There are places in Vermont where the trees lean in close, as if sharing secrets only the wind can hear. The slopes of Glastenbury Mountain aren’t just steep—they’re storied. Here, in the wild heart of Bennington County, a constellation of towns cling to their solitude like an heirloom quilt. Stamford crouches near the Massachusetts border, quietly watching the world go by. Landgrove feels like a postcard no one ever mailed. And then there’s Glastenbury itself, a ghost town with more legends than living souls.
This is where Vermont’s mystery lives—not in the polished ski towns or maple-syrup-slick tourist traps, but in forgotten hamlets and whisper-quiet villages hidden beneath the canopy. Roads turn to gravel. Cell signals fade. And time, if it shows up at all, does so reluctantly.
What follows is not just a list of secluded towns, but a love letter to remoteness: ten places where silence is sacred, where the stars outnumber the streetlights, and where the only thing busier than your imagination is the chatter of the pines.
10. Stamford: The Southern Gateway to Solitude
With a population of around 800, Stamford embodies the charm of rural Vermont. This small town boasts expansive landscapes that provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring untouched forests. The low-density living means residents and visitors alike can enjoy peace and quiet, far from the noise of urban centers.
Local attractions include the scenic trails of the Green Mountain National Forest and the Hoosic River, perfect for fishing and picnicking. Stamford’s main industries revolve around agriculture and small-scale forestry, contributing to its serene and pastoral atmosphere. What makes Stamford truly secluded is its remote location and the vast stretches of nature that surround it, offering a haven for those seeking solitude.
Where is Stamford?
Stamford is located in the southernmost part of Vermont, right on the border with Massachusetts. This positioning makes it a gateway between the two states, yet it remains quietly tucked away in the Green Mountains. The town’s seclusion is amplified by its distance from major highways and cities, with the nearest urban area being over an hour’s drive away. To get there, one can take scenic routes through the mountains, enjoying the journey as much as the destination itself. The winding roads and rustic landscapes leading to Stamford contribute to its hidden gem status.
9. Landgrove: The Tiny Town Tucked Away in Nature
Landgrove, with a population of just over 150 residents, is one of Vermont’s smallest and most charming towns. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, it offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to disconnect. The town is known for its rustic inns and bed-and-breakfasts that provide a cozy stay amidst nature.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing are popular due to the town’s proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest. Landgrove doesn’t have significant industrial activity, which helps maintain its peaceful ambiance. Its seclusion stems from its limited population and the dense vegetation that envelops it, making it a perfect spot for a quiet getaway.
Where is Landgrove?
Situated in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Landgrove lies in Bennington County, nestled between larger towns like Peru and Weston. Its off-the-beaten-path location means it’s accessible primarily via country roads that meander through forests and farmland. The town’s isolation is heightened by the surrounding natural barriers and the lack of major transportation routes. Visitors can reach Landgrove by taking Route 11 and then venturing onto smaller local roads, embracing the scenic drive that leads to this hidden haven.
8. Peru: A Serene Hamlet with Rustic Charm
Peru, home to about 375 residents, is a tranquil village known for its historic buildings and peaceful environment. The town boasts scenic beauty with the nearby Bromley Mountain offering skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The Peru Fair, a local highlight, showcases regional crafts, food, and music, adding a touch of vibrancy to this quiet community.
The local economy is primarily supported by small businesses and tourism related to outdoor activities. Peru’s seclusion is accentuated by its limited commercialization and the surrounding natural landscapes that provide a buffer from the outside world.
Where is Peru?
Located in Bennington County, Peru sits comfortably within Vermont’s central region, enveloped by the Green Mountain National Forest. Its remote setting is reinforced by the dense forests and mountain ranges that encircle the town. To reach Peru, travelers often take Route 11, turning onto smaller roads that wind through the countryside. The town’s hidden location, away from major highways and urban centers, makes it a serene retreat for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle.
7. Readsboro: A Quiet Village on the Edge of Wilderness
Readsboro is a small town with a population of approximately 750 people. Nestled along the Deerfield River, it offers serene waterways ideal for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful reflection. The town is characterized by its strong sense of community and historic charm, with landmarks like the Readsboro Inn reflecting its rich past.
Industries in Readsboro have traditionally been centered around logging and small-scale manufacturing, but the economic focus has shifted toward tourism and outdoor recreation in recent years. What makes Readsboro secluded is its remote location amidst vast forests and its distance from major urban areas, providing an untouched atmosphere that beckons nature lovers.
Where is Readsboro?
Located in the southwestern corner of Vermont, Readsboro is part of Bennington County and sits close to the Massachusetts border. Its seclusion is amplified by the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest, which creates natural barriers and a sense of isolation. Access to Readsboro is typically via Route 100, a scenic byway that winds through Vermont’s rural countryside. The town’s tucked-away position and the winding roads leading to it make Readsboro a hidden treasure for those seeking solitude.
6. Stratton: Beyond the Slopes, A Secluded Escape
Best known for the Stratton Mountain Resort, the town of Stratton itself has a small population of around 216 residents. While the resort attracts visitors during the ski season, the lesser-known areas of Stratton offer peaceful woods and private retreats away from tourist hotspots.
