The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing 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. 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 parking pass 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.
Important Dates
- Lottery opens Friday April 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. EST
- Lottery closes Monday May 3, 2021 at 11:29 p.m. EST
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 parking pass 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.
Important Dates
- Lottery opens Friday April 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. EST
- Lottery closes Monday May 3, 2021 at 11:29 p.m. EST
Notifications and Alerts
The lottery for the 2021 Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery closed on May 4, 2021. Please check back next year for future lottery and event dates.
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. To help ensure your payment is processed, we recommend you notify your bank or credit card company that you may be automatically charged by Recreation.gov.
- 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 800 vehicle passes will be distributed for the eight-day event (100 per day) from June 1 through June 8. Passenger vehicles with a maximum occupancy not to exceed 7 people allowed.
- Awarded Passes
- Each parking pass is valid only for the specified date. Preferred arrival time to the check in location at the Elkmont viewing area will be between 6:00p.m. and 8:00 p.m. No late arrivals after 8:15 p.m. will be allowed entry. If you depart, you will not be permitted to re-enter the viewing area.
- Parking passes are not transferable. Any commercial use is prohibited. The lottery winner must occupy the vehicle and present matching photo ID for the vehicle to be admitted.
- Viewing Information
- The Elkmont viewing area is located near the Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads. Vehicles will not be allowed to park in the parking spaces at the Little River Trailhead. Follow directions into the assigned parking spots by on-site park personnel.
- After checking in at the intersection near the Elkmont Campground Kiosk, parking attendants will direct vehicles into parking spots in the Jakes Creek Trailhead Parking lot, the Appalachian Clubhouse Parking lot and along the exit roadway.
- Off-trail foot traffic and white lighting from flashlights, headlights and cell phones significantly disrupts the firefly's synchronous flashing behavior. Visitors are highly encouraged to bring their own low powered red lighting and must stay on designated trails or paved surfaces at all times. For more information about how you can protect fireflies in the park and at home copy this link https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm
- Interior and exterior vehicle lights also impact firefly flashing behavior. Please turn off interior lights and only return to your vehicle when you and your party are ready to depart the viewing area.
- The viewing area 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.
- Primary viewing areas are Jakes Creek and Little River trails. Pets are prohibited on these trails.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Portable toilets will be provided at the site.
- All parking will occur on even, paved road surfaces. A limited number of designated ADA parking places are available on a first come, first serve basis. Wheelchairs may be used along the roadways and trails in the viewing area. Pedestrians and wheelchair users are advised that the trails consist of uneven surfaces and rough pavement.
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
