Synchronous Fireflies- 2 Nights Smokies-camp 4.2 miles from Elkmont

*****PLEASE READ entire description and click on links below for more detailed information*******
Brief Description:
The official Synchronized Firefly event will be occurring at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. You either have to reserve a coveted spot at Elkmont or get lucky enough to be selected in the lottery system to ride in a shuttle bus to the viewing area. ****** We are not utilizing the two above methods of participation.****** We will be taking the long way around that is much less traveled!!

Detailed Description:
I have a permit for 5 people and two spots are still available if anyone wants to join us. Please join the waiting list and I will contact you.
Backcountry Camping (not car camping or front country camping)
Friday noon EST- May 30th- Park at Huskey Gap Trailhead is first choice, but parking is limited. 2nd option would be to park at Carlos C. Campbell Overlook parking lot. 3rd option would be to park at Sugarland Valley Nature Trail Head. These 2nd and 3rd options would involve hiking along the road to Huskey Gap Trailhead.
From Huskey Gap Trailhead, hike 6 miles to Backcountry site 24. We will setup our tents. We can hang out at our campsite or take some additional shorter hikes in the area. I may bring my fishing pole.

Saturday May 31st- hike 1.8 miles to Backcountry site #21 and setup camp. Later in the afternoon, we will hike 2.4 miles to Elkmont campground and the old Elkmont Ghost town. We can tour the old restored cabins, cemetery, eat dinner, etc. The typical viewing time starts around 9pm EST. After we view the fireflies for a while, we will hike the 2.4 miles along the trail back to our campsite. This trail is relatively flat and safe, even at night.

Sunday June 1st- We will hike back to our cars at the Huskey Gap Trailhead.

If interested in joining our group, please text me at 615-410-1304.

Things to keep in mind:

• You will need a parking permit for your vehicle to prevent getting fined.
• Unfortunately, we cannot park overnight at Jake's Creek or Little River trailheads near Elkmont. This is why we will be hiking from the Huskey Gap Trailhead.
• If you are looking for a 4th of July style event, this is not it. The fireflies will go completely dark and will not blink for like 3 to 5 seconds. Then they will all start blinking again for several seconds (not in synch), then they will go dark again where none blink for 3 to 5 seconds. Your flashlight needs to have a red film taped to it to prevent interference with this amazing natural phenomenon.
• If you are looking for an extremely vigorous hike with beautiful mountain views from high elevation, this is not the trip. We will spend most of our hiking time along the beautiful Little River. There will be some nice views as we go up Huskey Gap Trail but then we will descend into the Little River valley.
• If you prefer to simply hike in to the campsite on Saturday, that is another option.

Firefly Link:
Firefly Link

Feel free to go on a self-guided tour of the historic "Ghost Town" of Elkmont. Ghost Town Info

Link to trail description and trail reviews on AllTrails:
Huskey Gap Trail
Little River Trail

Trail from Elkmont Campground to Backcountry Campsite #30 Three Forks
Video of stream crossings at 17:10 and 18:35

• There can be a significant water crossing if we decide to kill some time and hike to campsite #30 for additional mileage.
• No Dogs are allowed on the trails in this area
• If you decide to bring your own car and park at the trailhead, it will be necessary to buy a parking permit.
• Cables are provided to hang your food at the backcountry site.
• As always, you hike and camp at your own risk when using this Meetup site.
• I prefer Venmo to cover the reservation fees.
• Refunds are not allowed unless you can find someone to fill your spot.
• I need to collect the campsite reservation money up front. My Venmo is brandon737

If you have any questions please let me know. I am looking forward to another trip to the Smoky Mountains!!!