Some parts of Ohio move at a different rhythm — slower, steadier, closer to the earth. Around Shawnee State Forest, where hills rumple the horizon and rivers braid through the trees, a handful of towns keep that tempo alive. They aren’t just “off the beaten path”; they are the path — places like Blue Creek, where the morning mist clings to the hollows, or Friendship, where the name isn’t a slogan but a reality stitched into daily life.
The Shawnee Forest is sometimes called the “Little Smokies of Ohio,” a place where dense oak and hickory forests roll for miles, steeped in a layered history of Native peoples, settlers, and conservationists. The forest doesn’t just surround these towns; it shapes them — shielding them, slowing them down, giving them a kind of rooted, defiant grace.
This corner of southern Ohio isn’t interested in flash. You won’t find velvet ropes or gourmet cupcakes here. What you will find is Locust Grove’s backroads traced with wildflowers, Stout’s open riverbanks, and the sort of porch conversations that last long after the sun ducks behind the hills.
Here’s a closer look at 10 of the most secluded towns cradled by Shawnee’s woods and waters — places where solitude isn’t a vacation concept, it’s the everyday backdrop.
10. Stout: Serenity Along the Ohio River
Stout is a small unincorporated community with an estimated population of just a few hundred residents. Perched along the banks of the Ohio River, it offers stunning waterfront views and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for fishing, boating, and riverside picnics.
Nearby Shawnee State Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture and small family-owned businesses that serve the community.
Stout’s seclusion is attributed to its remote riverside location, surrounded by dense forests and farmlands, making it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility.
Where is Stout?
Nestled in Adams County in southern Ohio, Stout lies along U.S. Route 52, which meanders beside the Ohio River. Its remote setting is accentuated by the expansive Shawnee State Forest to the east and the natural barrier of the river to the south.
The town is off the beaten path, with the nearest larger town, Portsmouth, located about 20 miles east. Travelers can reach Stout by following U.S. Route 52, enjoying scenic views of the river and rolling hills along the way, further contributing to its secluded charm.
9. Blue Creek: Ohio’s Hidden Wilderness Hamlet
Blue Creek is a quaint community with approximately 200 residents, offering a peaceful retreat amid nature. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Shawnee State Forest and the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, bird watching, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the area.
The local economy revolves around agriculture and conservation efforts associated with the nearby preserves. Blue Creek’s seclusion stems from its location amid untouched forests and rolling hills, providing a sense of isolation and a deep connection with the wilderness.
Where is Blue Creek?
Located in northwest Scioto County, Blue Creek sits along State Route 125, a scenic byway that cuts through Shawnee State Forest. The community is nestled in a region characterized by dense woodlands and minimal development, enhancing its remote atmosphere.
Access to Blue Creek involves traversing winding roads through forested landscapes, with the nearest towns several miles away. This isolation is a key feature of Blue Creek, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude amidst Ohio’s natural splendor.
8. Rarden: A Peaceful Village Amidst Rolling Hills
Rarden is a small village with a population of around 150 residents, offering a tranquil environment surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests. Outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing are popular here, with close proximity to Shawnee State Forest and Brush Creek State Forest.
The village thrives on a tight-knit community spirit, with local businesses catering to residents’ needs. Rarden’s seclusion is due to its remote location within the rugged terrain of southern Ohio, away from major highways and urban centers, providing a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Where is Rarden?
Situated in Scioto County, Rarden is accessible via State Route 73, nestled between the larger towns of Otway and Peebles. The village is enveloped by expansive forests and hilly landscapes, contributing to its secluded feel.
The winding roads leading to Rarden pass through scenic areas, enhancing the sense of escape from the hustle of city life. Limited traffic and the surrounding natural barriers make it a hidden gem for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
7. Scioto Furnace: Nestled in Nature’s Embrace
Scioto Furnace is an unincorporated community with an estimated population of several hundred residents. Rich in history, it was once a site for iron furnaces in the 19th century, remnants of which can still be explored.
Today, it’s surrounded by the lush greenery of Shawnee State Forest, offering hiking, camping, and horseback riding opportunities.
The community is characterized by its quiet residential areas and small farms. Its seclusion is enhanced by the dense forests and limited commercial development, making it a peaceful enclave within nature.
Where is Scioto Furnace?
Located in Scioto County along State Route 522, Scioto Furnace sits northeast of Portsmouth. The community is nestled amid the hills and forests that define the region, with the sprawling Shawnee State Forest nearby.
Its remote setting is reinforced by the surrounding woodlands and the absence of major roadways, providing a buffer from the outside world. Access is primarily via rural routes that wind through scenic landscapes, emphasizing the sense of seclusion upon arrival.
