It is a two week window in june where thousands of fireflies blink in synchronized fashion near the elkmont campground. A view of the synchronous fireflies lighting up elkmont campground. Synchronized fireflies at elkmont in gatlinburg, tn. When the logging industry left and the resort community forced out, quite a few historical buildings remained. All visitors wishing to view the synchronous fireflies at elkmont must have a parking pass distributed through the lottery system at.
The fireflies are best viewed in late may or early june. Campground a large and busy 200site campground at 2,150 ft. This guide includes info on tickets, 2020 dates, and info on getting tickets for 2020. Elkmont fireflies great smoky mountains national park forum. The ticketed event will take place from tuesday, june 2 through tuesday, june 9. Growing up, chasing fireflies was a popular afterdusk summertime activity. Due to the unseasonably warm spring, the synchronized fireflies found in elkmont at great smoky mountains national park are presenting earlier than ever recorded according to park officials. Campsites at abrams creek, balsam mountain, big creek, cades cove, cataloochee, cosby, elkmont, and smokemont may be reserved online or by phone at 877 4446777.
This is a difficult reservation to get in early june because the synchronous fireflies make an annual appearance in the hills above the campground. Beginning as a rough and tumble logging town, elkmont gradually evolved into a haven for the socially prominent and wealthy members of knoxville, maryville, and chattanooga. Therefore, the only two ways to see the synchronous fireflies at elkmont is by getting your campsite like i did or. This location may be closed, not accepting new reservations, or is operating. This years viewing of the elkmont fireflies is expected june 6. Unless you have already reserved a spot in the elkmont campground, you will need to purchase a parking pass for the firefly shuttle from the sugarlands parking lot to the elkmont viewing area. But our fireflies didnt blink in unison, which is what makes the fireflies at great smoky mountains national park such a big deal so much of a big deal, that the park has set aside this june 411 for special firefly viewing near the elkmont campground. Flashlights and camera flashes are prohibited, though park rangers do provide a red cellophane covering for flashlights so you can find your way to and from.
With the little river running through the campground, you can enjoy some waterfront camping and several nearby fishing holes. Elkmont campground great smoky mountains national park. Elkmont campground is the largest and busiest in great smoky mountains national park. How do i get tickets for synchronous fireflies in the smoky mountains. The campground is the largest and busiest campground in the park. Synchronous fireflies great smoky mountains national. The flashing is actually a mating ritual unique to this species of fireflies. Elkmont campground gatlinburg, tennessee campground. There are several small paved areas at the elkmont shuttle stop where fireflies can be viewed.
As a result, the only way to enter elkmont during this period is to book an overnight campsite in the campground or to arrive at elkmont via a trolley that brings visitors from the. Located only eight miles away from the famous town of gatlinburg, this is the number one stop at the great smoky mountains national park. During the event, elkmont is closed at a certain time at night with the exception of shuttle users and campers in elkmont campground. We spent a week here, to enjoy the national park and hoping to get a glimpse of the synchronous fireflies. So, youve secured your camping spot at elkmont for the. Park announces synchronous firefly viewing event dates. Apr 15, 2020 want to see the synchronous fireflies in the smoky mountains. Jun 28, 2018 elkmont campground reopens after evacuation due to flooding.
Elkmont is pretty much full during the summer season regardless of any extra such as the fireflies. It is also ground zero if you want to see the amazing synchronous fireflies or lightning bugs light up the sky. Consistent rain sent the little river over its banks and into elkmont campground. It is the closest campground to gatlinburg, tennessee.
