If you’re anything like me, you occasionally yearn for a tranquil escape to somewhere peaceful and untouched. Southwest Virginia is sprinkled with hidden gems—small towns where life moves at a slower pace and nature surrounds you at every turn.
From rolling hills to lush forests, these ten towns provide the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to retreat from the hustle and bustle. Let me take you on a journey through these quiet havens that have captured my heart.
10. Willis
Willis is a quaint community that truly embodies rural Virginia living. With a population of just over 1,000, it’s a place where everyone seems to know each other, and a friendly wave is never far away.
I love wandering through the rolling hills and open fields that define the landscape here. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve.
Farming is at the heart of Willis, with many residents engaged in agriculture and livestock raising. The town’s seclusion comes from its location off the beaten path, away from major highways and urban centers, offering a peaceful retreat that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Willis?
Nestled in Floyd County, Willis sits in the southwestern part of Virginia, surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Its remote setting is accentuated by the winding country roads that lead you through picturesque scenery to reach it.
I find that the lack of commercial development and traffic makes it feel like a step back in time. To get to Willis, you can take U.S. Route 221 south from Floyd, then follow State Route 730 into the heart of this serene community.
9. Dugspur
Dugspur is another rural treasure with vast open spaces and quiet country roads that I find incredibly soothing. The community is small, with just a few hundred residents who appreciate the slow-paced lifestyle.
Here, you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, exploring local trails, and visiting the scenic Little Reed Island Creek. The area is primarily agricultural, with many family-owned farms dotting the landscape.
Dugspur’s seclusion is due to its sparse population and distance from bustling towns, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude amidst nature.
Where is Dugspur?
Located in Carroll County, Dugspur lies in the heart of Southwest Virginia’s countryside. It’s tucked away along U.S. Route 221, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland as far as the eye can see.
The town’s remote nature is enhanced by the limited cell service and few commercial establishments. When I first visited, I felt like I had discovered a hidden corner of the world. To reach Dugspur, you’ll travel along scenic byways, enjoying the journey as much as the destination itself.
8. Troutdale
Troutdale is a small town that captures the essence of mountain living. With a population hovering around 200, it’s nestled in the heart of the mountains, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
I’ve spent days hiking the trails of the nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and fishing in the pristine streams. The main industries here revolve around tourism and outdoor activities, catering to adventurers and nature lovers.
Troutdale’s secluded charm comes from its elevation and the surrounding wilderness, offering a peaceful escape from the modern world.
Where is Troutdale?
Situated in Grayson County, Troutdale is accessible via winding mountain roads that offer stunning panoramic views. Its location near the highest peaks in Virginia adds to the town’s remote feel.
I find that the limited traffic and absence of urban noise make it a perfect getaway. To get there, you’ll navigate along State Route 16, embracing the serene journey through forests and valleys.
7. Woolwine
Woolwine is a peaceful hamlet known for its lush forests and historic covered bridges. With a small population, it offers a tight-knit community atmosphere that I find incredibly welcoming.
Outdoor activities abound, including hiking, kayaking on the Smith River, and picnicking near the Jack’s Creek and Bob White covered bridges. Forestry and small-scale farming are common industries here.
Woolwine’s seclusion is amplified by its wooded surroundings and minimal commercialization, making it a serene retreat.
Where is Woolwine?
Located in Patrick County, Woolwine sits amidst the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its remote setting is accentuated by the dense forests that envelop the area.
I appreciate the quiet roads and the sense of being enveloped by nature. To visit Woolwine, you can take State Route 8, winding through scenic landscapes that emphasize the town’s hidden nature.
6. Meadows of Dan
Meadows of Dan is a picturesque village characterized by its open meadows and warm community spirit. With around 1,300 residents, it offers charming local shops, orchards, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I’ve enjoyed visiting Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed sites on the parkway, and exploring local artisan studios. The economy here thrives on agriculture, tourism, and crafts. Its seclusion stems from its mountain location and the tranquil environment that surrounds it.
Where is Meadows of Dan?
