How to see synchronous fireflies light up the Smokies even if you didn’t win the lottery

It happens every year, but its still an illuminating sight to behold. Fireflies in the woods of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will put on their annual synchronous light show in early June.

Peak dates this year for viewing the fireflies are June 4-11 near Elkmont Campground. Those lucky enough to receive a vehicle parking pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lottery were notified earlier in May of their slots. But even if you missed your shot in the lottery, you still have a chance to see the luminescent show.

Here’s what you need to about the synchronous fireflies and how to view them without a lottery pass.

When can I see synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains in 2023?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual synchronous firefly viewing at Elkmont from June 4-11, according to a release. Peak viewing dates typically fall in late May or early June.

Ways to view the synchronous fireflies without a lottery pass

Over 20,000 people enter the lottery each year, and only 960 vehicle passes – 120 per night – are distributed. But there are a few other ways to view the fireflies even if you didn’t get a pass. Elkmont is only open to those with passes during on the designated nights.  

If you didn't receive a pass for one of those designated nights, plan to visit Elkmont a few days before or after the 2023 peak viewing days, suggests Smoky Mountain Travel Guide. There are also reports of sightings at other areas in the Smokies around the same elevation as Elkmont and near water.

Rainbow Falls Trail and Cades Cove are areas suggested by Hipcamp, an outdoor experiences website. However, it should be noted that the main gate to Cades Cove Loop Road closes at sunset, leaving a limited time to see fireflies.

How to see synchronous fireflies in Knox County

If you can’t make it to the Smokies, there’s a chance to see synchronous fireflies in Knox County.

Molly Branch Fireflies, located at 9100 Hogskin Road in Corryton, offers the opportunity to see snappy sync fireflies June 9-18. These fireflies are a different species and have a different blinking pattern from those in the Smokies, but their natural light show is still synchronized, according to the Molly Branch website.

You might also get to see two other firefly species, Blue Ghosts and Heebie Jeebies.

Tickets are $7-$12. They are first come, first served and can be purchased at mollybranchfireflies.com, where more information can also be found.

What is a synchronous firefly?

Fireflies, aka lightning bugs, are a regular feature of summer evenings. Their flashing lights are part of their mating display. Photinus carolinus is one of at least 19 firefly species in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is one of just a few species in North America known to synchronize its flashing light patterns, according to the National Park Service.

The typical mating season is May-June. The synchronous light show can be affected by environmental factors such as heavy rain or temperatures below 50 degrees on any given night.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208. 

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