If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Southern North Carolina is dotted with hidden gems—small towns where tranquility reigns and life moves at a leisurely pace.
From rolling hills to quiet farmlands, these secluded spots offer a retreat into nature and simplicity. Let me take you on a journey to ten of my favorite secluded towns in this charming region, each with its own unique allure.
10. The Quiet Farmlands of Prospect
Prospect is a small community with an approximate population of just over 800 people, making it the perfect place for those seeking serenity. I love wandering through the expansive farmlands, where fields of corn and soybeans stretch as far as the eye can see.
There aren’t many commercial attractions, but the simplicity is part of the charm—it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors and the tight-knit community feel. Agriculture is the main industry here, with many residents involved in farming and related activities.
What makes Prospect truly secluded is its sparse housing and the vast open spaces that separate neighbors, giving you a real sense of peace and privacy.
Where is Prospect?
Nestled in Robeson County, Prospect is tucked away in southern North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Its location off the main highways adds to its seclusion, making it a quiet retreat away from busy traffic routes.
To get there, I usually take the scenic back roads off I-95, winding through picturesque countryside until the hustle fades away. The town’s remoteness is enhanced by the surrounding agricultural lands, which act as a natural buffer from the outside world, making Prospect a hidden haven for those in the know.
9. Sardis: A Secluded Community Amidst Rolling Hills
Sardis is a tiny, unincorporated area with a population hovering around 1,000 residents. The landscape here is defined by gentle rolling hills and expansive meadows that make for perfect hiking or leisurely picnics.
There aren’t any major industries—most of the local economy revolves around small-scale farming and local businesses. I find that Sardis offers seclusion through its spacious properties.
Homes are spread out, and large acres of land mean you won’t see your neighbors unless you want to. This open space coupled with minimal commercial development gives Sardis its peaceful ambiance.
Where is Sardis?
Located in Union County, Sardis sits comfortably away from the busier towns, nestled in the heart of southern North Carolina’s countryside. Its remote feel is heightened by the lack of major roads passing through the area, making it a quiet spot off the beaten path.
Reaching Sardis involves a pleasant drive through rural landscapes, typically via Highway 218 or other local roads. This journey through the scenic surroundings sets the tone for the tranquility you’ll find once you arrive.
8. Barnesville’s Rustic Farmsteads and Open Fields
Barnesville is home to approximately 2,000 residents and is a place where rural charm truly shines. I enjoy visiting the rustic farmsteads, where life is centered around agriculture and community gatherings.
The main industry here is farming, with vast fields dedicated to crops like tobacco, cotton, and peanuts. The town’s low-density housing and the expansive open fields between homes contribute to its secluded atmosphere. If you’re looking for a strong sense of community amid wide-open spaces, Barnesville won’t disappoint.
Where is Barnesville?
Situated in Robeson County, Barnesville is a stone’s throw from the South Carolina border, enveloped by the quiet of the countryside. Its location away from major urban centers means fewer visitors and a slower pace of life.
Getting to Barnesville typically involves taking rural highways like NC-41, which meander through lush landscapes. The town’s seclusion is further ensured by the surrounding farms and forests, providing a peaceful buffer from the outside world.
7. The Quiet Charm of Montrose’s Rural Landscapes
With a population of just about 500 people, Montrose is the embodiment of a peaceful rural community. I adore the unspoiled countryside here, where you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, or simply soaking in the serene environment.
There’s little in the way of industry, which helps preserve the natural beauty and quietude. Sparse homes scattered across expansive acreages mean that privacy is a given, and you can revel in the tranquility undisturbed.
Where is Montrose?
Montrose is located in Richmond County, nestled in the rolling landscapes of southern North Carolina. Its seclusion stems from being well off the beaten path, with few major roads leading in.
I usually find myself taking winding local roads, like US-74 Business, to reach this hidden gem. The journey itself is a delight, with scenic views that signal the peace awaiting in Montrose.
6. Kelly’s Hidden Gems Along the Cape Fear River
Kelly boasts a small population of around 500 residents and offers a unique blend of riverfront charm and secluded living. One of my favorite activities here is exploring the Cape Fear River—whether it’s fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a riverside picnic.
The economy is primarily based on agriculture and small businesses, which keeps the town authentic and uncommercialized. Kelly’s vast undeveloped lands and proximity to the river create a tranquil environment that feels worlds away from urban centers.
Where is Kelly?
