Fire Flies are early this year!

This is what the biologist at the GSMNP have to say about the fire flies this year. They're Early!! (The following is from a recent park memo) The Bottom Line: The appearance and display of the synchronized fireflies this year is extremely early. Park biologists predict that while there may still be some activity during the weekend of June 2nd, the display will be past peak and may taper off to nothing well before the following weekend. Beginning Tuesday May 29th the Elkmont road will be closed each evening to all but registered campers (if the campground is not full, visitors will be permitted to proceed to the campground to register to camp). Trolleys shall run beginning June 2nd for ticketed Firefly Event reservation holders only. No additional information will be available by phone. Visitors can check the park website for any updated information on current activity levels. More Information: Like many seasonal events in nature, the annual timing of the appearance and display of synchronized fireflies is influenced by environmental conditions—mostly climate—which can be impossible to accurately predict well in advance. While the 2012 special firefly operational period was scheduled based upon the timing of firefly appearances in past years, this year the unusually warm spring has caused the appearance of the fireflies well earlier than that ever recorded in the past. We believe that the activity is currently at peak. Daily temperatures in the days ahead will affect the length and intensity of the firefly display making it difficult to predict exactly when the activity will taper off. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the firefly event, requiring the availability and coordination of a large cadre of park staff and trolleys, we do not have the flexibility to shift event operations forwards or backwards to match current firefly activity and it is necessary to close access to the viewing area to protect resources and visitors.