If you like camping with pets this campground or rv park is an option. Elkmont campground in great smoky mountains national park, gatlinburg. Elkmont campground in gatlinburg tennessee is a campground or rv park that allows pets to stay. Great smokies campsites for viewing synchronous fireflies quickly. We stayed to see the annual synchronous fireflies and couldnt have been happier. Right here in the smoky mountains, near the elkmont campground, is the largest population of synchronous fireflies in the western hemisphere. Reservations for the frontcountry, group and horse campgrounds can be made by either calling 8774446777 or visiting. As we pulled into our site at elkmont campground, we were greeted by the park ranger who let us know we had to be out of the campground by noon tomorrow. Elkmont campground is the largest campground in great smoky mountains national park. Elkmont historic district in the great smoky mountains. This campground has 220 campsites and visitors use them all.
Frontcountry camping great smoky mountains national park u. 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. Group camping and wheelchair accessible ada sites are also available. I most certainly would camp at elkmont as all tennessee. With 220 sites you have many options for where you want to camp. Great smokies campsites for viewing synchronous fireflies.
Capturing video of synchronous fireflies in elkmont has proven difficult for visitors over the years and seeing a video of them doesnt even come close to how amazing the light show looks in person. 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. They have already sold out for the first 6 days of june 2017. Make reservations online during summer or fall or call 8774446777, toll free. All the details and everything you need to know about the synchronous elkmont fireflies event in the smoky mountains national park. Elkmont fireflies great smoky mountains national park.
The dates for the 2019 synchronous firefly shuttle operations calendar will be announced april 22, 2019. Synchronous fireflies photinus carolinus are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in great smoky mountains national park and one of only a few species in the. The males will fly and flash and the females, remaining stationary, will respond with a flash. Elkmont campground is the access point in great smoky mountains national park. Elkmont campground reopens after evacuation due to flooding. Park officials will run shuttles into the area to see the fireflies from may 30 through june 6. Every year in late may or early june, thousands of visitors gather near the elkmont campground located in the great smoky mountains national park, to witness the naturally occurring phenomenon of photinus carolinas, a firefly species known for flashing synchronously. Come join emory and check out the fireflies at elkmont. Synchronous firefly viewing at elkmont up the creek rv camp. To get to elkmont go to the sugar lands visitors center on 441 and turn right, then go about 4. Pretty soon, i plan on leaving everything i have and traveling around the united states.
We were fortunate to be staying at elkmont campground as the little river trail starts from the entrance of the campground on the right. And trust me, if you need a weekend spot, you need to plan to make those. With 200 sites, the campground is easily the largest and busiest campground in the park. The elkmont ghost town used to be known as the appalachian club and was a vacation community. Pollinators black bears birds amphibians fish mammals reptiles synchronous fireflies.
Elkmont historical district is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Throughout its history, the valley has been home to a pioneer appalachian community, a logging town, and a resort community. Fireflies blink through the woods during the elkmont fireflies viewing event at elkmont campground in great smoky mountain national park in gatlinburg, tennessee on wednesday, june. Oct 30, 2014 elkmont campground and dayuse rentals.
The rangers will allow exactly two groups of people into the elkmont campground area. The fireflies can only begin their mating ritual when they are enveloped in complete darkness. Columnists knoxvilles top workplaces book of lists gogreenet careers. The elkmont campground phone number for information is 8654361271. Between 980 and 1100 come to the campground to watch the phenomenon.
However, it is surrounded by extensive history, river access, hiking trails and is also home to world famous synchronized fireflies. Elkmont campground footpath to elkmont nature trail j a k e s c r e e k funding provided by great smoky mountains association nature trail little river levi trentham trail cemetery wonderland cemetery campground campground office jakes creek trailhead elkmont vicinity to little river road ranger station restrooms interpretive trail campground. We had to plan ahead to get a camp site at elkmont campground. Things to do while staying at elkmont for the synchronous fireflies. Campground campground office jakes creek trailhead elkmont vicinity to little river road ranger station restrooms interpretive trail campground telephone hiking trail parking horse trail picnic area accommodates larger rvs camp supplies amphitheater trailersanitary station campground shelter disability access h6 h5 h3 h1 h8 h11 g23 g24 g25 g26. Elkmont campground is located just 8 miles from gatlinburg inside the great smoky mountains national park. The closest town is gatlinburg if you must leave the national park. Fpv scooter tour great smoky mountains national park elkmont campground at elkmont campground in the great smokey mountains national park there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to explore. Or you can just spend the day floating on the little river. Evening access to the sugarlands visitor center and elkmont campground will be restricted to those possessing parking pass confirmation. Viewing for the synchronous fireflies is in elkmont. Its been the location of a logging town and a vacation. Additional information about camping reservations, including.
