The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Synchronous fireflies ( Photinus carolinus ) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of only a few species in the world known to synchronize their flash patterns. This insects' reproductive display occurs for a couple of weeks every year throughout its range (southern Appalachians), and is typically in late May or early June in the Elkmont area of the park. Synchronous fireflies occur throughout the southern Appalachian region, and large populations of synchronous fireflies occurs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The park will organize the viewing area by managing vehicle access. Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a vehicle reservation via lottery to park in these areas. The number of parking spaces is limited. During the 8-day managed period, Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads will be closed at night to all but permitted vehicles and foot traffic from registered campers in Elkmont Campground. Visit the park's Synchronous Fireflies web page for additional information about the viewing opportunity.
