There are places in West Virginia where the forest doesn’t yield easily to roads, and where silence is more companion than absence. The Dolly Sods Wilderness, high atop the Allegheny Plateau, isn’t a misnomer—it’s a living edge, shaped by frost heaves, fog, and old weather. Red spruce stand watch over sphagnum bogs and sandstone outcrops. The land feels northern, windswept, a piece of Canada tucked inside Appalachia.
Scattered around its margins are towns that don’t broadcast themselves. Glady is one. It sits folded into the forest, with roads that still feel like suggestions. Laneville, closer to the crest, clings to its role as trailhead more than town. These places are defined less by density and more by endurance—by how many winters the porch roof has survived, how many deer paths crisscross the edge of a field before anyone notices.
Most don’t make it here by accident. And that’s part of the appeal. If the American landscape often shouts, Dolly Sods and its fringe towns whisper in full sentences. They ask for stillness. They reward attention. They don’t need adornment.
10. Cherry Grove: Serenity in the Highlands
Cherry Grove is a small, unincorporated community with a population of just a few hundred residents.
This quaint town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy hiking, fishing in nearby streams, and exploring the scenic trails that weave through the area.
Agriculture is a primary industry here, with local farms contributing to the town’s rural charm. What makes Cherry Grove truly secluded is its remote location amidst the Highlands, where the absence of large developments allows for unobstructed views of nature and a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Cherry Grove?
Located in Pendleton County, West Virginia, Cherry Grove sits near the eastern edge of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Its seclusion is heightened by the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, which envelops the town in protected woodlands.
Accessing Cherry Grove involves traveling along winding mountain roads that offer stunning vistas but require careful navigation. This off-the-beaten-path location ensures that Cherry Grove remains a peaceful enclave, ideal for those seeking to escape the noise of urban life.
9. Alpena: Off the Beaten Path
Alpena is a tiny community with an estimated population of under 100 people. The town is a perfect escape for those who appreciate the simplicity of rural life. Surrounded by dense forests and close to the headwaters of the Cheat River, Alpena offers fishing, canoeing, and hiking opportunities.
There’s a strong sense of community here, with timber and small-scale agriculture being the main industries. Alpena’s seclusion comes from its deep roots in the wilderness, where cell phone signals fade, and the sounds of nature take over, providing a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle.
Where is Alpena?
Alpena is situated in Randolph County, West Virginia, nestled between the Allegheny Mountains and the edges of the Dolly Sods area. Its remote location is enhanced by the absence of major highways nearby, making it accessible primarily through country roads.
This isolation ensures that Alpena remains untouched by heavy tourism, offering a genuine rural experience. Visitors can reach Alpena by taking Route 33 and venturing onto smaller local roads, embracing the journey through scenic landscapes.
8. Dryfork: Peaceful Mountain Living
Dryfork is a small community with a population hovering around 200 residents. It’s known for its proximity to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in West Virginia, including the Dolly Sods Wilderness, Canaan Valley, and Seneca Rocks.
Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching and photography. The local economy is supported by small businesses and tourism centered on outdoor recreation. Dryfork’s seclusion is due to its nestled location within the mountains, offering a peaceful lifestyle amidst rolling hills and clear skies.
Where is Dryfork?
Located in Tucker County, Dryfork sits along State Route 32, south of Canaan Valley. The town is enveloped by the Monongahela National Forest, adding to its sense of isolation. The limited traffic and small-town infrastructure contribute to its quiet atmosphere.
Travelers can reach Dryfork via Route 33 and then head north on smaller roads, enjoying the scenic drive through forested areas. This secluded setting makes Dryfork a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility.
7. Glady: Nestled in Nature
Glady is an unincorporated community with a sparse population, offering an intimate connection with nature. It’s a gateway to numerous outdoor activities, including hiking in the Otter Creek Wilderness and fishing in the Glady Fork River.
There are no major industries here, with residents often involved in forestry and small-scale farming. Glady’s seclusion is accentuated by its location deep within the Monongahela National Forest, where the pace of life slows down, and nature is the predominant presence.
Where is Glady?
Situated in Randolph County, Glady lies southeast of Elkins and is reachable via Glady Road, which winds through dense forests and mountainous terrain. Its remote setting, away from major highways and urban centers, makes Glady an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.
Accessing Glady requires a deliberate journey, often along gravel roads that further emphasize its off-the-grid charm.
6. Job: A Tiny Mountain Community
Job is a small, tight-knit community with a population estimated at under 50 people. This tiny town offers a retreat into simplicity, surrounded by the majestic Allegheny Mountains. Residents and visitors can explore nearby trails, engage in hunting or fishing, and enjoy the abundant wildlife.
