25 Secluded Towns Independent By Nature in Southeast Tennessee

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Southeast Tennessee offers some of the most tranquil and hidden towns I’ve ever come across. Nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and serene rivers, these secluded communities provide the perfect backdrop for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

From gold mining history to riverside havens, each town has its own unique charm and stories waiting to be discovered. I’ve found that exploring these places not only reconnects me with nature but also lets me experience the rich culture and history that Tennessee has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a quiet getaway or considering a move to a more tranquil setting, these twenty five towns are definitely worth a visit. Let’s delve into these hidden gems and uncover what makes each of them special.

25. Old Washington: Riverside Roots and Small-Town Peace

Old Washington, Tennessee rests quietly off the main roads, tucked among rolling hills and farmland that keep it far from the rush of modern life. Its historic square, anchored by an old courthouse and timeworn storefronts, seems to carry the echoes of Tennessee’s early statehood.

Walking the shaded lanes, you’ll hear cicadas humming and see neighbors waving from wide porches, a rhythm that feels unshaken by the outside world. Days often revolve around simple pleasures—wandering riverside trails, fishing along the Tennessee River, or browsing through antique shops and local museums.

Small festivals and community gatherings add a sense of togetherness to the town’s rural economy. Old Washington draws you in with the quiet promise that here, life still moves at a gentler pace

Where is Old Washington?

Old Washington sits in Rhea County in southeastern Tennessee, just outside the small city of Dayton and about 40 miles northeast of Chattanooga. Tucked away from major highways, it’s reached by winding country roads that trace through farmland and wooded hills.

The town’s location along the Tennessee River and its distance from busier urban centers add to the quiet character that defines it. Here, the pace slows, and the world feels comfortably removed from the noise of modern life.

24. Farner’s Creek Valley: A Remote Mountain Hollow

Farner’s Creek Valley lies hidden between steep ridgelines, where winding roads keep it apart from the noise of busier towns. In the mornings, a soft veil of mist settles over barns and meadows, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.

The pace of life is measured by the rhythm of gardens, small farms, and the steady flow of the creek. Visitors can follow the water for trout fishing, hike into the quiet stretches of the Cherokee National Forest, or stop at a weathered country store for a simple meal.

Neighbors still gather for church suppers and seasonal fairs, keeping traditions alive. It’s the kind of valley that feels sheltered from time, offering a rare kind of stillness to those who find it.

Where is Farner’s Creek Valley?

Farner’s Creek Valley lies in the far southeastern corner of Tennessee, not far from the North Carolina border. It sits about 65 miles east of Chattanooga, tucked between ridgelines where forested slopes press close around the narrow valley floor.

To get there, travelers wind along small country roads that follow the bends of the Hiwassee River, with mountains rising on either side. The landscape seems to hush as you arrive, leaving only the sound of rushing water and birdsong to keep you company.

23. Orme: A Quiet Plateau Above the Valley

Orme, Tennessee sits at the far southern tip of the state, hemmed in by rugged mountains that make it feel like a place the world forgot. The narrow road in winds past cliffs and hollows, emphasizing just how tucked away this little community truly is.

Once a coal-mining town, its history lingers in the old company houses and stories passed down through generations. Today, life is quiet, built around small farms, hunting, and the closeness of neighbors who depend on one another.

Visitors may hike the surrounding ridges, explore remnants of mining history, or simply sit by streams that cut through the valley. In Orme, the isolation carries a kind of peace, as though the mountains themselves are keeping watch over the town.

Where is Orme?

Orme rests in the far southern tip of Marion County, Tennessee, tucked against the Alabama border in a quiet valley of the Cumberland Plateau. It sits about six miles west of South Pittsburg and roughly twenty-five miles from Chattanooga, yet feels a world apart.

The only paved approach comes by way of a narrow road from Alabama, with a rugged gravel route winding up toward the plateau. Once you descend into the cove, the surrounding ridges rise like walls, and the hush of the hills makes the town feel hidden and timeless.

22. Tasso: A Quiet Corner of Bradley County

Tasso, Tennessee, rests just beyond the bend of the Hiwassee River, a hamlet so small you could miss it if you blinked on the drive. The absence of bustling highways leaves the place hushed, where the sounds of wind through hardwoods and the distant call of birds replace city noise.

Old farmhouses and weathered barns stand as quiet reminders of the area’s agricultural roots, and a few family-run stores keep daily life simple and close to home. Those who come often find themselves meandering country roads, casting a line into the river, or wandering past historic churchyards that tell stories of generations gone by.

