"Photinus Carolinus" Photo Prints

Every year, usually in early June, thousands of synchronous fireflies gather near Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for their spectacular mating season. As part of their mating display, both male and female fireflies flash in patterns to signal compatibility.

What does synchronous fireflies season actually look like?

Picture sitting deep in the forest. Everything is in complete darkness for a few seconds. Seconds later, thousands of lightning bugs all turn on at the same time to blink back and forth. Like tens of thousands of Christmas lights are strung up in the woods.

Getting access to the prime viewing location in Elkmont Campground is like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets. You either win the firefly lottery, get a campsite, or walk the 7 miles of black bear country in and out.

This year, the synchronous fireflies were predicted to peak early, which sent my schedule into a tailspin. I shuffled tours, rescheduled flights, and kept a close eye on the May weather forecast. Temperatures stayed below average all month, and a brief cold front rolled in right at the start of the peak. That delay worked in my favor—when I finally arrived in Cades Cove, the entire field around this tree lit up with blinking fireflies.

Witnessing rare natural events like the Great Smoky Mountains fireflies takes planning, patience, and a bit of luck. This year, I had plenty of all three.

Every night, regardless of rain or shine, the fireflies came out. And every night, someone nearby would bounce with joy like a kid watching their first fireworks—only this time, it was thousands of glowing fireflies putting on a light show unlike any other

This photograph was taken during June 2025 while I was leading guided trips to see the lightning bugs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's about an hour-and-a-half of exposure time all stacked together to try and capture the immense volume of firefly activity.