"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 perfect synchrony—a rare natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from all over the world.

What does synchronous fireflies season actually look like?

Picture sitting deep in the forest, every tree and shrub wrapped in twinkling lights. The excited murmurs of the few hundred lucky lottery winners fade into stunned silence. Then, darkness. Seconds later, the entire forest erupts in a coordinated burst of firefly light. All that remains is the mesmerizing twinkle of synchronous fireflies blinking together. The soft sounds of rushing water and the chirping of other woodland insects complete the serene symphony of nature.

Getting access to the prime viewing location—Elkmont Campground—is like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets. You either win the firefly lottery, or you do what I did: set an alert, refresh your browser obsessively, and hope to snag one of the few coveted campsites.

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.