Smoky Mountain Fireflies: How To See Them Sync Up in 2024

You’ve seen the mesmerizing glow of fireflies flickering on a warm summer night — maybe you’ve even caught a few in your hands, but have you ever seen them synchronize? Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the few spots to watch the Smoky Mountain fireflies sync up this June.

Nestled in the western part of the Great Smoky Mountains, synchronous fireflies are getting ready to find their mate. Lucky for you, this results in a mesmerizing light show that draws visitors in from all over the world.

If you’re interested in attending, here’s how you can see Gatlinburg fireflies in 2024.

When to See Fireflies In the Smoky Mountains

You can see fireflies flashing around the Smoky Mountains all summer long, making Gatlinburg the perfect summer vacation, but the awe-inspiring synchronizing event only happens a couple of weeks out of the year.

According to the National Park Service, the peak time to see the synchronous firefly event in the Smoky Mountains this year is June 3rd – June 10th, 2024 at dusk.

While 19 firefly species live in the Great Smoky Mountains, synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are the only species known to synchronize their flashing patterns during mating season. During peak season, the synchronization appears as a flashing pulse every few seconds.

While the season varies slightly from year to year, the phenomenon typically occurs over two weeks between late May and early June (depending on the weather and soil moisture levels). Interestingly enough, synchronous fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae until reaching maturity and searching for a mate — resulting in the synchronized light show.

Where to See Synchronous Fireflies in Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains span a whopping 522,427 acres between North Carolina and Tennessee. Despite its size, the synchronous fireflies mostly reside in the western part of the park.

Here’s where to see fireflies in Tennessee this year:

• Elkmont: The main synchronous firefly event takes place in the Smoky Mountains near Elkmont Campground. Overall, 140 winners of the synchronous firefly lottery will be chosen to park and participate in the main event in Elkmont each night (more on how to register in a little bit).
• Cades Cove: If you don’t win the lottery, don’t fret! Cades Cove is located about an hour from Elkmont and is an equally popular site to view the light show. In fact, Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular scenic drive all year round! It offers trailheads and a winding paved road for a picturesque firefly-watching experience.
• Rocky Fork State Park: While not the main lottery event, Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park, located two and a half hours from Elkmont, draws its own (small but mighty) lottery. In addition to seeing synchronous fireflies, the lucky winners will also be able to see the rare blue ghost species, which emits a steady blue light.
• Gatlinburg: The Great Smoky Mountains are just a mile outside downtown Gatlinburg, TN, and a 20-minute drive from Elkmont Campground, where the main event takes place. Book a cabin near the firefly display in Gatlinburg and enjoy what the city offers, then make your way to the national park during the peak synchronous season.

How To See Fireflies In the Smoky Mountains

Enough talk about how spectacular this event is — how exactly do you see the Smoky Mountain fireflies? From an evening hike to the lucky lottery draw, here’s how to see fireflies in the Smoky Mountains this year.

Apply to the Lottery

As you can imagine, the Great Smoky Mountains can get pretty crowded for this special event. With only so much parking available, the synchronous firefly lottery began in 2006 to curb traffic congestion and create a fair and randomized viewing opportunity.

Smoky Mountain lottery application details:

• Registration opens Friday, April 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. EDT
• Registration closes Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT
• Lottery winners are announced by email by Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

The main event takes place near Elkmont Campground. A total of 1,120 winners will be issued a parking pass (140 per night) to view the light show. But if you’re not one of the lucky winners, there are still some ways to view the event!

Follow the Loop at Cades Cove

Located an hour from Elkmont, Cades Cove offers another opportunity to view synchronous fireflies. Hike nearby trailheads or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, and you might just get to see some fireflies sync up.

Since it’s not a designated viewing area, keep up to date with trail closures and vehicle-free Wednesdays so you can plan accordingly.

While the show at Cades Cove will likely not be as impressive as the Elkmont, TN, fireflies with a less dense population, you should still be able to see the marvels of mother nature at work.

Hike Anthony Creek Trail

Nestled near Cades Cove, Anthony Creek Trail is a hidden gem for viewing synchronous fireflies. Fireflies love warm, damp areas, making this trail the perfect place to find some synchronized stragglers.

Winding around a delicate creek, synchronous fireflies frequent this moderate to easy Smoky Mountain hiking trail (though in smaller numbers than the main event locations).

Head to Cades Cove Scenic Loop before dusk and keep watch for fireflies as you take the Anthony Creek Trail into the tranquil woods.