The surrounding fields and forests invite slow hikes in every season, from spring’s bloom to autumn’s blaze of color. Tasso’s charm is in its quiet resilience, the way it seems to whisper that not every good thing has to change.

Where is Tasso?

Tasso rests in Bradley County, in the southeastern part of Tennessee, just a few miles north of Cleveland and about 30 miles northeast of Chattanooga. The community is reached by quiet rural highways that cut through open farmland and patches of forest before narrowing into peaceful backroads.

Its setting away from major traffic corridors keeps the area calm and unhurried, with the surrounding fields and wooded ridges forming a natural buffer. By the time you arrive, it feels like you’ve stepped into a place where life moves at its own gentle rhythm.

21. Tellico Plains: Gateway to the Cherokee National Forest

Tellico Plains, Tennessee feels like a doorway into the mountains, tucked at the edge of the Cherokee National Forest where the highways grow narrow and the world suddenly slows. The town hums with the quiet of riverside breeze and the steady presence of peaks rising all around.

Its roots are steeped in history, from early trading posts to remnants of old mills, yet it carries a timeless rhythm shaped by nature more than clocks. Visitors set out on trails leading into the Smokies, cast their lines into trout-filled streams, or wander through the town square where crafts and local stories mingle.

Farming, tourism, and a love of the outdoors weave together to keep the community strong. In the hush of an evening along the Tellico River, it’s easy to feel the pull of a place that promises both refuge and wonder in equal measure.

Where is Tellico Plains?

Tellico Plains sits in Monroe County at the edge of the Cherokee National Forest, about 60 miles south of Knoxville. The town serves as a gateway to the scenic Cherohala Skyway, a winding mountain road that climbs into high ridges and dense woodland.

Reaching it means following two-lane highways that gradually trade the bustle of larger towns for rolling farmland and forested foothills. By the time the mountains close in, you’re met with a quiet that feels both expansive and tucked safely away.

20. Etowah: A Town with a Mountain Backdrop

Etowah, Tennessee grew along the railroad tracks, and though trains still echo through town, its pace has settled into something quieter than its industrious past. Nestled against the foothills of the Appalachians, it feels set apart, where ridges block out the sprawl and life hums with a slower rhythm.

The historic depot anchors downtown, a reminder of the boom years when Etowah connected the region by steel and steam. Today, visitors stroll through antique shops, hike nearby Starr Mountain, or drift along the Hiwassee River on a winding kayak route.

Small diners and community festivals keep neighbors tied close, while tourism and local trade sustain the town’s heart. As the sun sets behind the hills, Etowah reminds you that some places still know how to linger in their own time.

Where is Etowah?

Etowah rests in McMinn County in southeastern Tennessee, about 55 miles northeast of Chattanooga and 65 miles southwest of Knoxville. The town developed along the historic Louisville & Nashville Railroad line, and you still reach it today by U.S. Highway 411, a route that winds through farmland and gentle hills.

Its position between two larger cities keeps it accessible but never hurried, with the surrounding valleys lending a sense of calm. Here, the pace of travel softens, and the mountains on the horizon make you feel a little farther removed from the wider world.

19. Caney Creek: A Forgotten Community

Caney Creek, Tennessee is cradled in a narrow valley, its backroads and thick woodlands giving it a sense of seclusion. The creek winds steadily through the land, carrying the sound of water over stone that lingers in the quiet air.

Daily life follows a rustic rhythm shaped by small farms, workshops, and neighborly gatherings. Visitors can cast a line in hidden fishing spots, hike into the Cherokee National Forest, or pause at overlooks that glow with autumn color.

Old churchyards and family cemeteries scattered on the hillsides speak to the town’s deep roots. At dusk, when the water mirrors the fading sky, Caney Creek feels like a place where time chooses to rest.

Where is Caney Creek?

Caney Creek lies in the hills of Rhea County, in eastern Tennessee, about 15 miles southwest of Spring City and roughly 50 miles north of Chattanooga. The road there narrows into winding two-lane stretches that hug the shoreline of Watts Bar Lake before dipping into quiet hollows.

Its distance from interstate routes makes the area feel tucked away, with water and wooded ridges forming natural borders. By the time you arrive, the lake’s stillness and the shelter of trees make it feel like a hidden pocket of the state.

18. Gee Creek: Secluded Riverfront Living

Gee Creek, Tennessee is tucked against the edge of the Cherokee National Forest, where the sound of rushing water drowns out all trace of the modern world. The creek itself, swift and cold, carves a path through rocky bends and shaded woods that seem endless.

