If you’re like me and crave the serenity that only comes from truly secluded places, Southern Ohio holds a number of hidden gems.
Away from the hustle and bustle, these towns offer peaceful landscapes, tight-knit communities, and the kind of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’ve discovered 25 such towns where seclusion isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life.
From forests and rolling hills to whispering pines and hidden valleys, each location provides a unique escape into nature’s embrace. Join me as I count down my favorite secluded towns in Southern Ohio, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat or simply a moment away from it all.
25. Far Corners of Scottown
Scottown sits quietly along the far southeast edge of Ohio, a town so small and tucked away you might think it was a whisper on the wind. Surrounded by wooded hills and farmland, its roads roll gently through silence and space.
There are no crowds, no stoplights—just a scattering of homes and the occasional tractor humming in the distance. Life here revolves around rhythm: early mornings, slow coffee, mended fences, and quiet evenings under pink skies.
People here work the land or commute long distances, but return home to peace. It’s a town where the stars come out early and the loudest thing is a barking dog or a wind chime. Scottown feels like a place the world forgot—in the best way.
Where is Scottown?
Scottown is located in Lawrence County, at the far southern tip of Ohio near the West Virginia border. It’s about 20 miles southeast of Ironton and is reached via winding State Route 217.
The journey there meanders past hollows, creeks, and long stretches of trees. Once you arrive, the quiet stretches even longer than the roads.
24. Deep Stillness of Waterloo
Waterloo feels like a deep breath held just beneath the surface of the world. Nestled in the hills of Symmes Township, this unincorporated area is defined by its remoteness and surrounding forests.
The town is known for the Waterloo Wildlife Area, a quiet expanse of woods, wetlands, and trails where I love to wander alone for hours. Residents live spread across quiet hollows and rely on farming, forestry, or simple living.
It’s the kind of place where even time moves slower. No major roads cut through here—it’s all back routes and memory lanes. Waterloo’s stillness has a gravity to it.
Where is Waterloo?
Waterloo lies in northern Lawrence County, about 30 miles north of Ironton. You’ll reach it via small roads branching from State Route 141, winding past thickets and creeks.
The landscape grows denser the closer you get. It feels like the hills gently close behind you once you’ve arrived.
23. The Quiet Fold of Pedro
Pedro is a small, unincorporated pocket of Lawrence County, nestled between Wayne National Forest and rural farmlands. There’s little here besides open space, quiet roads, and the occasional pickup passing under a canopy of trees.
The area sits near Lake Vesuvius, a beloved but still-quiet nature spot where I fish and hike often without seeing another soul. Pedro’s homes are scattered, its signs faded, its pace unchanging.
Most people commute elsewhere or live off the land, blending into the stillness. The town doesn’t shout—it hums low and steady. Pedro reminds you that solitude still exists.
Where is Pedro?
Pedro sits in southern Ohio, about 10 miles northwest of Ironton, surrounded by Wayne National Forest.
It’s reached by way of State Route 93 and a handful of back roads. There are few signs, and fewer people. The world gets quieter with each mile.
22. Whispers from Sharpsburg
Sharpsburg is an unincorporated community in Athens County that’s easy to miss and hard to forget. Framed by wooded hills and farm fields, it feels like a remnant of another time.
A single general store, a few winding roads, and a sense that everyone knows each other’s dog names—that’s Sharpsburg. You’ll find solitude in every rusted barn, every birdsong echoing off the ridges.
Locals tend their gardens, work small farms, and gather at the firehouse when needed. There’s not much to do here—and that’s the point. Sharpsburg is less a destination than a feeling.
Where is Sharpsburg?
Sharpsburg lies in western Athens County, near the Morgan County line. It’s about 25 miles northwest of Athens and accessible by a series of small roads off State Route 550.
The way in is winding and mostly unmarked. The further you drive, the further the world feels.
21. Shade’s Gentle Drift
Shade is a sleepy township in Athens County, the kind of place where fog clings to morning fields and the days pass soft and slow. Homes dot the countryside like punctuation in a quiet story.
There’s no real center—just space, sky, and the slow rise of wooded hills. You’ll find apple orchards, hand-painted signs, and a few sleepy roads leading to nowhere fast.
Residents tend land, raise families, and know silence like an old friend. It’s a place that doesn’t try to impress you. It simply invites you to breathe.
Where is Shade?
Shade is located in the southeastern corner of Athens County, about 15 miles southeast of Athens city.
