Palmer Chapel in the Cataloochee region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Palmer Chapel is located at the end of the paved portion of the road that leads to the Caldwell House. For a location map, visit the Cataloochee Historical Area web page.
Palmer Chapel is a small Methodist church building that was constructed in 1898 on land donated by Mary Ann Palmer. It was the only church in Big Cataloochee. The community was not large enough to support a full time preacher, so services were held once a month whenever one of the circuit riding preachers came to town. The church is open to visitors, though there is nothing inside other than the pews, pulpit, and an old piano. Former residents still hold a yearly reunion at the church, and permits can be obtained through the National Park Service for weddings and other special events. For details, see the National Park Service’s Wedding Permits and Planning web page for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Interior of Palmer Chapel in the Cataloochee region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Last updated on February 17, 2025
