If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Eastern New York is home to some of the most charming and secluded towns that offer the perfect escape.
Tucked away amidst rolling hills, lush forests, and serene lakes, these hidden gems provide a peaceful retreat where you can truly unwind. I’ve spent time exploring this region and have discovered towns that not only boast natural beauty but also exude a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical sites, or just a quiet place to relax, these towns have something special to offer. Join me as I count down my top 25 secluded towns in Eastern New York.
25. Willsboro: River Bends and Lake-Light Quiet
Willsboro feels hidden in plain sight—cupped by the Boquet River as it slips toward Lake Champlain and buffered by broad stretches of conserved shoreline. Mornings arrive soft here: kingfishers skitter over backwater eddies, and the village stirs without hurry.
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Walk the Boquet River Nature Preserve for floodplain woods and easy put-ins for a slow paddle; in summer, anglers work the riffles at dusk. The town’s working rhythm blends lake-season tourism with small businesses and a practical, year-round community.
You don’t come for bustle; you come for long light on the water and the hush between passing cars. It’s the kind of place that makes simple, quiet routines feel luxurious.
Where is Willsboro?
Set on the Adirondack Coast in Essex County, Willsboro sits about 30 miles south of Plattsburgh, where river meets lake on Champlain’s west shore. You reach it on two-lane roads that leave the Northway behind and wind through open fields and rock cuts.
Once in town, trailheads and boat launches are minutes from Main Street. It’s close enough to reach, but the last miles make it feel like you’ve slipped off the map.
24. Keene: High Peaks at the Back Door
Keene is small in size and huge in wilderness—fifteen of the Adirondack High Peaks shoulder right up to its hamlets. The air carries that spruce-and-stone smell, and the mountains feel almost neighborly as they loom above porches and trailhead kiosks.
Days fill quickly: hike to Johns Brook Lodge, wander along the Ausable River, or aim for notch walks where the wind threads the firs. Guiding and hospitality mingle with a deeply outdoorsy, year-round community, so even the coffee shops hum with trail talk.
Evenings are quiet: a distant owl, a few headlamps bobbing home. Keene’s vibe is rugged but kind, the sort of place where maps live permanently on dashboards. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how close “wild” can be.
Where is Keene?
Tucked in central Essex County, Keene sits in the heart of Adirondack Park, between Wilmington Notch and the Upper Ausable valleys. From I-87, you funnel onto NY-73 and NY-9N—two lanes that climb and curl beneath cliffs and hardwood canopies.
Trailheads and lean-tos appear as often as houses, which is part of the charm. The drive alone feels like a gentle untying from everyday life.
23. Newcomb: Heart-of-the-Park Solitude
Newcomb is Adirondack quiet distilled—deep forests, big skies, and the ghost of Tahawus whispering from the pines. History and wilderness tangle here: the remains of mining days, Roosevelt’s “midnight ride,” and vast tracts of public land now gone still.
Paddle the Essex Chain Lakes at dawn, climb Goodnow Mountain’s fire tower, or wander the Blue Ridge bogs where dragonflies stitch the air. With government agencies, schools, and seasonal tourism as anchors, life moves at a steady, neighborly pace.
Nights are truly dark—stars crowd the horizon. Newcomb’s seclusion isn’t an attitude; it’s geography. It’s where you go to hear yourself think.
Where is Newcomb?
Centered in Essex County and surrounded by the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Newcomb sits well off any interstate. Most arrive via NY-28N, the Roosevelt–Marcy Memorial Highway, which threads through spruce flats and river confluences.
Services are sparse by design, with trailheads and lakes far outnumbering storefronts. By the time you roll in, you’ve already left most noise behind.
22. Minerva: Blue Ponds and Backroad Pines
Minerva is a quilt of ponds and hemlock shadows, the kind of town where half the land is wild and water is never far. The quiet here is textured—loons on summer nights, wind in tamarack, the pluck of paddle on tannin-dark coves.