The community nearby is small and quiet, built around farming and the steady rhythm of life tied to the land. Adventurers come to kayak its rapids, hike forest trails, or camp beneath stars so clear they feel close enough to touch.

The surrounding hills turn brilliant in autumn, drawing travelers who crave both solitude and scenery. Gee Creek leaves you with the feeling that wild places still exist where time slows to the pace of flowing water.

Where is Gee Creek?

Gee Creek flows through Polk County in southeastern Tennessee, about 70 miles northeast of Chattanooga and just off U.S. Highway 411 near the town of Delano. The area is part of the Cherokee National Forest, where a narrow access road leads into a small gorge lined with hardwoods and rushing water.

Its closeness to the Hiwassee River means you’re never far from the sound of rapids, yet the forest canopy quickly shuts out signs of busier roads. Step onto the trail there, and it feels as if the world beyond the creek has slipped away.

17. Delwood: Life in the Foothills

Delwood, Tennessee lies hidden among rolling hills, where gravel backroads and open farmland keep it apart from busier towns. The pace is slow, carried by the scent of hayfields in summer and the curl of woodsmoke in colder months.

Farming and family gardens shape much of daily life, with neighbors gathering on weekends under the shade of old trees. Visitors can fish in quiet ponds, wander trails through the woods, or stop at a roadside stand for fresh preserves.

With no highways cutting through, the town holds on to its stillness like something carefully guarded. Delwood lingers in memory as a place where the land itself teaches you to breathe slower.

Where is Delwood?

Delwood sits in the northern reaches of Smith County, Tennessee, about 15 miles east of Carthage and a little over an hour’s drive from Nashville. You reach it by winding county roads that branch away from Highway 25, gradually giving way to farmland, hollows, and wooded ridges.

Its small size and distance from larger towns keep it quiet, with hills rising close around to create a sheltered feel. By the time you arrive, the stillness makes it seem like a place the outside world rarely finds.

16. Trade: Tennessee’s Oldest Town

Trade, Tennessee sits high in the Appalachian Mountains, making it one of the state’s most hidden corners and a place where the outside world feels distant. The town carries the weight of history as Tennessee’s oldest community, once a trading post where settlers and Native peoples crossed paths.

Today, its quiet roads are framed by ridgelines, weathered barns, and the soft call of livestock echoing across the fields. Visitors often come for mountain hikes, folk festivals, or to browse local crafts that keep the town’s heritage alive.

Farming and small trade still anchor the community, keeping life tied closely to the land. In the hush of evening, when the mountains fold into shadow, Trade feels like a place where past and present meet in stillness.

Where is Trade?

Trade rests in Johnson County at the far northeastern tip of Tennessee, just a few miles from the North Carolina border and about 20 miles east of Mountain City. The community is reached by U.S. Highway 421, a mountain road that winds through rolling pastures and into high Appalachian ridges.

Its remote border location gives it both a crossroads history and a sense of being set apart from the state’s busier valleys. Standing there, with the mountains pressing close, it feels like a quiet corner of Tennessee that time has chosen to keep.

15. Apison: Rural Quiet Near Chattanooga

Apison, Tennessee rests in the southeastern corner of the state, where wide pastures stretch toward the Blue Ridge foothills and winding roads keep it quietly apart from city noise. Once a rail stop along the Southern line, its roots still show in the old tracks and scattered country stores that dot the landscape.

Life here feels unhurried, carried by farming, small businesses, and the closeness of neighbors who have known each other for generations. Visitors can wander country roads lined with hayfields, explore nearby hiking trails, or pause at local diners where stories are shared over sweet tea.

The town’s calm is broken only by the distant whistle of trains or the evening chorus of crickets across the fields. Apison lingers with you, a reminder that some places still move at the steady rhythm of the land.

Where is Apison?

Apison lies in Hamilton County, tucked into Tennessee’s southeastern corner about 25 miles east of Chattanooga and only a short drive from the Georgia line. The community is reached by a patchwork of two-lane roads that slip past farmland, rail crossings, and stretches of quiet countryside.

Though close to the city, its location outside the main corridors of traffic gives it a distinctly unhurried atmosphere. By the time you arrive, the mix of open fields and wooded hills makes it feel comfortably apart from the rush just down the road.

