
If you’re yearning for a peaceful escape where life moves at a gentler pace, Eastern North Carolina holds some of the most secluded and charming towns I’ve ever come across. Tucked away in serene landscapes of marshlands, forests, and coastal beauty, these hidden gems offer tranquility far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or considering a move to somewhere more private, these twenty five towns provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and solitude. Join me as I count down the most secluded spots in Eastern North Carolina, where you can truly get away from it all.
25. The Quiet Roads of Aurora

Aurora, North Carolina sits quietly on the south shore of the Pamlico River, where the water moves slow and the land feels tucked away from the rest of the state. The nearest highways bend around it, leaving only two-lane roads that end in this riverside community.
Life here has a salt-stained rhythm, with shrimp boats at dawn, church gatherings at midday, and the steady hum of crickets at night. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the Aurora Fossil Museum, where ancient shark teeth and shells remind you of the coastโs deep history.
Kayaking the marshes or casting a line from the riverbank offer a simple kind of adventure, far removed from crowded tourist paths. Itโs the kind of town that teaches you how to listen to the water and let the quiet settle in.
Where is Aurora?

Aurora rests in Beaufort County on the south shore of the Pamlico River, deep in North Carolinaโs eastern coastal plain. It sits about 30 miles southeast of Washington, NC, far removed from larger highways and tucked beyond the main travel routes.
The way in is usually by NC Highway 33, a quiet two-lane road that winds past farmland and wetlands before reaching the waterfront. Here the river breeze and open horizon create a calm sense of distance, as if the outside world has quietly slipped away.
24. A Retreat in Oriental

Oriental, North Carolina rests at the meeting of creeks and the Neuse River, a waterfront village that feels like it belongs to another pace of time. Its seclusion comes not from distance, but from the way winding waterways create a natural boundary, keeping the outside world at bay.
Known as the โSailing Capital of North Carolina,โ the town hums with the sound of masts clinking in the breeze and gulls circling overhead. Days are marked by fishing trips, quiet paddles through salt marshes, or watching wooden boats glide past from the harbor docks.
Small cafรฉs and seafood shacks offer the taste of the river, while local festivals fill the air with music and laughter. Itโs a place where the river becomes a companion, and the calm of the water lingers with you long after you leave.
Where is Oriental?

Oriental sits in Pamlico County along the wide Neuse River, near where it spills into Pamlico Sound. The town lies roughly 30 miles southeast of New Bern, reached by a stretch of NC Highway 55 that narrows into tree-lined roads as you approach the water.
The route takes you past fields and creeks, with the river opening suddenly into a harbor lined with sailboats. Life slows as the shoreline comes into view, leaving you with the feeling that youโve arrived somewhere tucked safely away from the rest of the world.
23. Hidden Stillness in Trenton

Trenton, North Carolina rests in the heart of Jones County, where fields stretch wide and the rhythms of farm life still shape the days. The town feels set apart because there are no major highways rushing through, only quiet country roads that end at its courthouse square.
History whispers hereโbrick storefronts, old churches, and a courthouse dating back centuries anchor the community with a sense of permanence. Afternoons might be spent fishing along the Trent River, wandering shaded trails, or pausing at roadside produce stands where neighbors still know each other by name.
Farming remains the backbone of life, with tobacco, corn, and soy filling the fields that roll out to the horizon. In Trenton, the pace is slow and steady, reminding you that some towns are meant to be savored like a long summer evening.
Where is Trenton?

Trenton lies in the heart of Jones County, in the lowlands of eastern North Carolina. Itโs about 20 miles west of New Bern, just off US Highway 17, yet it feels far from the busy routes that carry travelers toward the coast.
The town is reached by smaller country roads that cross farmland and quiet stretches of forest before opening into its compact center. That gentle approach makes it feel set apart, a place where time drifts more slowly and the outside bustle seems to pause at the edge of town.
22. Calm Surroundings of Bayboro

Bayboro, North Carolina lies at the head of the Bay River, a town so small and tucked away that many only find it when the road simply stops. Its seclusion comes from being surrounded by winding waterways and endless stretches of flat farmland, creating a quiet that feels unbroken.
The courthouse square stands as the communityโs anchor, a reminder that history and daily life here move hand in hand. Residents spend their time fishing the creeks, kayaking the riverโs bends, or gathering at local diners where conversations carry longer than the meals themselves.
Farming and fishing are still the steady pulse of the economy, tying people to the land and water in equal measure. Bayboro is the kind of place where you learn to measure time not by the clock, but by the rise and fall of the tide.
Where is Bayboro?

