In Search of the Synchronous Firefly

The year was 2016. I was on a spring camping trip with a paddle club that had come up from FL to paddle Lake Fontana. As I wandered off to my tent for the night, something caught my eye. I waited a few seconds, to figure out what it was, but it was gone. So, off to bed I went. As I unzipped my tent, however, it happened again. My processor had been dulled by a few beers and a long, physical day so I was having trouble figuring out what I was seeing. There was a flashing in the woods, all around my tent. And then there wasn’t… and then there was… and then there wasn’t… and then… …and then my mind wandered back to the ramblings that had taken place just a few hours prior around the campfire. Someone mentioned the elusive synchronous firefly. Several others chimed in that they, too, had seen the spectacle and that it belonged on everyone’s bucket list. They had mentioned that the phenomenon only occurred in the spring and only in a few small locations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Fortunately for me, these synchronous fireflies didn’t know that.

Due to lighting issues, capturing images of synchronous fireflies is notoriously difficult. Click the image above for a video.

Since that time, I too have become a fan of the synchronous firefly. While it is true the that most reliable place to see them is in GSMNP, you also have to be pretty darn lucky to see them there. The event has become so popular, that the Park Service has started a lottery. In 2019, nearly 30,000 people from around the globe threw their name in the hat to try to win one of the 1,800 tickets issued over the eight-day period, from May 30 – June 6.

If you don’t happen to be one of the lucky few, or if you aren’t free during the park service’s 8-day viewing period, don’t despair. I have it on good authority that the synchronous firefly will be making guest appearances elsewhere in Western North Carolina. Their favorite habitat seems to be near hardwood forests with a running stream and grassy areas that are between 2,000 and 2,500’ of elevation. This sounds like a perfect description of Saluda, NC. Make your way to the area between the second week of May and the third week of June and be sure to set aside some time from 7 to 10pm to search for the buggers. If you are staying at The Ranch and would like additional details on potential viewing hikes, don’t hesitate to let us know.

If you happen to see the synchronous fireflies in the Saluda area, please let us know. However, if you are not successful in your quest, don’t despair. Equally rare blue ghosts have been reported in the area and traditional fireflies are sure to put on a show. You really can’t lose no matter which of these fireflies is turning the woods into your private, glowing, fairyland forest!

Which Trees Turn What Color In The Fall

The summers are so green and lush in the cove you sometimes forget fall and winter will soon come sweeping in. Yet inevitably the green pigment in the leaves known as chlorophyll will give way to the other colors of the leaves that are typically covered up.

Chlorophyll is the tree’s primary means of producing nutrients during the summer. But with autumn this green compound breaks down. This demise of the green pigments allows other, previously masked colors to come forward.

These colors become markers for certain tree species abundant in the cove. The two other pigments responsible for fall’s colors are:

  • Carotenoid, which is yellow, orange, and brown
  • Anthocyanin that gives the red color. 

Which Trees Have Red Leaves?

You need sunny fall days and colder fall nights for the Reds to become abundant.

Leftover food in the leaf is transformed into the color red through anthocyanin pigments. The red pigments in the leaves are the same as those in cranberries, red apples, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and plums.

Maples, sweetgum, and oaks have red fall leaves. Dogwoods, black tupelo trees, sourwood trees, persimmons, and some sassafras trees also have red leaves.

Which Tress Have Yellow and Orange Shades?

As the autumn conditions destroy Chlorophyll it reveals the orange and yellow leaf colors, or carotenoid pigments.

Deep orange is a combination of the red and yellow color-making process. These same pigments color carrots, corn, daffodils, bananas, and even egg yolks!

Look for the most stunning yellows in hickory, ash, and some maples. The yellow poplar (tulip tree), some oaks (white, chestnut, bear), certain sassafras, sweetgum, beechbirch, and sycamore trees have yellow leaves in the fall but they quickly turn brown.

Weather’s Effect

In general, you want cool but not freezing temperatures for the most brilliant colors. Often these conditions are aided by wet weather which keeps things cool but above freezing in the night.