14. Del Rio: A Remote Mountain Crossing

Del Rio, Tennessee sits in the shadow of the Smokies, where the French Broad River winds through valleys few travelers ever reach. Quiet roads pass by barns, wildflower fields, and mountains that rise like walls around the town.

Farming and timber have long shaped its rhythm, with daily life moving at a steady, unhurried pace. Visitors can fish the river, hike forest trails, or explore the rugged French Broad Gorge.

Local diners and gatherings keep traditions alive, offering a glimpse of the town’s neighborly spirit. In the stillness of Del Rio, the world feels distant, and peace settles in like an old friend.

Where is Del Rio?

Del Rio lies in Cocke County in far eastern Tennessee, about 20 miles east of Newport near the North Carolina line. The community is reached by U.S. Highway 25/70, where the pavement twists alongside the French Broad River before narrowing into wooded curves.

Surrounded by the vast Cherokee National Forest and the shadowed ridges of the Smokies, it feels worlds away from busier towns. By the time you roll in, the hush of the mountains makes the valley seem like a hidden retreat from modern life.

13. Ooltewah: A Quiet Retreat Near the Mountains

Ooltewah, Tennessee sits just beyond Chattanooga, yet its ridges and valleys give it a sense of seclusion. The town’s name, meaning “owl’s nest,” reflects the way it feels tucked safely among trees and fields.

Once a farming and railroad stop, its past still lingers in historic buildings and roadside markets. Visitors can hike White Oak Mountain, browse antique shops, or spend time in nearby orchards and parks.

Though new schools and businesses have grown, the pace remains steady and familiar. In the evening light, Ooltewah feels both rooted in history and quietly set apart from the world.

Where is Ooltewah?

Ooltewah rests in Hamilton County, nestled in the Tennessee Valley just northeast of Chattanooga. It sits along Interstate 75, making it easy to reach yet distinctly separate from the city’s bustle once you slip off the highway into its quieter streets.

Rolling farmland, wooded hills, and glimpses of the nearby Appalachian foothills give the community a gentle, pastoral character. Even with urban life close at hand, Ooltewah feels like a calm retreat where the mountains breathe a slower rhythm.

12. Copperhill: A Border Town with Quiet Charm

Copperhill, Tennessee sits along the Ocoee River at the Georgia line, framed by steep Blue Ridge mountains that keep it feeling remote. The town’s roots in copper mining still echo through old sites and brick buildings, reminders of a hard-working past.

Though industry has faded, life now flows with tourism, small shops, and the steady draw of the river. Visitors can raft the Ocoee’s famous whitewater, hike wooded trails that climb the ridges, or pause downtown to explore local cafés and antique stores.

The landscape tells a story of resilience, where scarred hills have slowly healed into green once more. In Copperhill, history and nature meet, offering a place both rugged and quietly enduring.

Where is Copperhill?

Copperhill sits in Polk County at Tennessee’s southeastern edge, right on the Georgia border and about 60 miles from Chattanooga. The town grew around its copper mining industry, with the Ocoee River running nearby and the Blue Ridge Mountains rising close on all sides.

You reach it by winding mountain highways that trace the river’s course and cut through dense woodland. Once there, the mix of historic brick buildings and rugged scenery makes it feel both connected to its past and tucked away from the wider world.

11. Englewood: A Textile Town Tucked in the Foothills

Englewood, Tennessee lies in a quiet valley with the mountains of East Tennessee rising around it, giving the town a tucked-away charm. Once a bustling textile center, the old mill buildings still stand as reminders of its industrious past.

Today the pace is slower, shaped by farming, small businesses, and the closeness of community life. Visitors often stop at the Englewood Textile Museum, wander shaded country roads, or venture into the Cherokee National Forest for hikes and fishing.

Seasonal festivals and gatherings keep local traditions alive, drawing neighbors together year after year. In Englewood, the blend of history and mountain scenery creates a stillness that lingers long after you leave.

Where is Englewood?

Englewood sits in McMinn County in southeastern Tennessee, about 10 miles southeast of Athens and roughly an hour from Knoxville. You reach it by following U.S. Highway 411 before turning onto smaller country roads bordered by fields and ridgelines.

Once a hub for the textile industry, the town still carries traces of its working past amid its calm, small-town character. By the time you arrive, the hills seem to fold around you, leaving the valley hushed and apart from the rush of modern life.

10. Greasy Creek: A Secluded Sanctuary

Greasy Creek is a small, remote locale with an approximate population of just a few hundred residents. I love how this area offers vast natural barriers and open spaces, making it perfect for those seeking solitude in Southeast Tennessee.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the unspoiled wilderness that surrounds the town. The main industries here are minimal, with most residents embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle or commuting to nearby towns for work.

