Synchronizing Fire Flies for Lauren

Join us for a unique natural phenomena.  Each year in June, in a relatively small area of the Smokey Mountains, the Photinus carolinus species of fireflies put on a Disneyesque display of wonder.  These are the only firefly species in America that synchronize their flashing light patterns.  You may seek the other synchronous fireflies if you visit China.  

No one is sure why the fireflies flash synchronously. Competition between males may be one reason: they all want to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash together they have a better chance of being noticed, and the females can make better comparisons. The fireflies do not always flash in unison. They may flash in waves across hillsides, and at other times will flash randomly. Synchrony occurs in short bursts that end with abrupt periods of darkness.

This trip is listed as a camping trip because if simple park camping is how you wish to spend the few days, then you will have the freedom to lounge around the park.  However, we will also offer swimming and/or day hikes to fill the days because the “Show” doesn't start each night until about 10pm.  We tentatively plan to swim the first afternoon after arrival.  The next day, we plan to hike around Clingman's Dome (6,643 ft), the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, and third highest peak in the East.  The optional day hike  is the exploratory portion of this trip and will be a D3 or D4 depending on our route.

The campsite is located in a National Park with a number of rules and regulations.  For our purposes, it is important that we minimize the number of cars we park at our campsite to 5 vehicles so carpooling is critical.  Also, we had an issue last year with the number of tents we erected in our site.   The park service requires that we only set up tents on provided tent pads (which are on granite dust, so bring a good sleeping pad).  I calculate that there is room for about 10 tents, so if possible, please find a trusted roommate if possible.  It is also imperative that we ALWAYS store our food and coolers in the vehicles overnight, and any time we leave the campsite as we share the park with Yogi and Friends (there is a $75 fine if the Ranger catches you).  Another rule prohibits us from importing wood from outside the park, but the park sells firewood.  Finally, there is quiet time after 10p, not a curfew, but we must respect others in the sold out park.  

Our Group Campsite #GP-01 has a fire pit, picnic tables and a permanent charcoal grill if you wish to be a little more gourmet with your menu selection.  I will donate charcoal for each night.  Across the parking lot there is a bathroom with toilets and cold water sinks. There is also a very small convenient store within the park for most things you may a left at home. 

There is a $5.00 fee for this trip to cover the rental of the campsite.  The trip leader will collect the fee upon your arrival.

Watching the Fireflies:  Our campsite is walking distance from the prime viewing area.   There will be bus loads of visitors crowding the viewing area as only park campers are allowed inside Elkmont after 5pm.   It is more comfortable to bring a camping chair with you for the viewing.   If you have a headlamp with a red bulb, bring it.  The park service will require you to cover any “white” light with red cellophane, and you will have to wait in line to get your light covered.   Once you set up your sitting area, please turn off your light to have a better firefly experience.

I-85 North to

I-985 N...turns into Ga 365 to Clayton, GA...pick up

US 441 N to Cherokee, NC...continue

US 441 into TN...travel about 32 miles

Left on Little River Rd...go 4.9 miles

Left on Elkmont Rd.

If you happen to get lost, the Park number is 865-436-1271

Campsite Fees Only