Peak season in Western North Carolina is typically all of October through the first couple weeks of November depending on your elevation. Obviously, the higher, more chilly climates begin to change first.  

When are the peak leaves at The Green River Ranch? The last week of October through the first two weeks of November is our favorite, but if you’re willing to drive a short 20 minutes you can find incredible colors the entire months of October and November.

Final Tip: Some Trees At The Ranch Stay Green!

Not all broadleaf trees change colors and drop their leaves in the fall.

Found mostly in southern climates, some evergreens broadleaf trees can survive tough winters. Magnolias, for instance, stay green all year long around here!

6 Reasons The Green River Ranch Is The Perfect Wedding Venue

Beautiful Backdrop

Located on the banks of the world-renowned Green River few venues offer such an immersive experience.  With Pace Cliffs towering above the property to the north and Cove Mountain flanking the south visitors can’t help but be consumed by the feel of the canyon.  Not only will the wedding photos be incredible, but your guests will be treated to a landscape like no other.

Flexible Space

Aside from the venue scenery, your wedding venue needs to be capable of the layout, structure, and requirements of anything you’d like to have that day. Would you like a bonfire for the evening?  Would you like to string an amazing array of lights?  Will you be able to incorporate those important family traditions?
With a wedding venue like the Green River Ranch, almost any wishes can be fulfilled. From space for the release of doves to bringing in that special band for an outdoor concert we have you covered. Regardless of where you enjoy that special day, a great wedding venue won’t have a problem with anything you want to include, provided it’s all safe.

Fit Within Your Budget

The perfect wedding venue must fit within that budget. We have a very simple pricing program that isn’t full of added expenses.  Many venues force patrons to accept their services at a higher price. Often if given the choice the guest can negotiate a lower price through other vendors or in some cases handle the service yourself.  We are here to help with all the details if need be, but open to letting our patrons explore what works best for them.

Convenient Location

People are going to be coming in from far and wide for your wedding. These guest will need a place to stay and possibly access to airports. If you don’t have accommodations nearby that can hinder your attendance and decrease excitement in general.

The Green River Ranch is a quick 30-minute drive to the Asheville Airport and only 1.5 hours to the international Charlotte Airport.  We have all the information for local lodging and plenty of parking on-site, so your guests won’t have any logistical trouble.

Minimal Restrictions That Won’t Hinder Your Plans

Many wedding venues have restrictions on what can be done on-site. From size limitations to not allow pets, the different restrictions can put a damper on your celebration.  

At The Green River Ranch, we try to have as few restrictions as possible.  We are fortunate enough to be in a location where there are no light restrictions and as long as you respect quiet hour at 11 PM you can celebrate the big day in style.  As long as there is no safety concern we can work with our guests on most anything they need to have that unique and memorable wedding.  

Willing to Work with Our Clients

The greatest wedding venues will be both affordable and flexible, allowing you to plan the perfect wedding there. This is your special day, and you need a venue that can help you make it the best it can be.The Green River Ranch is surrounded by 18,000 acres of beautiful public land offering: mountain biking, road biking, hiking, kayaking, tubing, fine dining, you name it we have everything your potential guests may need.

Interested in having a wedding or private event at The Green River Ranch? Email us at thegreenriverranch@gmail.com

Go For A Mushroom Hike

**Disclaimer: We don’t recommend eating anything in the wild. Many mushrooms are lethally poisonous.**


Having said that, even if you don’t like mushrooms or never intend to eat one we highly recommend a hike to simply look at them. The diversity of shrooms on The Green River Ranch is amazing and this (July – September) is an incredible time of year to check them out. Purple, red, green, white, yellow, mushrooms of virtually all colors of the rainbow can be found both on the property and in the Green River Gamelands.
Life is everywhere during this late summer monsoon season in the cove. Rushing creeks, afternoon storms, flowers, and of course mushrooms make for an incredible time of year. Check out the images below of mushrooms popping up right now at the Green River Ranch and be sure to read our mushroom hunting basics before you ever consider foraging. 