Bayboro anchors Pamlico County near the headwaters of the Bay River, a few miles inland from the Pamlico Sound. It lies about 35 miles east of New Bern, reached most directly by NC Highway 55, which threads through stretches of pine forest and farmland before arriving in town.
The approach is unhurried, with water nearby but hidden until you finally catch glimpses of creeks branching toward the sound. That mix of land and water gives Bayboro a tucked-away quality, where the pace of life feels sheltered and steady.
21. The Remote Lands of Pollocksville

Pollocksville, North Carolina rests quietly beside the Trent River, where cypress trees lean over the water and the pace of life slows to a gentle drift. Its sense of seclusion comes from being bypassed by larger roads, leaving the town tucked into its own quiet corner.
History lingers in its old churches and weathered homes, giving the streets a timeless character. Visitors often take to the river by canoe or spend time exploring the nearby Croatan National Forest, where trails wind through pine, marsh, and hidden creeks.
Community gatherings, from small-town festivals to local music nights, bring neighbors together in a way that feels rare today. Pollocksville leaves you with the sense that stillness can be just as memorable as any grand destination.
Where is Pollocksville?

Pollocksville rests along the Trent River in Jones County, a small town about 15 miles southwest of New Bern. Travelers usually arrive by US Highway 17, but the last stretch shifts into slower roads edged by farmland and tall pines.
The river runs quietly alongside the town, giving the landscape a hushed, sheltered air. Itโs a place where the road narrows, the world softens, and seclusion settles in like part of the scenery.
20. Peace in Bayview

Bayview, North Carolina rests on the edge of the Pamlico River, a small waterfront community that feels worlds apart from busier coastal towns. Its seclusion comes from the way itโs tucked into a bend of shoreline, reached only by backroads or the ferry that glides across the river.
Life here unfolds by the waterโswimming from sandy banks, casting lines at dawn, or simply watching the sun sink into the wide horizon. The sound of waves against docks and the sight of herons in the marsh shape the rhythm of each day.
With only a scattering of homes and gathering spots, the townโs simplicity is its charm. Bayview is the kind of place that lingers with you, a reminder of how deeply peace can be found by the waterโs edge.
Where is Bayview?

Bayview sits on the north side of the Pamlico River in Beaufort County, directly across from the town of Bath. Itโs about 20 miles northeast of Washington, NC, reached by following NC Highway 92 until it gives way to smaller country roads hugging farmland and marsh.
The last stretch brings you close to the riverโs edge, where water and horizon stretch wide and uninterrupted. Standing there, it feels both reachable and remote, as if the river itself holds the town in quiet separation from everything else.
19. The Quiet Bend of Grantsboro

Grantsboro, North Carolina sits at the crossroads of Pamlico County, where two-lane roads meet and then scatter back into pine woods and marshland. Though small, the town feels tucked away, with life moving at an easier rhythm than the places beyond its borders.
The communityโs heartbeat comes from its few gathering spotsโlocal shops, churches, and diners where neighbors greet each other by name. Outdoor life is never far, with fishing along quiet creeks, paddling the waters nearby, or driving just a short stretch to reach the wide Pamlico Sound.
Seasonal events and local traditions keep the town connected, adding warmth to its modest setting. Grantsboro carries the kind of stillness that makes you pause, reminding you that even crossroads can feel like a destination all their own.
Where is Grantsboro?

Grantsboro lies at the crossroads of Pamlico County, where NC Highway 55 and NC Highway 306 meet about 25 miles east of New Bern. The approach comes along open stretches of farmland and pine woods, with the roads narrowing into a quieter rhythm the farther you drive.
Though it serves as a junction town, it remains small and surrounded by fields and creeks that keep it feeling apart from busier places. That blend of crossroads and countryside leaves Grantsboro with the sense of being both connected and quietly tucked away.
18. Still Waters of Chocowinity

Chocowinity, North Carolina rests just south of the Pamlico River, a place whose very nameโdrawn from the Tuscaroraโspeaks to its deep roots and hidden character. Though close to larger towns, it feels secluded by stretches of river, winding backroads, and woodlands that keep it wrapped in quiet.
Life here often centers on the water, whether boating from small marinas, fishing at dawn, or watching the sunset paint ripples across the creek. The townโs charm comes through in its blend of old and newโhistoric churches and homes sitting alongside family-run shops and modern touches.
Golf courses and nearby nature trails add variety for those who want both recreation and relaxation. Chocowinity lingers in memory as a place where history and river still shape the rhythm of everyday life.
Where is Chocowinity?

