Looking forward to June synchronous fireflies?

The first day of spring is practically here (OK, it’s March 19, to be precise), so right now is in no way too early to be looking ahead to summertime activities outdoors. And here in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, the synchronous fireflies are the (unofficial) heralds of summertime.

Even if it’s still too cold for your mind to be in that summer-hiking space yet, it’s not too early to start planning ahead if you hope to see this unique natural light show in the Smokies some June evening.

Synchronous fireflies, or Photinus

carolinus, are one of just a few species in North America known to synchronize their flashing light patterns, according to the National Park Service.

Since 2006, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has limited vehicle access to the viewing area near Elkmont Campground during peak firefly activity nights to reduce traffic congestion and to avoid disturbing the fireflies during their mating period.

Anyone interested in seeing the fireflies in the national park will need to enter a lottery for a chance to receive a vehicle pass on one of the designated nights. Applications for the lottery aren’t being taken yet, but here’s an estimated schedule:

Late April: Firefly viewing dates will be announced and the lottery for vehicle passes will open.

Early May: The lottery for vehicle passes will close.

Mid-May: All lottery applicants will be notified whether their application was successful or unsuccessful.

June: The annual synchronous firefly viewing dates in the park will be scheduled (specific dates still to be set).

Watch knoxnews.com to see when the fireflies lottery for this year will open for applications at recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233374 - and keep looking forward to summer!