If you’re like me and sometimes crave a break from the hustle and bustle, Eastern Connecticut has some hidden gems that offer the perfect escape. Nestled among rolling hills, dense forests, and serene rivers, these secluded towns provide a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature and yourself.
From quaint historic villages to towns wrapped in lush greenery, Eastern Connecticut’s countryside is dotted with places that seem untouched by time.
I’ve compiled a list of ten such towns that promise tranquility and a slower pace of life. Join me as we count down these serene spots, each offering its own unique charm and solitude.
10. Sprague: Rivers, Woodlands, and Peaceful Living
With a population of just over 2,900, Sprague is a small town that offers a quiet lifestyle surrounded by nature. I love visiting the Shetucket River, which winds through the town, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking along its banks.
The town lacks major industries, but its rich history in textile milling is still evident in some historic buildings. What makes Sprague truly secluded is its preserved lands like the Sprague Land Preserve, offering miles of hiking trails where you can wander without encountering a soul.
The absence of bustling commercial centers adds to its peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
Where is Sprague?
Sprague is located in New London County in Eastern Connecticut, nestled between Norwich and Willimantic. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding woodlands and the lack of major highways cutting through the town.
The best way to get there is by taking local roads off Route 97 or Route 207, which themselves are scenic routes through the countryside. I find that the journey to Sprague is part of the charm, as you pass through picturesque landscapes that set the tone for the tranquility that awaits.
9. Sterling: Countryside Bliss Near the Rhode Island Border
Sterling, home to around 3,700 residents, is a rural haven characterized by open fields and quiet roads. I often enjoy the simplicity of life here, where farms and small family-run businesses are the norm.
The town doesn’t have significant industrial activity, which helps maintain its pristine environment. Sterling’s lack of commercial development and its expansive natural spaces make it secluded, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Whether you’re exploring the border trails or enjoying a quiet afternoon on a local farm, Sterling provides a serene backdrop.
Where is Sterling?
Situated in Windham County, Sterling lies right on the border with Rhode Island. Its location contributes to its secluded feel, nestled away from major cities and highways. To reach Sterling, I usually take Route 14A, which meanders through the countryside, reinforcing the town’s isolation.
The surrounding forests and farmlands create a buffer from the outside world, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude.
8. Ashford: Escape to a Town Wrapped in Nature
Ashford is a quaint town with a population of about 4,300 that offers a true escape into nature. One of my favorite spots is the Ashford Lake, perfect for kayaking and quiet reflection. The town’s large lot sizes mean houses are spread out, providing privacy and a sense of peace.
There isn’t much in the way of industry here, which helps keep the area unspoiled. Ashford’s numerous lakes, forests, and minimal development make it a secluded sanctuary where you can truly disconnect.
Where is Ashford?
Located in Windham County, Ashford sits in the northeastern part of Connecticut. Its seclusion is due in part to the surrounding Nipmuck State Forest and the Yale-Myers Forest, which envelop the town in greenery.
Getting to Ashford typically involves traveling along Route 44 or Route 74, roads that weave through forested areas and rolling hills. I find that the journey enhances the feeling of stepping away from the hectic pace of everyday life.
7. Franklin: Quiet Living in the Heart of Eastern Connecticut
Franklin, with a population nearing 1,900, is a small agricultural town that radiates tranquility. I enjoy the expansive farmland dotted with classic New England homes. The main industries here are farming and small local businesses, contributing to the town’s slow-paced lifestyle.
Franklin’s distance from urban centers and its spacious properties provide residents with ample privacy. The absence of commercial hubs makes it a secluded spot where you can savor the simple pleasures of country living.
Where is Franklin?
Situated in New London County, Franklin lies north of Norwich. Its central location in Eastern Connecticut doesn’t diminish its seclusion, thanks to limited through traffic and vast open spaces.
Access is mainly via Route 32, but once you turn off the main road, you’re greeted by quiet lanes and scenic vistas. I often drive through the gentle hills and pastures, feeling a world away from the nearest city.
6. Eastford: Hidden Gem in the Last Green Valley
Eastford is a tiny town of about 1,700 people, known for its extensive forests and minimal development. Nestled within the National Heritage Corridor known as the Last Green Valley, Eastford offers miles of trails and natural beauty. There are few industries here, which helps preserve its untouched character.