Hikes braid from a single trailhead to multiple ponds; anglers favor cool creeks and the Hudson headwaters. Life leans rural and practical, with a bit of snowmobile culture and plenty of camp stories.
NY-28N is the only major road, and even that feels like a lifeline more than a thoroughfare. The days stretch long and unhurried. It’s the kind of place where time dilates into campfire hours.
Where is Minerva?
In the southwest corner of Essex County, Minerva lies between the Hudson’s branches and the Boreas country. You reach it primarily via NY-28N as it rolls through the forest and over narrow bridges.
Distances are measured in ridges and lakes rather than miles. The approach itself does the work of leaving the world behind.
21. Johnsburg: Hudson Bends and Hamlet Paths
Johnsburg is a spread-out town of little hamlets stitched together by river and ridge—Bakers Mills, North Creek, North River, and more. The feel is mountain-honest: a mix of old general stores, ski-town edges near Gore, and backroads where deer outweigh traffic.
Paddle the upper Hudson, bike riverside lanes, or browse small galleries in North Creek before stepping back into the trees. Its economy blends four-season recreation with local trades, never losing that Adirondack plain-spoken rhythm.
With the largest land area in Warren County, space is the default. At night, the river does most of the talking. You come to remember what “room to breathe” means.
Where is Johnsburg?
Set in the northwest corner of Warren County, Johnsburg sits north of the Hudson’s deep bends, a good hour from the Northway’s rush. Approach on NY-28 and county roads that trace water and contour lines rather than straight shots.
Small hamlets appear like clearings in the forest. It’s close to a ski mountain, but once you turn down a side lane, the quiet returns.
20. Indian Lake: Big Water, Bigger Woods
Indian Lake feels like the Adirondacks concentrated—no stoplights, just lake, sky, and a handful of sturdy businesses keeping things humming. The town’s pace matches the seasons: trout stocking and paddling in spring, hikers in summer, blazing foliage, and snowmobiles threading winter woods.
Launch at the dam, hike to OK Slip Falls, or wander the Cedar River Flow when mist sits low. Tourism mixes with forestry history and a tradition of volunteerism that binds the community.
Even in “busy” weeks, quiet is easy to find—turn one bend and you’re alone with the water. It’s the sort of place where the line between town and wilderness blurs beautifully.
Where is Indian Lake?
In Hamilton County, Indian Lake rides the meeting point of NY-28 and NY-30, deep inside Adirondack Park. Getting there means losing cell bars and gaining mountains, mile by mile.
The road skirts water and marsh, then slips into town with little fanfare. It’s reachable, but it feels a world away.
19. Long Lake: A Ribbon of Blue in Endless Green
Long Lake is exactly what it sounds like—a 14-mile sliver of water with pocket coves and sandy nooks, and a town that orbits its shoreline. Days stretch with paddles, loon calls, and the hum of outboards, then settle into campfires as the evening wind lays the lake flat.
Take a cruise to Raquette Lake, climb Owl’s Head for a quick view, or wander the beach with a soft-serve in hand. Tourism is the heartbeat here, but it’s small-scale and deeply local.
On starry nights, the Milky Way spills across the water like a second shoreline. Long Lake holds you in the easiest kind of way. It’s a place that turns a weekend into a memory spool.
Where is Long Lake?
Also in Hamilton County, Long Lake sits north of Blue Mountain Lake, strung along NY-30 with side roads slipping to quiet put-ins. The drive from the Northway unwinds through passes and past trailheads until the lake suddenly appears beside you.
Services cluster near the hamlet, and then thin quickly. The farther you go, the louder the loons.
18. Speculator: One Village, Many Trails
Speculator is a true “edge-of-everything” village—the only incorporated place in Hamilton County, ringed by lakes, peaks, and miles of woods. Despite its tiny size, it’s an all-season outpost: ski at Oak Mountain, bike to the Kunjamuk Cave, fish Lake Pleasant, then stroll to a diner where snow boots count as dress code.
