Elkmont, Tennessee: Mysterious Synchronous Fireflies

An abandoned hamlet in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where fireflies inexplicably blink in sync in June. No one knows why.

Address:: Elkmont Rd, Elkmont, TN
Directions:: From Gatlinburg drive southwest on US Hwy 441 for two miles into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Turn right at the Sugarlands Visitor Center onto Little River Rd. Drive five miles. Turn left onto Elkmont Rd and drive a mile to the campground. During "Firefly Week" every early June, Elkmont Rd is closed from 5 PM to midnight; you have to take a trolley from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Hours:: After dark; early June is peak time. Get parking pass in advance. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 865-436-1291
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Elkmont, Tennessee - Blink Blink…Blink Blink…

Mysterious Synchronous Fireflies: It happens every June, supposedly. In an abandoned hamlet named Elkmont, now a part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, countless fireflies blink in unison after dark. [06/01/2010] Complete Story...

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Mysterious Synchronous Fireflies

Due to popularity, the Elkmont campground closes access to all but registered campers or those with parking passes after 5:00 pm during the weeks of the firefly showing. Advance parking passes are free and available online on a first come basis (limited number day-of passes available at location). There is a small charge for the trolley to take you to the campground.

[Kerry, 06/11/2015]