Great Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Backpacking Trip (2025)

Join Wildwood Hiking Co. for a unique backpacking experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfectly timed to witness the magical synchronous fireflies! Found in only a few places worldwide, this incredible phenomenon transforms the Smokies each spring into a glowing wonderland. Our 2-day, 1-night trip takes you into the heart of the forest for an unforgettable night under the stars. With easy to moderate terrain, this relaxed adventure is perfect for both beginners and experienced backpackers, with time to unwind and enjoy this rare natural marvel.

Note: The rare synchronous fireflies reach their peak display from late May to early June each year, but exact dates are not certain. Although we’ve planned this trip during peak season in a known firefly habitat, we can’t guarantee sightings, as nature is delightfully unpredictable. This trip is not affiliated with the public firefly lottery event at the Elkmont Campground operated by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No lottery tickets are required to join our backpacking trip.

Trip Highlights:

• Synchronous Fireflies Viewing – Watch the mesmerizing light show as thousands of fireflies blink in harmony, creating a truly magical display. Occurring in only a few places around the world, this natural light show peaks for a short period each year, and we’ll be there to experience it up close.
• Guided Backpacking Adventure – Our expert guides will lead you through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sharing insights about local flora and fauna, park history, and the unique ecology that supports this firefly event.
• Scenic Trails and Campsites – Our route winds through the scenic Elkmont area, where trails are lined with wildflowers, waterfalls, and a picturesque mountain stream. In the evening, we’ll set up camp in a peaceful, backcountry campsite. As the sun sets, we'll take a short hike to a nearby viewing area and stay after dark to witness the incredible display.
• Campfire and Stargazing – After the firefly show, relax by the campfire and enjoy an evening of stargazing, storytelling, and camaraderie.

Come join us for an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the Smokies and witness one of nature’s most beautiful light shows. Book early to secure your spot, as spaces are limited!

Trip Details:

Difficulty Level:

This is a beginner-level backpacking trip. No prior backpacking experience is needed, though some hiking experience is recommended. You should be comfortable with a 4-6 mile hike to the campsite, carrying a fully loaded backpack (approximately 25-30 pounds). We’ll do a short hike in the dark to see the fireflies, so you should be comfortable hiking at night.

What to Bring:

Your guide will provide you with a detailed gear checklist before your trip that’s tailored to your trip location and expected weather.  You’ll be expected to bring your own personal items such as clothing, footwear, and medications.  You will also have the opportunity to ask specific gear questions during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation with your guide.

Meeting Location and Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet your guide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Sugarlands Visitor Center around 12 pm. You’ll need a parking permit, which can be purchased online in advance or at the visitor center. Here, we’ll distribute rental gear (backpack, tent, sleeping pad and bag, cook kit, trekking poles) and do a gear “shakedown,” where your guide will help make final adjustments to your pack.

Then, take a shuttle to the trailhead and hike approximately 4-6 miles to your campsite along a beautiful mountain stream, with cascading waterfalls and wildflowers. We’ll take plenty of breaks on the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies. Once we arrive at camp, your guide will help you set up your tent, filter water, and cook dinner. As darkness falls, you’ll join your guide on a short hike to a viewing spot to witness the synchronous fireflies. Afterward, return to camp with headlamps, and enjoy some time around the campfire before falling asleep beneath the stars.

Day 2: In the morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast together before breaking down camp and hiking back out to the trailhead. Once back, you’ll take a shuttle to the parking lot and return your rental gear. We’ll aim to finish by early afternoon, allowing you to spend the rest of the day exploring the Smokies at your leisure.

Cancellation Policy: 

• Your trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable booking fee.  
• Participants may cancel a trip up to 60 days before the start date of the trip for a refund, minus the 15% booking fee.  
• If a participant cancels a trip between 59-30 days before the start of the trip, a 50% refund will be offered.
• If a participant cancels a trip between 0-29 days from the start of the trip, no refund or trip credit will be offered.
• We hike rain or shine! Backpacking is a challenging endurance sport, and it can be uncomfortable during inclement weather.  We do our best to make sure hikers are adequately prepared for adverse weather.  However, safety is our biggest priority.  In the case of severe weather that could affect the safety of our hikers, our guides have the discretion to cancel a trip.  In this case, a full refund or transfer credit will be offered.

Trip Transfer Policy:

• A participant may request 1 transfer from one trip to another according to the Transfer Policy.  A second transfer request will be treated as a cancellation according to the cancellation policy.
• A participant may make a transfer request more than 60 days from the start of the trip with no additional fee.
• A transfer request made from 30-59 days before the start of the trip will incur a $100 per person transfer fee.
• No transfer requests can be made from 0-29 days prior to the start of the trip.  This will be treated as a cancellation, with no refund or transfer credit offered, according to the cancellation policy.