What makes Greasy Creek truly secluded is its untouched landscapes and the sense of peace that comes from being far removed from crowded urban areas. This sanctuary allows me to disconnect from the modern world and immerse myself in nature’s tranquility.

Where is Greasy Creek?

Located in Monroe County, Greasy Creek sits quietly amidst the rolling hills and dense forests of Southeast Tennessee. Its seclusion is enhanced by the lack of major roads and its distance from larger cities, making it a hidden retreat few people know about.

To get there, I usually take the smaller county roads that weave through the countryside, enjoying the scenic drive along the way. The remoteness of Greasy Creek makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape the noise and distractions of everyday life.

9. Postelle: Hidden Away in Nature’s Embrace

Postelle is a tiny community with an estimated population of less than 200 people. Tucked away in the natural beauty of Polk County, I find that this off-the-grid area offers a peaceful, low-traffic environment perfect for relaxation.

The town is surrounded by expansive undeveloped land, providing ample opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the serene landscapes. There isn’t much in terms of industry here, which contributes to its quiet ambiance, and residents often rely on neighboring towns for amenities.

Postelle’s seclusion comes from its remote location and the dense forests that envelop it, making it feel like a world apart from the bustling outside world.

Where is Postelle?

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Tennessee, Postelle is situated near the state line bordering North Carolina. Its secluded nature is due to the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, which creates a buffer from larger populations.

I usually access Postelle via winding mountain roads that offer breathtaking views but are less traveled, adding to the sense of isolation. Getting there involves a bit of an adventure through the forested terrain, but the tranquility that awaits makes the journey worthwhile.

8. Ocoee: Adventure and Peaceful Living Combined

With a population of around 1,500 people, Ocoee strikes a unique balance between thrilling outdoor activities and serene seclusion. I enjoy visiting Ocoee for its world-class whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, which hosted the 1996 Olympic Canoe and Kayak Slalom events.

Beyond the river’s excitement, the town offers pristine landscapes and minimal development, providing a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. There are small businesses catering to tourism and outdoor recreation, but the main industries remain modest.

Ocoee’s seclusion is due to its location amid the mountains and forests, making it a haven for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Where is Ocoee?

Ocoee is located in Polk County, Southeast Tennessee, nestled alongside the Ocoee River and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Its secluded feel comes from the dense woodlands and the lack of major urban centers nearby.

I usually reach Ocoee by taking U.S. Route 64, which winds through the scenic landscapes and brings me straight into the heart of this quiet community. The combination of natural barriers and minimal traffic enhances its sense of peace and isolation, making it a perfect getaway spot.

7. Old Fort: Gateway to Appalachian Solitude

Old Fort is a small community with a population of approximately 1,000 residents. Serving as a gateway to the Appalachian Mountains, I’ve found that this town offers an intimate connection with nature far from city life.

Activities here include hiking the numerous mountain trails, exploring local caves, and fishing in clear mountain streams. There’s little in the way of industry, which adds to its quiet charm, and most locals appreciate the simplicity of rural living.

Old Fort’s secluded nature stems from its mountainous surroundings and the limited development in the area, providing a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape modern distractions.

Where is Old Fort?

Situated in Polk County, Old Fort lies at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Southeast Tennessee. Its remote location is accentuated by the winding roads that lead into town, often surrounded by thick forests and steep terrain.

I typically access Old Fort via local highways that meander through the countryside, offering picturesque views along the way. The town’s seclusion is a product of both its geography and its distance from major transportation routes, making it a hidden gem for solitude seekers.

6. Conasauga: Forest Serenity Off the Beaten Path

Conasauga is an exceedingly small community with a population of less than 100 people. Embraced by the vast expanse of the Cherokee National Forest, I’ve found this area ideal for immersing myself in untouched natural surroundings.

Outdoor activities include hiking through old-growth forests, wildlife observation, and enjoying the tranquil Conasauga River. There are virtually no industries here, which contributes to the pristine condition of the environment.

The seclusion of Conasauga is amplified by its limited accessibility and the dense forests that act as a natural barrier from the outside world.

Where is Conasauga?

Conasauga is located in the southeastern corner of Bradley County, bordering Georgia. Its off-the-beaten-path location is reinforced by the lack of major highways and the surrounding wilderness.

