Chasing Magic: Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

There’s nothing quite like summer’s first flicker of firefly light to transport us back to childhood wonder—those brief, glowing moments in our own backyards that feel almost enchanted. But each year, deep in the Elkmont region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a rare marvel takes that magic to another level: synchronous fireflies, blinking in perfect harmony across the forest floor. Here’s everything you need to know to witness this unforgettable display.

What Are Synchronous Fireflies?
Unlike typical lightning bugs, synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) coordinate their flashes in unison. What looks like a dazzling light show is actually a complex mating ritual: males pulse their lanterns in rhythmic patterns to woo females, who answer with a single, synchronized spark of approval. This beetle ballet only lasts a couple of weeks each year—usually from late May through early June—when temperatures, rainfall, and soil moisture line up just right.

Where and When to See Them
Elkmont’s backcountry is one of the few places on earth where you can catch this synchronized spectacle. The park manages vehicle access tightly: only 120 cars per night are allowed into the Little River and Jakes Creek trailhead areas during the eight‑day viewing window (May 29 – June 5, 2025). To secure one of those coveted spots, you must enter the lottery, open Friday, May 2 at 10 AM EDT, and close Monday, May 5 at 11:59 PM EDT. Winners pay a $1 application fee plus a $29 reservation charge and are assigned a single date (with one alternate), and must arrive between 6 and 8 PM and remain until midnight’s end of display.

How to Prepare
Because synchronous fireflies need total darkness to perform, park rules strictly forbid bright lights after dark. Pack a small flashlight wrapped in red cellophane, stay on paved surfaces or designated trails, and keep your light pointed at the ground when you walk. Leave your phones in your pocket—no photos, no flash, no catching fireflies by hand. Bring layers for cool mountain nights, and be ready to wait patiently: the show usually begins around 10 PM and can last until midnight.

Beyond Elkmont
While Elkmont is the superstar viewing site, you can glimpse synchronous fireflies in other shaded, moist fields throughout the park. Private guided tours and camping trips near water can be arranged for those who want a more personal experience. Just remember: every view you catch helps support conservation efforts by respecting the fireflies’ fragile habitat.

Why It Matters
As light pollution and habitat loss threaten firefly populations worldwide, this annual dance becomes ever more precious. The park’s lottery and reservation study not only ensure a safe, disturbance‑free show but also fund the rangers and resources that protect these remarkable insects. Witnessing hundreds of tiny lights flash in perfect unison is more than a photo op—it’s a front‑row seat to nature’s greatest choreography.

Ready to Apply?
Mark your calendar:

  • Lottery Opens: May 2, 2025 at 10 AM EDT
  • Lottery Closes: May 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT
  • Viewing Dates: May 29 – June 5, 2025

Visit Recreation.gov’s Synchronous Fireflies page for full details, and may the flicker be with you!

This thrilling experience is one of the most exciting things to do near Maggie Valley.

In 2020, the event was canceled because of the pandemic. But a live, virtual event was held and recorded on YouTube.com. (Firefly views start at the 14:15 mark.)

While the Elkmont region of the park is definitely the most popular area for firefly viewing, you can also catch a glimpse of them in many of the park’s open fields. Pick an area that’s lined with thick trees and is located near water for the best chance to spot them. There are also other options like private tours or even personal guides who take you camping. No matter where you are, though, synchronize your watches because the grand light display begins around 10 pm and ends around midnight.

Firefly Viewing Tips:

Fireflies need total and complete darkness to mate, so the park strictly prohibits the use of any type of light that may disturb the fireflies. Make sure you:

  • Cover your flashlight with red or blue cellophane
  • Use your flashlight only when walking to your viewing spot
  • Stay on designated trails or paved surfaces at all times
  • Point your flashlight at the ground
  • Turn off your flashlight when you find your viewing spot
  • DO NOT try and catch the fireflies

Fascinating Firefly Facts:

  • Fireflies are neither a fly nor a bug. They’re actually beetles.
  • There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies around the world.
  • Fireflies are on every continent except Antarctica.
  • Each firefly species has its own special flash pattern—a code that lets individuals identify a mate of the same species.
  • Not all fireflies flash. Instead of light, these “dark” fireflies use smells like pheromones to communicate and find their mate.
  • Firefly femme fatales lure unsuspecting males of other species to their deaths.
  • The biggest fireflies can grow to be the size of your palm.

— Your friends at Meadowlark Motel, just 50 miles from the dragon’s lair and the firefly fairytale.