Out past the interstates and welcome centers, where GPS signals begin to flicker and cicadas take over the broadcast, South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest unspools a quieter script. No neon welcome signs, no curated charm. Just towns like Cleora and Long Creek—settlements half-swallowed by trees, where the roads curve like riverbeds and front porches double as altars to the afternoon.
These 10 towns didn’t spring up for tourists. They were carved from granite and pine, raised on solitude and second helpings. Some, like Cross Keys, keep their history under lock and rust. Others, like Mountain Rest, trade in whitewater and whispered trails, but don’t mistake their remoteness for dormancy. Life here moves slow on purpose. It grows things: tomatoes, trust, time.
Sumter Forest is 370,000 acres of tangle and trail. This is where you’ll find the corners of South Carolina that never got paved over. The ones that still smell like river stone after rain.
These are towns you don’t stumble into. You aim for them. You wait for the bend in the road. You follow the pine needles.
10. Cleora: Hidden Serenity in the Heart of Nature
Cleora is a small, unincorporated community that exudes tranquility, with an approximate population of just a few hundred residents. Nestled near the Long Cane District of Sumter National Forest, it offers ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and immersing oneself in the serene natural surroundings.
The town has no major industries, preserving its quiet, rural character, and is primarily composed of sprawling farmlands and dense woodlands. Cleora’s seclusion is one of its most appealing features, providing residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist destinations.
The lack of commercial development keeps the area pristine, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude amid nature.
Where is Cleora?
Cleora is located in Edgefield County, South Carolina, nestled between the towns of Edgefield and McCormick. Its position near the heart of Sumter National Forest contributes to its secluded atmosphere, as the surrounding forests act as natural barriers from urban encroachment.
Access to Cleora is primarily via smaller state roads, with the nearest major highway several miles away, enhancing its off-the-beaten-path appeal. This hidden serenity offers a true escape, where the sounds of nature replace the noise of city life, and the stars shine brighter against the unspoiled night sky.
9. Antreville: Unspoiled Countryside Charm
With a population of around 140 residents, Antreville epitomizes rural charm in its purest form. This unincorporated community is surrounded by rolling hills and expansive fields, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities like horseback riding and country walks.
Farming is a way of life here, with local agriculture serving as the mainstay industry for the tight-knit community. Antreville’s unspoiled landscapes and minimal traffic contribute to its seclusion, offering a peaceful environment free from the distractions of larger towns.
The simplicity of life here is a draw for those looking to experience authentic countryside living.
Where is Antreville?
Situated in Abbeville County, Antreville lies near the western edge of Sumter National Forest. Its remote location, away from major highways and urban centers, enhances its secluded nature.
Travelers can reach Antreville via State Road 28, but the journey takes you through scenic rural areas that underscore the town’s isolation. The surrounding natural beauty and lack of commercial development make Antreville a haven for those seeking to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of South Carolina’s countryside.
8. Cross Keys: A Peaceful Hamlet Steeped in History
Cross Keys is a small, historic community with a population of just over 100 residents. Known for the Cross Keys House, a well-preserved antebellum mansion, the town offers a glimpse into South Carolina’s rich past.
Residents and visitors can enjoy quiet walks, exploring historic sites, and relishing the peaceful rural atmosphere. There are no significant industries in Cross Keys, which helps maintain its tranquil environment.
Its seclusion is accentuated by the surrounding forests and farmlands, providing a buffer from the noise and haste of modern life.
Where is Cross Keys?
Located in Union County, Cross Keys sits near the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest. The town’s remote setting is accessible via country roads that wind through picturesque landscapes.
The lack of nearby urban development and its position amid extensive woodlands contribute to its secluded feel. Visitors often find that the journey to Cross Keys is part of the charm, as it leads them deeper into the peaceful heart of South Carolina’s natural beauty.
7. Sedalia: Nature’s Quiet Corner in South Carolina
Sedalia is a tranquil community with an estimated population of fewer than 200 people. The town offers a serene environment where residents can enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby forests.
There are minimal commercial activities, with local businesses catering to the basic needs of the community. Sedalia’s seclusion is a significant draw, providing a quiet haven away from the demands of city living. The abundance of natural beauty and the slow pace of life make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
Where is Sedalia?
Situated in Union County, Sedalia lies on the outskirts of Sumter National Forest, offering easy access to its natural attractions. The town’s remote location is enhanced by the surrounding woodlands and lack of major roadways, keeping it off the typical tourist map.
Access is primarily via rural routes that meander through the countryside, reinforcing the feeling of stepping back into a simpler time. Sedalia’s seclusion provides a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s quiet embrace.
6. Willington: Historic Seclusion Amidst Nature
Willington is a historic community with a population of around 150 residents. Known for its Willington Presbyterian Church and the nearby African American cultural sites, the town offers a rich tapestry of history.
Residents enjoy the peacefulness of rural life, with activities like visiting historical landmarks and exploring the natural surroundings.
The town lacks major industries, and its secluded nature is preserved by the vast expanses of undeveloped land. Willington’s sparse population and the surrounding natural barriers create a tranquil environment that feels untouched by the passage of time.
