Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced this year's dates for its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont.
The viewing window is Monday, June 3 through Monday, June 10. The public can apply for a limited viewing opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation.
The lottery runs through Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. and closes Monday, April 29 at 11:59 p.m. A lottery system uses a randomized computer drawing to ensure everyone who applies for a reservation has an equal chance of getting one, the GSMNP said.
Every year in late May or early June, hundreds visit the Elkmont Campground to see a firefly species flash synchronously. Since 2006, the National Park Service has limited access to the Elkmont area to the eight days of predicated peak firefly activity, according to the GSMNP.
A total of 1120 vehicle reservations, 140 per night, will be issued through the lottery process. The lottery results will be available no later than May 6. Each reservation allows one vehicle with a maximum of seven people to park at Elkmont, the GSMNP said.
Lottery applicants can enter two dates to participate in the viewing opportunity. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be given reservations and a $24 reservation fee will be charged to the same card used for the application fee, according to GSMNP.
Reservations are non-refundable, can't be transferred and are only good for the date issued. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season.
During the viewing period, access to Elkmont is restricted after 4 p.m. to passenger vehicles with a reservation, registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground or backcountry campers with a valid permit.