So, you’ve secured your camping spot at Elkmont for the unique synchronized fireflies, right? Synchronous fireflies light up the trees along a trail at the Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 3, 2019. Timing is Key: Sunset at this time of year is usually around 9pm, so there is a wait-time between when you board the trolley and when the show actually starts. Elkmont Campground Description. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The trolley will drop you off at the entrance to the viewing area and there you’ll get red cellophane covers for your flashlights and information sheets on the event. RELATED: On the hunt for synchronous fireflies in the Great Smokies. The fireflies begin their show closer to dark. The park holds a popular viewing event every year at Elkmont Campground, which thousands enter a lottery to attend. In the past the historical district of Elkmont was a pioneer community, a 14 reviews of Elkmont Campground "Great place to stay. Thanks for this amazing article. The La Rogativa statue in San Juan Welcome to the birthplace of humble Pinacoladas ... Now you get the idea. However, the campground currently is closed. You can go to sleep listening to the rushing water right by the tent. Elkmont Campground: Went for fireflies ... - See 174 traveler reviews, 190 candid photos, and great deals for Elkmont Campground at Tripadvisor. Do you mean that we’ll be able to get into the Elkmont viewing area beforehand? Here in the Great Smoky Mountains we are surrounded by unparalleled beauty. The Little River runs along the left side of the trail and on the right side are deeper woods. Shuttle service is necessary due to the lack of adequate parking, except for those staying at Elkmont Campground. You will not forget this experience! See 11 traveler reviews, 25 photos and 5 blog posts Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Tennessee. I am a missionary-turned-mom from Kansas who loves to write, create, and enjoy life with my husband, Casey, my daughter Penelope, and our wild little boy, Eldon. And Wildlife. Elkmont Campground: Synchronized Fireflies - See 173 traveller reviews, 187 candid photos, and great deals for Elkmont Campground at Tripadvisor. Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Tennessee. Rain Rain Go Away. 14 reviews of Elkmont Campground "Great place to stay. The annual "light show" that draws thousands of people to see rare synchronous fireflies at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains is canceled for 2020. The fireflies are best viewed in late May or early June. Since there have been so many people interested in the event in recent years, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has distributed parking passes (which allow you to be a part of the event) through a lottery system. The magical fireflies are located just minutes from Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains, near Elkmont Campgrounds. Hike into Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes | Bear Lake Trailhead. Lottery applications may also be submitted by calling 1-877-444-6777, but only while the lottery is open from April 26 – April 29th at 8pm. Official dates for the shuttle service to the viewing area for this year’s fireflies event have not yet been announced. After spending six years overseas, we returned to East Tennessee to find an overwhelming modern world- especially for moms! Thank you for your article regarding the firefly event. Schrijf je in voor de nieuwsbrief. Be prepared to unplug and enjoy!). That paved road is trail. Access to the Elkmont area has been limited to shuttle service since 2006 in order to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safe viewing experience for visitors that minimizes disturbance to the fireflies during this critical 2-week mating period. If so, do camping folks need to do the lottery, as well? We are coming all the way from California and the fireflies inspired our trip, so we would be happy with another viewing spot even if it’s not as spectacular. During the 8-day event, the road into Elkmont … Can you hear me now? But our fireflies didn't blink in unison, which is what makes the fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park such a big deal.. Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado is scenic! Glanerbrugstraat 16, Glane Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most … A total of 1,800 vehicle passes will be available. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites. Hinterlassen Sie eine Bewertung. Late arrival = less opportunity for boredom, whining, etc. Instead they provide parking and trolley service from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. You can actually come before the slated times by the lottery as the fireflies will still be there at that time! You’re all set to visit and see what possibly will be a once in a lifetime event. Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See 174 traveler reviews, 190 candid photos, and great deals for Elkmont Campground, ranked #2 of 5 specialty lodging in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season. Every year, in late May and early June, the Elkmont fireflies (sometimes also referenced to as Sugarlands Visitor Center fireflies) in the Smoky Mountains National Park light up the sky. Click HERE for more information on the Synchronous Fireflies Event! So you’ll have to post your selfies later. Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Hi/Low, RealFeel®, precip, radar, & everything you need to be ready for the day, commute, and weekend! Sehen Sie Orte in der Nähe auf der Karte an. The event begins at dark (think 9pm), so you’ll want to have dinner before you go or while you wait. Therefore, the ONLY two ways to see the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont is by getting your campsite like I did or get the parking passes through the lottery system . While they close campground access in the evenings to just those who are registered campers and the shuttle buses during the official event, you can go in at night to hike, etc., outside of the official dates. Elkmont Campground is located just 8 miles from Gatlinburg inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will find the largest population of synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere. Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable (they check your driver’s license at the parking lot, to ensure that it matches the name on your pass), and are good only for the date issued. Is there another location to see the fireflies? We got a parking pass and wonder if kids age two and under count toward our 6 people. Easy registration via online site where you can read and see pics of each camp site. There is no food available. We were lucky enough to hear about the Fireflies at Elkmont, and we jumped on the opportunity and went. I just dropped a reservation for 5/28-5/31 Memorial Day Weekend. Elkmont Campground is the largest campground offering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hope someone on here wants it. The viewing dates are TBA. For the last few years the Park Service has used a lottery system to allow only 1,800 cars to park at the Visitor’s Center during the 8-day event (225 per day). Advance parking passes are free and available online on a first come basis (limited number day-of passes available at location). Easy registration via online site where you can read and see pics of each camp site. Visitors should expect to return to their car 3-6 hours after arriving at Sugarlands. The synchronized fireflies only exists in two places in the entire world – this small portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and somewhere in Asia. You may apply at any time during the three-day open period. As you can imagine, this rare display draws a lot of people, so the Park has created a special event for viewing the fireflies which limits traffic and ensures the best viewing experience for anyone who attends. This display only lasts for a few weeks out of the year (usually in late May or early June) and we are privileged to have a group of them living right here in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All lottery applicants will be notified that their application was successful (and that they are awarded a vehicle pass) or unsuccessful (and that they were not awarded a vehicle pass). If you were accepted you will pay a $24 reservation fee. Elkmont Campground is an ideal basecamp to visit the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There will be a link on their official page HERE. How Synchronous Fireflies Work. Parking passes are required to see the Elkmont fireflies. Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. There are no “real” bathrooms nearby and there is nowhere to purchase food or drinks so be sure to bring everything you think you’ll need! Last year, almost 29,000 people from 50 states and 19 countries entered the lottery. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites. On average, the National Park Service typically allows about 2,000 persons per night for their viewing at Elkmont. Elkmont Campground is an ideal basecamp to visit the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travel poncho in case of rain. The Area: There is a walking trail that runs directly through the viewing area and people set up their chairs on either side. This campground is the hottest ticket in town, providing a front-row seat to the world-famous natural display of synchronous fireflies that take … Any idea?! Elkmont is located in the upper Little River Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. Do you happen to know if the Elkmont campground open at this time? Click HERE for more information on the Synchronous Fireflies Event! What else to bring: Bug spray is a must! A light jacket in case you get cool at night. Then you will board a trolley for Elkmont to view this incredible display! One of the biggest questions that gets asked is how do synchronous fireflies work or why they sync up. In the past the historical district of Elkmont was a pioneer community, a It is also ground zero if you want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) light up the sky. You may think (like I did), ‘Wait – I see this every night in my yard!’ But the flashes begin to multiply…and all at once they sync up, flashing together five, six, seven times before taking a pause and then starting up again.” – Raven, one of our former contributors is a ESF pro! Areas along the river and areas away. You can go before the viewing time. VIEWING DATES:When you can view synchronous fireflies at Elkmont; enter lottery for parking pass The lottery will open at 8 a.m. Friday, April 26, and close at … You might keep this in mind if you have younger children. Check the recreation.gov event page for updates! There is a great camp store next to the campground that has supplies, ice cream, ice, and firewood. Elkmont is located in the upper Little River Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. Looking back helps me look forward and know that in this crazy mom-life, I'm never alone... and neither are you! Fireflies 2020 - Elkmont Campground 6/11-14/2020. Elkmont Campground, Tennessee - Camping & Campgrounds Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Others stay well into the night. Synchronous Fireflies are a phenomenon - a rare species in the world known to synchronize their flashing light patterns. ashepabst. Right here in the Smoky Mountains, near the Elkmont campground, is the largest population of synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere. I hadn’t even thought about firefly season when thinking to try to visit around that time but that sounds like it would be an incredible experience! Oh my! 2. The campground is the largest and busiest campground in the park. So much of a big deal, that the park has set aside this June 4-11 for special firefly viewing near the Elkmont Campground. A lot of families bring coolers and make a picnic of it. There is a road near the entrance to Elkmont which winds up into the woods, and that's where the fireflies are best watched (at least in our experience). Explore Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee with Recreation.gov. As you can imagine, this rare display draws a lot of people, so the Park has created a special event for viewing the fireflies which limits traffic and ensures the best viewing experience for anyone who attends. Level Contributor . 