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Synchronous firefly lottery and viewing dates for 2025

April 29, 2025 · Source: National Park Service

Numerous fireflies lighting up the dark.
Image supplied by the National Park Service. View the original image and credit

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through recreation.gov. The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation.

Read the official NPS source

What Travelers Need to Know

Check the affected roads, trails or facilities and the dates in the official notice. Plan an alternate route or activity if your itinerary uses the affected area.

Dates and operating conditions can change after publication. Check the park’s official visitor information for your travel date.

Traveler guidance by State & Nation Staff Writer.

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