
Western New Jersey doesn’t shout about its landscapes; it lets them unfold in ridges and meadows, in stretches of cornfield broken by stone walls and one-lane bridges. Between the Delaware River and the rolling highlands, towns here remain tucked back from highways, shaped by woods, farmland, and a rhythm that leans closer to the seasons than the clock.
Seclusion comes not from distance but from scale. A small green shaded by maples, a trailhead where a creek begins, a general store that still carries local cider—these are the anchors. Roads bend into hollows and rise over bluffs, keeping the pace measured and the noise at bay.
The history is visible in Moravian stone villages, iron bridges, and churchyards that hold centuries of names. At the same time, the land itself sets the character: preserved forests in Sussex, orchards along Warren ridges, canal paths shadowing the Delaware in Hunterdon. Life here is threaded through with rivers and trails that have kept the region quiet long after other corners of New Jersey filled out.
This list gathers 25 towns and townships that carry that quiet forward. From hamlets pressed against the Delaware to hilltop farms above the Musconetcong, they form a western edge of the state where privacy and landscape are still inseparable.
25. Sandyston Township – Backroads Along the Big Woods

Sandyston feels like a long exhale, a township wrapped in forest where the Delaware River and Flat Brook meet under steep, quiet ridges. Its seclusion comes from being bordered by protected lands—Stokes State Forest on one side and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the other—so there’s little reason for hurry or through-traffic.
The vibe is wood-smoke rustic: trailheads at dawn, porch lights few, and stars bright enough to name. Hike the Appalachian Trail spur to Sunrise Mountain, paddle the Flat Brook, explore Van Campen Inn history, or hunt mushrooms in shaded hemlock groves.
Local life leans on small inns, seasonal outfitters, and old family farms tucked into clearings. Even the wind seems to lower its voice here. It’s the sort of place that shows how big quiet can feel.
Where is Sandyston Township?

Tucked into the northwest corner of New Jersey, Sandyston sits in western Sussex County about 15 miles northwest of Newton. Most visitors reach it via NJ-206, then slip onto County Routes 521 or 560 as the woods close in.
Old Mine Road parallels the river and turns into a time machine of stone walls and maples. It’s close enough for a day trip, but far enough to forget what time it is.
24. Walpack Township – The Town Time Forgot

Walpack is nearly unpeopled—an old village green, a white church, and a handful of restored buildings folded deep inside federal parkland. Seclusion here isn’t a mood; it’s a fact, enforced by seasonal roads, river bends, and the surrounding Delaware Water Gap lands that halted development decades ago.
The vibe is beautifully eerie and historic at once, where you hear bees in the buckwheat and the creak of a screen door across the road. Walk the quiet lanes of Walpack Center, stop at the tiny museum when it’s open, photograph barn swallows over meadows, or follow Old Mine Road to hidden river pull-offs.
There’s no commercial center and almost no night glow; deer own the dusk. You leave with more questions than you arrived with, in the best way. It’s a pocket of New Jersey that whispers instead of speaks.
Where is Walpack Township?

Walpack lies in the far western wedge of Sussex County, about 18 miles northwest of Newton and just east of the Delaware River. Access is via County Route 615 or Old Mine Road, both narrow and wonderfully slow.
GPS can go patchy as you descend into hollows. It’s close to familiar names on a map, but far from the world’s volume.
23. Frelinghuysen Township – Gentle Ridges & Meadow Roads

Frelinghuysen rolls along soft hills and hedgerows, a township stitched with dairy farms and old stone walls. Seclusion comes from a web of county lanes that prefer tractors to commuters and the broad green buffers around every homestead.
The vibe is sunrise practical—white barns, produce stands, and dogs that know every truck by sound. Walk Jenny Jump State Forest overlooks, follow the Paulinskill Valley Trail past quiet creeks, fish small farm ponds (with permission), or sip cider at seasonal farm markets.
Farming and small trades anchor the economy, with weekend cyclists drifting through like polite weather. You notice the silence most when the wind pauses. It’s the kind of calm you carry home.
Where is Frelinghuysen Township?

