Two Easter Sunrise Services Happening in Gatlinburg

Two Gatlinburg attractions have Easter sunrise services for anyone who wants to feel uplifted. If you are one of the many who’ll be happily celebrating the religious holiday in this tourist town, you’ll want to be up and at ‘em super early to catch a simply stunning Smoky Mountain sunrise with some spiritual guidance leading the way for the day. The only question is which one should you attend. Well, let me help you with a brief description of both.

The Gatlinburg Skypark is already known as a place that people have visited for many years. Of course, it never looked quite like it does now on Crockett Mountain, but this simple chairlift-turned-day-long-attraction has been doing it for decades. Not even the Gatlinburg fires of 2016 could stop the rides permanently.

Anyway, they are, of course, having an Easter service that is free to anyone that gets their butt here starting at 6:15 when the first chair goes up. They will halt the rides at 6:45 until their regular opening time, which is 9. Guests to the 7:15 service will hear a brief gospel presentation with Kelly Shipe on the bagpipes before and after the prayers are spoken. Attendees will also no doubt be treated to what many feel is a religious experience with the sun rising over the mountains. And yes, I have felt this power.

Ober Mountain has long been holding an Easter sunrise service, and this year is no exception. While the famed ski resort gets the bulk of their business during the winter season, it also serves as a year-round attraction that’s only going to get better with new, local owners making some exciting upgrades.

If you’re a hardcore early-riser, this may be your cup of tea…or, coffee, if you want my honest opinion. Rides from the Ober Tramway Mall on their iconic tram will start at 5 in the morning. Yes, you heard that correctly… 5. The 30-40-minute service will begin at 6:30 and be led by local pastors of the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association atop Mt. Harrison. And yes, this is a complimentary visit for all.

I don’t care and I’m sure no one else minds your religious affiliation when you attend one of these services. If you’re looking for something incredibly reflective and spiritual, I recommend waking up early. Moments like these just don’t happen every day, and I really, really hope to witness this glory of the occasion myself this year.

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