You can reach it via State Route 33, then smaller winding routes that thread through valleys and trees. It’s just out of reach of modern life. That’s what keeps it whole.
20. The Hidden Bluffs of Crown City
Crown City sits above the Ohio River in Gallia County, quiet and out of the way. Its narrow streets and tidy homes cling to the hills, with back roads that roll down to scenic riverbanks.
You can fish, kayak, or just watch the fog lift off the water in the early morning. The town feels both suspended and rooted—there, but barely. Its residents are proud, private, and used to doing things their way.
What makes Crown City secluded isn’t just location—it’s mood. This town knows how to keep its secrets.
Where is Crown City?
Crown City is in southern Gallia County, right along the Ohio River and close to the West Virginia border. It’s about 20 miles southeast of Gallipolis and is accessed via State Route 7 and County Road 10.
The roads narrow as the river nears. You don’t stumble upon Crown City—you aim for it.
19. Soft Shadows in Patriot
Patriot, Ohio isn’t big enough to blink—it’s the kind of place you feel more than see. Surrounded by farmland and shaded by trees, it sits quietly in Gallia County with just a handful of homes and a post office.
There’s an old-school charm here: barn quilts, mailboxes with names, and gravel roads that lead to nowhere urgent. The land rolls gently, and so does life.
Folks know their neighbors and trust the quiet. Patriot isn’t built for show—it’s built for staying put. It feels like a porch light is always left on.
Where is Patriot?
Patriot is located in southwestern Gallia County, about 15 miles southwest of Gallipolis. You’ll find it off State Route 141, hidden behind a patchwork of farm fields and wooded lots.
The roads are quiet and mostly empty. The stillness wraps around you like a shawl.
18. Calm Trails of Ewing
Ewing is a dot on the map, an unincorporated community where nature speaks louder than people. Located near Hocking Hills, it offers access to some of the best trails in Ohio, but without the crowds.
You might spot deer in the early morning mist or stumble upon a forgotten cemetery along a woodland path. There’s no commercial hub—just a few homes, a church, and the great stretch of trees.
Locals live close to the land, often working in forestry or tourism. What makes Ewing special is the contrast: wild nature and absolute calm. It’s a basecamp for peace.
Where is Ewing?
Ewing is tucked into Hocking County, just north of the Hocking Hills State Park area. It’s roughly 12 miles southwest of Logan and accessed via State Route 374.
The drive in is scenic and tree-lined. When you arrive, the only sound is the wind in the pines.
17. The Ridge Quiet of Kitts Hill
Kitts Hill rises along the ridgelines of Lawrence County, Ohio—a stretch of high land where the clouds feel almost within reach. It’s a loose-knit rural community, with homes tucked into the hills and winding roads that resist straight lines.
Life here runs on well water, wood stoves, and early sunrises. Folks are self-reliant, with gardens out back and dogs that roam free. It’s a perfect base for exploring Dean State Forest or just getting gloriously lost.
The town is unincorporated, which seems right—it doesn’t want to be fenced in. Kitts Hill doesn’t invite crowds; it offers sanctuary.
Where is Kitts Hill?
Kitts Hill is located in central Lawrence County, about 12 miles north of Ironton. The route in follows State Route 141, curving through dense forest and quiet ridges.
The elevation brings cooler air and sweeping views. But the real view is inward—Kitts Hill makes you still.
16. Wildwood Corners of Decatur
Decatur is all curves and corners—tucked into Adams County’s hills, cradled by forest, and forgotten by time. It’s not a town in the traditional sense, more a breath of a place where old homes line gravel roads and barns lean into the wind.
There’s no main street, but there is a sense of center—maybe it’s the country church, maybe it’s the sound of wind through trees. The surrounding area is rich with trails, wildlife, and quiet glades.
Locals live modestly, growing what they need or working on nearby farms. Decatur doesn’t change much—and that’s its strength. It’s where the road ends and rest begins.
Where is Decatur?
Decatur is in northwestern Adams County, about 30 miles west of Portsmouth. You’ll reach it via twisting roads that cut through forest and farmland, including State Route 247.
It feels remote by both distance and design. Every turn brings you deeper into hush.
15. Forgotten Echoes of Cherry Fork
Cherry Fork rests gently in the folds of Adams County—small, historic, and softly fading into the landscape. Once a more bustling settlement, it’s now a quiet village with fewer than 200 residents, where white clapboard churches and rustling oaks hold stories in their shade.
The air smells like earth and wood smoke, and the silence is deep enough to hear a creek burble from yards away. A walk down the main road might pass a dozen houses and not a single person.
