Firefly Event Lottery
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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.
During the peak firefly display period, the park organizes a shuttle service from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Elkmont viewing area where a large population of synchronous fireflies occurs. Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a parking pass for the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the viewing area. The number of parking spaces is limited, as is the capacity of the shuttle system. During the 8-day shuttle operating period, the Elkmont area will be closed at night to all but the shuttle system and campers. Visit the park's Synchronous Fireflies web page for additional information about the event.
Important Dates
- 2020 event cancelled
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.
During the peak firefly display period, the park organizes a shuttle service from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Elkmont viewing area where a large population of synchronous fireflies occurs. Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a parking pass for the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the viewing area. The number of parking spaces is limited, as is the capacity of the shuttle system. During the 8-day shuttle operating period, the Elkmont area will be closed at night to all but the shuttle system and campers. Visit the park's Synchronous Fireflies web page for additional information about the event.
Important Dates
- 2020 event cancelled
Notifications and Alerts
Due to COVID-19, the 2021 firefly viewing opportunity will be modified to provide for enhanced visitor and employee safety. Please check back here by April 30 for more information on the 2021 lottery process.
Need to Know
- Lottery for Parking Passes
Parking passes are distributed via a lottery to provide an equitable opportunity for interested visitors to obtain a pass for this limited, yet high-demand event.
- Only one application per household will be accepted.
- You must enter the date you would like to attend and you may choose one alternate date.
- All lottery applicants will be charged a $1.00 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be awarded parking passes and $24.00 will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. If the charge to the credit card is declined for any reason, the reservation will be forfeited.
- There are no refunds, transfers, rain checks or changes to the parking pass.
- Lottery winners must occupy the vehicle and must present photo identification, which matches the name of the lottery winner, before the vehicle is admitted to the parking area.
- Vehicle Pass Types
A total of 1,800 vehicle passes will be distributed for the eight-day event (225 per day): 1768 Regular Parking Passes and 32 Large Vehicle Passes. Lottery applicants must apply for either a Regular Parking Pass OR a Large Vehicle Pass.
- Regular Parking Pass - Vehicle up to 19' and a maximum of 7 occupants
- Large Vehicle Pass - Bus/RV 19' - 30' and a maximum of 24 occupants
- Awarded Passes
- Each parking pass is valid only for the specified date. An arrival time between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will be assigned.
- Parking passes are not transferable. The lottery winner must occupy the vehicle and present matching photo ID for the vehicle to be admitted.
- Shuttle System - Per Person Fee and Trolley Schedule
The shuttle fee is $2.00 per person, roundtrip (cash only) and must be paid when boarding the trolley. Please bring exact change. The first shuttle will depart the parking lot at approximately 7 p.m. The shuttles begin returning from Elkmont when filled to capacity, which will likely be after 9:30 p.m.; and they will continue running until everyone has been accommodated. Visitors should expect to return to their vehicle three to six hours after arriving at Sugarlands. The shuttle system may be cancelled if weather presents a threat to public safety.
- Event Info
- The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located two miles south of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on the Newfound Gap Road, aka US Hwy 441.
- The viewing area and shuttle stop is a natural, outdoor environment with no shelter. Though the event may be cancelled if hazardous weather seems likely, participants should be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather.
- Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited.
- Portable toilets will be provided at the site.
Changes and Cancellations
There are no refunds, changes or cancellations allowed for this event. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1.00 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be awarded parking passes and $24.00 will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. If the charge to the credit card is declined for any reason, the reservation will be forfeited.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1420 FIGHTING CREEK GAP RD Gatlinburg TN 37738
Phone Number
865-436-1261
