Archived Firefly Event 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 insect's reproductive display occurs for a couple of weeks every year throughout its range in the southern Appalachians, typically in late May or early June in the Elkmont area of the park. During the peak firefly display period, the park organizes a shuttle service from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Elkmont viewing area, where a large population of synchronous fireflies occurs. Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a parking pass for the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the viewing area. The number of parking spaces is limited, as is the capacity of the shuttle system. During the 8-day shuttle operating period, the Elkmont area is closed at night to all but the shuttle system and campers. Parking passes are distributed via a lottery, which provides an equitable opportunity for interested visitors to obtain a pass for this limited, yet high-demand event. You must enter the date you would like to attend and you may choose one alternate date. Lottery winners must occupy the vehicle and must present photo identification, which matches the name of the lottery winner, before the vehicle is admitted to the parking area. Only one application per household will be accepted, and passes cannot be transferred or changed. There are two types of vehicle passes. A Regular Parking Pass admits one passenger vehicle up to 19 feet in length and a maximum of 6 occupants; a Large Vehicle Pass admits one large vehicle (RV, bus, etc.) 19 to 30 feet in length and a maximum of 24 occupants. Applicants must apply for one or the other. A total of 1,800 vehicle passes will be distributed for the eight-day event, 225 per day: 1,768 Regular Parking Passes and 32 Large Vehicle Passes. The first shuttle will depart the parking lot at approximately 7 p.m. Shuttles begin returning from Elkmont when filled to capacity, which will likely be after 9:30 p.m., and they will continue running until everyone has been accommodated; visitors should expect to return to their vehicle three to six hours after arriving at Sugarlands. The shuttle system may be cancelled if weather presents a threat to public safety. The viewing area at Elkmont is comprised of small paved areas and easy walking trails within a quarter mile of the trolley station, with rangers in the area to provide information. It is a natural, outdoor environment with no shelter, so participants should be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather.