Historic English Chapel: A Beautiful Hidden Gem in Pisgah National Forest, NC

English Chapel is a historic little church tucked inside Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. Surrounded by the beauty of the Davidson River and mountain forest, the chapel has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century.

The original chapel was built in 1860 by Reverend Alexander Fletcher English, a circuit rider for the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. English settled in the Davidson River community, where he married in 1859 and raised his family.

The land where the chapel stands originally belonged to his father-in-law, Strawbridge Young. Following the Civil War, Young donated the property to the church. The building served not only as a place of worship but also as a school for children in the surrounding community.

In 1940, the original wooden structure was replaced with the building that stands today. One of its charming details is the name “English Chapel” spelled out in rocks above the main entrance.

Although the chapel is historic, it remains an active part of the community. Sunday services are still held there and are attended by local residents as well as hikers and campers visiting the area. The chapel is also available for weddings, making its peaceful setting an especially beautiful place for a ceremony.

For those interested in learning more about the chapel’s history, Linda Hoxit Raxter’s detailed historical account is a wonderful resource.

Visiting English Chapel

We stopped at English Chapel on November 13, 2021, on what turned out to be a gorgeous autumn day. Fall foliage was at its peak, and the colors along the Davidson River were absolutely spectacular.

We parked at the Art Loeb Trail parking area off Pisgah Highway. From there, we initially followed an exercise trail before walking along Pisgah Highway and eventually turning onto the bridge that leads toward the chapel.

The bridge is closed to vehicles, and a Davidson River Campground attendant had recommended this route to us.

Once we reached the chapel, however, we realized there was a much safer and more scenic way back to our car.

A Better Route to the Chapel

A parallel trail runs along the opposite side of the river and leads directly behind English Chapel. To reach it, we needed to cross the walking bridge near the parking area.

I’m glad we discovered this alternative because the trail beside the Davidson River was much more pleasant—and safer—than walking along the busy highway.

The river, autumn foliage, and surrounding forest made this portion of the walk especially beautiful. We ended up hiking approximately 2 miles altogether.

If you’re looking for a shorter and easier way to visit the chapel, there’s an even better option: park at the Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center, located across from the pedestrian bridge near the chapel. From there, it’s a much shorter walk.

English Chapel may be small, but its combination of history, architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings makes it a worthwhile stop when exploring the Brevard area and Pisgah National Forest.

If You Go

Location: Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina.
Our Visit: November 13, 2021.
Historic Date: Original chapel built in 1860.
Current Building: The original wooden chapel was replaced in 1940.
What to See: Historic chapel, Davidson River, surrounding forest, and beautiful seasonal scenery.
Services: Sunday services continue to be held at the chapel.
Other Uses: The chapel is also used for weddings.
Our Hike: Approximately 2 miles round trip.
Best Time for Fall Color: We visited in mid-November and experienced beautiful peak foliage.
Shorter Option: Parking near the Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center provides a much shorter walk to the chapel.
Safety Tip: I recommend using the riverside trail rather than walking along the busy highway.
Photography: The chapel, river, bridge, and surrounding forest provide wonderful photography opportunities, particularly during fall.