Seeing Southern Moments
Smoky Mountain Fireflies

Synchronous Fireflies

Masterful  |  Mating  |  Magical

If you had asked me about this wonder a few years ago, I would have stared back into your eyes with an  absolute void. Yes, I know what fireflies are, but if you live in Georgia or anywhere in the southern US for that matter, they are lightning bugs. I have spent many marvelous and wondrous hours flitting around my front yard (long before the age of 12) with Mason jar in one hand, and the hole-poked-tin-top in the other waiting for the unsuspecting lightning bugs to zoom by. I'd smash the top and jar together (oh so gently) and the lightning bugs would be my prisoners, illuminating the jar. I would have light for the evening. I'd run and jump and with the help of the lightning bugs, make the setting sun of a summer evening last a little longer. Then, before I went inside, I'd release my new friends. "See you tomorrow night," I'd promise.
My heart danced at the blinking lights of two, maybe three, lightning bugs, forever cementing my love of twinkle lights. It was magical and other-worldly. To a child, that meant possibilities and adventures. Could all this be multiplied?

Now, to the synchronous part.

Every year, for only two weeks and in only one place in the United States, fireflies (or lightning bugs) synchronize their mating pattern. All at one time. And for this description, I defer to the National Park Service:

Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.
Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. They take from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only about 21 days. While in the larval stage, the insects feed on snails and smaller insects. Once they transform into their adult form, they do not eat. Their light patterns are part of their mating display. Each species of firefly has a characteristic flash pattern that helps its male and female individuals recognize each other. Most species produce a greenish-yellow light; one species has a bluish light. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash. Peak flashing for synchronous fireflies in the park is normally within a two-week period in late May to mid-June.

And for the best viewing spot, make your way to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just this side of Gatlinburg.

Our viewing was at the end of the season, but nevertheless, it was as spectacular as we had hoped. We recalled watching lightning bugs dance across our front lawn, randomly strewn across the landscape. As beautiful as that is, when you sit in the darkness and stillness of night in the forest, it erupts with unexpected life. Streams of life, bending, twisting, fluid-like. The creatures take form and the forms move. Then, darkness. Then, seconds later in another spot, another form, another show. Muffled oohs and ahhs fill the silence, for everyone knows magic when they see it. Although we may be observing the same patch of forest in the darkness, each person's vantage point and view are different making each experience unique.
Never doubt that fireflies watchers aren't serious: there's a set of rules and it gets dicey if they aren't followed.

where

The best spot for viewing the fireflies is the Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The largest campground in the national park, Elkmont was once a logging community and was named for the large number of elk in the area. There's camping and cabins, but you'll want to make your way toward the hiking trails. Just follow the crowd; you can't miss the influx of folks.

when

The show is the last week of May/first week of June, but you've got to prepare long before then.
There's a lottery to determine if you'll receive a parking pass, and the lottery is only open for three days, usually the end of April. Watch the NPS website for exact dates and step-by-step instructions. If you don't win the lottery, there are shuttle buses that will run from the Sugerlands Visitor Center, so don't fret. Plus, you can always attempt a drive-by to see if spots are available. There are evenings when fewer crowds are there; these will be your best shot at finding a parking spot. Hint: take the Jeep and wear hiking boots.

etiquette

I suppose I never thought the words 'etiquette' and 'fireflies' would be used in the same sentence. But trust me, the spectators are serious and they are not to be disturbed as we soon discovered during our visit. We attempted (a botched attempt admittedly) to photograph which meant tripod, equipment and noise. So we tossed our educational moment (due to the encouragement of others) out the window as we quickly put things away and just sat and enjoyed nature telling its own, unique story.

So, remember these tidbits of advice:
  • use your flashlight only when walking to your spot
  • if possible, get to where you going long before dark (to avoid the flashlight issue)
  • be prepared to walk (hiking shoes preferably) and bring a lawn chair + bug spray
  • point your flashlight on the ground
  • turn off your flashlight
  • don't catch the fireflies
  • stay on the trail (some disobeyed this rule which made viewing extremely difficult - a few people wandering in the woods with any type of lights ruins the viewing for all)
  • leave your glow sticks at home (please!)
  • be polite and give people a chance to get situated (please!)

2016 Firefly Event

The 2016 season is underway and will continue until June 7. There's still time to make plans to see the show.

For more information, visit the National Park Service website.