Where can I see fireflies in Gatlinburg?
Elkmont
The Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world renowned for being home to the magnificent display of this unique species of firefly. Anywhere from late May to early June these fireflies can be seen nightly lighting up the dark hollows of the mountains.
How do I see Elkmont fireflies?
What to Take to See the Elkmont Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains
- Pack a foldable chair or blanket for the viewing area.
- Cover your flashlight with red or blue cellophane to prevent interrupting the fireflies.
- Stay on the trail at all times and don’t catch the fireflies.
When can you see the fireflies in the Smoky Mountains?
For synchronous fireflies, the peak mating season usually begins in late May and ends in early June, although the two-week season varies slightly year to year. According to Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials, since 1993, the peak date has ranged from the third week of May to the third week in June.
Where in Elkmont are the fireflies?
Elkmont is just outside of Gatlinburg past the Sugar Lands Visitors Center towards Townsend. The fireflies in the Smokies — unlike most fireflies — light up in unison.
How do you attract fireflies?
How to Attract Fireflies or Lightning Bugs to Your Garden
- Imitate the Female Firefly With Flashing Lights.
- Make Your Yard a Lightning Bug Habitat.
- Add a Water Feature to Your Garden.
- Choose Local Tree Species.
- Stack Up Some Firewood.
- Select Tall Grasses When Planting.
- Give Fireflies the Cover of Darkness.
Are there fireflies in Gatlinburg Tennessee?
Located just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg and its millions of summertime visitors is an incredible natural phenomenon known as synchronous fireflies.
Where can you find fireflies in Tennessee?
Elkmont Campground is the designated spot to observe synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s located near Sugarlands Visitor Center, about two miles from Gatlinburg on US Hwy 441. Visitors can board a shuttle to the viewing area at the intersection of Elkmont Rd and Little River Rd.
What time of year do fireflies come out?
Yes, fireflies, which are actually a type of beetle, share a relationship with weather that goes deeper than the summer solstice. Their larvae live underground during winter, mature during spring, and then emerge in early summer anywhere from the third week in May to the third week in June.
Where do fireflies go in the daytime?
Since fireflies are nocturnal insects, they spend most of their daylight hours on the ground amongst tall grasses. Long grass helps to hide fireflies during the day, so you’re unlikely to see them unless you’re on your hands and knees looking for them.
Are there any ghost towns in Tennessee?
Probably the most popular Tennessee ghost town, Elkmont is located in the Great Smoky Mountains. In fantastic shape, you can still visit the graveyard and hotel, as well as deserted vacation homes and the old hunting lodge.