Mushroom Hunting BasicsBeginners should always go with a more experienced shroomer. Carry two field guides—one specific to the region you’re visiting—to cross-reference anything you find. NEVER eat a mushroom you can’t positively identify.
Check the specific regulations where you’re visiting. There may be a quota or a permit required. The Green River Game Lands allows mushroom foraging for personal use only.
Stay away from the sides of the road or anywhere there could be chemicals added to the environment.
Use a foraging knife, a pocket knife works great, to cut the mushroom above the ground.
Only pick what you need and be sure to leave old mushrooms and really small mushrooms behind. It will help the cycle continually replenish itself.  
Carry your mushrooms in a paper bag or mesh netting so they can breathe. (Otherwise, you’ll come home with mushroom mush.)

Guide To The Edible Plants Near The Green River Ranch

Hard to beat the Wineberry/Blackberry combo!

The Wineberries have come and gone.  The delicious Black Raspberries are in their prime.  The Blackberries are just coming in and we still have another few weeks until the Blueberries ripen.  It goes without saying berry season is in full swing!

The Green River Ranch is situated in the perfect location to take advantage of nature’s delicious bounty.  Perched at around 1000 feet elevation on the banks of the Green River this area is the first part of Western North Carolina to see wild berries come in.  Just across the river Walcott Bottoms is truly one of the best foraging places anywhere.  When the season has passed at Walcott Bottoms a short (but steep) hike can take you a 1000 feet up to Long Ridge Trail where the berry season is usually about two weeks behind the valley floor.  This makes for an incredibly long and diverse harvest season!

Along with berries there are countless other edible plants, mushrooms and fruits thriving in the Green River Gorge.  Below is a list of prime seasons for most of the the wild edibles on and around the Green River Ranch and please remember to always be careful when eating anything out in the wild. Lastly if you ever stay at the ranch in late September through October ask us where on the property our delicious Persimmon Trees are.  We promise you won’t be disappointed!

January

onion grass, bittercress, rose hips, sassafras root, dandelion root, honey locust pod, turkey tail mushroom & chaga fungus (both year-round)

February

rose hips, onion grass, bittercress, sweet birch twig, pine needle, honey locust pod, chaga fungus

March

pine needle, sweet birch twig, bittercress, wintercress, onion grass, chickweed, dead nettle, garlic mustard, daylily tuber, wild ginger, burdock root, evening primrose root, chaga fungus, tree syrups

April

black morel, ramp, wild ginger, violet leaf & flower, redbud flower, forsythia flower, daylily shoot and tuber, burdock root, Japanese knotweed shoot, creasy greens, bittercress, onion grass, stinging & wood nettle, dandelion leaf & flower, dead nettle, evening primrose root, waterleaf, sweet cicely, sochane, chickweed, wild mustard, garlic mustard, daisy leaf, oyster mushroom, toothwort leaf & flower, spring beauty leaf & flower, spiderwort, basswood leaf, solomon seal leaf, stone crop, sweet birch twig, spicebush twig, trout lily leaf, angelica leaf & stem, cattail pollen

May

waterleaf, violet flower & leaf, onion grass, ramps, yellow morel, wild ginger, bamboo shoot, wisteria flower, black locust flower, milkweed asparagus, dryad’s saddle mushroom, chickweed, money plant pods, stinging & wood nettle, sochane, reishi mushroom, greenbriar tips, spruce & hemlock (tree) tips, strawberry, elder flower, chicken of the woods, pine pollen, rose, Oregon grape fruit, sassafras leaf, sweet birch twig, spicebush leaf, stone crop

June

chicken of the woods, strawberry, reishi mushroom, greenbriar tips, mulberry, serviceberry, feral cherry, elderflower, day lily bud, daisy, honeysuckle & other flowers, blackberry, wood nettle, milkweed flower buds, sassafras leaf, sweet birch twig, mimosa flower

