Northern New York is a treasure trove of secluded retreats, where the pace of life slows down, and nature’s beauty takes center stage. I’ve always cherished the quiet charm of these hidden gems, nestled among forests, lakes, and mountains.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or a place to reconnect with the outdoors, these towns offer a unique blend of solitude and serenity. Join me as I count down ten of the most secluded towns in Northern New York, each offering its own special allure.
10. Schroon Lake: A Quiet Haven Near the High Peaks
Schroon Lake, with an approximate population of 1,650, is a serene town nestled along the shores of its namesake lake in the Adirondacks. I enjoy spending time here kayaking on the clear waters, hiking nearby trails like the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, and attending local events such as the annual Adirondack Marathon.
The town’s economy revolves around tourism and outdoor recreation, with local businesses catering to visitors seeking nature-based activities. What makes Schroon Lake secluded is its spacious properties and distance from major urban centers, creating a tranquil environment that’s perfect for relaxation.
The town’s quiet streets and absence of heavy traffic make it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the noise and stress of city life.
Where is Schroon Lake?
Located in Essex County, Schroon Lake sits just off Interstate 87, about 75 miles north of Albany. Its seclusion comes from the vast wilderness of the Adirondack Park that surrounds it, limiting overdevelopment and maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
To get there, I usually take the scenic drive along the Adirondack Northway, exiting at one of the few local exits that lead into town. The journey through the rolling mountains and dense forests adds to the feeling of leaving the hectic pace of everyday life behind.
9. Fine: Embraced by the Forest in St. Lawrence County
Fine is a small town with approximately 1,500 residents, offering a true woodland retreat in Northern New York. I’ve found that the town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Adirondack foothills.
The community is primarily residential, with local industries centered around forestry and small-scale agriculture. Fine’s seclusion is enhanced by its vast forested areas and limited development, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy peace and quiet.
The natural barriers of the surrounding woods provide a sense of privacy that’s hard to come by elsewhere.
Where is Fine?
Situated in St. Lawrence County, Fine is nestled amidst the dense forests of the northwestern Adirondacks. Its remote location, far from major highways and urban centers, contributes to its secluded nature.
To reach Fine, I usually travel along State Route 3, winding through scenic landscapes that highlight the remoteness of the area. The town’s distance from commercial hubs and its enveloping natural surroundings make it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude.
8. Bellmont: Peaceful Countryside in Franklin County
Bellmont is a quaint town with a population of around 1,400, offering a peaceful countryside experience in Northern New York. I enjoy the rural landscape here, dotted with farms, open fields, and picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with small family farms contributing to the town’s rustic charm. What sets Bellmont apart is its low housing density and significant undeveloped land, providing plenty of space and privacy for residents.
The absence of commercial areas and heavy traffic adds to the town’s quiet lifestyle, making it an ideal place to unwind.
Where is Bellmont?
Located in Franklin County, Bellmont lies close to the Canadian border, adding to its sense of seclusion. The town is accessible via State Route 11 or smaller county roads, but it’s far enough from major highways to maintain its tranquil atmosphere.
I often find that the journey through the rolling hills and farmland underscores the peacefulness that awaits. Bellmont’s distance from bustling cities and its expansive rural surroundings make it a hidden gem in the northern countryside.
7. Lake Pleasant: Tranquility Amidst Mountain Vistas
Lake Pleasant, home to about 800 residents, is a tranquil town set amidst the stunning Adirondack Mountains. I love the panoramic mountain views and the pristine waters of Lake Pleasant itself, perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
The town’s primary industries include tourism and outdoor recreation, with local establishments catering to visitors seeking a retreat in nature.
What makes Lake Pleasant so secluded are its large acreages, minimal traffic, and the serenity provided by its mountainous and wooded environment. The town’s sparse population and vast natural spaces offer a quiet respite from the outside world.
Where is Lake Pleasant?
Situated in Hamilton County, Lake Pleasant is nestled deep within the Adirondack Park. Its location, away from major transportation routes, enhances its secluded charm.
Getting there involves navigating through scenic byways like Route 8 or Route 30, which I find to be part of the adventure. The journey through dense forests and rolling hills reinforces the feeling of entering a secluded haven, far removed from urban hustle.
6. Long Lake: Expansive Horizons and Quiet Shores
Long Lake is a small community with approximately 700 residents, offering expansive horizons and quiet lakeshores in the heart of the Adirondacks. I enjoy kayaking along the 14-mile long lake, hiking nearby trails, and visiting the Adirondack Experience museum to learn about local history.
The economy here revolves around tourism, with activities like boating, fishing, and snowmobiling drawing visitors year-round.
Long Lake’s seclusion stems from its remote location and spacious properties, allowing for a peaceful lifestyle immersed in nature. The surrounding forests and limited development create a calming environment that’s perfect for unwinding.
Where is Long Lake?
Located in Hamilton County, Long Lake sits at the crossroads of Routes 30 and 28N, in the geographic center of the Adirondack Park. The town’s remoteness is amplified by the vast wilderness that surrounds it, with miles of forest in every direction.
