Pennsylvania is home to many tucked-away, serene towns that offer seclusion and a slower pace of life surrounded by natural beauty. Nestled in forests, river valleys, and mountainous terrain, these communities provide a refuge for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and a strong sense of connection to nature. Here are 12 of the most secluded towns in Pennsylvania, each uniquely suited for peaceful living or quiet retreats in 2025.
12. Dushore: Hidden Mountain Village
Dushore is a small borough in Sullivan County placed within the Endless Mountains region. Surrounded by rolling ridges, streams, and state forests, it exudes a quiet mountain village atmosphere. Historically a hub for tanneries and lumber mills, today its economy is supported by small shops, restaurants, and seasonal tourism related to nearby state parks. Its remote location approximately 75 miles northwest of Scranton, reached via winding U.S. Route 220, enhances its seclusion and peaceful setting.
11. Lopez: A Quiet Plateau
Also in Sullivan County, Lopez occupies a high plateau in the Endless Mountains. The town grew from logging roots but now thrives on farming and an influx of outdoor enthusiasts visiting Loyalsock State Forest and Ricketts Glen State Park. Its few services and gravel roads provide a genuine sense of remoteness and connection to the forested landscape.
10. Laceyville: Riverside Calm
Located in Wyoming County along the Susquehanna River, Laceyville once supported a bustling agricultural economy and river trade. Today, it is a modest community with a quiet riverfront and proximity to rural farmland, offering calm and seclusion about 50 miles northwest of Wilkes-Barre.
9. Forksville: A Covered Bridge Haven
Forksville, nestled at the confluence of creeks in Sullivan County, blends history with nature. Known for its historic covered bridge and proximity to Worlds End State Park, it balances a rural farming lifestyle with tourism. The town’s small population and forested surroundings amplify the quiet charm.
8. Sinnemahoning: Wildlife Refuge Town
Sinnemahoning in Cameron County is famous for its wildlife, including elk and eagles. Accessed through scenic mountain roads, this town sits near the forests and rivers of the Quehanna Wild Area, offering a sanctuary for nature lovers and solitude seekers alike.
7. Driftwood: Riverside Retreat
Driftwood, with under 70 residents, is one of Pennsylvania’s most secluded spots, located along Sinnemahoning Creek. Its economy centers on outdoor recreation like fishing and canoeing, supported by its remote location deep within forested wildlands.
6. Hillsgrove: Wilderness Village
Hillsgrove, a tiny borough hugged by the Loyalsock State Forest, is a quiet wilderness community. Surrounded by vast forests and accessible through winding routes, it offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities with few residents and minimal commercial development.
5. Mehoopany Township: Remote River Valley
Mehoopany, home to about 900 residents, stretches along the Susquehanna River in Wyoming County, with abundant open space and privacy. The area’s rural character and agrarian economy support a tranquil lifestyle set apart from major urban centers.
4. Rome: Countryside Solace
Rome is a small borough in Bradford County famous for its expansive farmland and open vistas. Its peaceful atmosphere is established by farming traditions and a limited commercial presence, ideal for those wanting solitude in pastoral surroundings.
3. Friendsville: Quiet Hamlet
Friendsville in Susquehanna County is a small agricultural community shielded by surrounding woodlands and farmlands. Its tiny population and countryside setting make it a haven of simplicity and neighborly closeness, far from urban life.
2. Pleasant Mount: Secluded Highlands
Set high in the rolling hills of Wayne County, Pleasant Mount’s large land parcels and rural nature offer privacy and scenic vistas. Agriculture and logging form the backbone of this quiet community, with little commercial intrusion enhancing its remote feel.
1. Lake Como: Lakeside Haven
Topping the list, Lake Como in Wayne County is a hidden gem centered around its pristine lake. Surrounded by dense forests and remote access routes, the community is a peaceful retreat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone seeking lakeside seclusion with a close-knit vibe.
Pennsylvania’s secluded towns range from rugged mountain enclaves to peaceful river valleys and quiet farmland communities. Whether seeking a rustic mountain village, a riverside retreat, or a lakeside haven, these 12 towns offer residents and visitors alike a chance to escape the noise and pace of modern life.
Their natural surroundings, slow pace, and small, tight communities create perfect settings for privacy, relaxation, and outdoor enjoyment in 2025 and beyond. These towns remind us that even amid widespread development, secluded pockets of tranquility still thrive across the Keystone State.
Sources
(https://www.homestratosphere.com/secluded-towns-in-northeast-pennsylvania/)
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/2025-s-11-best-small-towns-to-visit-in-pennsylvania.html)
(https://cameroncountynews.blogspot.com/2025/04/10-secluded-towns-scattered-throughout.html)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9wx_VHRDU)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-9-sYDSS-w)
