For those yearning to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in tranquility, Pennsylvania offers a treasure trove of secluded towns. Nestled amidst mountains, forests, and rolling farmlands, these hidden gems beckon with their serene landscapes and rich histories. From riverside hamlets to mountain retreats, each town provides a unique haven away from the usual tourist trails. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, a glimpse into Amish life, or a step back in time, these towns have something special to offer. Join us as we count down ten of Pennsylvania’s most secluded towns, perfect for your next peaceful getaway.
10. Tionesta: Riverside Serenity
Tionesta, with a population of just over 500, is a quaint riverside town that offers a peaceful retreat along the banks of the Allegheny River. Known for its tranquil landscapes, the town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking in the nearby Allegheny National Forest. Tionesta’s local economy revolves around small businesses, tourism, and forestry, reflecting its close connection to nature. Its seclusion stems from its remote location amidst dense forests and its sparse population, providing a quiet escape from urban life. Visitors can explore the Tionesta Lake or the historic Sherman Memorial Lighthouse, a surprising landmark in this inland town.
Where is Tionesta?
Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Tionesta sits in Forest County, aptly named for its vast woodlands. The town’s isolation is accentuated by the surrounding Allegheny National Forest and the absence of major highways nearby. To get there, travelers typically take PA Route 36 or Route 62, winding through scenic routes that highlight the area’s natural beauty. The journey itself reinforces Tionesta’s secluded charm, as visitors pass through rolling hills and dense forests before arriving at this riverside sanctuary.
9. Jim Thorpe: The Switzerland of America
Jim Thorpe, home to about 4,600 residents, is a picturesque town nestled in the Pocono Mountains, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America” for its stunning mountainous backdrop and charming architecture. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, with attractions like the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum capturing its storied past. Outdoor activities are abundant, including rafting on the Lehigh River and hiking the numerous trails in the area. Jim Thorpe’s main industries include tourism and hospitality, catering to visitors drawn by its unique blend of history and natural beauty. Its seclusion comes from its tucked-away location within the mountains, offering an idyllic escape from the hustle of city life.
Where is Jim Thorpe?
Situated in Carbon County in eastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is enveloped by the rolling hills of the Pocono Mountains. The town is accessible via winding mountain roads, enhancing its hidden-away feel. While it is reachable by car from major cities like Philadelphia and New York, the journey involves traversing scenic routes that underscore its isolation. The town’s location along the Lehigh Gorge adds to its secluded allure, making it a perfect retreat nestled amidst nature.
8. Ridgway: The Lily of the Valley
Ridgway, with a population of approximately 4,000, is a secluded town known for its elegant Victorian architecture and rich lumber history. Nestled in the heart of Elk County, it offers a peaceful environment surrounded by lush forests and the Clarion River. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, hiking in the Allegheny National Forest, and exploring the town’s historic district filled with beautifully preserved buildings. The town’s main industries include manufacturing and forestry, reflecting its historical roots. Ridgway’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the extensive woodlands that envelop it, providing a serene setting away from crowded urban centers.
Where is Ridgway?
Located in north-central Pennsylvania, Ridgway is positioned along U.S. Route 219, yet remains distant from major highways and cities. The town is surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, enhancing its secluded atmosphere. Travelers can reach Ridgway by navigating through scenic byways that cut through dense forests and rolling hills. Its location in a valley beside the Clarion River adds to the feeling of seclusion, making it a tranquil haven for those seeking solitude amid nature.
7. Marienville: Gateway to the Allegheny National Forest
Marienville is a small community with around 3,500 residents, serving as a gateway to the vast Allegheny National Forest. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, snowmobiling, and camping. The town’s proximity to the forest makes it an ideal starting point for exploring miles of trails and unspoiled wilderness. Local industries are centered around tourism and forestry, supporting the visitors drawn to the natural beauty of the area. Marienville’s seclusion comes from its deep forest surroundings and limited commercial development, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.
Where is Marienville?
Situated in Forest County, Marienville lies in northwestern Pennsylvania, embedded within the Allegheny National Forest. Its remote location is accentuated by the expansive forest that encircles it, with few major roads leading in or out. Accessible via PA Route 66, the town is several miles from the nearest interstate, reinforcing its isolated charm. The journey to Marienville immerses travelers in thick woodlands, setting the stage for the serene experience that awaits in this secluded community.
6. Forksville: At the Edge of World’s End
Forksville is a tiny village with a population of less than 200, known for its historic covered bridge and proximity to World’s End State Park. It’s a haven for those seeking unspoiled wilderness, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The town itself is a step back in time, with a general store and classic small-town feel. The main industries are tourism and small-scale agriculture. Forksville’s seclusion is due to its remote location in the Endless Mountains region, surrounded by state parks and vast forests.
Where is Forksville?
