address: 901 County Rd. 8, Phil Campbell, AL Why You Need To Go: You can watch as Dismals Canyon transforms from a mossy forest into a glowing wonderland. Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