3 nights. Synchronous fireflies are one of only a few species in the world known to synchronize their flash patterns as part of their reproductive process. The event page explains that they will cancel in the event of hazardous weather, but you will need to be prepared for rain! Re: Elkmont Fireflies . BYOS: Bring-Your-Own-Seat. Port-a-potties are located at the entrance to the viewing area. Öffnungszeiten, Kontaktinformationen und 2 bewertungen für Elkmont Campground in 434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. Which campsite/ location # should we choose? So in the search for a simpler life, I often look to previous generations for wisdom and guidance in everything from homemaking, to marriage, to child-rearing! Yes! The tens-of-thousands of lightning bugs gather in swarms and flash in harmony as the entire forest alternates between light and darkness. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reminder…there is no cell service in Elkmont! Please note: alcohol and pets are prohibited. Get the forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow's weather for Elkmont, TN. nashville. On the day you are scheduled for, you will show your ID and your parking pass at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Nothing kicks off the day better than a great brunch, especially when you don't have to do the cooking! Elkmont TN Ghost Town History . The Photinus carolinus, also known as Elkmont fireflies are synchronous fireflies (meaning they flash in unison) that dwell in Great Smoky Mountains Naional Park. Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Elkmont is a region situated in the upper Little River Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains of Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee.Throughout its history, the valley has been home to a pioneer Appalachian community, a logging town, and a resort community. 2020 Elkmont Fireflies Event in the Smoky Mountains. If selected, you will be charged $20. Dates will be determined prior to the lottery start time and will be posted on their event page at Recreation.gov. With 220 sites you have many options for where you want to camp. Areas along the river and areas away. There are some super-spooky abandoned cabins throughout the area that are fun to explore! Just know that you will inevitably find a line on the trail to board the trolleys no matter when you decide to head back. Access to the Elkmont area has been limited to shuttle service since 2006 in order to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safe viewing experience for visitors that minimizes disturbance to the fireflies during this critical 2-week mating period. There is a great camp store next to the campground that has supplies, ice cream, ice, and firewood. There will still be fireflies before the selected dates. Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. We were not successful in the Elkmont lottery. The synchronized display is actually a mating ritual in which the male attracts the female by flashing a yellow-green light twice per second, in timed bursts of four to eight flashes. If you want to see a fantastical phenom, win a pass to go see the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smokey Mountain National Forest just behind Elkmont Campground.It is like walking into C.S.Lewis’s Narnia gone SciFi. During the “event,” Elkmont is closed at a certain time at night with the exception of shuttle users and campers in Elkmont Campground. 3 talking about this. Shuttle service is necessary due to the lack of adequate parking, except for those staying at Elkmont Campground. There is no cover on the trail. Nothing is more soothing to our eyes than the c... 14 Things to do in San Juan | Puerto Rico. Knoxville Moms set out to... 2021 Guide to Knoxville MDO, Preschools, Kindergartens and Daycares, Guide to Knoxville Enrichment and Activities, Guide to Moving, Relocating, and Renovating in Knoxville, Free and Inexpensive Indoor Activities for Kids, Pregnancy and Postpartum Guide in Knoxville, Guide to Knoxville Dentists and Orthodontists, Knoxville Moms Community Neighborhood Groups, Knoxville Moms Parternships and Affiliates, Family-Friendly Trip Guide to Asheville, North Carolina, Best Knoxville Family-Friendly Bicycle Rides, lottery to see the Elkmont Synchronous Fireflies, We Unplugged for One Week and it Changed EVERYTHING, http://www.rediscoveringyesterday.wordpress.com, Family Valentine’s Day Party at Flour Power. The parking pass permits visitors to park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and allows occupants access to shuttle service to Elkmont. We stayed in A7, a creekside tent site. “You wait and watch the woods around you darken, wondering if it will ever begin, when suddenly you see a familiar flash. 3 talking about this. Due to popularity, the Elkmont campground closes access to all but registered campers or those with parking passes after 5:00 pm during the weeks of the firefly showing. But as if that is not enough, once a year, we are invited to witness a rare phenomenon that is seen in only a few places in the WORLD – The Elkmont Synchronous Fireflies! However, it is surrounded by extensive history, river access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies. Every year thousands of visitors gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to witness this harmonious magic. Flashlights (you will receive red cellophane to cover the light that will be provided to you at the base of the trail) to use as you walk and pack up. We want to reserve a camping site at the Elkmont Campgrounds for our Honeymoon so that we can enjoy the fireflies and the Great Smokies from the ground instead of a cabin. Likewise, thousands of fireflies light up the forest at night in a natural synchronous phenomenon. Some people experience the show for a few minutes and are ready to leave. These fireflies are special because they synchronize — all lighting up at once! . 1 year ago. