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Packing List for the Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains

by Jeff Pfaller

Here’s a suggested packing list for seeing the Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies. It’s summer time and you should expect warm temperatures with the potential for rain. The trails in the park can be rocky and uneven in spots, and usually include elevation change. Plan on hiking up 5-10 miles per day.

Traveling and Commuting

  • Plane Tickets
  • Driver’s License or Passport
  • Credit Card / Cash
  • Medications / Prescriptions
  • Toiletries
  • *Mask and Digital copy of COVID Vaccination Record (These aren’t required anywhere we’ll be visiting, but bring them if you prefer)

Clothes for 3-4 days 

  • Sturdy, water resistant hiking boots
  • Hiking pants or shorts (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Hiking shirts, short sleeve or breathable long sleeve (bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Fleece or Sweater
  • Socks (ideally quick dry, bring extra in case they get wet)
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • Hat (if you prefer)
  • Underwear
  • Comfortable clothes for the hotel / restaurants
  • Swimsuit (optional – if you want to swim below the waterfalls)

Photography Gear

  • Phone
  • Camera body
  • Camera lens
    • You’ll want a lens or lenses that fall in or near the range of 20mm-100mm
    • Bring your fastest lens (low f-stop) for astrophotography
    • If you’ve got 200mm+ you can bring it to punch into wildlife, birds, flowers, etc. if you want to.)
  • Extra camera batteries
  • 32GB SD Card (ideally, bring multiple cards)
  • Camera and Phone battery chargers
  • Tripod
  • Plastic grocery or small trash bag
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Lens cleaner
  • ND filter (optional if you don't want to do long exposure of the waterfalls)
  • Remote shutter (optional, but a good idea)
  • Photo storage (optional, but a good idea)
  • Polarizing filter (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)

Other Gear

  • Camera bag or backpack
  • Small camp seat or pad to sit on in the campground
  • Water Bottles
  • Headlamp (Only red lights are allowed in the campground)
  • Sunglasses
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues / Wet wipes
  • Trekking poles (optional)
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