July

chanterelle mushroom, lambsquarter, wineberry, blackberry, may apple fruit, purslane, elderberry, bee balm leaf & flower, day lily, milkweed & rose of Sharon flower, sassafras leaf

August

elderberry, blueberry, lambsquarter, purslane, milkweed pod, paw paw fruit, lobster mushroom, leatherback milk cap, boletes, and other mushrooms

September

honey mushrooms and many others, fairy potato, autumn olive berry, amaranth seed, paw paw, persimmon, wild black cherry, chestnut, kousa dogwood fruit, pears, apples, quince, lambsquarter seed

October

acorn, hen of the woods mushroom, brick top mushroom, fairy potato, autumn olive berry, kousa dogwood fruit, persimmon, chestnut (for grubs), chickweed, beauty berry, calendula, honey locust pod, nettle, sochane, waterleaf, fox grape, prickly pear fruit, red sumac berry, quince, hickory nut, spicebush berry, hawthorne berry, black walnut, evening primrose seed

November

brick top mushroom, jerusalem artichoke, burdock root, dandelion root, sassafras root, lambsquarter seed, chickweed, nettle, acorn (for grubs),  black walnut, beauty berry, prickly pear fruit, passionfruit, red sumac berry, acorn grubs

December

burdock root, dandelion root, sassafras root, chickweed, foxtail millet

Top 5 Things To Do At The Green River

It’s amazing how much fun you can have at the Green River! Paddling, fishing, biking, climbing, hiking, birding, hunting, ziplining, you name it, you can do it here. But what are our favorite things to down here in The Cove? Read on below and keep in mind this is just our opinion which often changes like the seasons!

#5. The Gorge Zipline : The Gorge Zipline is the steepest and fastest zip line pound for pound in the USA. Featuring over 1000 feet long cables, insane rappels and swinging bridges it is a thrill seekers paradise. A must do if you’re in the area.

#4. Mountain Biking: The trailhead to 15 miles of trails in the Green River Game Lands is at the end of our driveway! These trails are steep and rugged, but if you have the skills they are some of the best kept secrets in Western NC. More beta on the trails HERE.

#3. Fishing: From the world-class trout waters of The Green River to the state record Muskie waters of Lake Adger just downstream from The Green River Ranch, there is something for every angler! Check out more information HERE on fishing the river and may all your lines be tight.

#2. Hiking/Trail Running: The sheer amount and diversity of terrain surrounding the Green River Ranch is impossible to describe. The vertical Pace Cliffs tower over the canyon, Walcott Bottoms are lush grasslands full of wildlife, Cove Creek is choked with waterfalls, the list goes on and on. We’ve been exploring this area for 20 years and are still making new discoveries! An explorer’s paradise.

#1. Whitewater Kayaking: From your first time paddling to honing the skills needed to paddle anywhere in the world the Green River has it all. The Lower Green is class I-II and great for learning. The Upper Green is class III-IV and is a great section for a paddler who is ready to take the next step in their skill progression. The middle section or more famously known as The Narrows, is world-class experts only whitewater! This section of river is where the world-famous Green Race is held each year in November. Conveniently if you have never been paddling there are some great instruction programs right here on the river. Check out H2O Dreams or Green River Adventures if you want to try the exciting sport of whitewater kayaking.

Keep up with everything Green River by subscribing to our Cove Life newsletter below and we hope to see you at The Ranch!

2020 Property Improvements

The steep and rugged Green River Gorge is home to an incredible abundance of biodiversity. In fact, many species of plants and animals living here cannot be found anywhere else on Earth! The combination of temperate climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil produces a rich cocktail of life.

Beautiful night for a fire.

One unfortunate downside of all this abundant rainfall and fertile soil is groundskeeping can sometimes be overwhelming. If you don’t keep up the ‘jungle’ can quickly shape the landscape on its own. This was the case when we purchased the property. Due to various reasons beyond the previous owners’ control, the temperate rainforest started to take over.