Set in north-central Warren County, Frelinghuysen sits roughly 9 miles south of Newton and 12 miles north of Hackettstown. NJ-94 gets you close, then county roads take over and slow the clock.
Approaches curl over ridgelines and down into meadows where cell bars drop and birdsong rises. It’s easy to reach, yet somehow stays private.
22. Blairstown Township – Mill Pond Mornings

Blairstown feels tucked into its own bend of time—stone mill, academy green, and woodsy lanes arcing toward lake and ridge. Its secluded feel comes from the way Route 94 skirts the edges while Main Street settles by the water under big trees.
The vibe is bookish-outdoorsy: coffee on a bench, trout rising in Paulins Kill, cicadas sawing in the heat. Stroll the village, ride or walk the Paulinskill Valley Trail, paddle quiet stretches of the creek, or browse Saturday farm stands.
Local livelihoods mix education, small business, and heritage farms. Nights are crickets and porch talk. It’s a small canvas with deep colors.
Where is Blairstown Township?

In northern Warren County, Blairstown sits about 12 miles east of the Delaware Water Gap and 8 miles north of Hope. You can exit I-80 at 12, then amble north on NJ-521 into town.
Backroads feather off into woods and pastures almost immediately. It’s close to the corridor but tucked away from its thrum.
21. Stillwater Township – Quiet Lakes & Maple Shade

Stillwater hides among low hills and mirror-calm lakes where loons call on foggy mornings. Its seclusion stems from preserved woodlands and the absence of major highways slicing through—just slow county roads and long driveways.
The vibe is lakeside-simple: canoes slid onto wet grass, clapboard porches, and cool shadows where sugar maples lean. Spend a day at Swartswood State Park, watch eagles over Swartswood Lake, walk old mill sites, or leaf-peep from ridge turnouts each October.
Life revolves around small farms, seasonal lake cottages, and a few essential shops. Streetlights are scarce; stars are not. It’s the kind of still that resets your heartbeat.
Where is Stillwater Township?

You’ll find Stillwater in western Sussex County, about 7 miles west of Newton and east of the Delaware River valley. Approach on County Routes 521 or 619 as the views widen over the water.
The last mile often smells like pine and damp leaves. It’s close enough to visit often, far enough to exhale.
20. Hope Township – Moravian Stone & Meadow Quiet

Hope wears its history in pale stone and tidy lanes, a village core ringed by meadows and creeks. Seclusion here is helped by I-80 rushing past unseen on the ridge while daily life stays down in the green.
The vibe is heritage-calm—church bells, soft-voiced shops, and a green where you linger longer than planned. Tour the Moravian historic district, bird along Beaver Brook, wander Jenny Jump State Forest overlooks nearby, or browse a roadside antique barn.
Small businesses and surrounding farms keep routines steady. When the sun slides off the fieldstone walls, the town seems to glow from inside. It’s a quiet you can almost touch.
Where is Hope Township?

Hope sits in central Warren County, roughly 13 miles east of the Delaware Water Gap and 10 miles north of Hackettstown. Most people exit I-80 at 12, then drift a few minutes on NJ-521 to the village.
Side roads slip into pastureland quickly. It’s near the highway—but you wouldn’t know it.
19. Knowlton Township – River Bluffs & Gap Shadows

Knowlton stretches from river flats to bluff-top barns, with hamlets like Columbia tucked under leafy hills. Its seclusion comes from broad open spaces, the river itself, and a patchwork of side roads that pull you off the interstate and into a slower register.
The vibe is river-rural: boat launches at dawn, iron bridges, and fog lifting off Paulins Kill. Paddle the Delaware on quiet mornings, bike the Paulinskill Valley Trail, watch hawks from gravel overlooks, or explore century-old stone ruins near Ramseyburg.
Farming, a few river-adjacent businesses, and commuters who guard their evenings make the week hum softly. Sunset turns the cliffs amber and the fields to gold. It’s where edges soften.
Where is Knowlton Township?