When I visit, I navigate through rural roads that cut through the forest, making the journey as much a part of the experience as the destination. The secluded setting of Conasauga provides a peaceful escape where one can truly disconnect from the hustle of everyday life.

5. Farner: A Quiet Hamlet in the Mountains

Farner is a quaint hamlet with an approximate population of 300 residents. Nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountains, I appreciate how this town offers solitude and a deep connection with nature. Activities include exploring the vast network of hiking trails, fishing in mountain streams, and enjoying the local flora and fauna.

There are few industries in Farner, mainly small-scale agriculture and crafts, which maintain the community’s quiet atmosphere. Its secluded nature comes from both its mountainous terrain and the minimal development, allowing for uninterrupted peace and quiet.

Where is Farner?

Located in Polk County near the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Farner is tucked away in the rolling Appalachian foothills. The town’s isolation is heightened by its distance from larger towns and the winding, narrow roads that lead there.

I often find that getting to Farner involves a scenic drive through lush forests and over gentle mountain passes. The remoteness of Farner makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a serene mountain escape.

4. Turtletown: Woodland Seclusion Near the Ocoee

Turtletown is a small community with around 500 residents, surrounded by dense woodlands and close to the captivating Ocoee River. I find it perfect for those seeking a private escape, with activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploring local waterfalls.

The area doesn’t have significant industry, which helps preserve its natural beauty and quiet charm. Turtletown’s seclusion is a result of being enveloped by forests and its proximity to national forests, keeping it shielded from the bustle of city life.

Where is Turtletown?

Situated in Polk County, Turtletown is located near the eastern border of Tennessee, close to North Carolina. Its secluded feel is enhanced by the surrounding Cherokee National Forest and the lack of major highways nearby.

When I travel to Turtletown, I take scenic backroads that wind through the mountains and forests, adding to the allure of the journey. The town’s hidden location makes it a peaceful retreat for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

3. Delano: Farmlands and Open Skies

Delano is a rural town with a population of approximately 1,500 people, known for its expansive farmlands and rolling hills. I enjoy the stunning panoramic views and the sense of openness that comes from the vast fields and open skies.

Activities here include visiting local farms, attending the Amish market, and exploring the Hiwassee River. Agriculture is the main industry, with many residents involved in farming and produce.

Delano’s seclusion arises from its rural setting and the agricultural lands that stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a peaceful haven away from urban centers.

Where is Delano?

Located in Polk County along the banks of the Hiwassee River, Delano is easily accessible yet maintains a secluded atmosphere due to its rural environment. I usually reach Delano via U.S. Route 411, which connects it to larger towns but doesn’t bring the traffic and noise.

The town’s open landscapes and minimal development contribute to its peaceful ambiance, making it a delightful escape into Tennessee’s countryside.

2. Reliance: Riverside Retreat on the Hiwassee

Reliance is a quiet community with a population of less than 200 people, tucked away along the banks of the Hiwassee River. I love how it offers lush forests and a peaceful atmosphere far from urban hustle. Popular activities include kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the scenic river trails.

The main industries revolve around outdoor recreation and small local businesses that cater to tourists seeking nature experiences. Reliance’s seclusion comes from its riverfront location, surrounded by mountains and forests, providing a tranquil setting that feels worlds away from city life.

Where is Reliance?

Reliance is located in Polk County, nestled along the Hiwassee River in Southeast Tennessee. Its secluded nature is magnified by the limited road access and the surrounding Cherokee National Forest.

To get there, I often take winding country roads that offer stunning river views and a sense of serenity. The town’s remoteness and natural beauty make it an idyllic spot for those looking to unwind by the riverside.

1. Coker Creek: Gold Mines and Mountain Tranquility

Coker Creek is a small, unincorporated community with an approximate population of around 150 residents. Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, I find this hidden gem rich in gold mining history and serene mountain landscapes.

Activities here include gold panning, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and visiting historical sites like the Coker Creek Welcome Center and Heritage Group. There is a small industry centered around tourism, especially for those interested in gold mining and outdoor adventures.

The town’s seclusion is due to its mountainous terrain and the enveloping forest, offering tranquility and a sense of stepping back in time.

Where is Coker Creek?

Located in Monroe County, Coker Creek is situated in Southeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. Its secluded position is enhanced by the rugged mountains and the absence of major highways nearby.

When I visit, I take scenic routes through the Cherokee National Forest, enjoying the lush landscapes and peaceful surroundings. The journey to Coker Creek is part of its charm, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and a touch of gold rush history.