03 Nov Synchronous Fireflies Event in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) at Elkmont Campground
At the Synchronous Fireflies Event, visitors explore the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by night. They are surrounded by a symphony of insects and frogs as they hike along an illuminated path. Synchronous fireflies light up the forest canopy above them with their bioluminescence – a phenomenon that occurs when certain types of beetles synchronize their flashing pattern to create flashes in unison. This is one event you don’t want to miss!
Synchronous Fireflies are beetles (Also called Lightning Bugs) and spend most of their lifespan in a larval stage (1-2 years). Once they mature to their adult form, they only live for 3-4 weeks.
The flash pattern of the Fireflies is a part of their mating display. Each species has its own flash pattern, but the Synchronous Fireflies have developed a way to mimic each other’s light patterns so they can coordinate their flashes.
The Synchronous Fireflies Event is held every year in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) at Elkmont Campground.
This event occurs during June and July, but dates vary each year.
Visitors navigate a dark path by headlamps as they watch synchronous fireflies light up the forest canopy above them with their bioluminescence.
There is a short ceremony when the Synchronous Fireflies begin their display followed by an hour of viewing.
The GSMNP holds a lottery every year, and successful winners of the lottery are allowed to purchase a parking pass for the event.
In order to register for next year’s lottery, please visit the GSMNP website here starting in early April:
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm
Light Show Etiquette
Flashlights disrupt the fireflies and impair people’s night vision. The light show is best when you:
- Cover your flashlight with red cellophane or use a flashlight with a red light filter.
- Use your flashlight only when walking to your viewing spot.
- Point your flashlight at the ground.
- Turn off your flashlight when you find your viewing spot.
You can also help protect the fireflies and their habitat:
- Do not catch the fireflies.
- Stay on the trail at all times.
- Pack out all of your garbage.