Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies Lottery Is This Weekend
The show won’t truly begin until June, but the lottery is quickly approaching for the opportunity to see one of the more spectacular events in the Smoky Mountains. Every year, you can enter a luck-of-the-draw lottery to see the synchronous fireflies. This year’s natural phenomenon is being held between June 3-10, which is peak viewing dates for the light show. Of course, they’re not performing for us, they’re doing it for themselves…so to speak.
These flash patterns are—you guessed it—part of their mating ritual, so I guess that makes us voyeurs, if you will—at least in a more acceptable sense. Each species has their own recognizable pattern, helping them find each other. Males will flash while flying, and females will respond by flashing back in their stationary position.
I wrote a post about last year’s display, which you can read below, so I won’t rehash some of the other fascinating firefly aspects.
There will be open reservations for the lottery beginning on April 26th at 10 a.m. and will close on April 29th at 11:59 p.m. This system ensures that everyone receives an equal chance for the viewing. Since 2006, the National Park Service began limited access to the event to help reduce traffic congestion, provide a safe experience for visitors, and minimize disturbances to the fireflies. There will be around 140 slots per day for the eight total days of peak light displays, and these are held at Elkmont Campground. Lottery applicants will be charged a $1.00 fee, and successful applicants will be charged a $24 reservation fee which covers on-site public restrooms, supplies, and nightly personnel costs. You can apply here at recreation.org. Click here for detailed information about the event.
The following are some basic rules of light show etiquette you’ll want to follow, if you’re one of the lucky ones!
Light Show Etiquette
Flashlights disrupt the fireflies and impair people's night vision. The light show is best when you:
Cover your flashlight with red cellophane or use a flashlight with a red light filter.
Use your flashlight only when walking to your viewing spot.
Point your flashlight at the ground.
Turn off your flashlight when you find your viewing spot.
You can also help protect the fireflies and their habitat:
Do not catch the fireflies.
Stay on the trail at all times.
Pack out all of your garbage.
This synchronous firefly event always seems to sneak up on me and take me by surprise, so I apologize for the late reminder. I hope you catch this in time to put your name in the drawing for a unique opportunity of a lifetime. Thanks for reading and subscribing, and take care, everyone! I’ll have more Gatlinburg information on the way, real soon!