I appreciate how the town’s minimal commercial activity and expansive woodlands contribute to its secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts like myself.
Where is Eastford?
Located in Windham County, Eastford is tucked away in northeastern Connecticut. Its seclusion is amplified by the encompassing Yale-Myers Forest and other protected lands. To get there, I usually take Route 198 or Route 44, roads that wind through dense forests and rolling terrain.
The journey itself is a peaceful drive that sets the stage for the quiet retreat that Eastford offers.
5. North Stonington: Whispering Woods and Rolling Meadows
Home to around 5,300 residents, North Stonington is a town where nature and tranquility reign. I often explore its expansive natural areas like the Assekonk Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
The town has a low housing density, and there are no major industries, which helps maintain its serene environment. North Stonington’s mixture of forests, meadows, and absence of urban development make it a secluded haven for those seeking peace and quiet.
Where is North Stonington?
North Stonington is located in New London County, near the southeastern corner of Connecticut. Its proximity to the Rhode Island border adds to its secluded feel. Access is mainly via Interstate 95, but once you exit, the rural roads lead you deeper into the countryside.
I find that the town’s isolation is enhanced by its vast open spaces and minimal commercial intrusion, making it a perfect getaway spot.
4. Hampton: Rural Serenity with Historic Charm
With a population of about 1,800, Hampton is a small town that exudes historic charm. I enjoy strolling past the well-preserved historic homes and visiting places like the Hampton General Store. The town is primarily agricultural, with abundant farmland contributing to its rural serenity.
Hampton’s tranquil atmosphere and minimal development make it a secluded environment where time seems to slow down.
Where is Hampton?
Hampton is situated in Windham County, nestled among other small towns that form Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. Its location away from major highways enhances its seclusion.
Getting there involves taking scenic routes like Route 97 or Route 6, roads that meander through picturesque landscapes. I always appreciate the peaceful drive, which feels like a journey back to simpler times.
3. Lyme: Seclusion Along the Connecticut River
Lyme, home to around 2,400 people, is a town known for its quiet elegance and natural beauty. Nestled along the Connecticut River, it offers picturesque views that I find incredibly soothing.
The town lacks major industries, focusing instead on preserving its natural landscapes and historic sites. Large lot sizes and protected lands provide ample privacy, making Lyme a perfect place for a secluded getaway amidst stunning scenery.
Where is Lyme?
Located in New London County, Lyme sits along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River. Its seclusion comes from its riverfront location and the surrounding protected areas like the Nehantic State Forest.
To reach Lyme, I usually take Route 156, a scenic road that hugs the river and passes through dense woodlands. The town’s limited accessibility and natural barriers contribute to its peaceful isolation.
2. Voluntown: Nature Lover’s Paradise in the Quiet Corner
Voluntown is a small town of about 2,600 residents that offers an abundance of natural beauty. As a nature lover, I appreciate the expansive Pachaug State Forest, which provides endless opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
The town has minimal industrial presence, focusing on outdoor recreation and conservation. Voluntown’s vast forests and serene landscapes make it a secluded spot where you can truly immerse yourself in nature.
Where is Voluntown?
Situated in New London County, Voluntown lies in the region often referred to as Connecticut’s Quiet Corner. Its seclusion is due in large part to the surrounding Pachaug State Forest, which envelops the town in greenery.
Access is primarily via Route 49 or Route 138, roads that weave through forested areas. I find that the journey through the woods heightens the sense of escape, making Voluntown feel like a world apart.
1. Scotland: A Peaceful Retreat Amidst Rolling Hills
Scotland, with a population of just around 1,700, tops my list as the most secluded town in Eastern Connecticut. The rolling hills and vast open spaces offer a peaceful retreat that I find incredibly rejuvenating.
There isn’t much in terms of industry here; the town is primarily agricultural, with farms dotting the landscape. Scotland’s low population density and natural beauty make it an ideal secluded getaway, perfect for those looking to escape the noise of city life.
Where is Scotland?
Located in Windham County, Scotland sits comfortably in Eastern Connecticut’s rural heartland. Its seclusion is accentuated by the lack of major roads and the surrounding countryside. To get there, I usually travel along Route 97, enjoying the scenic drive through farmland and forests.
The town’s remote location and tranquil environment make Scotland a hidden gem worth discovering.
