Archived Firefly Event Lottery

Overview: Synchronous fireflies ( Photinus carolinus ) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of only a few species in the world known to synchronize their flash patterns. This insects' reproductive display occurs for a couple of weeks every year throughout its range (southern Appalachians), and is typically in late May or early June in the Elkmont area of the park. During the peak firefly display period, the park organizes a shuttle service from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Elkmont viewing area where a large population of synchronous fireflies occurs.

Visitors who wish to view the fireflies must acquire a parking pass for the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the viewing area. The number of parking spaces is limited, as is the capacity of the shuttle system. During the 8-day shuttle operating period, the Elkmont area will be closed at night to all but the shuttle system and campers.

Visit the park's Synchronous Fireflies web page for additional information about the event. Lottery for Parking Passes Parking passes are distributed via a lottery. This provides an equitable opportunity for interested visitors to obtain a pass for this limited, yet high-demand event.

You must enter the date you would like to attend and you may choose one alternate date. Entering the lottery is free of charge. 00 and awarded a parking pass.

There are no refunds, transfers, rain checks or changes to the parking pass. Lottery winners must occupy the vehicle and must present photo identification, which matches the name of the lottery winner, before the vehicle is admitted to the parking area. Only one application per household will be accepted.