Sand Myrtle and Fireflies

6/9/2013

It was a great day for catching some rays on Myrtle Point. The sun came in and out and helped me with my much needed vitamin D intake. Surprisingly, we were the only ones out there for over an hour. I was grateful to be able to enjoy the sand myrtle at its peak. The high was 59º but it felt much warmer sitting on the rocks. The mountain top is alive with greenery. The ferns are going crazy with all of the moisture we have been getting.

I hear that the fireflies are starting to do their thing. If you have heard about the synchronized fireflies and wonder what the fuss is about, check out this link, http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/fireflies.htm.
They are an amazing display of what nature has to offer here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are wondering if we witness the fireflies on the mountain? The answer is, no. You have to see them in the lower elevations. Elkmont is usually the best place to watch this amazing show.

doug y

6/9/2013 01:03:04 am

Good morning. One can almost spot Bigfoot in that lower photo !

judy v

6/9/2013 02:06:12 am

Good morning Doug and Allison. Love those ferns!

Jeff

6/9/2013 03:03:34 am

2 more days and we'll experience it with our own eyes!

Marilyn

6/9/2013 03:12:50 am

Great pictures. I was fortunate a few years ago to be in the Smokies and experience the firefly display. It was fantastic and something those who go to the Smokies should experience at least once. But timing is important as they only perform a set number of days in June every year. Was amazed at the number of people who make it an all day thing with tables, chairs, eats, playing cards and hiking while waiting for dark to descend upon them along with the lighting display. Good day and hiking to all.

Pat N.

6/9/2013 05:48:58 am

Great pics! We are heading your way tomorrow for 2 weeks! Hope to make it to LeConte and talk my hubby into seeing the fireflies, too.

big sarge

6/9/2013 05:51:33 am

I am trying to seeking information on firefly viewing. if you are hiking in the elkmont area during the day are you required to leave at a specific time ? or can you stay for the night time viewing. I do not have a parking pass.

Leigh

6/9/2013 05:16:12 pm

Big Sarge, There is information posted on the parking lot access restrictions and the parking pass info on the NPS site Allyson posted at the link above. The presale parking passes have sold out, but they are selling 85 passes per day on the day prior to each restricted day. You might also want to check out the Great Smoky Mountain Association site. They were going to organize some small viewing groups, but I'm not sure if they have any spaces available. Good luck!

Tim ga

6/9/2013 06:38:22 am

There is a trail in Cosby camp ground where I have seen these fireflys at night I wander if there the same thing

Marilyn

6/9/2013 07:48:49 am

That's a good question, big sarge. I can't imagine they would come thru the parking area and make people move their cars and vacate the area. You might try calling the Sugarlands VC area and see. They might just disallow parking there after a certain time of day or if you are already there just let you stay as I'm sure the rule for having a pass is so there won't be a lot of cars jamming up the area with very few parking spaces.. If you google fireflies in the smokies it will lead you to GSMNP site that states their rules for getting a parking pass and might say what time they actually start shuttling people from VC to Elkmont. I can't remember what time we went a few years ago on their bus but I do know it was before it got dark as we had to wait a while for the fireflies. If you haven't been to the Avent cabin in the Elkmont area I'd recommend a hike to it. It is off the Jake's Creek trail to the right down some steps, down a hill. across a foot bridge and up a slight hill. Worth the hike. Happy Hiking

Debi

6/9/2013 08:50:57 am

Looks like a jungle up there! Pat, I think you will be coming home when we come down. Have a wonderful time with your kids.

Jenny B. link

6/9/2013 01:49:14 pm

My very favorite spots are where the sand myrtle blooms. Myrtle Point, Cliff Top, the Chimneys, Jumpoff slopes, Bunion ridge, all the crag ridges in the Anakeesta zone.

Leigh

6/9/2013 05:18:11 pm

I was hoping to make it up in the short firefly window this year, but real life responsibilities have gotten in the way. Happy viewing to everyone who gets a chance to go!

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Sand Myrtle and Fireflies

LeConte Lodge

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