Tennessee wildlife
Synchronous fireflies over a trail (sweeping)
Photinus carolinus
Famous for synchronized flashing displays in late spring.
See the Synchronous fireflies over a trail (sweeping) up close
Best months
May · Jun
Peak viewing is typically late May to early June; check the official park lottery and prediction page for exact timing.
Where to look
TN (Tennessee) Smokies, June night, Elkmont forest trailBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee
Conservation status
Synchronous firefly, endemic to Appalachia, threatened by light pollution
Good to know
What is a synchronous firefly?
A synchronous firefly (Photinus carolinus) is a species where males flash in unison to attract mates.
How can I get permits to see them at Elkmont?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park uses a lottery on recreation.gov for vehicle passes to the Elkmont viewing area in June.
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