The Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery

Synchronous fireflies ( Photinus carolinus ) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of only a few species in the world known to synchronize their flash patterns. This insects' reproductive display occurs for a couple of weeks every year throughout its range (southern Appalachians), and is typically in late May or early June in the Elkmont area of the park.  Synchronous fireflies occur throughout the southern Appalachian region, and large populations of synchronous fireflies occurs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The park will organize the viewing area by managing vehicle access. Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a parking pass via lottery to park in these areas. The number of parking spaces is limited. During the 8-day managed period, Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads will be closed at night to all but permitted vehicles and foot traffic from registered campers in Elkmont Campground. Visit the park's Synchronous Fireflies web page for additional information about the viewing opportunity.    

Important Dates

• Check back later for information on when this lottery will open again.

From Gatlinburg, Tennessee, travel 1.7 miles south on US Hwy 441, then turn right onto Fighting Creek Gap Road at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Travel 4.9 miles west, then turn left onto Elkmont Campground Road and travel 1.5 miles to the intersection near the Campground kiosk. This intersection (Elkmont Rd and Little River Rd) is the check in location to the viewing area.