Nestled in Bladen County, Kelly sits along the banks of the Cape Fear River in southern North Carolina. Its remote location, away from major highways, adds to the sense of seclusion.
To visit Kelly, I often take NC-53, a scenic route that winds through forests and farmlands. The town’s isolation is accentuated by the surrounding natural landscapes, making it a peaceful escape for those in search of solitude.
5. Jackson Springs: A Quiet Haven Amidst Pine Forests
Jackson Springs is a small community with about 1,000 residents, enveloped by towering pine forests and sandy soils that define the region. I love hiking the local trails and immersing myself in nature, far from the noise of city life.
The area doesn’t have significant industries, which helps maintain its quiet, untouched feel. The seclusion here comes from the dense forests and the minimal development, providing a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts like me.
Where is Jackson Springs?
Located in Moore County, Jackson Springs is tucked away in the heart of southern North Carolina’s Sandhills region. Its seclusion is due in part to its distance from larger towns and cities, as well as the surrounding pine forests that create a natural barrier.
Accessing Jackson Springs usually involves a tranquil drive along NC-73 or NC-211, roads that offer beautiful vistas of the area’s unique landscapes. The journey emphasizes the peacefulness that awaits in this hidden haven.
4. The Secluded Serenity of Marston’s Hills
Marston is a small unincorporated community with a population of just under 1,000 people. The rolling hills and serene landscapes make it one of my go-to spots when I need to unwind. There’s not much in terms of commercial activity, which suits those of us looking for a genuine getaway.
Large lots and minimal development ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy peace and quiet, making Marston a true haven away from the demands of modern life.
Where is Marston?
Marston lies in Richmond County, embedded in the southern part of North Carolina. Its location away from major thoroughfares contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. I typically reach Marston via US-1, followed by smaller local roads that meander through the countryside.
The town’s seclusion is accentuated by the natural beauty of the surrounding hills, which serve as a picturesque backdrop and a buffer from the outside world.
3. Council’s Expansive Countryside Living
Council is a rural community with approximately 900 residents, where the vast farmlands and forests create a landscape that’s both beautiful and serene. For me, the allure lies in the simplicity of life here—exploring nature trails, enjoying local produce, and participating in community events.
The economy is predominantly agricultural, reinforcing the town’s connection to the land. Council’s wide-open spaces and low population density make it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy and a laid-back lifestyle.
Where is Council?
Located in Bladen County, Council is nestled in the countryside of southern North Carolina. Its seclusion is a product of both its remote location and the surrounding natural environment.
Getting there often involves a journey along NC-87 and then onto smaller county roads that truly make you feel like you’re leaving the world behind. The town’s isolation is part of its charm, offering a quiet retreat amid expansive fields and forests.
2. Ivanhoe’s Hidden Riverside Settlements
Ivanhoe is a quaint community with around 300 residents, making it one of the most secluded spots I’ve found. The town is graced by the Black River, providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the serene waterside views.
There are few industries here, which helps maintain the untouched landscapes and the peaceful ambiance. The spacious acreages and untamed natural beauty make Ivanhoe a perfect escape into southern North Carolina’s splendor.
Where is Ivanhoe?
Perched in Sampson County near the border with Bladen County, Ivanhoe sits along the Black River in southern North Carolina. Its seclusion is heightened by the limited access roads and the absence of major highways nearby.
Reaching Ivanhoe typically means taking NC-210 or NC-11, followed by smaller local roads that wind through forests and farmlands. The journey underscores the remoteness of the community, making arrival all the more rewarding.
1. The Peaceful Retreat of Cedar Creek’s Woodlands
Cedar Creek, with a population of about 1,200, is an unincorporated community that offers tranquility like no other. Surrounded by dense forests and farmlands, it’s a haven for nature lovers like me. Walking through the woodlands or visiting local farms provides a welcome respite from daily stresses.
The main industries are agriculture and forestry, contributing to the town’s rustic charm. Cedar Creek’s seclusion comes from its natural surroundings and the significant distance between properties, making it feel wonderfully removed from urban life.
Where is Cedar Creek?
Located in Cumberland County, Cedar Creek is situated in southern North Carolina, southeast of Fayetteville. Its secluded nature is due to its setting amid extensive forests and rural landscapes, away from major city centers.
Access is typically via NC-53 or Cedar Creek Road, which leads you through picturesque scenery that eases you into the town’s peaceful vibe. The isolation is only part of the appeal—it’s the serene environment and welcoming community that make Cedar Creek a true retreat.