Activities include hiking on the Long Trail, exploring the wilderness, and enjoying the tranquility of nature. The main industry is tourism, but outside the resort, life is quiet and the community is sparse. Stratton’s seclusion comes from its expansive natural areas and the ability to find solitude even within a popular destination.
Where is Stratton?
Stratton is situated in Windham County, in southern Vermont. The town is accessed primarily via Route 30 and Stratton-Arlington Road, which pass through scenic mountain terrain. Despite the presence of the ski resort, the town’s outlying areas remain remote and less developed. The surrounding forests and mountains create a secluded environment, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. Reaching Stratton involves navigating through winding roads that enhance the feeling of entering a tranquil refuge.
5. Sandgate: The Hidden Gem Nestled in Rolling Hills
Sandgate is a picturesque town with a population of about 400 people. It boasts rolling hills, verdant valleys, and meandering country roads that offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding are popular due to the town’s scenic countryside.
Sandgate doesn’t have significant industrial development, which helps preserve its rural character and serenity. The town’s seclusion is a result of its remote location, limited population, and the natural beauty that acts as a shield against the outside world’s hustle.
Where is Sandgate?
Located in Bennington County, Sandgate lies northwest of Arlington and is nestled between mountain ranges that contribute to its isolation. The town is accessed via small local roads, with Route 313 being the nearest major road. The lack of direct routes to larger towns enhances Sandgate’s secluded feel. Visitors often find the journey to Sandgate an adventure in itself, as they traverse through tranquil landscapes and quaint rural settings.
4. Woodford: A Secluded Mountain Paradise
With an elevation of over 2,000 feet, Woodford is one of the highest towns in Vermont, home to about 400 residents. The town is known for Woodford State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and hiking around the beautiful Adams Reservoir.
The sparse population and mountainous terrain provide a peaceful retreat into nature. Industries in Woodford are minimal, focused mainly on tourism during the summer months. The combination of high elevation and limited development makes Woodford a secluded haven for those seeking mountain solitude.
Where is Woodford?
Woodford is situated in Bennington County along Route 9, also known as the Molly Stark Byway. This scenic road passes through the Green Mountains, providing stunning views and a winding drive. The town’s high altitude and surrounding forests contribute to its sense of isolation.
Accessibility is relatively straightforward via Route 9, but the elevation and weather conditions can make the journey feel adventurous, particularly in winter months. Woodford’s remote location atop the mountains makes it a unique and secluded destination.
3. Searsburg: The Quiet Enclave Amidst the Green Mountains
Searsburg is a tiny town with a population hovering around 100 residents. It’s characterized by its untouched environment and the presence of wind turbines that form the Searsburg Wind Energy Facility. The town offers a quiet, natural setting with opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. There are no significant industries apart from the wind energy project, which underscores the town’s commitment to sustainable practices. Searsburg’s seclusion is due to its small population, remote location, and the vast wilderness that surrounds it.
Where is Searsburg?
Located in Bennington County, Searsburg lies along Route 9 between Woodford and Wilmington. The town is nestled in the Green Mountains, and its remote position is accentuated by the dense forests and rugged terrain. Travelers can reach Searsburg via the Molly Stark Byway, enjoying scenic vistas along the way. The town’s minimal development and surrounding natural barriers make it one of the most secluded spots in the region.
2. Somerset: Vermont’s Hidden Wilderness Retreat
Somerset is an unincorporated township with a population of fewer than 10 people, making it one of the least populated places in Vermont. The area is dominated by dense forests and the pristine Somerset Reservoir, offering unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.
There are no significant industries or commercial centers, and much of the land is managed for conservation. Somerset’s seclusion is profound, with vast stretches of wilderness and limited human presence, ideal for those seeking an immersive nature experience.
Where is Somerset?
Somerset is located in Windham County, northwest of Wilmington. Access to Somerset is primarily through forest service roads, which adds to its remoteness. The town is surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest, and the lack of paved roads heightens the sense of isolation. Visitors should be prepared for rugged travel conditions, but the journey leads to some of Vermont’s most untouched and serene landscapes.
1. Glastenbury: The Ghost Town Lost in Time
Once a thriving logging community in the 19th century, Glastenbury is now an abandoned ghost town reclaimed by nature, with a population of just eight people as of the last count. The town is enveloped by the eerie and mysterious aura of the Bennington Triangle, an area known for unexplained disappearances and folklore.
Adventurous visitors can explore the overgrown remnants of the old town, hiking trails, and the untouched wilderness of Glastenbury Mountain. With no industries or active communities, Glastenbury’s seclusion is complete, offering a hauntingly beautiful landscape frozen in time.
Where is Glastenbury?
Glastenbury is situated in Bennington County, just north of the town of Bennington. The area is accessible via unpaved roads and hiking trails, reinforcing its status as a hidden and elusive location. The town is surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain, which have helped preserve its isolation over the years. Reaching Glastenbury requires careful planning and is best suited for experienced hikers and explorers who appreciate the solitude and mystery of this forgotten town.
