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 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. Synchronous fireflies occur throughout the southern Appalachian region, and large populations occur in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park organizes 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, and the number of parking spaces is limited. During the 8-day managed period, the Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads are closed at night to all but permitted vehicles and foot traffic from registered campers in Elkmont Campground.