With no major industries, the town’s livelihood is based on agriculture and forestry. Job’s seclusion is inherent in its minimal population and isolated location, providing a serene environment free from the distractions of modern life.
Where is Job?
Job is located in Randolph County, positioned near the center of West Virginia’s mountainous region. Its remote location is accentuated by its distance from larger towns and major roads.
The town can be accessed via smaller county roads, which meander through the hills and forests. The journey to Job is a scenic adventure in itself, reinforcing the town’s secluded nature and appealing to those seeking solitude.
5. Onego: A Quiet Retreat
Onego is a small unincorporated community with a modest population. The town is surrounded by karst landscapes and is close to notable natural attractions like Seneca Rocks and the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Outdoor activities such as spelunking, rock climbing, and hiking are popular here.
Agriculture and tourism related to outdoor recreation are the mainstays of the local economy. Onego’s seclusion stems from its rural setting and the vast stretches of unspoiled nature that envelop it, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors and residents alike.
Where is Onego?
Located in Pendleton County, Onego lies along U.S. Route 33, but the surrounding terrain quickly transitions into remote and rugged landscapes. The town’s proximity to the Monongahela National Forest contributes to its secluded ambiance.
Access is relatively straightforward via Route 33, but the lack of urban development in the area ensures that Onego remains a quiet and undisturbed community.
4. Whitmer: Seclusion Amidst the Wilderness
Whitmer is a small community with an estimated population of less than 100 people. Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, Whitmer offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation in the nearby Otter Creek Wilderness.
The local economy is primarily based on forestry and small-scale agriculture. Whitmer’s seclusion is enhanced by its remote location and the vast expanses of wilderness that surround it, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature.
Where is Whitmer?
Whitmer is situated in Randolph County, accessible via County Route 29/3. The town is set along the Dry Fork River, adding to its picturesque setting. Its location, away from main highways and nestled within mountainous terrain, contributes to its isolated feel.
Visitors can reach Whitmer by navigating rural roads that offer scenic views of the forested landscape, underscoring the town’s remote charm.
3. Harman: Tranquility in the Mountains
Harman is a small town with a population of approximately 140 residents. The town is a hub for outdoor activities, with easy access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness, Canaan Valley, and Seneca Rocks. Locals and visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring the stunning mountain scenery.
Education and small businesses form the core of Harman’s economy, including a historic school that serves the community. Harman’s seclusion is due to its location within the Allegheny Mountains, offering a tranquil environment and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Where is Harman?
Located in Randolph County at the junction of U.S. Route 33 and State Route 32, Harman sits at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. Despite being on major routes, the surrounding mountainous terrain and forestlands contribute to its secluded feel.
The town is a gateway to several natural attractions but maintains a quiet, small-town vibe. Travelers often pass through Harman en route to outdoor adventures, yet the town itself remains peaceful and unspoiled.
2. Red Creek: A Hidden Haven
Red Creek is an unincorporated community with a minimal population, offering seclusion and a strong connection to the natural world. The town is adjacent to the Dolly Sods Wilderness, making it a prime location for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
With no significant industries, residents often engage in tourism-related businesses or remote work. Red Creek’s seclusion is amplified by its position within one of the most remote regions of West Virginia, where the landscape is characterized by high plateaus, bogs, and windswept plains.
Where is Red Creek?
Situated in Tucker County, Red Creek is accessed via Forest Road 19, which traverses the heart of the Dolly Sods area. The town’s remote location is enhanced by its elevation and the challenging roads that lead to it.
Reaching Red Creek involves navigating mountainous terrain, which keeps visitor numbers low and preserves the community’s peaceful atmosphere. This isolation makes Red Creek an ideal spot for solitude seekers and nature lovers.
1. Laneville: Gateway to Dolly Sods
Laneville is a tiny, unincorporated community with just a handful of residents. It serves as a primary access point to the Dolly Sods Wilderness, making it a favorite among avid hikers and backpackers. The town itself offers minimal amenities, emphasizing its untouched and undeveloped character.
There are no major industries in Laneville, with the local focus being on conservation and outdoor recreation. Laneville’s seclusion is profound; it’s enveloped by vast wilderness areas that offer unparalleled opportunities for solitude and communion with nature.
Where is Laneville?
Located in Tucker County, Laneville lies at the end of Forest Road 19, deep within the Monongahela National Forest. The town’s remote location is accentuated by the rugged roads and trails leading into it, often requiring careful navigation. Access is typically via Route 32 and then onto smaller forest roads.
Laneville’s isolated setting, surrounded by the Dolly Sods Wilderness, makes it a true escape from modern life, offering a gateway to some of the most pristine natural landscapes in West Virginia.
