The world-famous Synchronous Fireflies natural occurrence will happen again this year, in early June 2019, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding area. Now is the time to be thinking about how to to watch this unique event that, outside of the U.S., happens only in southeast Asia.
There are two ways to get a seat at the show.
The annual peak viewing of the Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins May 30, 2017 and runs through June 6. This annual event is unique in North America and very rare in the world, matched only in southeast Asia. A species of firefly flashes its light in sync with thousands of its fellow fireflies.
People come from all over the world to see it, and viewing space is very limited, and controlled by the rangers of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which holds the premium location to view this event. This year more than 18,000 people applied for one of the 1,800 parking spaces, and on May 10 the lucky winners were notified. For 8 days, by car, van, bus and city trolley these people are allowed into this very special event.
The lottery has begun for limited parking slots available to view the 2016 Synchronous Fireflies event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lottery began at noon today, Friday, April 29, and will last through 8 pm EST, Monday, May 2.
On Tuesday, May 10, all applicants will be notified of the results of a random system that will award parking passes. The passes are non-transferable, and only one per household may apply. The viewing period is May 31 through June 7.
Images courtesy of GSMNP
The synchronous fireflies at Elkmont have started again this year with their almost unique pattern of flashing on and off in harmony – a thing not seen anywhere else in the world except parts of Southeast Asia.
The Park Service is again coordinating a trolley service in conjunction with the City of Gatlinburg to bring people to the Elkmont campground area for the nightly showing. For safety and environmental protection, visitors to the area are limited. Advance tickets go on sale in April and usually sell out in ten minutes! (more…)
Every June in Great Smoky Mountains National Park a rare event occurs, as countless fireflies gather in a mating ritual and synchronize their glow of lights on and off together. This is something so rare in the world that you’d have to go to Southeast Asia to see it duplicated. (more…)
We are the one of largest cabin rental agencies in the Smoky Mountains and have been recognized by Southern Living as the Best Family Resort in the Smokies. We manage over 340 cabins in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee areas. Visit us today and get over $700 of free attraction tickets with your cabin rental.
