naturetime

Great Smoky Mountains Fireflies in June

Last June we went on a special trip to see the synchronous and ghost fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.  It was beyond magical!!!

Discover Life in America hosts private firefly viewing parties at Norton Creek near Gatlinburg (https://dlia.org/).  Great Smoky Mountains Park rangers also guide popular firefly viewing tours (tickets via lottery):  https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233374

Fireflies are commonly known as “lightning bugs”.  They use bioluminescence to produce light from the bottom of their abdomens to attract a mate.  The Smokies are home to 19 unique species of fireflies, and the synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of the few species with the ability to synchronize flashing patterns.  Peak viewing is typically from the end of May until the middle of June. 

The firefly viewing far exceeded our expectations and was incredible!!! It was like being in a dark room surrounded in all directions high and low with twinkling Christmas lights.  Everyone in our group was so stunned by the sight that we watched for the longest time without saying a word.  I highly recommend this for your nature bucket list!