Perched in Patrick County, Meadows of Dan is conveniently located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 178. Despite this, the town maintains a peaceful atmosphere due to the vast surrounding landscapes.
I find the drive along the parkway to be one of the most scenic routes to get there. Access is straightforward via U.S. Route 58, which connects you to this delightful mountain community.
5. Cana
Cana is a small town that captivates with its sprawling farmland and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Home to just over 1,200 people, it offers a peaceful rural setting that I find rejuvenating.
Activities include visiting local wineries, picking fresh fruits at nearby orchards, and enjoying scenic drives. Agriculture is the lifeblood of Cana, with many farms producing apples, peaches, and grapes. Its secluded nature is due to its location away from urban centers and its expansive rural landscapes.
Where is Cana?
Situated in Carroll County, Cana rests near the Virginia-North Carolina border. The town’s remote feel is heightened by the lack of major highways and the surrounding rolling hills.
I enjoy the leisurely pace of life here, far removed from city stresses. To reach Cana, you can take U.S. Route 52 or Interstate 77, and then meander along country roads that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
4. Copper Hill
Copper Hill is a serene enclave set amidst rolling hills and offering expansive countryside vistas. With a population of around 1,300, it’s a place where I can truly unwind and soak in the peaceful environment.
The town provides opportunities for hiking, visiting local farms, and exploring the nearby Appalachian Trail. The primary industries include agriculture and small-scale manufacturing. Copper Hill’s seclusion is attributed to its off-the-beaten-path location and the natural barriers created by the surrounding terrain.
Where is Copper Hill?
Located in Floyd County, Copper Hill is accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. Route 221. The town’s setting on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains adds to its remote appeal.
I often find the drive there to be calming, with panoramic views accompanying me along the way. To get to Copper Hill, you navigate through scenic mountain roads that emphasize the area’s untouched beauty.
3. Mouth of Wilson
Mouth of Wilson is a tranquil community nestled near the banks of the New River. With a small population, it’s a perfect spot for those seeking peace and quiet. I enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities, such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking in nearby Grayson Highlands State Park.
The local economy revolves around agriculture and outdoor tourism. Its seclusion comes from its location at the convergence of several rural routes and the natural seclusion provided by the surrounding mountains.
Where is Mouth of Wilson?
Positioned in Grayson County, Mouth of Wilson is located near the North Carolina border. The area’s rugged terrain and winding roads contribute to its remote feel. I appreciate how the New River adds to the sense of tranquility here.
Accessing the town involves traveling along State Route 16, which offers stunning views and a peaceful drive.
2. Konnarock
Konnarock is a small community surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. With a population of just a few hundred, it’s an ideal spot for reconnecting with nature.
I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail segments that pass nearby and visited the historic Konnarock Lutheran Mission. The main industries include forestry and outdoor recreation services. Konnarock’s seclusion derives from its mountainous surroundings and limited development, offering a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.
Where is Konnarock?
Located in Washington County, Konnarock sits at a higher elevation, deep within the Appalachian Mountains. The town’s isolation is intensified by the dense forests and the protected lands that envelop it.
I find the journey there to be an adventure in itself, with winding roads leading through breathtaking natural scenery. To reach Konnarock, you can travel along U.S. Route 58, embracing the quiet and beauty of the region.
1. Whitetop
Whitetop is perhaps one of the most secluded communities I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Nestled among the mountains, it offers panoramic views and untouched natural beauty that’s truly awe-inspiring.
With a very small population, it’s an escape from the crowds. I love hiking to the summit of Whitetop Mountain, the second-highest peak in Virginia, and exploring the Virginia Creeper Trail.
The area’s primary activities revolve around outdoor recreation and small farming. Whitetop’s seclusion is due to its high elevation, rugged terrain, and the limited access roads leading into town.
Where is Whitetop?
Situated in Grayson County near the North Carolina and Tennessee borders, Whitetop is perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s remote location is emphasized by its distance from major highways and the wilderness that surrounds it.
I always feel a sense of serenity arriving here, far above the hustle of everyday life. Access is mainly via U.S. Route 58, followed by smaller mountain roads that deliver you to this peaceful haven.