Its economy leans on small-town services and four-season recreation; everything else is birdsong and breeze. NY-8 and NY-30 cross at the village “Four Corners,” and then melt into pine corridors.
Even in summer, you can paddle a whole afternoon and see only loons. Speculator feels like a camp that decided to become a town. It’s comfort tucked in the wilderness.
Where is Speculator?
In the southern Adirondacks of Hamilton County, Speculator sits on the northeast shore of Lake Pleasant. Most visitors arrive via NY-30 or NY-8, both relaxed two-laners that trade speed for views.
The crossroads are brief; the woods begin again almost immediately. It’s close enough to stock up, far enough that silence sticks.
17. Wells: Waterfalls and an Old Timber Soul
Wells is a river town at heart—the Sacandaga broadens into Lake Algonquin right through its center, and the sound of water is never far. Trails lead to Auger Falls and into the Silver Lake Wilderness, where footpaths feel like secrets shared.
The vibe is spare and sincere: clapboard houses, trailhead kiosks, and a community that still remembers its milling and logging roots. Summer brings paddlers and swimmers; fall colors burn hot along the river bends; winter belongs to snowshoes and quiet roads.
Businesses are few and friendly, the kind where the owner knows your order by day two. Out beyond the last porchlight, the stars feel close. It’s the kind of place where the river sets your tempo.
Where is Wells?
On the eastern edge of Hamilton County, Wells sits along NY-30, northwest of the Capital Region and fully within Adirondack Park. The approach follows the Sacandaga upstream until the mountains close in.
Gas up before you go—distances are measured in valleys. The road doubles as your first scenic drive.
16. Lexington: Schoharie Waters and Hidden Hollows
Lexington wears the Catskills’ quiet well—high valleys, deep woods, and the Schoharie Creek knitting through meadows. You can stroll past the storied Lexington House, poke around trailheads to lean-to waterfalls, or simply sit on a bridge and watch late-day gold run down the creek.
The town’s history touches timber, tanneries, and summertime boarders; today it leans rural, creative, and content with its own pace. Roads narrow quickly, and service bars flicker out in the hollows.
Night settles early behind ridgelines; mornings arrive with mist lifting off pasture. Lexington is gentle in its solitude. It’s for people who like the “between places.”
Where is Lexington?
In southwestern Greene County, Lexington is set between taller Catskill summits with no major towns nearby. From NY-23A or NY-28, you angle into valley roads that follow the creek rather than a timetable.
The miles feel longer—in a good way—as the mountains fold around you. It’s near things, yet somehow blissfully apart.
15. Hardenburgh: The Wildest Corners of Ulster
Hardenburgh is as off-grid as the Catskills get—vast town lines, very few neighbors, and trailheads that feel like private invitations. Alder Lake laps quietly at spruce and beech; Dry Brook Ridge splits the town and keeps it wild.
Hike to the Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower, fish the storied Beaver Kill headwaters, or pad down snow-blanketed lanes when the world goes cotton-quiet. With fewer than 300 residents, the community here is measured in campfire circles and nods at the trailhead.
The economy is rural, with forestry history, second-home cabins, and nature-driven getaways. Night skies are ink-dark. It’s a place that teaches you how quiet the world can be.
Where is Hardenburgh?
Remote in western Ulster County, Hardenburgh sits entirely within Catskill Park’s forested hills. You reach it on tapering roads off NY-28 or NY-30, where cell coverage goes thin and streams run glass-clear beside the shoulder.
Distances between hamlets are real, and that’s part of the appeal. Arrive with a full tank and an open calendar.
14. Denning: Neversink Valleys and Stone-Quiet Lanes
Denning is all hush and headwaters—the East and West Branches of the Neversink carve green valleys where porches look onto forever. Hidden waterfalls, cold swimming holes, and long ridge climbs are the daily grammar.
The town is proudly sparse; cabins dot the woods, and lights are few. Days revolve around trail miles and river time; nights are for woodsmoke and the river’s hush.