Chocowinity sits in Beaufort County, just across the Pamlico River from Washington, NC, yet it feels like a step into quieter ground. The town is reached by US Highway 17, but once you turn off, the pace slows along winding local roads shaded by tall pines and dotted with farmland.
Waterways and creeks slip through the landscape, giving the area a hushed, tucked-in atmosphere. Itโs close enough to the bustle of Washington, but the setting makes it feel like youโve slipped into a more hidden corner of the coastal plain.
17. Rural Stillness in Vanceboro

Vanceboro, North Carolina rests along the banks of the Swift Creek, where life moves at the pace of the waterโs gentle current. The town feels tucked away because major highways pass it by, leaving only quiet routes that weave through fields and woods before opening into its small main street.
Neighbors gather at local cafรฉs, ballfields, and churches, creating a community that feels more like an extended family than a town. For visitors, simple pleasures stand outโpaddling the creek, exploring nearby trails, or joining in on small-town festivals that light up the year.
Its roots stretch back to the 1800s, with a history still reflected in its older homes and community landmarks. Vanceboro is the sort of place where connection, not speed, defines the rhythm of the day.
Where is Vanceboro?

Vanceboro rests in Craven County near the edge of North Carolinaโs coastal plain, about 25 miles northwest of New Bern. The main way in is along US Highway 17 or NC Highway 43, both of which narrow into stretches of farmland and pine woods before reaching town.
The journey feels unhurried, with long fields and quiet tree lines marking the approach. By the time you arrive, the setting feels apart from the noise of nearby cities, carrying the stillness of a place slightly out of reach.
16. The Tucked-Away Calm of Cove City

Cove City, North Carolina sits quietly in Craven County, where open fields give way to tree-lined streets and a pace of life that feels untouched by hurry. Its sense of seclusion comes from being miles off major routes, reached mainly by country roads that seem to slow the world down as you arrive.
The townโs character shows in its close-knit gatheringsโchurch events, small festivals, and evenings where neighbors linger long after the sun sets. History still hums in its older homes and community landmarks, reminders of generations who built their lives here.
Nearby forests and creeks offer simple escapes, whether itโs a walk beneath tall pines or an afternoon of fishing in shaded waters. Cove City leaves an impression of quiet resilience, the kind of place where time feels both steady and kind.
Where is Cove City?

Cove City is set in western Craven County, about 15 miles east of Kinston and 20 miles west of New Bern. Itโs reached most directly along US Highway 70, then by smaller roads that slip past fields, clusters of woods, and quiet homesteads.
The townโs compact layout appears gradually, without fanfare, as if it were waiting just beyond the bend in the road. That slow reveal adds to its sense of seclusion, a place that feels discovered rather than simply arrived at.
15. The Marshy Silence of Harkers Island

Harkers Island, North Carolina feels like the edge of the map, surrounded by Core Sound and reached by a single bridge that carries you into a world apart. Its seclusion lies in its geographyโan island buffered by marshes, shifting tides, and the sweep of the Atlantic.
Life here still leans on the water, from fishing boats setting out at dawn to locals carving traditional decoys by hand. Visitors often take the ferry to Cape Lookout, climb the lighthouse, or wander long stretches of untouched beach.
Quiet channels invite kayaking and birdwatching, where pelicans and herons glide just above the water. Harkers Island lingers in memory as a place where sea and sky keep time, and the rest of the world feels far away.
Where is Harkers Island?

Harkers Island lies off the coast of Carteret County, about 25 miles east of Morehead City, where the Core Sound meets the Atlantic. To get there, travelers follow NC Highway 70 before turning onto smaller causeways that skim over salt marshes and tidal creeks.
The road seems to hover between land and water, carrying you deeper into a landscape shaped by the sea. By the time you reach the island, the mainland feels far away, and the quiet sweep of ocean and sound gives it an unmistakable sense of being set apart.
14. Hidden Acres of Belhaven

Belhaven, North Carolina rests on the banks of the Pungo River, a waterfront town that feels sheltered from the wider world by winding waterways and endless marsh. Its seclusion comes from being far from major highways, with only quiet roads leading you into its harbor.
The town carries a timeless charmโVictorian houses line the streets, fishing boats sway at the docks, and the air smells faintly of salt and river breeze. Days here often mean casting a line, paddling through calm creeks, or strolling along the riverfront where the sunset glows across the water.
Local shops and annual festivals add bursts of life, weaving community and tradition together in simple ways. Belhaven is the kind of place that shows how peaceful a river town can be when it stands apart.
Where is Belhaven?

