Travel

Act Fast To See Synchronous Fireflies At Congaree And Great Smoky Mountains National Parks

Don’t miss your chance to enter the lottery for a spectacular light show. Synchronous fireflies will dazzle at Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains national parks.

A spectacular natural phenomenon is set to light up two of America’s most beloved national parks this spring and summer.

Synchronous fireflies – tiny insects that blink in perfect harmony – are expected to put on their annual light show at Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains national parks beginning in mid-May.

This rare display, a mating ritual found in only a handful of places worldwide, creates a mesmerizing “twinkle effect” across the forest floor, drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness the magic.

(MORE: The Best National Parks To Visit This Spring)

If you want to experience this enchanting sight in person, you’ll need a ticket – and a bit of luck. Both parks manage the high demand for firefly viewing through a lottery system, offering a limited number of entry passes to maintain the best possible experience for visitors while protecting the fireflies and their habitat.

Here's what you need to know:

Congaree National Park

The park's firefly event will take place May 14-21. The scheduled dates have been selected to align with the fireflies' peak synchronization.

Lottery Opens: April 3
Lottery Closes: April 9
Entry Fee: $1
Notification Date: April 16
Pass Availability: 145 passes per night
Restrictions: One entry per household; large vehicles like RVs, buses and trailers are prohibited

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This park will host its synchronous firefly event in early June, with exact dates to be announced in April.

Lottery Opens: Late April (exact date to be determined)
Lottery Fee: $1
Notification Date: Mid-May
Pass Availability: Estimated 140 passes per night
Chances of Winning: According to local media, more than 20,000 people enter each year for about 1,100 passes.

Lottery applications for both parks will be available through recreation.gov. Applicants can select a preferred date for attendance.

The synchronous firefly phenomenon is a breathtaking event that signals the arrival of summer for many, offering a rare opportunity to witness nature’s own symphony of light. If you’re hoping to attend, mark your calendar for the lottery dates and cross your fingers for a winning entry.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM