Eastern New York is rich in secluded towns that offer a calm retreat far from main highways and crowds. These 12 hidden gems stretch across the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Taconic foothills, each with its own unique landscape and charm. Here are the 12 most secluded towns in Eastern New York, with locations and distinctive atmospheres.
Ancram: Hidden Gem Amidst Rolling Hills
Ancram, located in southeastern Columbia County near the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders, is defined by open farmland and quiet countryside. Its remote setting lacks major highways, which preserves peace and privacy. The journey into Ancram, via winding country roads, treats visitors to beautiful landscapes and a timeless rural experience.
Canaan: Peaceful Retreat in Columbia County
Nestled in Columbia County close to Massachusetts, Canaan is surrounded by forests and rolling hills. The Queechy Lake area is popular for swimming and boating, while hiking trails offer solitude and scenic vistas. Access is primarily via Route 295, so even arrival feels remote and restorative.
Austerlitz: Where History Meets Seclusion
Austerlitz sits on the Massachusetts border in Columbia County among the foothills of the Berkshires. Famous for the Edna St. Vincent Millay Colony, it blends natural tranquility with creative spirit. The Harvey Mountain State Forest invites hikers and nature lovers, and low commercial development ensures a quiet atmosphere.
Hillsdale: Scenic Views and Open Spaces
Found in Columbia County along the edge of the Taconic Mountains, Hillsdale is known for its vast open fields, gentle slopes, and rural charm. Accessible via Routes 22 and 23, but distant from urban centers, the town offers panoramic vistas perfect for slow drives and relaxation.
Copake: Lakeside Serenity
Copake, in southeastern Columbia County near Massachusetts and Connecticut, wraps around Copake Lake. Surrounded by the Taconic Mountains, this town is ideal for tranquil boating, hiking, and fishing. Accessed by country roads, Copake’s abundant greenery and sparse development ensure genuine solitude.
Stephentown: The Only Stephentown on Earth
Located in Rensselaer County within the Taconic Valley, Stephentown claims vast woodlands and quiet trails. Its position in the Berkshire Mountains and absence of urban centers preserve an untouched, rustic character. Traveling the scenic Route 43 and Route 22 immerses guests in natural beauty.
New Lebanon: Countryside Charm Near Berkshires
Nearby is New Lebanon, also in Columbia County close to the Massachusetts border. The town boasts Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, broad landscapes for hiking or fishing, and a population that values wide-open space. Away from cities, New Lebanon is an escape into slow country life.
Berlin: Nature’s Quiet Corner
Berlin sits on New York’s eastern edge in Rensselaer County along the Massachusetts border, wrapped by the Taconic Mountains. Wild forests, timber heritage, and hidden trails create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The lack of major highways means the drive through woodlands is peaceful and enveloping.
Taghkanic: Secluded in the Taconic Mountains
Taghkanic in Columbia County is surrounded by the rolling Taconic Range, offering privacy and vast acreages. Residents and visitors enjoy bird watching, hiking, and the pleasant isolation of rural roads. The absence of large towns nearby ensures a quiet, natural pace.
Dover Plains: Tranquil Harlem Valley Hideaway
Dover Plains lies in Dutchess County near Connecticut, embraced by the Harlem Valley and Taconic Mountains. It’s marked by open spaces, less-trafficked roads, and agricultural lands. The Dover Stone Church—with its waterfall cavern—is a signature spot for peaceful exploration.
Shandaken: The Heart of Mountain Solitude
Perched in northern Ulster County, Shandaken comprises twelve hamlets tucked among Catskill ridges. Accessible from NY-28, the area brings together artsy Phoenicia, Pine Hill’s ski crowd, and countless creek-side clearings. The landscape encourages slow weekends and quiet moments along the Esopus Creek and Giant Ledge.
Andes: Historic Mountain Hamlet
In southeastern Delaware County, Andes is rich in history, most notably the Anti-Rent uprisings of the 1840s. Set along NY-28 and NY-30, it features stone fences, clapboard porches, and a welcoming main street. Small shops and farmed lands supply an understated rural serenity.
Locations At a Glance
| Town | County | Region/Border |
|---|---|---|
| Ancram | Columbia | Near MA/CT borders |
| Canaan | Columbia | Near MA border |
| Austerlitz | Columbia | MA border, Berkshires |
| Hillsdale | Columbia | Taconic Mts., MA border |
| Copake | Columbia | SE corner, lakeside |
| Stephentown | Rensselaer | Berkshire Mts., MA border |
| New Lebanon | Columbia | Berkshire fthls., MA border |
| Berlin | Rensselaer | Taconic Mts., MA border |
| Taghkanic | Columbia | Taconic Mts. |
| Dover Plains | Dutchess | SE corner, Harlem Valley |
| Shandaken | Ulster | Catskills, NY-28 |
| Andes | Delaware | NY-28/NY-30, mountains |
Why Eastern New York’s Secluded Towns Shine
Each of these towns sits far from metropolitan rush, offering unspoiled nature, historic roots, and a chance to reconnect with simpler routines. Whether bordering Massachusetts or tucked in the folds of the Catskills, their locations encourage slow travel, outdoor adventure, and genuine quiet. These communities remain hidden not only by geography, but by a gentle resistance to change, making every visit feel like a discovery.
Sources
(https://www.homestratosphere.com/secluded-towns-in-eastern-new-york/)
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/11-secluded-towns-in-new-york.html)
(https://carlymarie-travelwithme.com/7-charming-small-towns-in-new-york/)
(https://myfamilytravels.com/secluded-small-towns-in-new-yorks-hudson-valley-worth-a-visit/)
(https://keepcalmandchiffon.com/blog/nyc-weekend-getaways/)