Belhaven sits on the north shore of the Pungo River in Beaufort County, about 45 miles northeast of Washington, NC. The drive in usually follows US Highway 264, which gradually narrows into quieter stretches of road bordered by farmland, marsh, and glimpses of open water.
As you approach town, the river widens into view, its calm surface reflecting the sky and reinforcing the slow rhythm of the place. Belhavenโs waterfront setting makes it feel both accessible and removed, like a harbor tucked just beyond the reach of the wider world.
13. Serenity in Sealevel

Sealevel, North Carolina lives up to its name, resting at the waterโs edge where the marshes stretch out to meet Core Sound. Its seclusion comes from geographyโsituated at the far eastern tip of Carteret County, with the road simply ending at the sea.
The rhythm of life is set by the tide, with boats slipping in and out of creeks and locals gathering on docks as the sun rises and falls. Visitors find quiet joy in exploring the salt marshes, birdwatching, or taking in the unbroken horizon where water and sky blur together.
A handful of small shops and the historic hospital give the community its anchor, but the ocean is its true heart. Sealevel leaves you with the feeling of standing at the edge of the world, where stillness and salt air linger long after youโve gone.
Where is Sealevel?

Sealevel rests at the far eastern edge of Carteret County, where the land thins into marsh and tidal flats before giving way to Core Sound. It sits about 40 miles east of Morehead City, reached by driving NC Highway 70 until it narrows into a winding two-lane road that seems to stretch endlessly toward the water.
The journey passes fishing villages and salt marshes, each turn carrying you farther from the mainlandโs busier pace. By the time you arrive, the horizon feels wide and endless, with the townโs name perfectly matching the quiet sense of being on the edge of everything.
12. The Isolated Calm of Cedar Island

Cedar Island, North Carolina feels like a gateway to solitude, surrounded by sweeping marshes and the open waters of Pamlico Sound. Its seclusion comes from being the last stop on the map before the ferry carries travelers toward Ocracoke, leaving it quiet and lightly touched by the outside world.
The island is shaped by the seaโwild horses roam the dunes, fishermen set nets in the shallows, and gulls ride the wind overhead. Visitors come to walk the wide beaches, kayak the tidal creeks, or watch sunsets that stretch unbroken across the horizon.
Life here revolves around the ferry, the tides, and the calls of seabirds drifting over the marsh. Cedar Island lingers in memory as a place where wilderness and water weave together, reminding you how vast and peaceful the coast can be.
Where is Cedar Island?

Cedar Island lies at the northeastern tip of Carteret County, where the mainland dissolves into Core Sound and the Pamlico Sound beyond. About 50 miles east of Morehead City, itโs reached by following NC Highway 12, a narrow ribbon of road that winds through miles of salt marsh and open water views.
The drive feels like a gradual slipping away from the mainland, each mile carrying you farther into quiet solitude. At the end of the road, with ferries waiting and water stretching in every direction, Cedar Island feels like a place both at the edge and apart from the rest of the world.
11. The Remote Village of Stumpy Point

Stumpy Point, North Carolina rests along the edge of Pamlico Sound, a small fishing village surrounded by marshes and vast stretches of open water. Its isolation comes from being tucked deep within Dare County, reached only by a long, winding road that seems to end at the docks.
The town breathes with the rhythm of the seaโcrab pots stacked by sheds, boats easing out at dawn, and the scent of salt carried by the wind. Visitors often find solace in casting a line, watching herons stalk the shallows, or exploring the quiet beauty of nearby Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
Life here is simple but deeply tied to tradition, with fishing families passing their craft from one generation to the next. Stumpy Point feels like a hidden harbor, where the world slows to the pace of water and wind.
Where is Stumpy Point?

Stumpy Point rests on the western shore of Pamlico Sound in Dare County, about 25 miles southwest of Manteo. The way there is along US Highway 264, which gives way to smaller roads that trace through stretches of swamp forest and wide marsh before reaching the village.
The approach feels hushed, with water lapping quietly against the shoreline and egrets lifting from the grasses as you pass. By the time you arrive, the town feels like a sliver of land held between sky and sound, distant from everything but the rhythm of the water.
10. The Secluded Serenity of Alliance’s Countryside

Alliance, a small town with a population of fewer than 800, is nestled in the heart of Pamlico County. I love the quiet charm of its countryside, where expansive farmlands and dense woodlands create a serene backdrop for daily life.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing and boating on nearby creeks, or simply take in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The town’s economy is primarily supported by agriculture and small local businesses, giving it a tight-knit community feel.
What makes Alliance truly secluded is its vast rural outskirts, where large acreages and natural surroundings offer a quiet, private haven away from city noise. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor the simple pleasures of life.
Where is Alliance?

Alliance is located in Eastern North Carolina, within Pamlico County, nestled between Bayboro and Grantsboro along Highway 55. Its seclusion comes from its rural setting amidst expansive farmlands and forests that keep it insulated from urban development.
Getting there involves a scenic drive through winding country roads, with the nearest larger city being New Bern, approximately 30 miles away. The town’s limited connectivity and surrounding natural barriers make it a peaceful retreat, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
9. The Hidden Corners of Ernul

Ernul is a quiet, unincorporated community tucked away in Craven County, offering a sparsely populated retreat for those seeking solitude. I find the vast forests and minimal development here create a peaceful atmosphere far from the demands of urban life.
The area is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and simply enjoying the abundant wildlife. With no significant industries, Ernul maintains its rural charm, relying on small family-owned farms and businesses.
The seclusion of Ernul is enhanced by its sprawling natural landscapes and the absence of commercial distractions. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Where is Ernul?

Ernul is located in Eastern North Carolina, northeast of New Bern, along Highway 17. The community’s hidden nature is due to its position amidst dense forests and lack of major roadways passing directly through it.
To get there, you’ll travel through scenic country roads that wind through the picturesque landscapes of Craven County. Its isolation is a draw for those wanting a quiet getaway, as it’s comfortably distanced from the bustle of nearby towns and cities.
8. Unwind in the Rural Farmlands of Pantego

Pantego, with a population of just under 200, is a tiny town that embodies the essence of rural Eastern North Carolina. Surrounded by expansive agricultural lands, it’s a perfect secluded spot where I can unwind amidst the tranquility of nature.
The main activities here revolve around farming and enjoying the simplicity of country living. The town’s primary industry is agriculture, with vast fields of soybeans, corn, and other crops stretching as far as the eye can see. Pantego’s low housing density and wide-open spaces create an atmosphere of peace and privacy.
It’s this isolation, embraced by the community, that makes Pantego a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Where is Pantego?

Pantego is located in Beaufort County, Eastern North Carolina, situated along U.S. Route 264. Its seclusion is due to its remote location amid vast farmlands and its distance from larger urban centers. To reach Pantego, you’ll pass through miles of scenic countryside, a journey that sets the tone for the serenity you’ll find there.
The town’s off-the-beaten-path setting ensures minimal traffic and a peaceful environment, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
7. The Remote Village of Vandemere

Vandemere is a small waterfront community with a population of fewer than 300 residents. Nestled along the banks of the Bay River, I appreciate its serene coastal scenery and the privacy it offers. The town is perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the water.
Vandemere’s main industries are commercial fishing and small-scale farming, adding to its rustic charm. Its remote location and the surrounding waterways provide natural barriers that enhance its seclusion. This peaceful village offers a quiet lifestyle that’s deeply connected to the rhythms of the sea and land.
Where is Vandemere?

Vandemere is located in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina, situated on the northeastern side of the Bay River. Its remote village feel comes from its out-of-the-way location, accessible primarily by country roads that wind through coastal marshlands.
Getting there involves navigating through a network of scenic routes that emphasize the town’s separation from busier areas. Vandemere’s positioning along the water and its distance from major highways ensure a secluded setting that’s ideal for a tranquil retreat.
6. Tranquility in Arapahoe’s Outskirts

Arapahoe, with a population of just over 500, is a quaint town where I find peace in its rural outskirts. The areas surrounding the modest town center are characterized by large lot sizes, dense woodlands, and natural barriers that offer a sense of privacy.
Residents and visitors can enjoy activities like fishing on the nearby Neuse River or exploring local nature trails. The town’s main industries include small businesses and some agriculture, maintaining a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere.
The seclusion in Arapahoe’s outskirts comes from its spread-out properties and minimal development, providing a tranquil environment away from the hustle of larger towns.
Where is Arapahoe?