In addition to camping, elkmont also offers several nice hiking trails, fishing, and a ranger station. Jan 31, 2020 synchronous fireflies fill the forest at the elkmont campground in the great smoky mountains national park in gatlinburg, tennessee thursday, june 7, 2018, where 984 people from places as far as. The little valley mountain resort offers great smoky mountain cabin rentals for elkmont visitors. Elkmont description located along the little river in the great smoky mountains national park, elkmont is one of the most popular camping areas in the smokies. Great smoky mountains national park campsites at elkmont are rapidly. To book a campsite in great smoky mountains national park, visit. Elkmont campground great smoky mountains national park u.
They are the only species in america whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. Today, elkmont is primarily a campground within great smoky mountains national park. The synchronous fireflies at elkmont start around june 8 and last for two weeks. Special rules will likely apply so check with park regarding the pet rules. The closest dump stations to elkmont are at cades cove, look rock, and across the road from sugarlands visitor center which is about 6 miles from elkmont. If you book for fireflies, you will want to book a site thats close to section n or.
Great smoky mountains national park officials have announced the dates for the firefly viewing event in elkmont. Generators may be prohibited in certain areas of the campground. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a onestop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Elkmont campground has 200 tent rv campsites with paved driveways, gravel. Elkmont campground is one of 10 frontcountry camping options inside the great smoky mountains national park. During the peak firefly display period, the park organizes a shuttle service from sugarlands visitor center to the elkmont viewing area where a large population. Elkmont tn used to be a logging town and was located where the existing elkmont campground now stands and was owned by the little river lumber company.
For medical purposes only cades cove, elkmont and smokemont offer. Elkmont campground reservations can be made at recreation. Things to do while staying at elkmont for the synchronous. One can hardly tell the story of great smoky mountains national park without recalling the rich history of elkmont, tennessee. Each male and female will have a specific pattern and this is how they find each other. Advance reservations are required at abrams creek, balsam mountain, big creek, and cataloochee campgrounds. Rv camping at elkmont campground great smoky mountains national park. Elkmont campground is located in the smoky mountains national park, adjacent to gatlinburg, tn. United states smoky mountain elkmont campground, leconte, and fireflies 2012 planning a trip for june 7 for long weekend trip to smoky mountains.
The reservations are nonrefundable and we didnt get selected in the lottery. There is a great camp store next to the campground that has supplies, ice cream, ice, and firewood. Synchronous fireflies elkmont campground, little river. Elkmont campground gatlinburg, tennessee rv park campground. This will give you a little more flexibility in viewing the fireflies. Affected reservations have been cancelled and refunds have been issued.
To start, elkmont campground is rather primitive campground as are all the other campgrounds inside great smoky mountains national park. The shuttle service to the event site is still scheduled to take place from june 210 for ticketed reservation holders only. Every year thousands of visitors gather near the popular elkmont campground to witness this harmonious magic. Synchronous fireflies great smoky mountains national park. Additionally, their peak flashing period is within the same time period as the viewing dates at elkmont campground. Elkmont campground nps campground in gatlinburg, tennessee. View the amazing synchronous fireflies in the smoky mountains. Truly one of the natural wonders of the world, the elkmont fireflies are one of two groups of synchronized fireflies in the world. Its never to early to start making plans to see the synchronous fireflies and the blue ghost fireflies that will light up the night sky in late may and early june 2020 in the great smoky mountains.
