Easter is the only one I know of, a shame when I think on it after reading your question. The park opened its gates from 5 to 6 am and admission was free, after 6 they re close so not to disturb the service official sunrise was like 7:14 am i think. after the service you can leave the park and re enter for free just by showing your program you were given at original entrance. So many go out to eat breakfast and then return with hiking shoes and recharged cameras to go see the sights. If any of you have seen the movie last of the mohicans made in 1992 it was shot at chimney rock for several of its scenes. Be sure to bring a pick-nick meal, sandwiches and a apple next to a waterfall are da bomb. After all that fun you are only a 20 min ride from hopping on the parkway or any other number of worthy roads in the area. We rode out to Brevard NC (didn't see any white squirrels) then came back home through caesars head then across 11 cherokee scenic hwy.