A Rare Summer Spectacle: Synchronous Fireflies Return to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Each summer, nature lovers flock to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for one of the most breathtaking seasonal displays in North America — the synchronous firefly phenomenon.
This dazzling event features thousands of fireflies blinking in perfect unison during their mating ritual, creating an enchanting light show that appears to ripple across the forest floor like a sea of twinkling stars. These rare displays only occur in a few places across the United States, making the Smokies a particularly prized viewing destination.
To protect both the fireflies and the visitor experience, the park has adopted a lottery system that limits the number of people allowed to attend. This helps reduce human impact, especially from artificial light, which can interfere with the fireflies’ ability to communicate and mate.
2025 Firefly Lottery Details
On April 21, the park announced that this year’s lottery for firefly viewing will open on Recreation.gov from May 2 at 10 a.m. through May 5 at 11:59 p.m.
- Lottery Entry Fee: $1
- If Selected: Winners must purchase a $29 vehicle pass (up from $24 last year), with proceeds going directly to support the park.
- Notification: All applicants will receive an email by mid-May with results.
- Event Timing: Though dates are not finalized yet, the viewing typically takes place in early June. In 2024, it ran from June 3 to June 10.
Fewer Chances in 2025
This year’s lottery is slightly more competitive than last — only 960 passes will be issued (compared to 1,120 in 2024), spread across eight nights with 120 vehicles permitted per evening. The reduced capacity and increased fee are tied to staffing shortages following federal budget cuts, including the elimination of at least 12 park positions under directives from the Trump administration.
A “Magical” Experience
Those lucky enough to witness the event describe it as nothing short of extraordinary.
“We didn’t expect anything big,” said Carson W., a 2024 lottery winner who attended with his parents. “But once the sun set and the forest darkened, the fireflies began to flash in waves all around us. It was like being surrounded by thousands of fairy lights.”
Carson called the experience “magical” and vowed to return year after year.
Where Else Can You See Synchronous Fireflies?
If you can’t make it to the Smokies this year, you still have options. Other U.S. locations with known synchronous firefly events include:
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest – North Carolina
- Congaree National Park – South Carolina
- Allegheny National Forest – Pennsylvania
Most locations operate on similar lottery systems or limited-entry programs, with application windows typically opening around the same time each year.
How You Can Support the Parks
With national parks facing budget constraints, organizations like Good Good Good have shared ways to help:
- Volunteer at local parks
- Sign petitions for increased federal funding
- Contact legislators to advocate for public land protection
Even small actions can help preserve these magical moments — for both people and the fireflies.