13
Apr
2025

Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

If there’s one experience that should be on your Smoky Mountains bucket list this year, it’s the incredible display of synchronous fireflies—a rare, natural phenomenon that turns the Smokies into a glittering lightning bug dance floor. Each year from late May to early June, these tiny beetles put on a synchronized light show that feels nothing short of enchanted.

And the best part? You can witness this annual event right here in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short trip from your couple’s cabin at Autumn Ridge Vacation Rentals.

When to See Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies
Check Lottery Dates Often So You Don’t Miss Out!

What Makes Synchronous Fireflies So Special?
These rare fireflies—Photinus carolinus—are unlike most species. Instead of random blinking, they flash in unison which creates waves of light that ripple through the trees. This unique behavior is part of their mating ritual, and it only happens in a few places around the world.  How fortunate are we that Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only places in all of the U.S. where visitors can reliably witness the show in all its glory.

How to See the Fireflies in 2025
To protect the fireflies and their fragile habitat, the National Park Service limits access to the Elkmont viewing area during peak season. A lottery system is used to distribute parking passes, and spots go fast—so don’t delay!

How to Get Tickets for 2025 Elkmont Firefly Viewing Dates
Late April (Anticipating Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m.): Firefly viewing lottery opens on Recreation.gov .  You will need to choose a date and one one alternate date.
Late April (Anticipating Monday, April 28 at 11:59 p.m.): Lottery closes
Mid-May: Lottery applicants will receive notification
Early June (Anticipating June 2-9): Firefly viewing nights (exact dates depend on weather and temperature)

** Keep checking the Recreation.gov page above so that you don’t miss the exact dates! **

Parking Tag Requirement
Vehicle reservation holders will be exempt from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag requirement during the duration of the event. Vehicle reservation holders who wish to recreate in Great Smoky Mountains National Park outside of the event must display a valid parking tag

Fees
Application:  $1
If Selected:  $24 reservation fee is automatically charged and will include shuttle service from Sugarlands Visitor Center.  (If the card is declined, the reservation is forfeited.)

What to Expect
If you win the lottery, you’ll park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and take a shuttle to the Elkmont viewing area. There, right after sunset, the show will begin! First a flicker here, then a flicker there, and suddenly—light show!  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of event.

Make It a Firefly Getaway
We invite you to stay a few days to enjoy our peaceful, private cabins just for two.  Make it a romantic escape or an adventurous getaway.  Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck, spend your days hiking waterfalls and scenic trails, and cap off the night with nature’s most spectacular show.  Check availability for early June dates!

Book Your Cabin to See the Lightning Bugs!
B’ s Nest  |  CJ’s  |  Kelci Kabin  |  McKenzie Kabin  |  Maggie House  |  Nite Vu Cabin

Come for the lights. Stay for the memories. Your 2025 Smoky Mountain firefly adventure starts here!