Witnessing fireflies in the Smoky Mountains is truly an experience like no other! At least 19 species live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One species, Photinus carolinus, called “synchronous fireflies” for their unique flash pattern, were discovered right in GSMNP, at Elkmont. The story of the Elkmont fireflies is fascinating.
Each year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds a viewing event that allows lottery winners to gain access to Elkmont during this time when experts predict the synchronous fireflies will be at peak viewing. Only a fraction of entrants gain an entry pass. The dates for the Elkmont event in 2022 is June 3-10.
For those who don’t win the firefly lottery or have a campground reservation, there are some other firefly events or tours for various types of fireflies in the region. Some are near Gatlinburg, while others are at a greater distance. Check out the links below to learn where to see fireflies in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountains and the region.
Smoky Mountain Guides Evening Tour
Fireflies at Norton Creek by Discover Life in America
Smoky Mountain Field School: The Light Show in the Smokies
Flight of the Firefly Tour by A Walk in the Woods
Molly Branch in Corryton, TN
Cataloochee Valley Tours
Rocky Fork State Park (Lottery)
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, NC
Asheville Hiking Tours
Blue Ghost Tours in Pisgah National Forest
Congaree National Park, SC (Lottery)
To learn more about the types of fireflies in the Smokies, especially synchronous fireflies, the 2020 Virtual Event presented by Discover Life in America was quite informative. Great Smoky Mountains National Park also has more information on their website about fireflies and the annual Firefly Viewing Event at Elkmont.