Arapahoe is located in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina, along the southern bank of the Neuse River. Its tranquility is enhanced by its rural setting and the natural features that separate it from busier areas.
To get there, you might take a ferry from the larger town of Cherry Branch across the river or drive along scenic country roads. The town’s location away from major highways and urban centers makes it a secluded spot ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
5. The Quiet Countryside of Mesic

Mesic is a tiny community enveloped by lush landscapes, with a population of just around 200 people. I cherish the peacefulness that comes from its expansive undeveloped lands, ensuring a low-traffic, private living experience.
The town doesn’t have significant industries, which adds to its quiet charm, focusing instead on community and the enjoyment of nature. Residents enjoy activities like walking through serene woodlands and engaging in small-scale gardening.
Mesic’s seclusion is a result of its remote location and the abundant natural surroundings that provide a buffer from the outside world. It’s a place where one can truly appreciate the sounds of nature without modern distractions.
Where is Mesic?

Mesic is situated in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina, nestled between Bayboro and Vandemere. The town’s seclusion is due to its position away from major thoroughfares and its surrounding forests and wetlands. Reaching Mesic involves traveling along quiet country roads that wind through the county’s lush landscapes.
Its hidden location and limited access help maintain the tranquility that residents and visitors alike find so appealing.
4. Peaceful Retreat in Edward

Edward is a serene setting in Beaufort County, where I find solace in the sparse housing and surrounding woodlands. With a minimal population, it’s an ideal place for relaxation and solitude. Outdoor activities include fishing in nearby creeks, hiking, and enjoying the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area.
As there are no major industries, Edward retains a quiet, rural atmosphere. Its peaceful retreat is characterized by the distance between homes and the natural landscapes that dominate the region. This seclusion makes Edward a sanctuary for those looking to escape the pace of modern life.
Where is Edward?

Edward is located in Beaufort County, Eastern North Carolina, along Highway 33 between Chocowinity and Aurora. Its seclusion stems from its remote location amidst dense woodlands and the lack of significant commercial developments.
To get to Edward, one would travel through scenic routes that meander through forests and farmlands. The community’s isolation from major towns contributes to its tranquil environment, making it a hidden gem for peace-seekers.
3. The Secluded Shores of Merritt

Merritt is a rural haven along the Bay River, offering a deep connection with nature that I find invigorating. With a small population, the community is characterized by large acreages and dense forests that provide privacy and serenity. Residents enjoy boating, fishing, and exploring the scenic waterways that define the area.
There are no major industries, allowing Merritt to maintain its untouched natural beauty. The secluded shores and expansive properties make it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet lifestyle immersed in the outdoors.
Where is Merritt?

Merritt is located in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina, situated along the Bay River. Its seclusion is due to its location off the main highways and the encompassing waters and woodlands that isolate it from busier areas.
To reach Merritt, one must navigate through a series of rural roads that highlight the area’s natural beauty. Its position on the river adds to the sense of isolation, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers.
2. Serenity in Hobucken

Hobucken offers a quiet charm on Goose Creek Island, where I can truly disconnect from the world. The low population density and vast waterways create a peaceful, secluded environment away from urban hustle. Boating and fishing are popular activities here, thanks to the abundant creeks and rivers.
With no significant industries, the community relies on commercial fishing and small local businesses. Hobucken’s seclusion is amplified by its island setting and the surrounding expanses of water and marshland. It’s a place where simplicity reigns, and the stresses of modern life feel a world away.
Where is Hobucken?

Hobucken is located on Goose Creek Island in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina. Its seclusion is enhanced by its island geography, accessible primarily via a single road that crosses over the marshlands.
Reaching Hobucken requires a drive through scenic coastal landscapes, emphasizing its detachment from mainland hustle. The remote location and limited accessibility make it a haven for those seeking serenity surrounded by nature.
1. The Hidden Hamlet of Lowland

Lowland is an unincorporated community nestled in the marshlands of Pamlico County, offering the ultimate seclusion that I find truly refreshing. With a tiny population, it’s surrounded by natural barriers like wetlands and waterways that enhance its privacy.
The expansive lot sizes here provide ample space for those looking to embrace a rural lifestyle. Residents enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring the unique marsh ecosystems. There’s little in the way of industry, which helps maintain the peaceful ambiance of the area.
Lowland’s hidden nature and tranquil environment make it a perfect escape for anyone wanting to get away from it all.
Where is Lowland?

Lowland is located in Pamlico County, Eastern North Carolina, deep within the extensive marshlands that characterize the region. Its seclusion comes from being nestled among wetlands and waterways, far from major roads and urban centers.
Getting to Lowland involves navigating through narrow country roads that wind through the scenic, untouched landscapes of Pamlico County. The natural barriers surrounding the community make it one of the most secluded spots in Eastern North Carolina, perfect for those seeking complete tranquility.