In far western Warren County, Knowlton sits along the Delaware opposite Pennsylvania, about 5 miles east of the Water Gap. Drivers often exit I-80 at Columbia, then drift onto NJ-94 or local river roads.
Within minutes, traffic thins and hedgerows rise. It’s close to a famous landmark, yet comfortably out of its spotlight.
18. Harmony Township – Hills of Orchard and Wind

Harmony lives up to its name on hill farms above the Delaware, where orchards stripe the slopes and wind shuffles through corn. Seclusion is built from distance—Phillipsburg’s bustle lies downriver—and from a lattice of ridge roads that keep strangers guessing.
The vibe is breezy and pastoral: tractors, hawks riding thermals, and long views that quiet the mind. Hike around Merrill Creek Reservoir, pick apples at family orchards, walk river pulls-offs at dusk, or trace old one-room school sites on Sunday drives.
Agriculture holds the center here, with a little reservoir-based recreation in the mix. Night falls quickly and clean. It’s the kind of landscape that slows your thoughts to match the light.
Where is Harmony Township?

Harmony sits in west-central Warren County, about 7 miles north of Phillipsburg and 10 miles south of Belvidere. Use County Route 519 to climb into the hills, then follow narrow spurs along the ridgelines.
The last turns feel pleasantly indecisive. It’s close enough for groceries, far enough for stars.
17. Independence Township – Hidden Hollows & Fieldstone Lanes

Independence keeps to its hollows and hayfields, where fieldstone walls and old maples frame slow afternoons. Seclusion comes from rolling topography that hides homes and muffles road noise, plus a habit of letting the main roads stay just out of sight.
The vibe is classic Skylands—tractors, trout streams, and kids fishing culverts at dusk. Wander Jenny Jump State Forest overlooks, roam Allamuchy Mountain trails nearby, scout wildflowers at the edge of Great Meadows, or sip coffee by the village green.
Farming and small trades set the pace. On certain evenings, it feels like the township nods and the world nods back. It’s a comfortable, earned quiet.
Where is Independence Township?

You’ll find it in northeastern Warren County, about 6 miles northwest of Hackettstown along NJ-46.
From there, county roads braid into valleys where GPS slows its mind. Elevation shifts hide the next curve until it’s right there. It’s not far at all—but it feels tucked in.
16. Califon – River Village on the South Branch

Califon is a pocket-sized borough where the South Branch Raritan hurries under an old iron bridge and life organizes around porches and fly rods. Its seclusion owes to narrow valley walls, tall trees, and the way side streets dead-end into riverbank and hill.
The vibe is warmly historic—Victorian homes, a whistle of evening trains far away, and the murmur of water everywhere. Walk or bike the Columbia Trail, cast for trout in Ken Lockwood Gorge, browse a tiny bookshop, or sip at a corner café that still knows your name.
Small shops and trail visitors share space with commuters who prefer to come home and disappear into green. Night here belongs to crickets and river talk. It’s a town that remembers how to be small.
Where is Califon?

Califon sits in northwestern Hunterdon County, about 8 miles north of High Bridge and 12 miles west of Long Valley. Most visitors arrive via NJ-513, then tuck into side streets where the river cuts the grid.
The gorge is just down the road, but the borough itself stays hushed. It’s close to well-known trails, yet cozily off the radar.
15. Milford – Clifftop Views Above the Delaware

Milford sits high and shy above the Delaware, its grid of streets tilting toward river views and evening light. Seclusion comes from being well south of the busiest river towns and up from the water on bluffs that keep things contained.
The vibe is river-plain rustic: a classic main street, a friendly tavern, and quiet lanes where porch flags stir. Walk to overlook points, pedal backroads through Alexandria’s farms, fish along calm river eddies, or browse small galleries that open on fair-weather weekends.
Local life mixes small business with surrounding agriculture. When the sky goes peach, it seems to stop over Milford for a minute. It’s the slow lane done right.
Where is Milford?

In far western Hunterdon County, Milford sits on the New Jersey side of the Delaware about 10 miles south of Frenchtown and 14 miles west of Clinton.
Approach via County Route 519 or winding river roads that trade speed for scenery. The last blocks climb to a tidy grid with broad views. It’s just a bend away from busier towns, yet pleasantly apart.
14. Stockton – Canal-Side Whisper

Stockton is a low-key beauty on the D&R Canal, all towpath hush and river glint. Its seclusion comes from small scale and careful preservation; the world rushes along Route 29, but life here settles onto benches, footbridges, and slow strolls.
The vibe is arts-and-antiques gentle, with kayaks sliding past and a bakery scenting the morning. Walk the canal to Bulls Island, browse a weekend market, watch shad runs in season, or linger over coffee by the stone bridge.
Tourism and tiny shops share the stage with commuters who love to vanish into quiet by dinner. At dusk, swallows write cursive over the water. It’s a village that edits out the noise.
Where is Stockton?

