The Smoky Mountain Synchronous Fireflies
If you want to see a true “wonder of nature”, a beauty that can only be seen in a two known places in the whole world, then you need to see these fireflies. They are a rare species of firefly that seem to coordinate their blinking into a little Smoky Mountain show (all they need is some music!) around mid-June (the 7th through the 14th) each year. There’s only one other place in the world, Southeast Asia, in which this phenomenon can be seen. This species of fireflies has an internal “sensor” that let’s them know when a nearby firefly has lit, in which they respond with their own light as quickly as possible. It may take a minute for them to get in sync, but all of a sudden that start performing together with flashes that last as long as six seconds. This, in turn, presents an amazing wave of blinking lights that is truly astonishing. To see this yearly performance, refer the following notes:
The show begins at dusk (usually around 9:30 p.m.).
The following Gatlinburg trolley services will be provided for $1 (roundtrip) per person from June 7 through June 14.
-Starting at 6 p.m., visitors may board the trolley from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Trolleys will run every 20-25 minutes. It will take you to the Little River Trailhead at Elkmont. The last trolley back leaves at 11 p.m. (no private vehicles will be allowed into the Elkmont entrance after 5 p.m.- the trolley is the only transportation in and out unless you are a registered camper at Elkmont…in other words, you won’t be able to simply drive up into Elkmont to experience this…you must either be camping in Elkmont or ride the trolley).
-Bring a blanket or a small lawn chair to sit on, a flashlight or two (cover them with red cellophane to minimize white lights), and a backpack with refreshments. The only amenities available are portable toilets.
-Park rangers and volunteers will be available in various locations for questions, guided walks, and assistance.
-No pets or alcoholic beverages allowed.
-If attempting to take pictures or video, do not use a flash. Not only does it disturb the fireflies, but your picture will turn our horrible. Try turning the flash off, setting your aperature to f11 and taking a long exposure of a few seconds. You’ll get a spooky looking glow…very cool!
-The last trolley services back will be at 11 pm.
More information about synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) in Gatlinburg, TN and Great Smokey Mountains National Park :
http://www.nps.gov
I am a frequent visitor to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
area (twice a yr). The firefly show will definitely
add something new and exciting for us to see. Thanks.
Kay Martin
Dear Sirs,
I plan to be in Gatlinburg from June 9-12 this summer(2008). I would love to see the lightning bugs in the park. Will I be there at the right time? If not, please let me know what days will be best to see them in action.
Thanks,
David Phillips
A friend of mine visited the show and absolutely loved it. I was not able to visit between the 7th and 14th, but was told I would be able to see them in action the week of the 16th. I was told the trolley would not be running, but could drive on up. My anniversay is the 18th and would love to pitch a blanket, picnic, and see the show, but don’t want to drive a long distance if I won’t be able to drive up.
Thanks,
Tracy