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 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.    

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.    

Need to Know

Changes and Cancellations

All lottery applicants will be charged a non-refundable $1.00 application fee. Modifications and cancelations can be made only while the lottery is active. Changes and cancelations are possible through applicant's account via a web browser or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

After the lottery has closed, there are no refunds, changes or cancellations allowed for this event. 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

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