Tennessee

Sevier County

Little River Road Trail

The synchronous firefly show occurs in June

The trail is actually an old logging road that follows the river. At the beginning of the trial, there are several historical houses and structures, but they are deemed unsafe to enter. It follows the Little River, which lends itself to beautiful scenery. Each June in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains, a natural phenomenon occurs that continues to baffle scientists. During a two week window in late spring, thousands of lightning bugs flash in complete unison. The synchronous firefly show, which researchers have identified as a rare form of “simultaneous bioluminescence”, is a popular and growing attraction for the Smoky Mountains. Each evening, several hundred park visitors begin arriving in Elmont with blankets, chairs and flashlights to witness the natural phenomenon that occurs after the park becomes pitch black.

Length: 3.4 miles

Difficulty: 2