Thousands Will Flock to Easter Sunrise Services at Stone Mountain

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What started as a church youth group’s climb to the top of Stone Mountain 70 years ago to see the Easter sunrise has become one of the largest Easter Day events in Atlanta.

Now, thousands of Christians ascend “the Rock” every Easter to get in touch with Heaven and Earth, fulfill a family tradition or check off an item on a bucket list.

Around 4,000 people attended last year.

The Stone Mountain Sunrise Association will host two non-denominational sunrise services — one on the top of the mountain, another on the Memorial Lawn at its base — this Sunday, April 20, at Stone Mountain Park.

The weather forecast calls for temps in the high 40s, low 50s Sunday with mostly clear skies. (Tip: it’ll be colder and windier on top of the mountain, so dress warm)

Services begin at 7 a.m., but the gates and skyride up the mountain will open at 4 a.m. It costs $10 for vehicle entry ($35 annual permit), and $7-$9 for the skyride ($5.50 one-way). There is no fee to walk up. (Tip: Get there at least an hour early to account for large crowds)

Organizers say the annual event started in 1944 before the land was owned by the state.

Lucille A. Lanford from Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church suggested the youth group to make the Easter morning climb. That started the annual tradition.