Palmer Chapel Methodist Church

Take a 360-degree look around the historical Palmer Chapel Methodist Church that is now abandoned in place within the Great Smokey Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side. There are eight 360-degree panoramic images of the location, so make sure to explore all of them. Do you like urban exploring? Here is a map with tons of GPS locations for you to get out and explore.

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About the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church

The Cataloochee Valley is one of the many hidden gems urban explorers enjoy visiting within the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. There was once a thriving community that called the valley their home. The land was designated as the future site of the National Park, and residents sold their homes and left the land to allow the park to be preserved. The community itself held almost 200 buildings, and there are only a few buildings still standing. One of the more impressive and popular buildings is the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church.

Constructed in 1898, the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church was built on land that Mary Ann Palmer donated. The inside of the church is still set up as it would have been in the early 1900s. There is a large old wooden cross hanging on the pack wall, and the only furniture within includes the pews, church pulpit, and a small piano.

The small Palmer Chapel Methodist Church served the small community as the only church, and services were held at least once a month. The community couldn’t afford to bring in a full-time pastor and would hold services whenever a circuit-riding preacher or pastor visited the town.

The church is just off the Cataloochee Entrance Road and sits back on a small field surrounded by lush forests. The Cataloochee creek flows just a few yards away from the front entrance of the chapel and creates such a serene experience for explorers alike.

The Palmer Chapel Methodist Church is open to the public to explore during park hours. Those looking for the perfect small venue can obtain permits to hold special events and weddings at the location. Descendants and former residents meet at the chapel annually for a special reunion. Visiting the Cataloochee Valley offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history amidst the wildlife in the beautiful setting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You can also visit the Hiram Caldwell House, Steve Woody House, Beech Grove School or even the Jarvis Palmer House which are all nearby.