As someone who cherishes the tranquility of nature and the charm of rural living, I find New Jersey’s Highlands a haven of secluded neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Tucked away amidst rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling waterways, these hidden gems offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Over the years, I’ve uncovered some of the most serene and lesser-known communities that truly embody the essence of seclusion. From quaint villages steeped in history to expansive farmlands that stretch to the horizon, each locale has its unique allure.
Let me take you on a journey through 10 of the most secluded neighborhoods I’ve adored in New Jersey’s Highlands.
10. Highland Lakes – A Tranquil Waterfront Community
Highland Lakes is a private lake community located in Vernon Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 4,816 as of the 2020 census. The neighborhood offers a peaceful environment with access to five lakes, perfect for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
It also has a close-knit community feel, with many residents enjoying seasonal retreats or permanent homes. The main industries in the area revolve around tourism, local retail, and services to support the residential population.
Highland Lakes is secluded due to its location amidst dense forests and status as a private community, making it a desirable escape from nearby urban areas. The community’s limited commercial infrastructure and focus on outdoor living enhance its serene atmosphere.
Where is Highland Lakes?
Highland Lakes is located within Vernon Township, Sussex County, in the northwest part of New Jersey. Situated in the rolling hills of the Highlands, the neighborhood is tucked away from major highways, ensuring its tranquility.
Visitors can take U.S. Route 23 north to Vernon to get there, then follow local roads leading to the community’s private entrances. The drive through winding roads and forested areas contributes to the sense of seclusion and provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding region.
9. Chatsworth – A Pine Barrens Escape
Chatsworth is an unincorporated community in Woodland Township, Burlington County, with a small population of under 5,000. This quiet town is renowned as the “Capital of the Pine Barrens.” The area is a hotspot for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring natural features like the Wharton State Forest.
The community’s main industries are agriculture and eco-tourism, with cranberry farming playing an essential role. Chatsworth is secluded due to its remote location in the Pine Barrens, with few roads and minimal development.
The surrounding forests, rivers, and marshlands offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle of city life, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Where is Chatsworth?
Chatsworth is situated in the southern part of New Jersey, within the Pine Barrens region, and is approximately 20 miles from the nearest town, Hammonton. The seclusion of Chatsworth is accentuated by its location in the vast Pine Barrens, with no direct highway access to larger towns.
Visitors can drive on Route 563 to reach Chatsworth and follow secondary roads through the dense forests and swampy areas, enhancing the sense of isolation. The journey allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pine Barrens, which surrounds this tranquil community.
8. Warren Grove – A Quiet Retreat
Warren Grove is a Stafford Township, Ocean County, New Jersey residential neighborhood. With a small population under 5,000, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by pine forests and protected wildlife areas.
The main industry in the area revolves around agriculture, with cranberry bogs and natural resource management contributing to the local economy. Warren Grove’s seclusion is partly due to its position within the Pine Barrens, an expansive forested area that restricts development and keeps the community largely undisturbed.
The neighborhood’s limited access and rural environment make it an ideal location for those seeking solitude away from city life.
Where is Warren Grove?
Warren Grove is located in Stafford Township, in Ocean County, New Jersey, in the heart of the Pine Barrens region. Its seclusion is reinforced by the dense forests surrounding it, which limit development and provide a natural barrier to urbanization.
To reach Warren Grove, visitors must travel on Route 539 south from the nearest town, Tuckerton, then follow smaller roads through the forest. The journey through expansive pine forests and wetlands emphasizes the area’s secluded atmosphere and provides visitors with a quiet and scenic retreat.
7. Burrs Mill – A Historical and Quiet Community
Burrs Mill is an unincorporated community in Southampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, with a population under 5,000. It is located within the Pine Barrens and has historical significance as a former mill town.
Today, the area offers recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing, thanks to its proximity to the nearby Burrs Mill Brook. Agriculture, including cranberry farming, is one of the primary industries in the area.
Burrs Mill is secluded due to its location within the Pine Barrens, with few roads leading to it, offering a tranquil setting amidst forests and waterways. The lack of development and commercial infrastructure helps maintain the peaceful, isolated atmosphere of the area.
Where is Burrs Mill?
Burrs Mill is located in Southampton Township, Burlington County, in the southern part of New Jersey. The area’s seclusion is enhanced by its location deep in the Pine Barrens, surrounded by forests, bogs, and wetlands.
To reach Burrs Mill, visitors can take Route 70 west to Route 532 and follow smaller local roads into the heart of the Pine Barrens. The quiet drive through dense trees and marshland contributes to the sense of isolation and peacefulness that defines the area.
6. Stafford Forge – A Natural Sanctuary
Stafford Forge is an unincorporated community in Eagleswood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey, with a population under 5,000. The neighborhood is located near the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the surrounding wetlands.
The area’s primary industries include eco-tourism, agriculture, and conservation efforts to protect the local wildlife. Stafford Forge’s seclusion is due to its location amidst protected natural lands and its minimal commercial development.
