Archived Outdoors

Opportunity to view synchronous fireflies

Discover Life in America (DLIA) is holding a number of events this summer for the public to experience the synchronous fireflies that illuminate the Great Smoky Mountain National Park during the first weeks of June.

A fundraising event will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 10 and June 11 at Norton Creek Sanctuary near Gatlinburg. Participants will be able to view and learn about synchronous fireflies and ask questions to a firefly expert on site. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be provided. There will be a short walk to the site. $75.

The annual Firefly Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 11 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center Great Outpost in Gatlinburg. It is a free event open to the public with live music provided by Captain Firefly, as well as artwork, an insect zoo, kids’ activities, food and drink vendors, a bioluminescence room and two synchronous firefly presentations.

Another firefly presentation and picnic will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 12 at the Park Grill. After the presentation, food and drink, participants will carpool to a secret site in the park. There will be a short hike, and guests should be prepared for inclement weather. $50.

For all events except the Firefly Festival, space is limited and reservations are required. 828.430.4756.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.