Planting some new tress near the big Locust

Our first order of business was managing the water coming off the mountain. The natural spring on the property flows year around and after some heavy floods rerouted the creek that borders the property into the field. We rented an excavator and spent a solid week fixing the creek and cutting back the brush encroaching the field. It was amazing how much the trees had grown in the last 10-15 years!

Look at the space between those rings. Things grow good down in the cove!
New culvert installed.
Creek is flowing all the way to the river now.

With the arrival of spring, we just about have everything cleared away and lush grass is already beginning to fill in the areas we improved. All in all this work reclaimed half an acre of field and opened up some prime camping areas. Stay tuned for the next #covelife post as we unveil some of the new trails were adding to the property!

Amazing what you can accomplish with a mini-excavator!
Just about all cleaned up in this picture.

Spring Flowers At The Green River Ranch

Flower Update In The Cove!

There’s a saying, ‘you can heal your mind with nature’s beauty’ and science says it’s true. Flowers’ bright colors and beauty can actually improve our moods, reduce anxiety, and be mentally healing.  There is even such a thing as flower therapy and we feel it down at The Green River Ranch! 

Springtime in the Cove is such a magical time.  After roughly 5 months of brown and bare, nature comes alive in such brilliant colors.  From deep red trillium low on the ground to Carolina Silver Bells high above, nature puts on a show from  April – June here in the Green River Gorge.  Read on to find out where and when you have the best chance to see some spectacular blooms here deep in the Green River Cove. 

Flowers

Dwarf Iris (April) – Trillium (April) –  Lady Slippers (April/Early May)
BushesAzaleas (April/May) –  Flaming Azaleas  (Early/Mid May) – Mountain Laurels  (Late April/May) – Wild Roses (Late April/Early May) – Rhododendrons (Late May/June)

Trees

Tulip Magnolia (April) –  Redbuds  (April) – Carolina Silver Bells (April) – Dogwood, NC State Flower – (April)

One Special mention if you’re ever here in April, is it’s worth the 30-minute drive from The Green River Ranch to see the NC Arboretum and its Azalea garden. Representing nearly every species that grows in the United States. It is a sight to see for anyone who loves flowers.  Plus the cultivated gardens are beautiful all spring long. 

Enjoy some of these pictures from around The Green River Ranch and we hope someday you get to see the magic of this place during the Spring! 

Sign up for Covelife to get the latest!

Fishing The Green River

The Green River is loaded with Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout.  In fact, according to some of the researchers from NC Wildlife, the Green River has the potential to produce record size Browns!  The Green River Ranch offers nearly 400 yards of private riverfront fishing for our guests to explore.


While all sections of the Green River are excellent angling, it’s important to note that each part of the river is managed in a different way.  The section from the powerhouse down to Fishtop Access Area is managed as wild trout waters.  From Fishtop down to Cove Creek, where the ranch his located, the river is managed under ‘Delayed Harvest’ regulations.  Downstream of Cove Creek the Green River is managed under regular hatchery supported rules of North Carolina.


Brook trout are most prevalent in the tributaries (Big Hungry River, Cove Creek, Camp Creek and Fulloms Creek) and above Fishtop Access Area.  Rainbows are scattered throughout the watershed and the Browns thrive in most of the river upstream of Cove Creek.


The season is open all year for fishing the Green River. 

  • Winter is best below the dam using midge imitations and everywhere on warm days.  Slow presentation is best.
  • Spring is the best time for fishing the Green river because of the natural hatch and all the little aquatic critters exciting the fish.  Match the hatch as they say!
  • Summer is okay because the water is released out of a lake and stays relatively cool.  The fish do seem to get a little sluggish during those hot July and August days.  As well the tubing companies choke the river so full you can’t even make a cast.
  • Fall is in our opinion the second best time of the year to fish the Green River.  Again follow the hatch and don’t be scared to try some worm imitations.