Stockton sits along the Delaware in southwestern Hunterdon County, about 10 miles north of Lambertville and 7 miles south of Frenchtown. Follow NJ-29 until the pace changes of its own accord.
Side streets end at the river or the towpath, so the traffic has nowhere to hurry. It’s easy to find—and easier to slow down in.
13. Frenchtown – Artful Bend in the River

Frenchtown curves with the river, a small borough where galleries and coffee cups mix with cyclists and canoeists. Seclusion arrives not from distance but from scale: a short main street, leafy side lanes, and long views across water and field.
The vibe is artful and relaxed—vintage shops, porch guitars, and a bridge that frames every sunset. Stroll boutique windows, ride canal and river roads, launch a kayak at daybreak, or time your visit with an outdoor market.
Small businesses and weekend tourism keep the lights cozy, not bright. Night drops like velvet here. It’s a town that makes time for you to notice things.
Where is Frenchtown?

In western Hunterdon County, Frenchtown nestles on the Delaware about 17 miles northwest of Lambertville. NJ-12 or NJ-29 guide you in, then local streets tighten to a walkable grid.
The river and towpath define the edges and the mood. It’s close to everything you need—and far from the rush you don’t.
12. Glen Gardner – Spruce Run Headwaters Hamlet

Glen Gardner hides in a narrow valley where Spruce Run begins its work and hills shoulder the light. Seclusion comes from those enclosing slopes and from the way the old village sits just off NJ-31, screened by trees and rock.
The vibe is creek-cool and historic—stone houses, a pocket park, and the sound of water underfoot after rain. Hike nearby trails toward Voorhees State Park, cast in cold pockets of the run, hunt for spring wildflowers, or detour to lakes and overlooks a few minutes away.
Local life is a blend of small shops, trades, and commuters who love the quick slip into quiet. Nights go dark fast, the creek steady as breath. It’s where pace remembers its manners.
Where is Glen Gardner?

You’ll find it in northern Hunterdon County, about 6 miles north of Clinton and 7 miles south of Washington Borough. Travelers usually leave NJ-31 for short local lanes that duck into the valley.
The hills hush the highway the moment you turn. It’s remarkably near, and pleasantly removed.
11. Bloomsbury – Rock-Rimmed Borough by the River

Bloomsbury sits low beside the Musconetcong, bracketed by rocky ridges that make its grid feel like a secret. Its secluded character survives even with I-78 nearby, because the borough tucks under the hill where trucks become a distant rumor.
The vibe is river-porch simple—Victorian facades, a corner store that remembers your name, and anglers ghosting through evening pools. Walk the stone bridge and riverside lanes, bike NJ-173’s old highway charm, explore Musconetcong Gorge Preserve minutes away, or join a neighborly street event when the weather’s kind.
Small businesses and commuters share space with river people who measure days by hatches and flows. When night falls, the ridge holds it close. It’s close enough to reach, but far enough to feel like you’ve left everything behind.
Where is Bloomsbury?

On the western edge of Hunterdon County at the Warren line, Bloomsbury rests along the Musconetcong River about 7 miles west of Clinton. Most arrivals slip off I-78 to NJ-173, then into a short run of shade and stone.
The river and ridge shape every approach and keep the town pocket-sized. It’s a little quiet, stitched right into the map.
10. West Amwell Township: Seclusion Near the Sourland Mountains

West Amwell Township, with a population of around 3,800, is a quiet haven that I’ve grown to love for its rustic charm and natural beauty. The township sits near the Sourland Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring lush trails that showcase the area’s diverse wildlife.
Agriculture is a significant part of the local economy, with numerous farms producing fresh produce, dairy, and even hosting seasonal events like pick-your-own fruit festivals. What makes West Amwell particularly secluded are the large lot sizes and expansive properties that grant residents plenty of privacy.
The minimal commercial development ensures that the night skies remain clear for stargazing, and the peaceful neighborhoods are perfect for those seeking tranquility away from city noise.
Where is West Amwell?

