For about two weeks each year, usually in late May or early June, the forests near Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park put on one of nature’s most magical displays. Thousands of male Photinus carolinus fireflies flash together in rhythmic bursts, then fall dark at the same moment, as if following a conductor. It is one of the few places in the world where synchronous fireflies can be seen.
At a glance
| Best time | Late May to mid-June (exact dates vary each year) |
| Getting there | Elkmont is near Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
| Access | Parking by lottery for the peak viewing period |
| Big draws | Synchronous fireflies, black bears, salamanders |
| Good for | Families, nature lovers, photographers (without flash) |
The fireflies
- Male fireflies flash in bursts of about five to eight flashes, followed by several seconds of darkness, to attract females, which respond with their own flashes. See our firefly profile.
- Synchrony may help females recognise the males of their own species amid the “noise” of other flashing insects.
- The display is best on warm, humid nights, from about 9:30 pm to 11 pm.
How to get a permit
- To protect the fireflies and manage crowds, the National Park Service runs a lottery for parking passes at Elkmont during the peak display period. Applications usually open in late April, and winners are notified in May.
- Only a limited number of vehicles are allowed each night.
- Check the park website for the current year’s dates and application process.
Firefly etiquette
- Keep lights off, or use a flashlight covered with red or blue film, pointed at the ground.
- Stay on trails to avoid trampling female fireflies and larvae on the ground.
- No flash photography.
- Take all rubbish home.
Other places to see fireflies
Synchronous fireflies also occur in parts of the Congaree National Park (South Carolina), the Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania) and in South-East Asia, where mangrove fireflies synchronise in trees.
Other Smoky Mountains wildlife
- Black bears: the park is one of the best places in the eastern US to see them. See our American black bear profile.
- Salamanders: the Smokies are called the “salamander capital of the world”, with around 30 species, including the giant hellbender. See our hellbender profile.
- Elk: reintroduced in 2001, seen in the Cataloochee Valley and near Oconaluftee.
- Wildflowers: over 1,500 flowering plant species, peaking in spring.
Frequently asked questions
When do the synchronous fireflies appear? Usually from late May to mid-June, for about two weeks. Exact timing depends on spring temperatures.
Do I need a permit to see the fireflies at Elkmont? During the peak period, access is by a parking pass awarded through a lottery.
What time is best? From about 9:30 pm to 11 pm.
Can I see them elsewhere in the park? Fireflies occur throughout the park, but the synchronous display is best known at Elkmont.
Related guides
- Everglades National Park wildlife guide
- Sandhill crane migration on the Platte River
- Monarch butterfly reserves in Mexico
- Animal profiles: Firefly, American black bear, Hellbender
Cover photo: Niemand für Polyphemus, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons