Tennessee is full of unique places, from historical sites to some of the most beautiful and wonderful natural landmarks in the entire country. From the mountains to the Mississippi, we truly have it all. We even have one spot hidden in the glens of the Great Smoky Mountains that is so unique, there isn’t another spot like it in the entire Western Hemisphere. The thing is – it’s not so much the spot that’s unique, it’s what lives there.
Smokymountains.Com Did you know that Tennessee is one of the only places in the world that is home to a rare type of firefly? What makes them special is that when they light up, every one of them in the area will all light up at the same time, completely in sync with each other. Pretty neat, huh?
Smokymountains.Com Once fireflies reach adulthood (the form in which they fly around and light up), they only live for about 21 days. That means this phenomenon only happens for about three weeks per year.
Smokymountains.Com The fireflies are located in a specific area near the Elkmont Campground and is the largest population of these synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere.
Smokymountains.Com Guided trips are available for folks wanting to visit the fireflies, but the park issues passes via a lottery system. For more information on how to get one of these passes, visit the park’s website. If you don’t get a lottery pass, you can also see some fireflies in Cades Cove near the Abrams Falls trailhead or in the Cataloochie Valley.
Smokymountains.Com The fireflies are usually in season at the end of May or beginning of June. In 2018, the peak time is expected between June 7th and June 14th.
Smokymountains.Com What do you think? Pretty crazy, right? Just remember that the fireflies put on their light show every year in the end of May or beginning of June, so if you miss them this year, there’s always next year. Trust us - they’re worth waiting for.
Take a closer look…
Smokymountains.Com
Did you know that Tennessee is one of the only places in the world that is home to a rare type of firefly? What makes them special is that when they light up, every one of them in the area will all light up at the same time, completely in sync with each other. Pretty neat, huh?
Once fireflies reach adulthood (the form in which they fly around and light up), they only live for about 21 days. That means this phenomenon only happens for about three weeks per year.
The fireflies are located in a specific area near the Elkmont Campground and is the largest population of these synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere.
Guided trips are available for folks wanting to visit the fireflies, but the park issues passes via a lottery system. For more information on how to get one of these passes, visit the park’s website. If you don’t get a lottery pass, you can also see some fireflies in Cades Cove near the Abrams Falls trailhead or in the Cataloochie Valley.
The fireflies are usually in season at the end of May or beginning of June. In 2018, the peak time is expected between June 7th and June 14th.
What do you think? Pretty crazy, right? Just remember that the fireflies put on their light show every year in the end of May or beginning of June, so if you miss them this year, there’s always next year. Trust us - they’re worth waiting for.
What an amazing experience!
Speaking of amazing experiences, check out this tour that will show you a side of Tennessee you’ve never seen before.
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