Great Smoky Mountains Rare Synchronous Firefly Waterfalls Walk
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the enchanting world of rare synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains during a guided night hike. As twilight descends, witness the mesmerizing light show of these unique creatures as they synchronize their flashes in a pulsating rhythm. Along the way, enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of rivers and rapids and learn from a certified Wilderness First Responder with over a decade of experience. Settle in with provided chairs and headlamps for an unforgettable evening under the stars, where you have the opportunity to see rare synchronous fireflies and capture stunning time-lapse photos. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
First you will meet your Guide outside of the park, and then follow them in your vehicle to a trailhead (about 20 min). You'll take in the relaxing sounds of the river, where rapids splash and trickle. You will hike in a little ways with chairs and headlamps and wait for it to get dark. What’s so special about these bugs? As the night progresses, these fireflies will start to synchronize their flashes for about six seconds and then they will go out for about six seconds. This creates a pulsating light show that only exists in some areas of America, and just a few other places in the world! You can set up your time lapse camera and catch some awesome photos (the first two photos of all of the lightning bugs glowing in this listing are time lapse, they do not look like that exactly in real time, but they are beautiful!). Learn about their interesting life cycles, mating rituals, and predator relationships. At about 10:30pm, we will pack up and head back out, but if you would like to leave before that you are welcome to.
What‘s Included
Use of Headlamp
Use of Camp Chair
Parking Pass
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Options
Great Smoky Mountains Rare Synchronous Firefly Waterfalls Walk
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hannah
Mary P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved the hike before we settled to watch the fireflies and they were magical:) Hannah did a fantastic job:)
Firefly adventure ✨️
barbarafY2834BX,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hannah did an awesome job finding where the synchronous fireflies were for our night adventure. She was very knowledgeable about the plants and animals in the area. We had a great night of viewing!!
Stunning
692jocelynh,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a truly amazing experience!! Hannah was a great and knowledgeable guide and persevered even though it was raining. The fireflies did not disappoint. Unbelievably beautiful!!! Highly recommended!!!
Exceeded expectations
Z6411XAshannonr,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hannah was engaging and down to earth. She was knowledgeable about the plants and best of all, the synchronous fireflies! It was well worth my travels from Oregon for this event!
Bucket list, check. Great Smoky Mountain’s synchronize fireflies show, awesome. Not to be missed.
Culture14549651935,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well planned. Informative. Opportunity of a lifetime. No words can really explain the beauty Mother Nature is going to show you when seeing the synchronize fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Wonderful evening
Odyssey730439,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great experience. Thanks so much.
100% Pleased!
Bennett B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great time. Hannah really knows her stuff. Well worth the price. Would definitely recommend!!!
If you want to see the firefly show this is the way to go!!!
P2588CQkimberlym,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the trip with Hannah and her mom Donna. It was so personal and just what we hoped for. It was a small group of about 8. Not having to fight the crowds or busy traffic was quite impressive. Hannah was so knowledgeable about the national park and knew exactly where to put up to see the most amazing firefly show!! Wow just Wow!!!
you don’t need to win the national Park lottery to see fireflies
Kathy in Cambridge,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I guess the fireflies were not in the usual place, but Hannah knew where to take us. The fact that she provided chairs and headlamps makes this activity all the more accessible to people traveling. We saw a ton of fireflies. The synchronous aspect was not entirely clear to me, but I’ve never seen so many fireflies. It was well worth it. we had entered the lottery for the national Park passes, but I think this was probably a better experience with Hannah explaining things to us.
Nature at its mystical best!
JLSPGB,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hannah did an excellent job of scouting for the firefly tour. We saw both blue ghost and synchronous fireflies. It was a very mystical experience to sit in the quiet, dark forest and watch one of nature's light shows. Hannah shared her expertise about the flora and fauna of the park. She also was very good at communicating any change of plans.
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Operated by Mountain Mama’s Art & Adventure