It’s a place where “going out” often means a dusk walk to the bridge. Denning is serenity with moss on it. It lingers in your mind long after you leave.
Where is Denning?
Deep in western Ulster County, Denning sits inside Catskill Park with no large towns close at hand. You come in via winding spurs off NY-28 and Frost Valley Road, where the forest presses close.
Signs point more often to trailheads than storefronts. It’s close enough for a weekend, far enough to feel like another world.
13. Bovina: Pastures, Peaks, and a Quiet Culinary Spark
Bovina is meadow country—stone walls, dairy fields, and a big bowl of sky that makes time slow down. The vibe mixes old-farm steadiness with a modern, food-loving pulse: farm dinners, small makers, and country roads that smell of hay in August.
Hike rural lanes to scenic overlooks, browse the tiny historic district, or linger over a long meal at a farm tavern. Agriculture remains the backbone; new creative energy keeps porch lights warm on weekend evenings.
You’ll hear more cows than cars. Bovina is gentle and deeply grounded—the kind of quiet that tastes as good as it sounds.
Where is Bovina?
On the eastern side of Delaware County, Bovina sits between Delhi and Andes amid high, rolling farmland. Routes here are two-lane and scenic, curling past barns and over small creeks.
Distances look short on the map and feel deliciously longer in real life. The last miles are all meadow and sky.
12. Andes: Stone Fences and Anti-Rent Echoes
Andes is a mountain hamlet with a long memory—stone fences, clapboard porches, and a Main Street that nods to the Anti-Rent uprisings of the 1840s. The air tastes clean; evenings often end with stargazing over the Tremperskill.
Browse small shops, walk the Rail Trail, or wander up to the Pepacton’s inlets when the light goes honey-soft. Farming and heritage tourism share the stage; there’s a bookish, arts-friendly thread that suits rainy days.
You can still hear the past if you’re quiet on a side street. Andes is history wrapped in hills. It wins you over with understatement.
Where is Andes?
In southeastern Delaware County, Andes sits along NY-28 and NY-30, about an hour west of Kingston. The drive slips through valleys and up over saddles where cell bars fade.
Storefronts appear suddenly, then the mountains reclaim the horizon. It’s reachable—just not in a rush.
11. Shandaken: Twelve Hamlets, One Mountain Heart
Shandaken is a town of little worlds—twelve hamlets tucked among tall ridges, each with its own flavor and the same mountain hush. Phoenicia’s artsy hum meets Pine Hill’s ski-season bustle, but turn down a side road and you’re back to creek talk and cattails.
Float the Esopus, hike to Giant Ledge, or linger at a classic diner where hikers compare muddy boots. Tourism and second-home energy mix with long-time locals who know every bend in the river.
Even at “busy,” there’s always a pocket of quiet. Shandaken feels like a friendly secret shared by a dozen neighborhoods. It has a way of making you stay longer than planned.
Where is Shandaken?
On the northern edge of Ulster County, Shandaken sits along NY-28 between ridgelines and river runs, roughly 2.5 hours from NYC. You arrive through a chain of curves where mountains hem the road close.
Hamlets appear and vanish like clearings. It’s close enough for a weekend, far enough to exhale.
10. Dover Plains: Tranquil Living Along the Harlem Valley
Dover Plains, with a population of around 1,800, is a quaint hamlet that offers a serene rural setting in the scenic Harlem Valley.
I love how this small community provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nature at places like the Dover Stone Church, a natural cavern with a picturesque waterfall.
Agriculture is a prominent industry here, and you can often find fresh produce at local farms and markets. What makes Dover Plains truly secluded is its expansive open spaces and the surrounding mountains that seem to shield it from the outside world’s noise.
Where is Dover Plains?
Nestled in Dutchess County, Dover Plains lies close to the Connecticut border in southeastern New York. Its location in the Harlem Valley, flanked by the Taconic Mountains to the east, contributes to its sense of seclusion.