Located in Hunterdon County, West Amwell Township lies in the western part of New Jersey, close to the Delaware River. Its seclusion is amplified by the surrounding woodlands and the rolling terrain of the Sourland Mountains to the north.
I find that the absence of major highways keeps traffic to a minimum, enhancing the town’s peaceful atmosphere. To get there, you can take Route 31 or Route 179, which meander through scenic countryside and give a glimpse into the area’s agricultural heritage.
The township’s distance from urban centers makes it an ideal spot for those yearning for a quiet, rural lifestyle.
9. Franklin Township: Peaceful Living Amidst Nature

Franklin Township, home to approximately 3,200 residents, offers a serene environment that I’ve always found refreshing. The township boasts expansive natural areas like the Musconetcong Mountain range, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Local vineyards and horse farms contribute to the agricultural feel, and small family-owned businesses add to the quaint charm. What sets Franklin Township apart is its low population density and significant distance from commercial zones, providing a secluded atmosphere where you can truly unwind.
The community values preservation, so you’ll find extensive undeveloped land that maintains the area’s natural beauty.
Where is Franklin Township?

Nestled in Hunterdon County, this Franklin Township is situated in the western region of New Jersey, bordering Warren County. Its seclusion is due in part to the surrounding forests and lack of major roadways cutting through the area.
When I’m heading there, I usually take local routes like County Road 513, which offers scenic views of the countryside. The township’s remote location, away from bustling towns and highways, makes it a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with nature.
8. Bethlehem Township: Quiet Country Roads and Rolling Meadows

Bethlehem Township, with a population nearing 3,800, is a rural community that I’ve come to appreciate for its open spaces and tranquil ambiance. The township features rolling meadows and picturesque farms, and activities like horseback riding and cycling along quiet country roads are popular among locals.
While there’s a small commercial presence, the area remains largely agricultural, with residents enjoying the peace that comes from large properties and spacious lots. Its isolation from major highways contributes to the serene environment, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet countryside lifestyle.
Where is Bethlehem?

Located in the northern part of Hunterdon County, Bethlehem Township sits comfortably away from the hustle of urban centers. The township is bordered by the Musconetcong River to the northwest, adding to its natural charm.
I usually access the area via Route 78 but find that the lack of direct highway access keeps the traffic low and the community peaceful. The surrounding rural landscape and distance from major cities enhance the secluded feel that residents cherish.
7. Holland Township: Escape to Scenic Farmlands

Holland Township is home to about 5,100 people and is a place where I’ve found true serenity amidst its scenic farmlands and wooded areas. The township offers recreational activities like visiting the Musconetcong Gorge Preserve or kayaking on the Delaware River.
Agriculture plays a central role here, with local farms offering fresh produce and seasonal events. The abundance of undeveloped land and large property sizes provide a sense of seclusion that’s hard to match. With minimal commercial development, the township maintains its peaceful rural character.
Where is Holland?

Situated in the westernmost part of Hunterdon County, Holland Township borders the Delaware River and Pennsylvania beyond it. Its secluded nature is enhanced by the surrounding forests and lack of major highways passing through.
I find that taking County Road 519 offers a scenic route into the township, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The distance from urban areas and commercial centers ensures a quiet environment perfect for anyone looking to escape the noise of the city.
6. Lebanon Township: Wooded Retreats in Hunterdon County

Lebanon Township, with a population of around 6,500, is a wooded haven that I often recommend to nature enthusiasts. The township is characterized by its dense forests and hilly terrain, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Local industries revolve around small businesses and agriculture, which adds to the community’s charm. Homes are often nestled among the trees on large properties, providing privacy and a feeling of seclusion. The minimal traffic and quiet surroundings make it a perfect retreat from the fast-paced world.
Where is Lebanon?

