Synchronous Firefly Viewing Event Cancelled
The popular springtime event, the synchronous firefly viewing event, has been canceled by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials. A news release on April 21, 2020 states “in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to adhere to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)” the synchronous firefly viewing event has been canceled.
Synchronous Firefly Viewing Event GSMNP at Elkmont
The synchronous firefly viewing event takes place every year during late May and early June. As part of their mating, Photinus Carolinus, a firefly species found in the Great Smoky Mountains, flashes synchronously. Watching thousands of these fireflies flash is quite a sight. Each year thousands of visitors from all over the country take a shuttle service, organized by the GSMNP service, to Elkmont Campground to observe this phenomenon.
The shuttle service and a lottery for a ticket on the shuttle were implemented several years ago when the crowds became too large and parking was an issue. Due to Covid 19 and the current CDC guidelines, the shuttle would not allow for the 6-foot social distancing recommended by the CDC. Due to on-site parking limitations at Elkmont the shuttle service is the only way for visitors to get to the location to view the fireflies.
Park Closures Due To Covid 19
At this time the Elkmont Campground is closed due to Covid 19 restrictions. The multiple closures in the Great Smoky Mountains are to ensure health safety to park employees, volunteers, partners, residents, and as well as visitors. Park officials announced that all park areas, except the Foothills Parkway and Spur, will remain closed until further notice. Many other national parks are also closed during the worldwide pandemic.
Here is a copy of the complete new release put out by the ark service.
News Release Date: April 21, 2020
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have canceled the synchronous firefly viewing event in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to adhere to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Every year in late May or early June, thousands of visitors from across the country gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to observe the naturally occurring phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. In 2019, 28,958 people from all 50 states and 19 countries entered the lottery for shuttle access to view the fireflies at Elkmont. Passes were distributed to people from 42 states, Canada, and the Federated States of Micronesia. An estimated 1,000 people view the fireflies each night, including participants from the lottery and campground users.
“The synchronous firefly viewing area at Elkmont simply isn’t spacious enough to safely allow hundreds of people to gather under the current health guidance,” said Superintendent Cash. “While disappointing, the safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors continues to be our number one priority.”
Park officials also noted that the shuttle service to the event would not support current CDC guidelines, particularly the six-feet distancing requirement between individuals. Due to on-site parking limitations, the shuttle service is the only transportation mode for visitor access during this period, except for registered campers staying at the Elkmont
Campground. At this time, Elkmont Campground remains closed. The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Park managers will continue to evaluate regional conditions and work with local communities to assess dates for an orderly reopening of park facilities in a manner that provides for the health and safety of employees, volunteers, partners, residents, and visitors. The park will notify the public when park operations resume through our website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and social media platforms.
Park rangers remain available to answer questions via email or phone during business hours at (865) 436-1291, (828) 506-8620, or GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov. For more information about the synchronous fireflies, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm.
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