Where is Willington?
Located in McCormick County, Willington is nestled near the Savannah River and close to the Sumter National Forest’s Long Cane District. The town’s remote location is accessible via smaller state roads, with the nearest larger towns several miles away.
This isolation is part of Willington’s charm, as it offers a peaceful retreat amid South Carolina’s rich natural and historical landscapes. The journey to Willington, through quiet country roads, enhances the sense of stepping into a serene and secluded world.
5. Modoc: Rural Retreat Near Sumter’s Woodlands
Modoc is a small, unincorporated community with a population of approximately 200 residents. It’s a haven for those who appreciate peace and privacy, with large tracts of undeveloped land and close proximity to natural attractions like Little River Blueway and Lake Thurmond.
The community is primarily residential, with minimal commercial activity, allowing for a quiet, unhurried lifestyle. Modoc’s seclusion comes from its rural setting and the surrounding forests, providing a buffer from the outside world and an ideal environment for nature lovers.
Where is Modoc?
Modoc is located in McCormick County, adjacent to the Sumter National Forest’s Long Cane District. Nestled along the South Carolina-Georgia border, it’s accessible via Highway 28 but remains off the main thoroughfares, enhancing its secluded feel.
The town’s proximity to vast woodlands and waterways contributes to its isolation, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the noise and stress of urban life. The scenic drive to Modoc offers glimpses of untouched landscapes, setting the tone for the tranquility that awaits.
4. Clarks Hill: Lakeside Living Off the Beaten Path
Clarks Hill is a serene lakeside community with a population of around 370 residents. Situated near Lake Strom Thurmond, it’s a paradise for fishing, boating, and enjoying picturesque sunsets over the water.
The town doesn’t have significant industries, which helps maintain its peaceful atmosphere and focus on recreational activities. Clarks Hill’s expansive natural surroundings and low population density make it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet life near the water, away from crowded tourist destinations.
Where is Clarks Hill?
Found in McCormick County, Clarks Hill is on the western edge of South Carolina, bordering Georgia. The town is accessible via Highway 221 but retains a secluded feel due to its position near the vast lake and surrounding forests of Sumter National Forest’s Long Cane District.
The journey to Clarks Hill takes you through scenic rural areas, reinforcing the sense of escape. Its remote location offers residents and visitors a peaceful environment where nature’s beauty is the main attraction.
3. Long Creek: Adventure and Solitude Combined
Long Creek is a small community with an approximate population of 200 people, known for its adventurous spirit amidst solitude. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River, hiking to hidden waterfalls, and exploring lush trails.
Agriculture and tourism are modest industries here, focusing on orchards and adventure outfitters. Long Creek’s remote location within Sumter National Forest provides a perfect escape from city life, where the sounds of nature and rushing rivers replace urban clamor.
Where is Long Creek?
Located in Oconee County, Long Creek sits in the northwest corner of South Carolina, bordering Georgia and nestled within Sumter National Forest. Its secluded nature is heightened by the mountainous terrain and lack of major roads passing through the area.
Access is primarily via Highway 76, but the winding roads and forested landscapes make the journey feel like an adventure in itself. Long Creek’s location offers both solitude and easy access to some of the state’s most stunning natural attractions.
2. Tamassee: Serenity in the Foothills
Tamassee is a tranquil community with a population of around 800 residents, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting nearby waterfalls like Twin Falls and Yellow Branch Falls.
There are no major industries, allowing residents to enjoy a quiet lifestyle surrounded by nature. Tamassee’s sparse population and its setting amid rolling hills and forests contribute to its secluded charm, offering a peaceful retreat from the rush of everyday life.
Where is Tamassee?
Situated in Oconee County, Tamassee lies within the bounds of Sumter National Forest, offering easy access to its natural wonders. The community is reached via State Road 11, also known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, which adds to its secluded feel while providing stunning views along the way.
The surrounding mountains and forests create a natural barrier, enhancing the town’s isolation and making it a haven for those seeking serenity. Tamassee’s location allows for both seclusion and the convenience of nearby small towns when needed.
1. Mountain Rest: A Hidden Gem Amidst the Trees
Mountain Rest is a quaint, unincorporated community with an estimated population of about 1,200 people.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, it’s surrounded by Sumter National Forest and offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and visiting scenic spots like Oconee State Park and King Creek Falls.
The town lacks significant industries, which helps maintain its peaceful, untouched atmosphere. Mountain Rest’s seclusion is one of its most attractive features, providing a haven for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Where is Mountain Rest?
Located in Oconee County, Mountain Rest is tucked away in the northwest corner of South Carolina, near the Georgia state line. The community is accessible via Highway 28, but its location within the mountainous terrain of Sumter National Forest adds to its seclusion.
The winding roads leading to Mountain Rest are surrounded by dense forests and offer stunning views, making the journey part of the experience. This hidden gem is ideal for anyone looking to find peace and adventure in one of South Carolina’s most secluded and naturally beautiful areas.