There’s an intimacy to the stillness here, like a book read too many times to forget. Farming and tradition keep the lights on. Cherry Fork feels like memory made tangible.
Where is Cherry Fork?
Cherry Fork is located in central Adams County, about 12 miles north of West Union. It’s reached by way of State Route 136, with small roads spiraling off into the countryside.
The trip in feels like a rewind—each mile a page from another era. And when you get there, time forgets to move.
14. Hollow Peace of Zaleski
Zaleski is a whisper of a village tucked into the forested hills of Vinton County, where the trees lean close and time ambles slow. Home to fewer than 300 people, it sits quietly at the edge of Zaleski State Forest, where winding trails and mossy ruins offer solitude and wonder.
You might explore the Moonville Rail Trail or hear stories of the haunted Moonville Tunnel whispered on the breeze. The town itself holds old homes, a one-room schoolhouse, and a sense that things here don’t need to change.
Logging and tourism keep a light hum of life going. What makes Zaleski truly secluded is how the forest reclaims everything—light, sound, even thought. It’s a place where silence settles over you like a soft quilt.
Where is Zaleski?
Zaleski lies in the heart of Vinton County, in southeastern Ohio, about 20 miles west of Athens. It’s reached by State Route 278, which meanders through dense state forest.
The drive is full of slow curves and green canopies. It’s the kind of place you find only when you’re willing to wander.
13. The Drift of Vinton
Vinton is a village so small you might pass through without knowing you’d arrived—but if you pause, you’ll feel the hush that lives here. Surrounded by meadows and dense forest in Gallia County, it’s home to just over 200 residents and a legacy of farming, front porch conversations, and soft-footed deer.
Life unfolds in slow moments: tending gardens, watching the fog lift from the fields, waving at neighbors who’ve known each other for generations. There’s no downtown, just a scattering of homes and one or two churches.
The world feels far away—not by distance, but by pace. It’s a town that asks nothing and offers everything. You don’t visit Vinton—you let it absorb you.
Where is Vinton?
Vinton is located in northeastern Gallia County, around 15 miles northeast of Gallipolis. It’s reached via State Route 160, followed by quiet country roads that curve through farmland and wooded hills.
The drive invites a slower gear and a long breath. Getting there feels like stepping backward into gentler times.
12. Willow Light in Langsville
Langsville is a slip of a town along the twisting banks of Leading Creek in Meigs County, hidden by hills and hemmed in by forest. The community is spread out, with small farms and mobile homes dotting the countryside, all softened by the glow of late afternoon sun filtering through trees.
It’s the kind of place where you might not see another car for hours, but you’ll hear the birds, the rustle of leaves, the quiet breath of the valley. Locals fish the creek, grow their food, and gather at small churches that double as social centers.
There’s no industry to speak of—just the land and those who stay close to it. Langsville feels like a town wrapped in stillness. It’s a pause in the noise of the world.
Where is Langsville?
Langsville sits in central Meigs County, about 25 miles southeast of Athens, Ohio. It’s accessed via State Route 681, then smaller country lanes that follow the creek and disappear into the trees.
The journey feels secretive, like following a trail no one else knows. And when you arrive, it’s the quiet that greets you first.
11. Morning Mist of Hemlock
Hemlock is a tiny village in Perry County, cradled in a bowl of forested hills where mist clings to treetops like a secret. With under 200 residents, it feels suspended in time, a place where chimneys puff wood smoke and gravel roads curve through the trees.
Hemlock was once tied to coal mining, and echoes of that past remain in the old houses and earth-toned landscape. Today, it’s a place of quiet resilience, where people know the land and the land remembers them.
There’s little commerce—just a post office and a lot of patience. The hills protect it, muffle it, and hold it dear. Hemlock doesn’t call out—it waits to be discovered.
Where is Hemlock?
Hemlock is located in northern Perry County, about 10 miles from New Lexington. You reach it by turning off State Route 93 onto narrow back roads that twist like creeks through the hills.
The farther you go, the more the trees close in. And then, suddenly, you’re there—where the mist never quite lifts, and the world forgets to follow.
10. Solitude in Franklin Furnace
Franklin Furnace, with an approximate population of 1,700, is a haven for those seeking privacy amid rural charm. I love driving along its quiet roads, surrounded by spacious land plots that offer ample room to breathe and unwind.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby Greenbo Lake State Park for hiking and fishing, while history buffs might explore local iron furnace sites that hark back to the town’s past.
