In Virginia’s Highland Wildlife Management Area, the old rhythms still hold. It’s a corner of the state where mountain folds cradle towns like Monterey and Mustoe, and where the rush of rivers still outpaces the hum of traffic. Here, tucked high in the Alleghenies, you find the kind of quiet that modern life forgot but nature remembered.
This region—named for the steep ridges and deep hollows that mark the land—was set aside to protect its wild places, and it shelters more than just deer and trout. It guards a way of life measured by growing seasons, maple taps, and porch conversations that don’t look at their watches. In towns like Vanderpool and Doe Hill, you don’t stumble upon history; you live inside it.
These 10 secluded towns offer a different kind of richness: trout streams instead of freeways, weathered barns instead of strip malls, and a sense that you’ve arrived somewhere honest. Whether you’re tracing forgotten logging roads or just tracing your own breath in the crisp air, Virginia’s Highland country leaves a mark.
10. Vanderpool: Where Silence is Golden
With a population of just a few dozen residents, Vanderpool is a tranquil haven tucked away in Highland County. This tiny community offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking through secluded trails, bird watching, and fishing in nearby streams. The town’s seclusion stems from its remote location amidst the Allegheny Mountains, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude.
Agriculture remains a primary industry here, with local farms dotting the landscape and contributing to the town’s quiet, rural charm.
Where is Vanderpool?
Vanderpool is located in western Virginia, near the border with West Virginia. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, it’s accessed via winding country roads that enhance its sense of isolation.
The town is several miles from the main highways, with the nearest significant town being Monterey. Its remote setting amidst dense forests and mountainous terrain makes Vanderpool one of the most secluded spots in the region, perfect for a quiet retreat.
9. Bolar: Serenity by the Springs
Bolar is a small, unincorporated community known for its proximity to healing thermal springs. Home to fewer than 100 residents, it offers a serene environment surrounded by quiet forests and calming landscapes. Visitors and locals alike can relax in the soothing waters of nearby Bath County’s famous thermal springs.
Outdoor activities include hiking, picnicking, and exploring the pristine natural surroundings. The area is largely supported by tourism related to the springs and small-scale agriculture, contributing to its tranquil ambiance.
Bolar’s secluded nature allows for a peaceful escape where one can unwind and reconnect with nature.
Where is Bolar?
Situated near the border of Highland and Bath counties in Virginia, Bolar lies amidst rolling hills and dense woodlands. Its location away from major roads and urban centers enhances its secluded feel.
The town is accessible via rural routes that pass through scenic landscapes, making the journey part of the experience. The isolation provided by the surrounding forests and the absence of bustling traffic make Bolar a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility.
8. Mustoe: A Retreat into Simplicity
Mustoe is a quaint village where time seems to slow down, offering a retreat into simplicity and the embrace of wilderness. With a small population, it’s a place where everyone knows each other, and community ties are strong.
The area’s natural beauty provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the peaceful countryside. Mustoe’s primary industries revolve around agriculture and forestry, reflecting a way of life closely connected to the land.
Its seclusion comes from its location amid vast expanses of untouched wilderness, providing an ideal setting for those looking to escape modern life’s fast pace.
Where is Mustoe?
Located in Highland County, Mustoe sits along the Jackson River, surrounded by the George Washington National Forest. The town is off the beaten path, reached by country roads that wind through forests and over mountains. Its distance from major highways and urban areas contributes to its secluded nature.
The unspoiled landscapes around Mustoe offer a sense of remoteness that’s increasingly rare, making it a perfect spot for solitude seekers.
7. Head Waters: Source of Peacefulness
Head Waters is aptly named, as it’s near the source of the South Branch Potomac River. With a small population, it offers a secluded environment rich in natural beauty.
Fishing is a popular activity, with pristine streams teeming with trout and other freshwater species. The town’s primary industries include farming and outdoor recreation, supporting a way of life that’s closely tied to the rhythms of nature.
Head Waters’ isolation stems from its mountainous surroundings and lack of commercial development, providing a peaceful haven away from crowded locales.
Where is Head Waters?
Situated in the northwest corner of Highland County, Head Waters is nestled in the Allegheny Highlands. It’s accessible via winding mountain roads that highlight the area’s scenic beauty.
The town’s remote location near the state line with West Virginia enhances its sense of seclusion. Surrounded by forested mountains and clear rivers, Head Waters feels like a world apart, offering a tranquil escape for visitors and residents alike.
6. Mill Gap: A Quiet Crossing in the Highlands
Mill Gap is a small community cradled between mountains, ideal for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. With a population numbering in the few dozens, it’s a place where the pace of life is slow and the environment is pristine.
Outdoor activities include hiking, exploring local flora and fauna, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. The area is primarily agricultural, with local farms contributing to the rural landscape. Mill Gap’s secluded nature is due to its valley location, tucked away from main roads and urban centers.
Where is Mill Gap?
Located in the southern part of Highland County, Mill Gap sits near the border with Bath County. The town is accessible via Route 84, a scenic drive that winds through the mountains.
Its position between two mountain ranges provides natural isolation, creating a peaceful environment. The surrounding forests and lack of nearby commercial development make Mill Gap a hidden retreat in Virginia’s highlands.
5. Hightown: Elevation Meets Isolation
Perched at one of the highest elevations in Virginia, Hightown offers solitude amid panoramic mountain views. With a small community of residents, it’s a place where serenity reigns. Visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and enjoying breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
The primary industries are agriculture and forestry, with the high elevation providing unique opportunities for certain types of farming. Hightown’s seclusion is enhanced by its elevated location and minimal development, making it a haven for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Where is Hightown?
Hightown is situated along U.S. Route 250 in Highland County, near the West Virginia border. Its elevation of over 3,000 feet places it among the highest communities in the state. The town is surrounded by vast expanses of forested land and rolling mountains.
Accessed by mountain roads that climb steeply, Hightown feels remote and untouched. The combination of elevation and surrounding wilderness contributes to its unique sense of isolation.
4. Doe Hill: Nature’s Hidden Gem
Doe Hill is a tiny hamlet offering stunning mountain vistas and an intimate connection with nature. With a population of fewer than 50 people, it’s a place where tranquility is a way of life.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby hiking trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy the picturesque countryside. Agriculture is the mainstay, with local farms producing maple syrup and other goods. Doe Hill’s seclusion comes from its remote setting in the mountains, away from major transportation routes and commercial centers.
Where is Doe Hill?
Located in the northern part of Highland County, Doe Hill is near the state line with West Virginia. The town is accessed via Route 654, a rural road that traverses scenic landscapes.
Its isolation is magnified by the surrounding George Washington National Forest and the lack of nearby towns. The peaceful environment and lack of urban distractions make Doe Hill a true hidden gem in Virginia’s highlands.
3. Blue Grass: A Valley of Tranquility
Blue Grass is a charming community where lush valleys and meandering streams provide a perfect escape from the bustle of city life. Home to around 200 residents, it offers a serene setting ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring local history.
The town’s economy revolves around agriculture, particularly livestock and maple syrup production. Blue Grass’s seclusion is a result of its location in a secluded valley, surrounded by rolling hills and far from major highways.
Where is Blue Grass?
Situated in the western part of Highland County, Blue Grass lies along Route 640, near the West Virginia border. The town is nestled in the Blue Grass Valley, known for its fertile land and scenic beauty.
Access requires traveling through mountainous terrain, enhancing its sense of isolation. The surrounding landscapes and minimal development contribute to Blue Grass’s tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat.
2. McDowell: Historic Serenity in the Mountains
McDowell is steeped in rich Civil War history and set amidst tranquil mountain scenery. With a population of around 150 people, it offers a quiet setting for exploring historic sites, such as the McDowell Battlefield and historic homes.
Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The main industries are agriculture and heritage tourism, reflecting the town’s historical significance and rural character. McDowell’s seclusion is due to its location within the mountains and its small, close-knit community.
Where is McDowell?
Located along U.S. Route 250 in Highland County, McDowell lies in the Bullpasture Valley. The town is surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, providing natural barriers that enhance its secluded feel. It’s approximately 30 miles west of Staunton, Virginia, accessible via scenic mountain roads.
The combination of historical sites and remote location makes McDowell a unique destination for those interested in history and natural beauty.
1. Monterey: The Heart of Highland’s Seclusion
Monterey, the county seat of Highland County, is a small town nestled amidst rolling hills, offering a peaceful retreat with its historic streets and serene landscapes. With a population of around 150 residents, it exudes small-town charm.
Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy the annual Highland County Maple Festival, and admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture. The primary industries include agriculture, tourism, and maple syrup production.
Monterey’s seclusion is characterized by its remote location and the surrounding natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for a quiet getaway.
Where is Monterey?
Monterey is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 250 and U.S. Route 220 in Highland County. Despite being the county seat, it’s situated in one of Virginia’s least populated and most remote counties.
The town is surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, and access involves traversing winding mountain roads. Its distance from major cities and highways contributes to its secluded nature, providing a peaceful environment that’s rich in history and natural