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elkmont Campground is the largest campground offering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Should be during fireflies. The call center will complete an application for the caller and results will be mailed on May 9th. We’re better off leaving that answer to the experts who provide a very scientific explanation on why it happens in the first of June, why the synchronous fireflies end up at Elkmont in the Smoky Mountains, why they sync their lights, and more. Synchronous Fireflies | Elkmont Campground, Little... Cades Cove | Scenic Loop Drive and Campground. Bears. Older kids seem to enjoy exploring and picnicking while they wait, but if you have younger kids, you’ll want to take that downtime into consideration. Hi Debby! Save. However, the campground … Explore Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee with Recreation.gov. Campground reservations in the Smokies can be made six months in advance. We stayed in A7, a creekside tent site. It is also ground zero if you want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) light up the sky. Therefore, the ONLY two ways to see the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont is by getting your campsite like I did or … See 11 traveler reviews, 25 photos and 5 blog posts Report inappropriate content . However, it is surrounded by extensive history, river access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies. In fact, if you’ve ever visited the Elkmont Campground, possibly to see the synchronous fireflies, or hiked the Little River Trail then you’ve probably noticed there are several abandoned historic buildings in Elkmont TN and this is the Elkmont Ghost Town he discovered. Growing up, chasing fireflies was a popular after-dusk summertime activity. The fireflies are best viewed in late May or early June. Parking Passes at Sugarlands Visitor Center for the Synchronous Fireflies Event. There is a $1 fee to enter the lottery. You can go to sleep listening to the rushing water right by the tent. However, the campground … Since the national park has released its official event dates for seeing the Elkmont fireflies, try visiting Elkmont an evening or two before or after the event dates. +31 (0)53 461 61 15. The fireflies in the Smokies -- unlike most fireflies -- light up in unison. We joined the … Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Right here in the Smoky Mountains, near the Elkmont campground, is the largest population of synchronous fireflies in … (Also, it will be dark…so there won’t be a lot of opportunities for pictures anyways. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Elkmont, TN. I … I only want to say that your method of telling yours thoughts about the topics are very interesting and amazing. There is no bad spot. Hiking and camping. On average, the National Park Service typically allows about 2,000 persons per night for their viewing at Elkmont. Due to the nature of this event, dates can only be determined by park biologists who are studying the environmental factors surrounding the “show”. This provides an equitable opportunity for interested visitors to obtain a pass for this limited, yet high-demand event. There are areas for RVs and areas for tents. When the show begins, you’ll know it. About a week later you will receive notice whether your application was accepted or not. We can’t guarantee the fireflies will be out, but there’s a good chance you’ll get at least a small version of the light show. The good news is that the fireflies will still be showing off, so you’ll at least be entertained while you wait! Each year, typically in the spring, the fireflies' reproductive display happens throughout the Southern Appalachians, putting on quite the show. Deer. The annual flickering of these rare fireflies signals the beginning of their mating season during which hundreds of nearby males will simultaneously shine their lights in the hope of attracting a mate. The synchronous fireflies at Elkmont put on quite a show each year which draws in thousands of visitors to the national park. You have entered an incorrect email address! They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. We want to be as close to the action as possible. The campground is the largest and busiest campground in the park. Availability View. Elkmont Campground is located just 8 miles from Gatlinburg inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hope that helps! The river is on the left side. It goes like this: You pay $1 to apply on their page during the three-day application period, choosing two possible dates that you would like to attend. It was whimsical, magical, spectacular, awe inspiring. You will go on the date you selected on your application. Thank you for your message, Natalie! Please clean up after yourself! The first trolley leaves Sugarlands visitors center at 7pm. They are found in The Great Early arrival = your choice of viewing spots. Thanks for sharing some great info! Flying is damn cheap this time of the year! … During the 8-day event, the road into Elkmont Campground is closed to cars and pedestrians in the evenings. 65 likes. If it falls between those dates, then you would not have access. Elkmont Campground: Elkmont Campground - Read 174 reviews, view 190 traveller photos, and find great deals for Elkmont Campground at Tripadvisor. During their two-week mating ritual, the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont flash in unison. The trolley ride is $2 per person round-trip, exact change required. 1,156 posts. Sunset is closer to 9pm. Rivers and forests. Beneath the forest trees in June of each year. Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. With 220 sites you have many options for where you want to camp. You must apply for either a regular parking pass or a large-vehicle parking pass, and then may choose two possible dates. Have a beautiful day!Nifty Tips.Nifty Future Tips.Nifty Futures Tips.Future Tips.Nifty Abbreviation. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. Any kind of distracting light will ruin the show for everyone, so plan to be in darkness throughout the night. However, the campground currently is closed. There are areas for RVs and areas for tents. During the “event,” Elkmont is closed at a certain time at night with the exception of shuttle users and campers in Elkmont Campground. Folding chairs and blankets are great. Availability View. You may want to board the trolley closer to sunset. This is the event communication private page.