Always be sure you are up to date on your fishing license and you can easily grab one here:  https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/licenses-and-regulations

Finally, keep in mind the water in the Green River is controlled by a dam and it can rise and fall very quickly and unexpectedly. 

Feel free to send us an email at, thegreenriverranch@gmail.com with any questions and be sure to subscribe to covelife here:

The Really Rad Rural Road Ride

There is no shortage of beautiful road rides in Asheville. Unfortunately, it can put a damper on your day dodging traffic and hoping the guy driving behind you is paying attention to you instead of his phone and the view. Consequently, I set out to create a ride with lots of elevation change and lots of scenery, but not lots of traffic.

Trip Report: I headed SW out of the Green River Ranch on a sunny, winter afternoon. Right out of the gate I was greeted with nearly 2 miles of gently undulating pavement following the scenic Green River. It was the perfect warm-up for what was just ahead. Rolling past Fishtop, it was game on. The next 2.5 miles were truly a challenge as the pavement climbed nearly 1,000 vertical feet. Dead smack in the middle was a section with grades exceeding 20%. I’m pretty sure John Cougar was riding this very stretch of tarmac when he was inspired to write his hit classic, “Hurts So Good”! On my way up I encountered a dozen brave sole’s zooming down on longboards. There was no doubt they were enjoying themselves too!

Upon reaching the top and making a right on Ozone Rd, my heart had time to recover as I rolled through the quintessential small town of Saluda. I made a mental note to stop for a craft beer and custom made deli sandwich at Thompson’s Store on the way back. Thompson’s is the oldest grocery store in the entire state. It’s also located at the “top of the grade”, the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States. After my own climb, it was only fitting to turn here onto Greenville St. 5 miles later I found myself crossing into South Carolina and entering the Greenville Watershed. Rolling through the Watershed proved to be quite scenic. Most of the Watershed followed gurgling waters with occasional cascades on Fall and Posey Creeks.


What is it about biking into a different state that provides an instant sense of accomplishment???

Crossing back into NC I found myself at Talisman Camp Trailhead for the Saluda Mountains Passage of the Palmetto Trail (a great 9-mile hike, which I’ll have to report on another day). Realizing this was about the half way point on the ride, I thought it would be a perfect place to stop for a snack. One thing I have discovered is that you can always expect to see the unexpected at some point on a long road ride through rural America. This was that point in time.

Cemetary for Sale??? Where else but rural America?!

If you look closely you’ll notice 2 things. First, although it was a very sunny day with no rain in sight, there is a rainbow ending in the cemetery. Second, there is a sign with contact information for two different individuals. Is the cemetery for sale??? Are they selling plots? Surely that’s not necessary. People are already dying to get in. Moving along…

Up next was Lake Summit. I chose S. Lake Summit Rd, but you could just as easily take N. Lake Summit. Both are hard-pack surfaces, and both provide tremendous views of the brilliant blue-green waters and cottages/boathouses that grace the water’s edge. Leaving the lake I found myself climbing switchbacks on a hard-packed surface. It was at this point, that I began to realize that the ride resembled an Italian spring classic. With a little imagination, I could pretend I was riding Paris-Roubaix.


With a hard-packed surface and hard climb out, the ride started to have a feel like an Italian Spring Classic

The next 6 miles consisted of more scenic, paved and hard pack backcountry roads that rolled up and down and back and forth until I was back in Saluda and the big climax. While climbing 1000 vertical feet over 2.5 miles (discussed at the beginning of the trip report) has its own virtues, the descent is a pure cycling paradise. From top to bottom there are 56 curves, including 17 switchbacks.

Enjoy the reward, you earned it… but please exercise a little caution. Remember the short 20% grade previously mentioned? It can sneak up on you. I actually locked up my rear wheel… while approaching an apex… with a pickup coming my way. In the end,  however, it was just a little added excitement. Once you reach the bottom, the final 2 miles serve as a nice cool down ending back at the Green River Ranch.

Click here for a map of this ride, here for Strava details, or here for Google Maps turn by turn directions.