Synchronous firefly lottery to open April 27
Male synchronous fireflies flash in unison when darkness falls during their annual mating season. Radim Schreiber photo
This year’s synchronous firefly viewing in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be Thursday, June 7, through Thursday, June 14, and a lottery for tickets will be open from noon Friday, April 27, through 8 p.m. Monday, April 30.
The annual event centers on the naturally occurring phenomenon of the Photinus carolinus, a firefly species whose males flash synchronously during mating season in late May or early June. Since 2006, the park has restricted access to the Elkmont area to shuttle service during the eight days of peak activity to minimize disturbance to these unique insects.
A total of 1,800 parking passes will be available for the event, with lottery winners charged a $20 reservation fee and awarded a parking pass. Shuttle service is $2 for a roundtrip ride. Lottery applicants will receive results on Wednesday, May 9.
Visit www.recreation.gov and search “firefly event” to enter the lottery, or call 1.877.444.6777.