Book a Smoky Mountain Cabin

If you don’t win the lottery, you can still see this awe-inspiring event. Book the Firefly Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN, named after these dazzling creatures. Located just a few miles from numerous trailheads in the Smoky Mountains, walk around the town, then stroll through popular firefly areas.

You might even get lucky and see some synchronous fireflies from the comfort of your cabin! Imagine relaxing in your private hot tub only to look out over your balcony and see a synchronized flash.

With plenty of space, you can invite your friends and family to make this viewing opportunity one to remember. Or, make it a romantic Gatlinburg trip with just your partner!

Go Before or After Peak Season

Have your heart set on Elkmont, TN, fireflies but didn’t win the lottery? Here’s a little-known secret: There are a few days before and after the peak late May to early June window when you can still see synchronous fireflies.

There likely won’t be as many visible outside the peak week-long window, but you’ll still be able to see some of the magic happen. Just remember there won’t be a parking lottery, so there could be traffic jams!

Be sure to head there early to avoid the crowd and wait until dusk to see the fireflies light up the underbrush.

How Do Fireflies Glow and Synchronize?

Photinus carolinus, which has a home in the Smoky Mountains, is one of only a few species in North America known to synchronize their flashing patterns during firefly mating season. Fireflies are bioluminescent, meaning a chemical reaction occurs that results in a flash of light. (Similar to the Anglerfish from Finding Nemo and many species of jellyfish.)

While typical fireflies display their own individual light sequences, male synchronous fireflies sync up their flashing patterns to females to attract a mate. Like a secret language, the synchronized flashing tells the fireflies they’re the right species to mate with.

• Fireflies are drawn to moist, open areas where they can see one another’s flashing.
• They typically start their mating ritual (A.K.A. synchronized flashing) when it’s completely dark, around 9:30 p.m.

Specific to synchronous fireflies, this light pattern consists of five to eight flashes, followed by an eight-second pause, and then repeated. During peak season, the forest can be seen pulsing with light every few seconds — a truly unique experience.

Tips to View the Light Show Safely

While mesmerizing to the eye, remember that this light show serves a specific purpose. It’s crucial for the survival of the synchronous firefly species to reproduce, which means there are a few tips to follow to ensure a safe event for you and the insects:

• Do not catch the fireflies: You’ve likely caught a few fireflies in your day, but it’s important to let them be so they can find a mate. After all, this is a mating ceremony. Whatever you do, be sure not to catch any fireflies in jars — or even in your hands!
• Turn off your lights: Synchronous fireflies use their lights to identify one another, so be sure to turn off your camera flash and be mindful of flashlights.
• Stay on the trail: If you’re hiking in the national park, be sure to stay on the trail at all times. The event happens at night, and it can be difficult to find your way back if you stray off the trail. Remember that black bears and other large animals are home to the Smoky Mountains.

Firefly Fun Games for the Whole Family

Worried about entertaining the family while keeping the fireflies safe? While kids might be extra tempted to try to catch a few fireflies, it’s important they don’t. After all, you don’t want to be the reason they don’t find a mate!

Instead, here are a few ways [and games] to entertain the kids without disturbing the beetles. (Yes, fireflies are actually beetles!)

• Make it a count: Instead of catching fireflies, encourage the kids to count how many flashes they see in a minute. Does the time change, or is it always the same?
• Take a mental picture (and draw it later): They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but flashes can also interrupt the natural light pattern of the fireflies. To protect wildlife, keep your phones in your pocket and have your family create a mental photo album instead. When you’re back at the cabin, have the kids draw what they saw (bonus points for using glowing UV paint).
• Play pattern detective: You might know the pattern, but your kids don’t! Challenge them to count the flashes and pauses and see if they can crack the code. The winner gets to choose a family-fun treat after.

Experience the Magic of the Great Smoky Mountains

It’s clear that the Smoky Mountains synchronous firefly event isn’t one to miss! It’s fun for the whole family and a rare phenomenon few witness.

Whether you’re a lucky lottery winner or choose to take the road (or trail) less followed, there’s still time to see the fireflies sync up for yourself this year. While you’re in the area take in all the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer from waterfalls, to hikes, to scenic drives, and more.

Downtown Gatlinburg is just one mile from the national park, bustling with lively dinner and shows every night of the week. Enjoy your stay at a cozy cabin with the entire family, then go to the Great Smoky Mountains to make memories that last a lifetime.