Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies next week

The synchronous fireflies of Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains will again be at their peak next week. If you plan on veiwing the lightning bugs, you should be aware that the park closes the road to Elkmont each evening. As in years past, the only way to access the area is by using the trolley service provided by the park from the Sugarlands Visitor Center beginning this Saturday through the following Sunday night (June 4-12).

Additional Details:

The Elkmont entrance road will be closed to motor vehicles and pedestrian use every night from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, June 4-12, except to registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground.

The trolleys will begin picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center RV/bus parking area at 7 p.m. The trolleys will run continually until the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area is full, or until 9 p.m., whichever comes first. The last trolley to return visitors from Elkmont to the Sugarlands Visitor Center is scheduled at 11 p.m. The cost will be $1 round trip per person as in previous years.

For more information about the synchronous fireflies, including a video, please click here.


Jeff
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GSMA Synchronous Firefly Night Walk

Join the Great Smoky Mountain Association and naturalist Wanda DeWaard next Friday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm for a Walk with the Fireflies. Wanda will not only discuss the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies, but also will give you some history of the Elkmont area and other interesting natural history and cultural facts.

Pre-registration and payment is required and is limited to 15 participants. The fee is $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Call 865-436-7318, Ext. 222 or 254 to register.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a small flashlight with a red or blue film (cellophane), water, rain gear, snacks, light day pack, and a pad of some sort to sit on (not a chair).

Meet at Elkmont at the Little River Trailhead at 7:00 pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.


Jeff
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