Lottery Opens Soon for Smokies’ Synchronous Fireflies Event

The lucrative East Tennessee tourism region (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, the Smokies) never closes. When there's never a bad time to visit, that's always a good idea.

But there are hugely popular events in the area that are not available year-round. And honestly, that would be a great time to visit because your entire itinerary would revolve around it, and you could plan out from there and set it in stone.

Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

This extraordinary phenomenon has always been available for viewing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it wasn't until 2006 that the "viewing event" got a lot more organized. Twenty years ago, the park implemented a lottery system to ensure the safety of these delicate creatures and to make sure the site isn't damaged. Yes, this is not tantamount to "festival seating" at concerts. If you want to view the Great Smoky Mountains' 19 unique species of fireflies, you have to plan accordingly. Of those 19, the synchronous fireflies are the ones with the ability to synchronize their flashing patterns, as the name implies. Scientists don't know why, but we don't care, right?

When You Can See Synchronous Fireflies

This year, the Elkmont, Tennessee, viewing event is set for May 20th through the 27th, and the lottery for vehicle registrations will begin at 10 AM on Friday, April 24th. If you want to attend, that's a vitally important piece of information.

Also, if you go, you should know that flashlights are discouraged unless they're covered by red cellophane or are equipped with a red filter lens. The park also requests that you refrain from catching them and that if one lands on you, leave it alone until it leaves.

Two more things...stay on the trails and pack out your food so you don't attract bears. Otherwise, enjoy your fireflies.