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If you are planning your vacation to the Smoky Mountains in late spring you will have a unique opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular natural light shows in the world. At several known locations throughout the Smokies a members of a rare species of synchronous firefly converge to quite literally light up the night.
From the end of May until mid-June, the Photinus carolinus fireflies put on a free nightly display. Beginning at dusk
visitors will notice a few firefly lights flickering, and by 10 pm the
area is lit up in a magical synchronous light show.
The most popular location to view the fireflies is Elkmont campground
about a mile from the Sugarlands Visitor Center at the Gatlinburg
entrance to the park. Elkmont is so popular, in fact, that upwards of
500-600 people with gather nightly on peak nights to watch the
fireflies. I recommend bringing a blanket or stadium chair so you'll
have a comfortable place to sit. And if you plan on viewing the
fireflies on a Friday or Saturday night you will want to arrive by 9 -
9:30 pm to get a prime seat since it can get crowded.
Due to the increasing popularity of the fireflies and the lack of
appropriate parking spots, the National Park Service prohibits parking
at the Little River Trailhead to Elkmont. Instead, a city of Gatlinburg
trolley provides service from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Elkmont
at a cost of $1 round trip. National Park Service employees also hand
out red cellophane for visitors to put over their flashlights to keep
them from disturbing the fireflies' signaling.
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