The Great Smoky Mountains’ amazing fireflies will light up soon – here’s how to see them

Each year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees an incredible display as the only synchronous fireflies in the US light up in concert, and anyone who wants to see them this year should start planning soon.

For about two weeks in late May to mid-June, the bioluminescent insects flash in a mating display as the flying males attempt to find the flightless females. There are at least 19 different kinds of fireflies in the national park, but the ones that attract a large number of spectators is the synchronous fireflies, Photinus carolinus. They are unique in that they are the only in the US that can synchronize their light patterns, making the event of great interest to nature lover and photographers.

The magical event is so popular that the National Parks Service must limit visitor numbers at the viewing site, which is near to the Elmont Campground in Tennessee. As Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most-visited national park in the US it’s not surprising that visitor caps are necessary for such events.

If you want to be one of the lucky viewers, the NPS has just announced when prospective firefly-watchers can apply. The park will run a lottery for parking spaces, which will open at 9 am on 26 April and runs until 8 pm 29 April. On 10 May, all the applicants will be told whether their application was successful or unsuccessful. The lottery winners will be required to pay a $25 reservation fee that will cover the costs of managing the park during that time. Guests who are successful will be allocated a parking spot at the Sugarlands Visitor Centre, which is the only place to park. They will then be taken by shuttle to the viewing areas. Interested? Find out how to apply for the lottery here.

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