Found in the northern tip of Hunterdon County, Lebanon Township is bordered by Morris and Warren counties. Its remote location, away from major highways, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.
I usually reach the township via Route 31, followed by smaller county roads that wind through forests and past lakes. The isolation from major urban centers and the abundance of natural landscapes make Lebanon Township a secluded gem in Western New Jersey.
5. Delaware Township: Tranquil Hills and Open Spaces

With a population of just over 4,500, Delaware Township offers a peaceful environment filled with rolling hills and open spaces that I find incredibly calming. The township is known for its historic Covered Bridge and the annual Sergeantsville Farmers’ Market.
Agriculture remains a key industry, and the low housing density means homes are spread out, providing residents with plenty of privacy. The significant distance from busy towns and the preservation of natural landscapes enhance the secluded feel of the area.
Where is Delaware Township?

Located in southwestern Hunterdon County, Delaware Township sits along the Delaware River, adding to its scenic beauty. The township is accessible via Route 523, but the absence of major highways keeps it secluded.
I’ve found that the rural roads leading into town offer stunning views of the countryside. Its location away from commercial hubs makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
4. Alexandria Township: Countryside Living with Historic Appeal

Alexandria Township, home to about 5,000 residents, is a place where history and nature intertwine beautifully. The township features historic farmhouses and buildings that give it a charming, timeless feel. Outdoor activities like horseback riding and visiting local vineyards are popular here.
What I appreciate most is the seclusion provided by the rural roads and significant undeveloped areas. Being far from urban centers, the township offers a peaceful atmosphere where one can truly relax.
Where is Alexandria?

Situated in western Hunterdon County, Alexandria Township lies close to the Delaware River but remains inland enough to feel tucked away. The area is accessible via Route 513, but the lack of major highways nearby keeps it quiet.
I enjoy the drive through scenic backroads to get there, passing through forests and farmlands. The township’s isolation from city life makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking privacy and a connection with the area’s rich history.
3. Kingwood Township: Serenity Along the Delaware River

Kingwood Township, with a population of approximately 3,800, is a serene community that I’ve found to be a perfect escape from urban life. Nestled along the Delaware River, the township offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking in the Bull’s Island Recreation Area.
The minimal commercial development means that natural barriers like forests and rivers provide ample privacy. Large lot sizes contribute to the secluded feel, making it an ideal place for those who value peace and quiet.
Where is Kingwood Township?

Located in the western part of Hunterdon County, Kingwood Township is bordered by the Delaware River to the west. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding natural landscapes and the absence of major thoroughfares.
I typically access the area via Route 12, followed by local roads that wind through wooded areas. The township’s remote location and natural beauty make it a hidden gem along New Jersey’s western edge.
2. Tewksbury Township: Rural Elegance in Hunterdon County

Tewksbury Township, with a population of around 6,000, combines rural elegance with a secluded atmosphere that I find truly captivating. The area is known for its spacious properties, often exceeding one acre, and its beautiful historic homes.
Outdoor activities include horseback riding, thanks to the local equestrian culture, and exploring the many trails and parks. The rustic landscapes and distance from city bustle create a peaceful environment where you can enjoy the finer aspects of country living.
Where is Tewksbury?

Situated in the northeastern corner of Hunterdon County, Tewksbury Township is bordered by Somerset and Morris counties. Its seclusion comes from the hilly terrain and extensive woodlands that surround the area.
I usually take Route 517 or Route 512 to reach the township, enjoying the scenic drive through rural landscapes. The limited commercial development and absence of major highways nearby make Tewksbury Township a tranquil haven for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
1. Hardwick Township: A Hidden Gem Nestled in Nature’s Embrace

At the top of my list is Hardwick Township, a true hidden gem with a population of just over 1,600. Nestled in the rolling hills of Warren County, the township is enveloped by vast forests and the striking landscape of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
I’ve spent countless hours exploring the hiking trails, fishing spots, and even paddling along the tranquil waters of the nearby rivers. There isn’t much in terms of commercial industry, which is part of what makes Hardwick so secluded.
The low population density and abundance of undeveloped land provide a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Hardwick Township?

Located in the northern part of Warren County, Hardwick Township borders Sussex County and is close to the Pennsylvania state line. Its secluded nature is due in part to the surrounding protected lands, including state parks and forests that limit development.
I often access Hardwick via Route 80, followed by smaller county roads that lead deep into the countryside. The journey itself is a peaceful experience, and the township’s distance from urban centers makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a true escape.