The main industries here revolve around agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to its laid-back atmosphere.
What truly makes Franklin Furnace secluded is its sprawling landscapes and minimal commercial development, allowing residents to enjoy peace uninterrupted by city noise.
This town offers the perfect blend of seclusion and community, making it an ideal spot for those like me who cherish both privacy and neighborly connections.
Where is Franklin Furnace?
Located along the Ohio River in Scioto County, Franklin Furnace sits comfortably away from major urban centers. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding woodlands and the rolling terrain that envelops the area.
Getting there often involves scenic drives through country roads, which I find adds to the charm and sense of escape. The absence of major highways keeps traffic to a minimum, ensuring that the tranquility of Franklin Furnace remains undisturbed.
This hidden corner of Southern Ohio provides a peaceful retreat that’s both accessible and worlds away from the rush of city life.
9. Hidden Valleys of Willow Wood
Willow Wood is a small community with around 400 residents, nestled in the secluded valleys of Lawrence County. I find its low population density contributes greatly to the peaceful ambiance that’s perfect for unwinding.
The town doesn’t boast big attractions, but that’s part of its allure—it’s a place where one can simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Local activities include hiking in the Wayne National Forest and fishing in Symmes Creek.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with residents engaged in farming and livestock rearing. What makes Willow Wood truly special is its hidden valleys and the quiet solitude they offer, making it a peaceful haven for those seeking to escape the noise.
Where is Willow Wood?
Situated in the southeastern part of Ohio, Willow Wood lies close to the West Virginia border. Its seclusion is due in part to its off-the-beaten-path location, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills.
To get there, I usually take the scenic back roads off State Route 217, enjoying the landscape as the hustle fades away. The town is far from major highways and urban areas, which helps maintain its tranquil atmosphere.
For me, the journey to Willow Wood is as soothing as the destination itself, encapsulating the essence of secluded Southern Ohio.
8. Whispering Pines of Latham
Latham is a quaint unincorporated community with a modest population of about 350, tucked away amid the whispering pine forests of Pike County.
The serenity here is palpable, especially when I stroll through the Pike State Forest, which offers miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The town doesn’t have a bustling industry, but residents often engage in logging and small-scale farming.
Latham’s remote location and dense pine woods provide a natural barrier from the outside world, offering a retreat for anyone looking to disconnect. The seclusion is what draws me in, providing a peaceful backdrop where the only sounds are those of nature.
Where is Latham?
Located in Southern Ohio, Latham is about 60 miles south of Columbus, yet it feels much farther due to its isolated setting. Surrounded by the vast expanse of Pike State Forest, it’s easy to forget the modern world even exists when you’re here.
Accessing Latham involves winding roads that cut through the forest, which I find both exciting and calming. The lack of direct highway access preserves its seclusion, ensuring that Latham remains a hidden gem among Ohio’s small towns.
7. Unspoiled Wilderness in Rome Township
Rome Township, with a population hovering around 1,800, is a destination for those who appreciate unspoiled wilderness. The area is characterized by vast forests, and I particularly enjoy visiting the nearby Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area for camping and fishing.
The township doesn’t rely heavily on any industry, which helps maintain its pristine environment. The sense of seclusion here is pronounced, with expansive tracts of land untouched by significant development. For me, Rome Township offers an ideal escape for nature lovers seeking solitude in the heart of Southern Ohio’s wilderness.
Where is Rome Township?
Situated in Lawrence County along the Ohio River, Rome Township is bordered by rolling hills and dense woodlands. Its remote setting is accentuated by the surrounding Wayne National Forest, which isolates it from more populous regions.
I usually access the area via State Route 93, but be prepared for a tranquil drive with little traffic. The township’s seclusion is its greatest asset, providing a peaceful environment that’s perfect for disconnecting from the daily grind.
6. Peaceful Pastures of Otway
Otway is a small village boasting approximately 85 residents, epitomizing the charm of rural Southern Ohio. I enjoy the simplicity of life here, where peaceful pastures and farmlands stretch as far as the eye can see.
Activities are centered around the outdoors, such as exploring Shawnee State Forest or fishing in the Scioto Brush Creek. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with locals engaging in farming and livestock.
Otway’s undeveloped lands and minimal infrastructure contribute to its solitude, offering an authentic countryside experience that I find truly refreshing.
Where is Otway?
Nestled in Scioto County, Otway is accessible via U.S. Route 73, yet it’s far enough from major cities to maintain a secluded atmosphere. The surrounding forests and hills create a natural barrier, enhancing the village’s sense of isolation.
