You’ve seen the mesmerizing glow of fireflies flickering on a warm summer night — maybe you’ve even caught a few in your hands, but have you ever seen them synchronize? Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the few spots to watch the Smoky Mountain fireflies sync up this June.
Nestled in the western part of the Great Smoky Mountains, synchronous fireflies are getting ready to find their mate. Lucky for you, this results in a mesmerizing light show that draws visitors in from all over the world.
If you’re interested in attending, here’s how you can see Gatlinburg fireflies in 2024.
You can see fireflies flashing around the Smoky Mountains all summer long, making Gatlinburg the perfect summer vacation, but the awe-inspiring synchronizing event only happens a couple of weeks out of the year.
According to the National Park Service, the peak time to see the synchronous firefly event in the Smoky Mountains this year is June 3rd – June 10th, 2024 at dusk.
While 19 firefly species live in the Great Smoky Mountains, synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are the only species known to synchronize their flashing patterns during mating season. During peak season, the synchronization appears as a flashing pulse every few seconds.
While the season varies slightly from year to year, the phenomenon typically occurs over two weeks between late May and early June (depending on the weather and soil moisture levels). Interestingly enough, synchronous fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae until reaching maturity and searching for a mate — resulting in the synchronized light show.
The Great Smoky Mountains span a whopping 522,427 acres between North Carolina and Tennessee. Despite its size, the synchronous fireflies mostly reside in the western part of the park.
Here’s where to see fireflies in Tennessee this year:
Enough talk about how spectacular this event is — how exactly do you see the Smoky Mountain fireflies? From an evening hike to the lucky lottery draw, here’s how to see fireflies in the Smoky Mountains this year.
As you can imagine, the Great Smoky Mountains can get pretty crowded for this special event. With only so much parking available, the synchronous firefly lottery began in 2006 to curb traffic congestion and create a fair and randomized viewing opportunity.
Smoky Mountain lottery application details:
The main event takes place near Elkmont Campground. A total of 1,120 winners will be issued a parking pass (140 per night) to view the light show. But if you’re not one of the lucky winners, there are still some ways to view the event!
Located an hour from Elkmont, Cades Cove offers another opportunity to view synchronous fireflies. Hike nearby trailheads or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, and you might just get to see some fireflies sync up.
Since it’s not a designated viewing area, keep up to date with trail closures and vehicle-free Wednesdays so you can plan accordingly.
While the show at Cades Cove will likely not be as impressive as the Elkmont, TN, fireflies with a less dense population, you should still be able to see the marvels of mother nature at work.
Nestled near Cades Cove, Anthony Creek Trail is a hidden gem for viewing synchronous fireflies. Fireflies love warm, damp areas, making this trail the perfect place to find some synchronized stragglers.
Winding around a delicate creek, synchronous fireflies frequent this moderate to easy Smoky Mountain hiking trail (though in smaller numbers than the main event locations).
Head to Cades Cove Scenic Loop before dusk and keep watch for fireflies as you take the Anthony Creek Trail into the tranquil woods.
If you don’t win the lottery, you can still see this awe-inspiring event if you know where to stay in the Smoky Mountains. Book the Firefly Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN, named after these dazzling creatures. Located just a few miles from numerous trailheads in the Smoky Mountains, walk around the town, then stroll through popular firefly areas.
You might even get lucky and see some synchronous fireflies from the comfort of your cabin! Imagine relaxing in your private hot tub only to look out over your balcony and see a synchronized flash.
With plenty of space, you can invite your friends and family to make this viewing opportunity one to remember. Or, make it a romantic Gatlinburg trip with just your partner!
Have your heart set on Elkmont, TN, fireflies but didn’t win the lottery? Here’s a little-known secret: There are a few days before and after the peak late May to early June window when you can still see synchronous fireflies.
There likely won’t be as many visible outside the peak week-long window, but you’ll still be able to see some of the magic happen. Just remember there won’t be a parking lottery, so there could be traffic jams!
Be sure to head there early to avoid the crowd and wait until dusk to see the fireflies light up the underbrush.
Photinus carolinus, which has a home in the Smoky Mountains, is one of only a few species in North America known to synchronize their flashing patterns during firefly mating season. Fireflies are bioluminescent, meaning a chemical reaction occurs that results in a flash of light. (Similar to the Anglerfish from Finding Nemo and many species of jellyfish.)
While typical fireflies display their own individual light sequences, male synchronous fireflies sync up their flashing patterns to females to attract a mate. Like a secret language, the synchronized flashing tells the fireflies they’re the right species to mate with.
Specific to synchronous fireflies, this light pattern consists of five to eight flashes, followed by an eight-second pause, and then repeated. During peak season, the forest can be seen pulsing with light every few seconds — a truly unique experience.
While mesmerizing to the eye, remember that this light show serves a specific purpose. It’s crucial for the survival of the synchronous firefly species to reproduce, which means there are a few tips to follow to ensure a safe event for you and the insects:
Worried about entertaining the family while keeping the fireflies safe? While kids might be extra tempted to try to catch a few fireflies, it’s important they don’t. After all, you don’t want to be the reason they don’t find a mate!
Instead, here are a few ways [and games] to entertain the kids without disturbing the beetles. (Yes, fireflies are actually beetles!)
It’s clear that the Smoky Mountains synchronous firefly event isn’t one to miss! It’s fun for the whole family and a rare phenomenon few witness.
Whether you’re a lucky lottery winner or choose to take the road (or trail) less followed, there’s still time to see the fireflies sync up for yourself this year. While you’re in the area take in all the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer from waterfalls, to hikes, to scenic drives, and more.
Downtown Gatlinburg is just one mile from the national park, bustling with lively dinner and shows every night of the week. Enjoy your stay at a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg with the entire family, then go to the Great Smoky Mountains to make memories that last a lifetime.
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Yes, seeing synchronous fireflies is a rare phenomenon that happens only a couple of weeks out of the year in very specific areas of the country. The largest event occurs in Elkmont, TN, but smaller events take place throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. If you’re able to catch the show, consider yourself lucky!
Yes! Lightning bugs and fireflies are the same insect. They’re technically nocturnal beetles, believe it or not, with 2,400 known species worldwide. Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, they’re both one and the same.
Synchronous fireflies live 1-2 years as larvae in the ground and just three to four weeks once they mature and find a mate. The actual synchronous firefly event only lasts a couple of weeks, from late May to early June each year.
Synchronous fireflies are bioluminescent. They have organs under their abdomens that combine oxygen with the chemical luciferin to produce a yellow, green, or blue glow.
Yes, Phausis reticulata (Blue Ghost Fireflies) are a different species from Photinus carolinus, the synchronous fireflies seen in the Smoky Mountains.
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