Is Synchronous Fireflies (Great Smoky Mountains) happening right now?
As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, out of season, returns ~May. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Thousands of fireflies flash in perfect synchrony, creating waves of light through darkened forest.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Elkmont Campground Area, Great Smoky Mountains NP |
| Cades Cove |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.