I usually reach Long Lake by driving through scenic mountain roads, which enhances the sense of escape from the daily grind. The distance from major cities and the enveloping natural beauty make Long Lake a secluded retreat worth visiting.
5. Piercefield: A Woodland Retreat Far from the Crowds
Piercefield is a tiny town with a population of about 300, offering a true woodland retreat in Northern New York. I appreciate the town’s deep connection with nature, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching in the nearby Five Ponds Wilderness Area.
The local economy is modest, with forestry and outdoor recreation playing significant roles. Piercefield’s vast forested areas and low population make it ideal for those seeking privacy and a quiet lifestyle.
The limited development and natural barriers of the surrounding woods provide a serene environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Piercefield?
Nestled in St. Lawrence County, Piercefield is located near the western edge of the Adirondack Park. Its seclusion is due in part to its distance from major highways and urban centers.
To get there, I typically travel along State Route 3, which winds through dense forests and past sparkling lakes. The journey itself emphasizes the remoteness of Piercefield, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape into nature.
4. Inlet: Quiet Living on the Edge of the Fulton Chain Lakes
Inlet is a charming town with around 330 residents, situated on the edge of the Fulton Chain Lakes. I love visiting Inlet for its excellent boating and fishing opportunities, as well as hiking in the nearby Moose River Plains.
The town’s economy revolves around tourism and hospitality, with local businesses catering to outdoor enthusiasts. What gives Inlet its secluded charm are the large wooded properties, distance from major roads, and the peaceful ambiance created by its natural surroundings.
The town’s small population and the enveloping forests provide a quiet haven away from crowded areas.
Where is Inlet?
Located in Hamilton County, Inlet sits along State Route 28 in the Adirondacks. Despite its accessibility via this route, the town remains secluded due to the surrounding wilderness and lack of nearby urban centers.
I often find the drive to Inlet to be a scenic one, with the road winding through forests and alongside lakes. The town’s position amidst the Fulton Chain Lakes and its distance from bustling cities contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.
3. Cranberry Lake: Hidden Away in Nature’s Embrace
Cranberry Lake is a small community with approximately 200 residents, offering a serene environment hidden away in nature’s embrace. I find this area perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, fishing, and paddling on the lake’s calm waters.
The local economy is modest, with a focus on recreation and a few small businesses serving residents and visitors. Cranberry Lake’s sparse development and abundant natural barriers create a tranquil escape from busy life. The surrounding forests and the vastness of the lake provide a sense of isolation that’s ideal for relaxation.
Where is Cranberry Lake?
Situated in St. Lawrence County, Cranberry Lake is located along State Route 3 in the northwestern Adirondacks. The town’s seclusion is due to its remote location amidst extensive wilderness areas, far from major urban centers.
To reach Cranberry Lake, I drive along scenic roads that highlight the area’s natural beauty and remoteness. The journey through the Adirondack landscape, with its towering trees and quiet roads, adds to the feeling of being hidden away from the rest of the world.
2. Newcomb: Solitude in the Heart of the Adirondacks
Newcomb is a secluded town with a population of around 430, offering solitude in the heart of the Adirondacks. I enjoy exploring the area’s vast wilderness, including the High Peaks region, and visiting the historic Great Camp Santanoni.
The town’s main industries are forestry, small-scale tourism, and environmental education. Newcomb provides a secluded lifestyle with expansive lot sizes, low housing density, and its position far from urban centers.
The surrounding forests and mountains offer unparalleled privacy and the opportunity to connect deeply with nature.
Where is Newcomb?
Located in Essex County, Newcomb sits along Route 28N, deep within the Adirondack Park. Its seclusion is enhanced by the miles of wilderness that separate it from larger towns and cities.
I find that reaching Newcomb involves a drive through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the Adirondacks. The town’s position at the center of the park makes it feel wonderfully isolated, providing a true escape into nature.
1. Wanakena: Seclusion Along the Oswegatchie River
Wanakena is a tiny hamlet with about 60 residents, offering seclusion along the Oswegatchie River. I love the peaceful atmosphere here, with opportunities for hiking in the Five Ponds Wilderness, canoeing on the river, and enjoying the rustic charm of this historic logging town.
There are few industries in Wanakena, with a focus on recreation and conservation. The hamlet’s remote location within the Adirondack Park, minimal population, and surrounding forest provide unparalleled privacy and natural beauty.
The lack of commercialization and the enveloping wilderness make Wanakena a true hidden gem.
Where is Wanakena?
Situated in St. Lawrence County, Wanakena lies at the end of County Road 61, along the Oswegatchie River. Its secluded nature is due to its location deep within the Adirondack wilderness and far from major transportation routes.
When I visit Wanakena, I take a quiet drive through dense forests and along winding roads that lead to this remote hamlet. The journey emphasizes the sense of isolation, making Wanakena the perfect destination for those wanting to truly get away from it all.