The community’s limited roads and lack of urban infrastructure ensure its status as a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the busier parts of the state.
Where is Stafford Forge?
Stafford Forge is located in Eagleswood Township, in Ocean County, New Jersey, within the Pine Barrens region. Its seclusion is bolstered by the nearby Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, which restricts development and keeps the area largely uninhabited.
To get to Stafford Forge, visitors must travel on Route 9 and then take smaller roads that wind through forests and wetlands. The journey offers scenic views of the natural landscape, reinforcing the community’s quiet, secluded atmosphere.
5. Mountainville in Tewksbury Township
Mountainville, an unincorporated area in Tewksbury Township, is a place I’ve found to be the epitome of tranquil country living. Nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, it offers large properties with plenty of privacy. The small population contributes to a peaceful atmosphere where I can truly relax and unwind.
I love exploring the local vineyards and horseback riding trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty. The historic homes and stone walls add a touch of timelessness to the landscape. Mountainville’s blend of seclusion and elegance makes it a standout location in the Highlands.
Where is Mountainville?
Mountainville is located within Tewksbury Township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It’s situated near the intersection of County Route 517 and Guinea Hollow Road.
I usually reach it by taking Route 78 and then following local roads that wind through the countryside. The area’s elevation and surrounding hills provide stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making the journey as delightful as the destination.
4. Flatbrookville in Sussex County
Flatbrookville is a tiny settlement I’ve found to be a perfect getaway for solitude and immersion in nature. Located near the Flat Brook River, woodlands surround it far from urban centers, offering a true escape from the daily grind. The population here is minimal, contributing to its quiet ambiance.
I enjoy fishing in the pristine waters of the Flat Brook and hiking the trails that connect to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The historic buildings and rural landscape make it feel like a step back. Flatbrookville’s untouched beauty and seclusion draw me back again and again.
Where is Flatbrookville?
Flatbrookville is situated in Walpack Township, within Sussex County, New Jersey. It’s nestled along Flat Brook Road, near the Delaware River and the expansive Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
I find the best way to get there is by taking Route 206 to County Road 560, then following the signs to Flatbrookville. The drive through dense forests and winding roads enhances the feeling of entering a peaceful retreat.
3. Layton in Sandyston Township
Layton is a small rural community that offers the privacy and natural surroundings I deeply appreciate. Bordered by state forests and the Delaware River, it’s an ideal spot for those who love the outdoors.
With a modest population, Layton provides a close-knit community feel without sacrificing seclusion. I spend time hiking in Stokes State Forest and kayaking on the Delaware River, enjoying the abundant wildlife and serene environment.
The historic Dingman’s Ferry Bridge nearby adds a touch of historical significance to the area. Layton’s blend of natural beauty and peaceful living makes it a standout in the Highlands.
Where is Layton?
Layton is in Sandyston Township, Sussex County, in northwestern New Jersey. It’s accessible via County Road 560, which connects to Route 206.
I often take Route 206 north to County Road 560, enjoying the scenic drive through forests and small farms. The Delaware Water Gap and the proximity of state parks make Layton secluded and a gateway to numerous outdoor activities.
2. Millbrook Village in Hardwick Township
Millbrook Village is a quaint hamlet that offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life, which I’ve found both educational and enchanting. Nestled within dense forests, it provides seclusion and a step back. The village is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
While it has no residential population, it features historic buildings and re-enactments that bring history to life. I enjoy strolling through the village, imagining life in a bygone era.
The surrounding woods and trails offer additional opportunities for hiking and observing nature. Millbrook Village’s unique charm makes it a must-visit for those seeking solitude and a touch of history.
Where is Millbrook Village?
Millbrook Village is in Hardwick Township, Warren County, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It’s accessible via Old Mine Road, parallel to the Delaware River.
I usually reach it by taking Interstate 80 to the Old Mine Road exit and following the signs. The drive offers scenic river views and a sense of entering a secluded natural area, enhancing the overall experience of visiting Millbrook Village.
1. Walpack Center in Walpack Township
Walpack Center is perhaps one of the most isolated places I’ve encountered in New Jersey—a historic village surrounded by the expansive Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. With no permanent residents, it offers vast natural landscapes and minimal development, making it a true ghost town.
The quiet streets and preserved buildings are fascinating, providing a unique opportunity to reflect and enjoy solitude. The area is perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring the remnants of a bygone community.
The absence of modern amenities adds to its allure, allowing me to disconnect completely. Walpack Center stands out as a profound example of seclusion in the Highlands.
Where is Walpack Center?
Walpack Center is located in Walpack Township, Sussex County, deep within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It’s accessible via narrow, winding roads like Mountain Road and Walpack-Flatbrook Road.
I recommend taking Route 206 to County Route 560, then following signs to Walpack Center. The journey through dense forests and along the scenic Flat Brook is a highlight, setting the stage for the tranquility that awaits in this hidden village.
