If you’re looking for information about the Little Chapel in the Woods in Elk County, you’re in the right place!
Also known as the Fred Bartholme Memorial Chapel, this picturesque spot is a popular roadside attraction and scenic overlook just west of Benezette in Elk County.
Construction of the Little Chapel in the Woods
The Little Chapel in the Woods was built as a memorial to Frederick Bartholme by his son John.
Construction of the Little Chapel in the Woods commenced in July 2020 and was completed in April 2021.
The chapel measures 20 by 24 feet, and has a 25-foot-tall steeple, making it just slightly larger than Decker’s Chapel in Elk County, the smallest church in Pennsylvania.
A spacious deck off the back of the chapel affords visitors a beautiful view of the Buttermilk Run Valley.
Adding to that valley view is an 11 feet tall wooden cross, located at the end of a paver walkway behind the chapel.
Backless pews and hand-hewn white pine walls are the dominant features of the interior of the chapel.
A 350-pound white pine plank was used to create the altar at the front of the chapel.
Sunday morning services are held at the chapel once a month in the summer and fall.
The chapel can also be rented out for special occasions such as small weddings, vow renewals, and memorial services.
Kincaid Family Cemetery
Located in the woods right next to the chapel is the Kincaid Family Cemetery.
The grave of Lydia Kincaid (died 1/1/1841 at age 62) is within eyesight of the chapel; she was the wife of Doctor Noah Kincaid, the first physician in this part of Elk County.
Directions to the Little Chapel in the Woods
The Little Chapel in the Woods is located roughly 3 miles west of Benezette, right along Rock Hill Road.
From Gray Hill Road, turn onto Rock Hill Road when you see this sign pictured below and proceed roughly 0.6 miles to the chapel.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.30870, -78.43124 to find the parking area along Rock Hill Road.
The chapel sits back off of Rock Hill Road roughly 50 yards, along a paver walkway.
Visitors are welcome to tour the exterior of the chapel, visit the Kincaid Cemetery, and take in the views from the back of the chapel.
For more information about visiting or renting the Little Chapel in the Woods, please visit its OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Nearby Attractions
The Cross on the Hill, located 1.4 miles from the Little Chapel in the Woods, is both an inspiring roadside attraction and a gorgeous scenic overlook!
Erected in 1990, the Cross was envisioned as an interfaith memorial and a place for meditation and spiritual healing.
The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is the epicenter of elk viewing in Pennsylvania!
The Great Room at the Visitor Center (just one of several display-filled rooms) is home to many full-size taxidermy displays, lots of interactive touch-screen displays about elk, and huge panoramic windows that look out onto one of the elk viewing areas.
Decker’s Chapel in Elk County is the smallest church in Pennsylvania, and one of the smallest churches in the entire United States!
The one-room chapel measures 12 feet by 18 feet, and features 4 “kneelers” and an altar surrounded by various religious artifacts.
Located just a mile from the Elk Country Visitor Center, Winslow Hill is one of the most popular elk viewing spots in Elk County.
A huge food plot and ample parking makes this an ideal place to check out the PA elk herd.
10 Must-See Attractions in Elk County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near the Little Chapel in the Woods!
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