The Elkmont Synchronous Fireflies: A Guide to Mother Nature’s Finest Performance

There are two kinds of people in this world – those who call them “fireflies” and those who know them only as “lightning bugs.” I grew up in East Tennessee and will always be a lightning bug girl, but because we have one of the most unique displays that Mother Nature has to offer right here in our backyard, the “Elkmont Fireflies“ have become part of my family’s regular vocabulary.

We first heard about this insanely cool event in 2009, when things were a bit different (read more about the synchronous fireflies here). The Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot (where you board the trolley to Elkmont) was full so we parked on the main road about half a mile away – not a big deal when we arrived at 6:00 but we clearly weren’t thinking about walking back to our car close to midnight. In complete darkness. With no one else around. Dragging four folding chairs, a cooler, an eight year old, and an exhausted four year old.

All of that is to say, things are much more organized today. Parking on the road is no longer an option. The road into Elkmont Campground is closed to cars and pedestrians, so unless you’re camping there, you have to park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a trolley to the viewing area (about 6.5 miles away). But the process of obtaining a parking pass and making plans for your trip requires some preparation and I’m going to share some of my family’s tried-and-true tips to make your first experience as easy and fun as possible.

I’ve said since our first visit that I feel like it’s my personal duty to make sure everyone we know experiences this. I promote it to my friends like it’s my job. Photos and videos cannot do it justice. Even professional photographers can’t really capture the magic that happens only by being there. This year will be our family’s seventh trip and we get just as excited each year as though it’s our first time.

Things to Know

1. The National Park Service estimates when the two-week event will occur and this year they’re predicting that it will most likely take place in the first half of June. Dates will be officially announced in late April and parking passes will be available for purchase around the same time (they usually cost around $1.50 per car).

2. The viewing is free but unless you’re camping at Elkmont, you must purchase a parking pass. These passes sell out fast, so be ready to grab one while you can! The most important piece of advice I can give you is this: create an account at the website now so you can simply log in on the day that passes become available (and if they’re going to go on sale at 10 a.m., be there at 9:59!). Taking time to create an account during checkout can result in missing out on a pass.

3. You’ll choose a parking time when you purchase your pass but they don’t sell more spots than what are available in the lot, so just choose the time that works best for your family. We usually arrive around 6:00, grab our spot in line, and are on one of the first trolleys that start heading up around 7. The trolleys run constantly and usually begin taking folks back to the parking lot around 9:30.

4. The trolley ride is $1 per person round-trip so don’t forget to bring some cash! The trolley will drop you off at the entrance to the viewing area and there you’ll get red cellophane covers for your flashlights and information sheets on the event. This is also where the port-a-potties are located. There are no “real” bathrooms nearby and there is nowhere to purchase food or drinks so be sure to bring everything you think you’ll need!

5. We bring folding chairs for each of us and a picnic blanket. I pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks and we have dinner after we get settled into our spot. Bug spray is a must! We bring flashlights to use as we pack up – but any kind of distracting light will ruin the show and for the most part you’ll be in complete darkness throughout the night.

6. There is a walking trail that runs directly through the viewing area and people set up their chairs on either side. The Little River runs along the left side of the trail and one the right side are deeper woods. Every year we have major family discussions when trying to decide on a spot to plant our chairs and as we wait for the trolley back we inevitably decide that the more amazing show is happening on the other side. But really, there is no bad spot. There are some super-spooky abandoned cabins throughout the area (which my husband and son love to explore, while my daughter and I prefer to avoid any potential lumberjack-ghost encounters).

7. My kids are older so we enjoy the waiting time between when we arrive and when the show begins (sunset at this time of year is usually around 9:00). But with younger kids you’ll want to take that downtime into consideration and may was to board the trolley closer to sunset. Early arrival = your choice of viewing spots. Late arrival = less opportunity for boredom, whining, etc.

8. I won’t lie – there is a wait for the trolley ride back to the parking lot. Some people experience the show for a few minutes and are ready to leave. We usually stay at least an hour after the lights begin and lots of folks stay later, but you will inevitably find a line on the trail to board the trolleys no matter when you decide to head back. Again, it’s something to consider if you have younger kids but the good news is that the fireflies will still be showing off while you wait, so you’ll at least be entertained while you wait!

9. When the show begins, you’ll know it. You wait and watch the woods around you darken, wondering if it will ever begin, when suddenly you see a familiar flash. You may think (like I did), “Wait – I see this every night in my yard!” But the flashes begin to multiply…and all at once they sync up, flashing together five, six, seven times before taking a pause and then starting up again. It’s totally mesmerizing and once they’re all doing their thing you’ll realize that you’re in the middle of something really, really special.

Do you plan on making the trip for the first time this year? Are you a veteran firefly-watcher and have some tips to add? I would love to hear all about it!