It’s about that time again! The special time of year that we love in the Smoky Mountains…firefly mating season. Every June for about two weeks during the mating season, the fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park begin to flash in unison. It’s such a beautiful site and unlike anything you have ever seen before! This year the scheduled dates for the synchronous firefly viewing in Elkmont are June 4 – 12.
How do I see this awesome light show? Come to the Sugarlands Visitor CenterBEFORE* 7pm. There are trolleys scheduled to take visitors from the Sugarlands Visitors Center to Elkmont nightly beginning at 7 pm. The Trolleys will run continuously until the Sugarlands Visitors Center parking lot is full or until 9 pm. The trolley will also be running to return visitors to their cars until 11 pm.
Planning on joining us? Be sure to follow the light show etiquette and the recommendations and rules of the area that are shown on our Synchronous Firefly Information Page. You can also read more about this amazing occurrence and learn more about the fireflies on our info page. Have fun!
*This is a very popular event in the Smokies and in previous years the area has filled up and spectators have been turned away. Be sure to get in line early so you’re sure to get a spot on the trolley!