Located in Sullivan County in northeastern Pennsylvania, Forksville sits near the confluence of Loyalsock Creek and Little Loyalsock Creek. The town is accessible via winding country roads, with PA Route 87 being the main thoroughfare. Its location at the edge of World’s End State Park enhances its secluded atmosphere, as the surrounding rugged terrain and dense forests make it a peaceful hideaway. Travelers venturing to Forksville can expect a scenic drive through the heart of Pennsylvania’s mountainous landscapes.
5. Smicksburg: An Amish Countryside Escape
Smicksburg, with a population of around 50, is one of the smallest incorporated boroughs in Pennsylvania. Known for its significant Amish community, the town offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Visitors can explore local shops featuring Amish crafts, quilts, and homemade goods, and observe horse-drawn buggies along the quiet roads. The main industry here revolves around agriculture and artisanal crafts. Smicksburg’s seclusion is a result of its rural setting and the intentional simplicity maintained by its residents, providing a serene countryside escape.
Where is Smicksburg?
Nestled in Indiana County in western Pennsylvania, Smicksburg is situated among rolling farmlands and lush greenery. It is accessed primarily via PA Route 954, with the nearest major town being Punxsutawney. The area’s limited infrastructure and reluctance to adopt modern conveniences contribute to its secluded nature. Getting to Smicksburg involves traveling through peaceful rural landscapes, reinforcing the feeling of stepping away from the modern world into a tranquil haven.
4. Renovo: A Hidden Haven in the Pennsylvania Wilds
Renovo is a small borough with a population of about 1,200, nestled deep within the Pennsylvania Wilds. Surrounded by dense forests and mountains, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. The town hosts the annual Flaming Foliage Festival, celebrating the stunning autumn colors of the region. Historically a railroad town, its main industries now include small businesses and tourism centered around its natural surroundings. Renovo’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the vast wilderness that envelops it, making it a hidden haven for nature lovers.
Where is Renovo?
Located in Clinton County in north-central Pennsylvania, Renovo lies along the West Branch Susquehanna River. The town is accessible via PA Route 120, known as the Bucktail Trail Scenic Byway, which winds through miles of unspoiled forests and narrow valleys. Its distance from major highways and cities intensifies its secluded feel. Travelers to Renovo can expect a scenic and somewhat remote journey, arriving in a town that feels truly tucked away within the Pennsylvania Wilds.
3. Wellsboro: Gateway to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
Wellsboro, home to about 3,300 residents, is a charming town with gas-lit streets and a Victorian ambiance. It serves as the gateway to the Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas, hiking, biking along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and perusing boutique shops and eateries in town. The local economy thrives on tourism, thanks to the natural attractions and annual events like the Dickens of a Christmas celebration. Wellsboro’s seclusion comes from its location amidst vast state forests and its distance from major urban centers, offering a peaceful yet vibrant community experience.
Where is Wellsboro?
Situated in Tioga County in the northern part of Pennsylvania, Wellsboro is just a few miles from the New York border. The town is accessible via U.S. Route 6, which meanders through scenic rural landscapes. Its location amid expansive woodlands and proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge enhance its secluded feel. Reaching Wellsboro involves a picturesque drive through rolling hills and dense forests, making the journey as delightful as the destination itself.
2. Benezette: Home of the Majestic Elk Herd
Benezette is a tranquil village with a population of less than 300, renowned as the heart of Pennsylvania’s wild elk population. Visitors flock to the Elk Country Visitor Center to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Outdoor activities abound, including wildlife watching, hiking, and enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery. The local economy is centered around tourism, particularly eco-tourism focused on the elk herd. Benezette’s seclusion is a result of its remote mountainous location and the vast wilderness areas that surround it, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Where is Benezette?
Located in Elk County in north-central Pennsylvania, Benezette lies within the Elk State Forest. The village is accessible via Route 555, a winding road that further emphasizes its remote setting. Its distance from major highways and urban areas contributes to its secluded atmosphere. Travelers venturing to Benezette will find themselves immersed in rugged terrain and expansive forests, enhancing the sense of being far removed from the bustle of everyday life.
1. Eagles Mere: The Town That Time Forgot
Eagles Mere, often referred to as “the town that time forgot,” has a population of roughly 120 full-time residents. This secluded mountain lake town preserves its historic ambiance with charming cottages and a picturesque lake at its center. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and strolling through the quaint village filled with specialty shops and museums like the Eagles Mere Air and Auto Museums. The main industries revolve around tourism and hospitality, catering to those seeking a peaceful retreat. Eagles Mere’s seclusion is due to its location in the Endless Mountains and its commitment to maintaining a tranquil, unchanged atmosphere.
Where is Eagles Mere?
Nestled in Sullivan County in northeastern Pennsylvania, Eagles Mere sits atop the Allegheny Plateau within the Endless Mountains region. The town is reachable via winding backroads, with PA Route 42 being the primary access route. Its elevation and surrounding forests contribute to its sense of isolation. The journey to Eagles Mere involves traversing scenic landscapes, reinforcing the feeling of stepping back in time upon arrival at this secluded mountain haven.
