Synchronized Fireflies in Smokies with Backcountry Camping and Hiking

Name: Synchronized Fireflies in Smokies with Backcountry Camping and Hiking
Start: 2026-05-22T12:00:00-04:00
Location: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Schedule

Fri, 22 May, 2026 at 12:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States | Gatlinburg, TN

Brief Description (first available dates May 22 thru May 24/25th):
The official Synchronized Firefly event will be occurring at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains from May 29-June 5. You either must reserve a coveted spot at Elkmont Campground (6 months ahead of time) or get lucky enough to be selected in the lottery system to ride in a shuttle bus to the viewing area. ****** We are not utilizing the two above methods of participation.****** We will be taking the long way around that is much less traveled and a lot more immersive, beautiful, and tranquil!! (2nd available nights are May 25th, 26th, and 27th).
Detailed Description:
I have a permit for 5 additional quests if anyone wants to join us.
This is Backcountry Camping (not car camping or front country camping)
Friday 12pm noon EST- May 22th- We will meet at the Publix grocery store at the following address: 2656 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 We need to meet outside of the park because most phones lose cell service as soon as we enter the national park. Once everyone has arrived, we will drive 35 minutes to Sugarlands Visitor Ctr, 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (located within the national park and no cell service).
Friday 1:00 to approximately 1:30 PM EST- May 22th- We will enter the visitor center for restroom breaks, water, souvenirs, etc.
Friday 2 PM EST- May 22th- We will ride in my vehicle, or guests can drive their own vehicle to the Huskey Gap Trailhead that is 1.6 miles away on Newfound Gap Road. Parking is limited at the Huskey Gap Trailhead, so if we find it is full, I will shuttle the entire group to the trailhead from the visitor center parking area.
Friday 2:30 PM EST- May 22th-From Huskey Gap Trailhead, hike 4.2 miles to Backcountry site 21. We will setup our tents. We can hang out at our campsite or take some additional shorter hikes in the area. I may bring my fishing pole since we are a very short walk from the Little River which has trout. At night we can take a very short walk down to the bridge over the Little River to see the firefly display. Here is a link to the trail description on AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/huskey-gap-trail
We would only hike a relatively short section of the Little River Trail, and this is a description on Alltrails: Little River Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/little-river-trail-to-little-river-upper-falls-and-grouse-creek-campground

Saturday May 23rd – We can spend the morning at campsite 21 or go hang out down by the river. Later in the afternoon, we will hike 2.4 miles to Elkmont campground and the old Elkmont Ghost town. We can tour the restored cabins, cemetery, eat dinner, etc. There is a campground store available to buy ice cream and refreshments more typical of car camping, so this will be a nice treat. The typical viewing time starts around 9pm EST. After we view the fireflies for a while, we will hike the 2.4 miles along the trail back to our campsite. This trail is relatively flat and safe, even at night. Remember to have a red film or filter on your light during the viewing event.
Sunday May 24th – We also have reservations for Sunday night in case the fireflies didn’t come out because of rain or temperatures. We can view them again close to the campsite or hike back to Elkmont for the typical best viewing. By the way, last year I saw my first Blue Ghost Firefly in this exact area. If anyone chooses to conclude the trip on Sunday, I’ll be happy to hike back to the vehicles with them and shuttle them if necessary.
Monday May 25th - We will hike back to our cars at the Huskey Gap Trailhead.
If interested in joining our group, please text me at 615-410-1304.
Things to keep in mind:
You will need a parking permit for your vehicle to prevent getting fined in the Smokies.
Unfortunately, we cannot park overnight at Jake's Creek or Little River trailheads near Elkmont. This is why we will be hiking from the Huskey Gap Trailhead.
If you are looking for a 4th of July style event, this is not it. The fireflies will go completely dark and will not blink for like 3 to 5 seconds. Then they will all start blinking again for several seconds (not in synch), then they will go dark again where none blink for 3 to 5 seconds. Your flashlight needs to have a red film taped to it to prevent interference with this amazing natural phenomenon.
If you are looking for an extremely vigorous hike with beautiful mountain views from high elevation, this is not the trip. We will spend most of our hiking time along the beautiful Little River. There will be some nice views as we go up Huskey Gap Trail but then we will descend into the Little River valley.
No Dogs are allowed on the trails in this area
If you decide to bring your own car and park at the trailhead, it will be necessary to buy a parking permit.
Cables are provided to hang your food at the backcountry site.
As always, you hike and camp at your own risk when using this site.
$300 will be required for a deposit to hold your spot since we are so close to the trip date. The remaining $300 will be due on the day of the trip. I prefer cash or check.
I need to collect the campsite reservation money up front. My Venmo is brandon737
If you have any questions please let me know. I am looking forward to another trip to the Smoky Mountains!!!
Prior experience backcountry camping is certainly preferred, but not absolutely required. We need to be in really good shape because of the distances and elevation gain to get to campsite 21 initially. If you have heart, respiratory, or any other medical issues, this would not be ideal trip.
Items necessary for all participants:
Backpack large enough for carrying your tent/hammock and other supplies
Sleeping Bag
Rainproof jacket or clothes
All food, snacks, and medicine you require
Water bottles
Small shovel and toiletries for your restroom routine in the backcountry
Bear Bag for suspending food on bear cables at campsite
Parking Permit for your vehicle. Available online or at Kiosks at the park. Buying online and printing ahead of time is the best method.

Things I will provide if you don’t want to carry along with your gear:
First Aid Kit including Ibuprophen, bandaids, etc
6L Water Filter to filter water for the group
Extra flashlights