How to see synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains: 2024 lottery, dates announced

Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of only a few places in North America where you can view synchronous fireflies that flash at the same time. Their yearly viewing opportunities in Tennessee are so popular that a lottery was put in place for reservations; Here's what to know.

When can I apply to view synchronous fireflies in the Smokies?

In an April 23 news release from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, synchronous firefly viewing opportunities will take place June 3-10. You can apply for the limited spots by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through www.recreation.gov. The lottery opens for applications on Friday, April 26, at 10 a.m. and closes Monday, April 29, at 11:59 p.m.

How many synchronous firefly reservations will be awarded?

The lottery will issue 140 vehicle reservations per night for a total of 1,120. The results of the lottery will be available no later than Monday, May 6. Lottery reservations allow one vehicle with a maximum of seven occupants to park at the Elkmont viewing location.

Synchronous fireflies light up the trees along a trail at the Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 3, 2019.
Synchronous fireflies light up the trees along a trail at the Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 3, 2019.

How do I apply to see the synchronous fireflies?

When applying at www.recreation.gov, applicants can enter two dates to take part in the viewing over the eight-day period. The lottery is conducted through a randomized computer drawing. The application fee is $1, and successful applicants will automatically be issued reservations, with a $24 reservation fee charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. The $24 fee covers the cost of the reservation itself as well as portable onsite restrooms, supplies and nightly personnel costs for managing the viewing opportunity.

Why is there a lottery to see synchronous fireflies in the Smokies?

Every year in late May or early June, hundreds of visitors near Elkmont Campground see the naturally occurring phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Since 2006, the National Park Service has limited access to the Elkmont area to the eight days of predicted peak firefly activity. This helps reduce traffic congestion, provides a safe viewing experience for visitors, and minimizes disturbances to these unique fireflies during their two-week mating period.

The lottery system was put in place to ensure everyone who applies for a reservation has an equal chance of getting one.

Search for “Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Viewing Lottery” at www.recreation.gov for more information and to enter the lottery.

The spectacle of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) has attracted people from all 50 U.S states to visit Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The spectacle of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) has attracted people from all 50 U.S states to visit Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

What is a synchronous firefly?

The NPS website explains that Photinus carolinus are beetles, spending most of their lives in the larval stage where they feed on snails, worms, and smaller insects in the leaf litter on the forest floor before emerging to mate and flash their dazzling displays.

Scientists believe that males flash in unison as a way for females to confirm that they are the same species, avoiding other potentially predatory firefly species. The flash pattern is a series of five to eight flashes, followed by a pause of about eight seconds before repeating.

More: How do fireflies synchronize? The secret could unlock semi-autonomous robot technology

How rare are 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 three species in North America that synchronize flashing light patterns.

How long do the synchronous fireflies last?

Once synchronous fireflies mature into adults, they only live for about three to four weeks. Their mating season lasts for about two to three weeks yearly, with start dates based on yearly temperature and soil moisture. Peak mating season generally occurs at times from the third week of May to the third week of June.

Nightly displays can also be affected from night to night by weather and temperature.

Where can I see synchronous fireflies 2024?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular location in the U.S. for synchronous firefly viewing. Here are some other locations from firefly.org:

  • Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Tennessee

  • Rocky Fork State Park, Tennessee

  • Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

  • Congaree National Park, South Carolina

  • Cajon Bonito, Arizona

More: How to see synchronous fireflies in the Smokies even if you didn't win the park lottery

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Great Smoky Mountains park 2024 synchronous fireflies lottery set

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