The area isn’t heavily trafficked, and major highways are few and far between, enhancing that peaceful ambiance I cherish. You can reach Dover Plains via the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line, making it a convenient yet quiet getaway from New York City, approximately two hours away.
9. Taghkanic: A Secluded Escape in the Taconic Mountains
Taghkanic, home to about 1,300 residents, is one of those places where you feel instantly connected to nature. Surrounded by the rolling Taconic Mountain Range, it’s perfect for hiking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the serene landscapes.
While agriculture remains a foundational industry, you’ll also find artisans and small businesses that add charm to the community. The town’s large acreages and sparse development make it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy and quietude.
Where is Taghkanic?
Situated in Columbia County, Taghkanic is in eastern New York, not far from the Massachusetts border. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding Taconic Mountains and the lack of major urban centers nearby.
The area’s rural roads and limited public transportation options mean you’ll likely need a car to get here, but that also means fewer crowds and a more tranquil environment. Trust me, the drive through the countryside is part of the experience, offering stunning views that make the journey worthwhile.
8. Berlin: Nature’s Quiet Corner in Rensselaer County
With a population of just over 1,800, Berlin is a haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature. The town is enveloped by forests and hills, providing endless opportunities for hiking, hunting, and outdoor exploration.
Timber and small-scale farming are common industries, reflecting the community’s close relationship with the land. Berlin’s seclusion comes from its dense woodlands and the natural barriers that the surrounding terrain provides.
I’ve always appreciated the untouched feel of the area, where you can truly disconnect and recharge.
Where is Berlin?
Berlin is located in Rensselaer County, nestled along the state’s eastern border with Massachusetts. Its position amid the Taconic Mountains contributes to its remote atmosphere.
The town is not serviced by major highways, which helps maintain its quiet character. To get there, you’ll typically navigate a series of country roads that weave through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s exactly what makes it special in my book.
7. New Lebanon: Countryside Charm and Quiet Living
New Lebanon, with around 2,300 residents, offers expansive landscapes and a rustic charm that I find utterly captivating. The town is known for the Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, a historical site that adds a unique cultural touch.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking on the Shaker Trail or fishing in local streams. Agriculture and small businesses dominate the local economy, contributing to the town’s laid-back vibe.
The seclusion here is palpable, with wide-open fields and minimal commercial development providing a peaceful backdrop for daily life.
Where is New Lebanon?
Located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts border, New Lebanon sits at the crossroads of Routes 20 and 22. Despite these routes, the town maintains a quiet ambiance due to its rural setting and the surrounding Berkshire foothills.
The area’s sparsity of population and distance from larger cities enhance its secluded feel. Driving here, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside that underscores the town’s tranquil allure, making it a delightful escape from urban sprawl.
6. Stephentown: The Only Stephentown on Earth
Stephentown is a small community of about 2,900 people, proudly bearing the slogan “The Only Stephentown on Earth.” The town is characterized by vast woodlands and rolling hills, offering plenty of space for hiking, snowshoeing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Forestry and small-scale farming are key industries, reflecting the residents’ connection to the land. What sets Stephentown apart is its sparse population density and the large tracts of undeveloped land, making it perfect for those who value privacy and a deep connection with nature.
Personally, I find the quiet country roads and hidden trails to be the town’s most enchanting features.
Where is Stephentown?
Nestled in Rensselaer County along the Massachusetts border, Stephentown lies within the Taconic Valley. The town’s location amid the Berkshire Mountains contributes to its sense of isolation.
It’s accessible mainly via Route 43 and Route 22, but the absence of nearby urban centers keeps traffic to a minimum. Traveling here feels like stepping back in time, with scenic drives that highlight the area’s natural beauty and reinforce its secluded charm.
5. Copake: Lakeside Serenity in Rural New York
Copake is a town of roughly 3,600 people, and it’s a slice of paradise for anyone seeking lakeside tranquility. Home to Copake Lake and bordered by the Taconic Mountains, it’s an ideal spot for boating, fishing, and hiking.
