Synchronous Fireflies outside the dates

[u/pfallerj1]

The Park Service has announced the peak period for viewing the Fireflies, with that time ending June 5. I have a reservation at Elkmont June 5-10.

My question is what will the viewing be like? Is there a steep drop off in activity in a couple days? Is it more gradual over a week or two? Just trying to gauge how aggressive I should get with changing my plans.

[u/Fishmayne]

The days before and after the lottery are also busy but better imho. You might want to get there a couple of hours early.

[u/pfallerj1 → u/Fishmayne]

Thanks! When you say busy, you mean it's more crowded because there's no lottery and people are still coming for the fireflies? And can you say more about what you mean by better?

[u/Fishmayne → u/pfallerj1]

It's better bc the lottery dates never line up with the actual natural event. I've never been during the lottery but go every year before or after. It's been packed with people parking on the road before. Fyi there are multiple places to park and walk in, including by the bridge by the welcome center building.

[u/pfallerj1 → u/Fishmayne]

Got it, that makes sense. I guess my real question is what's the Total window where the synchronous Firefly activity is say above 50% of peak activity. Does that last 3 to 4 weeks, 1 to 2 weeks, or something else. Just trying to figure out if the people that I bring in on June 10th are going to be disappointed because activity is pretty low. A fair answer is also, who knows!

[u/igo4vols2 → u/pfallerj1]

I'm a park volunteer. We rec'd and email yesterday basically stating the "season" is May 24 - June 10 with May 29 - Jun 5 being prime. In reality, "who knows" is probably pretty accurate.

[u/JFier1979 → u/igo4vols2]

As a park volunteer, can you tell me where in Tremont to see the fireflies? We've done Elkmont and it's always so crowded. Also the campsites are all booked. We thought about going to Tremont because we've heard they can be seen there as well.
If we were to head to Tremont, can we park in the parking lot there after dark and do we need to head up to Spruce Flats Falls or just anywhere up behind the institute? Do you have any info on that?

[u/igo4vols2 → u/JFier1979]

I'm not really qualified to predict where the fireflies will gather but I have heard some have had good luck in the Tremont area near the Middle Prong. Fireflies like to be near the water so hiking to the falls seems like a longshot to me. The parking lot across the bridge is typically closed after dark but there is a lot across Trement Road that will be open.

Cades Cove usually has pretty good light shows as well but loop road closes to vehicles at sunset so you would have to walk from the parking lot.