I often take the scenic routes to get there, enjoying the rolling landscapes characteristic of the area. Otway’s location off the main thoroughfares ensures that it remains a peaceful enclave, ideal for those yearning for simplicity and quiet.
5. Remote Beauty of Minford
Minford, home to about 700 people, offers a blend of remote beauty and small-town community spirit. The countryside here is dotted with farms and open fields, which I find perfect for leisurely drives and photography.
The town provides access to outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby parks and enjoying local events at the community center. Agriculture and small businesses form the backbone of Minford’s economy.
Its quiet countryside and distance from urban centers make it particularly secluded, allowing residents and visitors like me to appreciate the serenity that comes with rural living.
Where is Minford?
Located in Scioto County, Minford sits northeast of Portsmouth and is accessible via State Route 335. The town’s seclusion is partly due to its setting among rolling hills and the absence of major highways nearby.
I typically enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside to reach Minford, which adds to the feeling of escaping the everyday hustle. The peaceful surroundings and the welcoming community make Minford a special spot off the beaten path.
4. Tranquil Living in Shade River
Shade River is an unincorporated area with a sparse population that offers tranquil living amid expansive fields and lush greenery. I find that activities here are centered around enjoying nature, such as fishing in the river or hiking along its banks.
There are no significant industries, which contributes to the area’s minimal development and preserved natural beauty.
The serenity provided by the open landscapes and the lack of commercialization characterize Shade River’s seclusion, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and quiet.
Where is Shade River?
Positioned in Meigs County, Shade River is located near the Ohio River’s banks in the southeastern part of the state. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding farmland and forests, which act as a buffer from city life.
Reaching Shade River involves navigating smaller county roads, which I find enhances the feeling of leaving the busy world behind. The area’s isolation is precisely what makes it appealing to me and others who value tranquility.
3. Rarden: Nestled in Nature’s Embrace
With a population of roughly 160, Rarden is a village where life moves at a gentler pace. Nestled amid rolling hills and dense woodlands, I appreciate the opportunities for hiking and nature watching in the nearby Brush Creek State Forest.
Logging and small-scale agriculture are prevalent industries, reflecting the community’s connection to the land. The village’s remote location, surrounded by natural beauty, creates a secluded environment perfect for anyone like me who enjoys nature’s embrace.
Where is Rarden?
Rarden is situated in Scioto County in Southern Ohio, accessible via State Route 73. Its seclusion is a result of being enveloped by forests and being distant from larger towns or cities.
I find that the drive to Rarden, through winding forest roads, is part of the allure. The village’s isolation ensures that the tranquility is undisturbed, offering a genuine retreat into nature.
2. Serenity in Mount Olive: A Countryside Escape
Mount Olive is a small community with an estimated population of 120, offering a serene countryside escape. I enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes, where fields stretch out under open skies and the nearest neighbor might be miles away.
The area doesn’t have significant industries, further contributing to its quiet atmosphere. What makes Mount Olive secluded is its sparse population and the enveloping natural beauty, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
Where is Mount Olive?
Located in Adams County, Mount Olive is tucked away in Southern Ohio’s hills. Its remote setting is accentuated by limited access roads and minimal signage, which I believe adds to its hidden charm.
Getting there usually means taking State Route 41 and venturing off onto smaller local roads. The seclusion is exactly what makes Mount Olive special—it’s a place where one can truly disconnect and appreciate the simplicity of rural life.
1. The Hidden Hamlet of Blue Creek
Blue Creek, with a population of around 230, tops my list for its secluded charm surrounded by sprawling forests. I relish the peacefulness found here, whether it’s exploring the Shawnee State Forest or simply enjoying the quiet ambience.
The main industries are small-scale farming and forestry, reflecting the residents’ harmonious relationship with nature.
Blue Creek’s location far from urban centers, coupled with the dense woodlands, makes it a perfect retreat for anyone seeking to get away from it all. For me, it’s the ultimate embodiment of secluded Southern Ohio living.
Where is Blue Creek?
Nestled in Adams County, Blue Creek is located along State Route 125. The area’s seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding Shawnee State Forest, which provides a natural barrier from the outside world.
Reaching Blue Creek involves traversing scenic routes that weave through the heart of Southern Ohio’s wilderness—a journey I always find rewarding. The hamlet’s isolation is not just a physical characteristic but a treasured aspect that preserves its tranquil way of life.