May 15, 2019 every year in late may or early june, thousands of visitors gather near the elkmont campground located in the great smoky mountains national park, to witness the naturally occurring phenomenon of photinus carolinas, a firefly species known for flashing synchronously. The everpopular synchronous firefly viewing is going on now at elkmont in the great smoky mountains national park. Synchronous fireflies in the great smoky mountains. Smoky mountain elkmont campground, leconte, and fireflies. Synchronous fireflies elkmont 2020 smoky mountains video. Start as soon as is possible to get your reservations online for campsites as i am sure you already know. There are a limited amount of passes, so they fill up quickly reserve as soon as possible. Frontcountry camping great smoky mountains national park. There are 19 species of fireflies that live in great smoky mountains national park, but photinus. Some call them fire flies, some call them lightning bugs but theyre actually bioluminescent beetles, a species known to scientists as photinus carolinus, and one of their most spectacular light shows takes place each june at elkmont in great smoky mountains national park. Campground reservations in the smokies can be made six months in advance.
Theyre closing we finally got one bar of cell rece. The campground is a pleasant oasis from the crowds that can swell at great smoky mountain national park. Below is a video that a visitor took that gives an idea of what the gatlinburg synchronous fireflies look like when they get in sync. Elkmont great smoky mountains national park elkmont. Jun 01, 2017 synchronous fireflies again light up the smokies.
The way these fireflies present displays of mating are the the light patterns they show off. We made reservations for may 31 to june 6 in the hopes of seeing the fireflies. Big and busy are the two best words to describe elkmont campground. Elkmont campground has 200 tent rv campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire. You can only make reservations up to six months in advance, which means if you want to see the fireflies in late mayearly june, you need to make a reservation in late novemberearly december of the prior year. Elkmont campground is the largest campground offering in great smoky mountains national park. The campground does not have electric, water, or sewer hook. The old elkmont cemetery was the cemetery for the former elkmont community in great smoky mountains national park. You can only book your site within 6 months of the date on recreation. It was during the synchronous firefly display, which was really an awesome thing to see. Updated great smoky mountain synchronous firefly dates. I most certainly would camp at elkmont as all tennessee gsmnp campgrounds will be full with the possible exception of look rock perhaps others can attest to the firefly event attendance.
Synchronous fireflies in elkmont cabins usa gatlinburg. Elkmont is located in the upper little river valley of the great smoky mountains. Synchronous fireflies are a phenomenon a rare species in the world known to synchronize their flashing light patterns. Additional information about camping reservations, including reservation time frames. Elkmont campground is an ideal basecamp to visit the wonders of great smoky mountains national park. Elkmont is a region situated in the upper little river valley of the great smoky mountains of sevier county, in the u. Making advance reservations are recommended if you would like to guarantee a camping spot. When the logging industry left and the resort community forced out, quite a few.
During the 8day event, the road into elkmont campground is closed to cars and pedestrians in the evenings. Elkmont is a story of dreams, hope, hard work, disappointments, fortunes made, and fortunes lost. The lottery period for the 2019 synchronous fireflies official park passes was just announced. Synchronous fireflies photinus carolinus are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in great smoky mountains national park.
Apr 11, 2017 during the event, elkmont is closed at a certain time at night with the exception of shuttle users and campers in elkmont campground. The 2019 dates for the official smoky mountains national park synchronous fireflies event will be announced in late april. They are found in t he great smoky mountains national park at the little river trail. Visitors watch the synchronous fireflies at the elkmont campground in the great smoky mountains national park on june 3, 2019. Details about the synchronous elkmont fireflies event in. When you can view synchronous fireflies at elkmont. Elkmont campground is open from the second week of march until december 1st. Early fireflies prompt elkmont road closure facebook. Reservations open at 10 am for the date 6 months out. Smoky mountain synchronous firefly event 2020 heysmokies. Elkmont campground, great smoky mountains national park. Its almost that time of year again, to see the synchronized fireflies at elkmont.
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