Agriculture remains a significant industry, with numerous farms dotting the landscape. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by its abundant greenery and the lack of urban development. I always find peace when I’m here, especially when exploring the lesser-known trails of Taconic State Park or watching the sunset over the lake.
Where is Copake?
Located in southeastern Columbia County, Copake is close to the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders. Its position in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains and distance from major highways contribute to its secluded nature.
Accessing Copake typically involves taking scenic backroads, which only adds to the feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle. If you’re up for a peaceful drive through the countryside, Copake awaits with its serene landscapes and welcoming community.
4. Hillsdale: Scenic Views and Open Spaces
Hillsdale, home to around 1,900 residents, offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic vistas in Eastern New York. The town is characterized by its rolling hills and open fields, making it perfect for leisurely drives, cycling, and photography.
Small businesses and agriculture drive the local economy, contributing to the area’s rural charm. Hillsdale’s seclusion comes from its vast undeveloped land and low population density.
I particularly enjoy visiting the local farmers’ markets and exploring the gentle slopes that provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Where is Hillsdale?
Hillsdale is situated in Columbia County, right along the border with Massachusetts. Its location among the Taconic Mountains contributes to its remote feel.
The town is accessible via Routes 22 and 23, but the absence of nearby urban centers keeps it quiet and unspoiled. Driving to Hillsdale means passing through picturesque landscapes, and every time I visit, I’m reminded of the simple pleasures that rural life has to offer.
3. Austerlitz: Where History Meets Seclusion
Austerlitz, with a population of approximately 1,700, is a town steeped in history and surrounded by nature. It’s home to the historic Edna St. Vincent Millay Colony, a haven for artists and writers. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking the Harvey Mountain State Forest to exploring local historical sites.
Agriculture and artisanal crafts are prevalent industries, adding to the town’s rustic appeal. The large lot sizes and minimal commercial development make Austerlitz an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere.
Where is Austerlitz?
Located in Columbia County, Austerlitz is nestled along the Massachusetts border in the foothills of the Berkshires. Its remote location is enhanced by the surrounding forests and absence of major thoroughfares.
To get there, you’ll traverse scenic routes that wind through the countryside, reinforcing the town’s secluded ambiance. For me, the journey to Austerlitz is as rewarding as the destination, offering a chance to disconnect and appreciate the region’s natural splendor.
2. Canaan: Peaceful Retreat Near the Massachusetts Border
Canaan is a small town of about 1,700 residents, offering expansive forests and quiet country roads that make it a serene environment. The Queechy Lake area is a local favorite for swimming and boating, and there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking.
The primary industries include agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, which support the town’s economy without disrupting its tranquility. What I love about Canaan is how it seems miles away from the chaos of everyday life, providing a peaceful retreat that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Canaan?
Situated in Columbia County near the Massachusetts border, Canaan’s location contributes significantly to its seclusion. Surrounded by dense woodlands and rolling hills, it’s not on the way to anywhere, which helps maintain its quiet character.
Access is mainly via Route 295 and local roads, making it a destination you have to seek out. For me, the seclusion is part of the charm, offering a chance to unwind in a truly peaceful setting.
1. Ancram: The Hidden Gem Amidst Rolling Hills
Ancram, with a population of around 1,500, is a hidden gem nestled amidst the rolling hills of Columbia County. The town offers tranquil landscapes perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the great outdoors. Agriculture is the mainstay here, with many family-owned farms and organic producers.
What makes Ancram truly secluded is its vast open spaces and minimal commercial development, which create a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to match. I find that the sense of community and the natural beauty make Ancram a perfect place to get away from it all.
Where is Ancram?
Located in southeastern Columbia County, Ancram is near the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders. The town’s remote setting among rolling hills and farmland enhances its seclusion.
There are no major highways running through Ancram, so reaching it involves a scenic drive along country roads. For me, the journey is part of the experience, offering stunning views and a chance to disconnect before even arriving at this tranquil destination.
