Elkmont Fireflies 2027: The Complete Guide to the Smoky Mountains Lottery Event
Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts one of the rarest natural events in North America each late May — a synchronous firefly display at Elkmont where thousands of fireflies flash in coordinated waves simultaneously. Access requires winning a lottery on Recreation.gov: 960 total reservations, worse than 5% odds, a four-day entry window that opens in late April. Here's how the lottery works, what the experience is like, and what to do if you don't win a spot.