6. Otway: Quiet Living off the Beaten Path
Otway is a small village home to around 80 residents, offering a serene lifestyle amidst the natural beauty of southern Ohio. The village serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, with nearby Shawnee State Forest and Brush Creek providing ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Agriculture and local businesses form the backbone of the community’s economy. Otway’s secluded nature is due to its remote location and the surrounding rugged terrain, which limit through traffic and maintain its quiet ambiance.
Where is Otway?
Nestled in Scioto County along State Route 348, Otway is situated northwest of Portsmouth. The village is enveloped by rolling hills and dense forests, adding to its isolation.
The meandering roads leading to Otway enhance the feeling of remoteness, as they wind through picturesque landscapes with minimal signs of urban development. This seclusion makes Otway an ideal spot for those seeking a retreat into peaceful rural living.
5. Friendship: Community in Harmony with Nature
Friendship is a tight-knit unincorporated community with around 350 residents. The area is known for its open spaces, farmlands, and proximity to the Shawnee State Forest, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
Local events, such as community gatherings and festivals, reflect the strong sense of togetherness among residents. The main industries include agriculture and small enterprises.
Friendship’s seclusion is attributed to its rural setting and the surrounding natural landscapes, offering a serene environment away from urban noise.
Where is Friendship?
Located in Scioto County along U.S. Route 52, Friendship lies west of Portsmouth and near the Ohio River. The community is bordered by vast farmlands and woodlands, enhancing its secluded feel.
Its location away from major cities and highways contributes to the quiet atmosphere. Travelers can reach Friendship by following U.S. Route 52, enjoying peaceful countryside vistas that underscore the area’s tranquility.
4. Buena Vista: Riverside Retreat in the Hills
Buena Vista is a small unincorporated community with a modest population, offering stunning views of the Ohio River and the surrounding hills. It’s a haven for those who enjoy fishing, boating, and appreciating scenic overlooks.
The primary industries include tourism related to the river and small local businesses. Buena Vista’s seclusion comes from its nestled position between the river and the forested hills, providing a tranquil escape with natural barriers from the outside world.
Where is Buena Vista?
Situated in Scioto County along State Route 52, Buena Vista is located west of Portsmouth. The community is perched along the Ohio River’s banks, with the hills of Shawnee State Forest rising nearby.
Access to Buena Vista involves traveling along river-hugging roads that offer panoramic views, enhancing the sense of retreat. Its location away from major urban areas and surrounded by natural features contributes to its secluded ambiance.
3. Lynx: Unspoiled Beauty Off the Grid
Lynx is a sparsely populated area with a focus on preserving its natural surroundings. Residents and visitors can explore the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, which offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems teeming with unique flora and fauna.
The area is largely untouched by commercial development, with a community that values conservation and quiet living. Lynx’s seclusion is a result of its remote location, minimal population density, and commitment to maintaining the unspoiled beauty of the land.
Where is Lynx?
Located in Adams County near State Route 125, Lynx is nestled within one of Ohio’s most biologically diverse regions. The area’s remoteness is heightened by the surrounding protected lands and limited infrastructure.
Access is primarily via rural roads that wind through forested areas, reinforcing the sense of being off the grid. This isolation makes Lynx an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and an immersive outdoor experience.
2. Sinking Spring: A Haven of Rural Peace
Sinking Spring is a village of approximately 130 residents, characterized by its peaceful rural setting amidst farmlands and forests. The area offers a simple lifestyle, with opportunities for farming, hunting, and enjoying the quiet countryside.
Local businesses cater to the community, supporting a close-knit atmosphere. The village’s seclusion is due to its distance from larger towns and the surrounding natural landscapes, which provide a calming backdrop to daily life.
Where is Sinking Spring?
Situated in Highland County along State Route 41, Sinking Spring lies north of the Shawnee State Forest. The village is surrounded by rolling agricultural fields and woodlands, enhancing its serene environment.
Accessibility is limited to rural highways that connect it to neighboring small towns, emphasizing its remote nature. This location offers residents and visitors a tranquil setting far removed from the pace of city life.
1. Locust Grove: Seclusion Amidst Natural Splendor
Locust Grove is a small unincorporated community with a population of just a few hundred. It offers a peaceful environment surrounded by scenic landscapes, including nearby creeks, forests, and hills.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring nature are popular among locals. The area lacks significant commercial development, with a lifestyle centered around agriculture and appreciation of the natural surroundings.
Locust Grove’s seclusion is enhanced by natural barriers and minimal through traffic, providing a retreat into Ohio’s tranquil countryside.
Where is Locust Grove?
Located in Adams County near the intersection of State Routes 41 and 73, Locust Grove sits to the north of Shawnee State Forest. The community is nestled among picturesque landscapes that contribute to its isolated feel.
Access involves traveling through rural roads that weave through forests and farmlands, with the nearest larger towns being a considerable distance away. This remoteness makes Locust Grove an ideal sanctuary for those seeking peace and a close connection with nature.
