Skip to main content
Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

Smokies announces synchronous firefly viewing dates, lottery

Fireflies fill the air for their annual mating season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Elkmont Campground outside Gatlinburg, Tenn. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Males flash in flight, hoping to attract stationary females below. This photograph was made by 'stacking' 204 long exposures shot over a 1.5 hour period, recording fireflies' light trails in their outdoor disco.
Fireflies fill the air for their annual mating season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Elkmont Campground outside Gatlinburg, Tenn. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Males flash in flight, hoping to attract stationary females below. This photograph was made by 'stacking' 204 long exposures shot over a 1.5 hour period, recording fireflies' light trails in their outdoor disco. Fireflies fill the air for their annual mating season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Elkmont Campground outside Gatlinburg, Tenn. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Males flash in flight, hoping to attract stationary females below. This photograph was made by 'stacking' 204 long exposures shot over a 1.5 hour period, recording fireflies' light trails in their outdoor disco.

By Associated Press 1 min read

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The annual lottery to view the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens on Friday.

Every year in late May to early June, thousands of visitors gather near the Elkmont Campground to observe the Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Since 2006, access to the area has been limited during the eight days of predicted peak activity in order to reduce congestion and minimize the disturbance to the fireflies during their peak mating period.

This year, park scientists predict that period will be June 3-June 10, according to a park news release. Those wishing for a vehicle pass can enter the lottery by visiting www.recreation.gov and searching for “Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery.” A total of 800 vehicle passes, 100 passes per night, will be issued.

All lottery applicants will be charged a $1 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be awarded parking passes and charged a $24 reservation fee.