7 Secluded Towns In New England

New England spans about 72,000 square miles in the northeastern corner of the United States; between its Canadian borders to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, New England is full of underrated, secluded towns. For a calm coastal escape, Marion, Massachusetts, pairs quiet harbor scenery with kayaking, sailing, and shell-hunting along Silvershell Beach. Errol, New Hampshire, feels tucked away near the Maine border, yet still packs in Umbagog Lake paddling, wildlife watching, and a stop at the sprawling L.L. Cote outfitter. For a relaxing break from busier New England destinations, these 7 towns below offer numerous exciting opportunities while still maintaining their low-key status.

Marion, Massachusetts

The pretty waterfront town of Marion, Massachusetts, boasts a population of about 5,300 residents, living on 26.69 square miles. It is part of Plymouth County and is 25 miles south of the famous tourist town of Cape Cod. The town was first settled in 1679 and called “Sippican,” the name of the local Wampanoag tribe, meaning “the land of many waters.” With its scenic Sippican Harbor and small-town charm, this coastal town is a haven for boating enthusiasts who like kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, or simply beachcombing on Silvershell Beach for colorful shells like scallops, slipper shells, and mermaid’s toenails along Buzzards Bay.

The Bird Island Light, constructed in 1819, guards the harbor entrance. While the lighthouse itself is not accessible to visitors, Bird Island welcomes guests except during the endangered roseate tern's nesting season. For more information about Marion, visit the Marion Natural History Museum, which marked its 150th anniversary in 2022. You can also pick up a souvenir from Marion at the Marion Antique Auctions, one of New England's oldest and most renowned antique shops.

Errol, New Hampshire

Visitors looking for a quiet escape for a few hours or even an overnight stay should consider the Peace of Heaven Bed & Breakfast in the small border town of Errol, New Hampshire. Although Errol has fewer than 300 residents, there are many outdoor activities available, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching at Umbagog Lake State Park, which covers 1,360 acres. Spend your day exploring the wetlands and marshes of the nearby Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, spanning 37,000 acres across New Hampshire and Maine. The refuge is home to 229 bird species, including 24 types of singing warblers, and boasts one of the highest nesting osprey populations in the state. A visit to Errol isn't complete without stopping at L.L. Cote, a 50,000-square-foot outfitter that offers everything from firearms to Amish furniture.

New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Visitors looking to spend time in the smallest town in the smallest state on a secluded island in the Atlantic Ocean will love New Shoreham, Rhode Island, which encompasses the entire geographic area of Bock Island. With only 1,400 residents, the town is 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, and its unique ecosystem is home to over 40 rare or endangered species. It's also a paradise for birders who flock to the island, and it is a prime stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. The 3.5-mile Clay Head Trail is a popular spot for birding on the island with stunning views.

The island, shaped like a pork chop, offers 17 miles of pristine beaches, including the popular Crescent, Ballard’s, and Mansion Beach. These beaches are ideal for kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, picnicking, and beachcombing. To explore the island by bike, you can download a 7.5-mile self-guided loop that passes major sights at the southern end, such as the Mohegan Bluffs, the 1873 Southeast Light, the Painted Rock, and the North Light.

Greenville, Maine

With a population of around 1,700 residents, the secluded town of Greenville sits on the edge of Maine’s Moosehead Lake—the state’s largest lake at miles 40 long and 20 miles wide. With a name like Moosehead Lake, no wonder it’s one of the top spots to see the state mammal, the moose, especially in the spring when their numbers are in the hundreds. Book a moose safari by land or water with Northwoods Outfitters, which annually counts over 1000 moose sightings.

The town’s rugged terrain and secluded location make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, offering activities like fishing, boating, and swimming in summer, as well as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during winter. Hikers will find Mount Kineo, a distinctive landmark on a Moosehead Lake peninsula only reachable by boat. This mountain is composed of rhyolite, a rare volcanic rock historically used by Indigenous people to make arrowheads. There are over 6 miles of trails of varying difficulty levels—easy to moderate—that all lead to the 700-foot summit, where visitors enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and Moosehead Lake.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont, lies along the Ottauquechee River, surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of Vermont's Green Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor adventures in this town of around 3,000 residents, including cross-country skiing, fat biking, and shoe showing at the Woodstock Nordic Center, followed by something one-of-a-kind shopping in the village’s historic downtown. For breakfast or lunch, visit Soulfully Good Café, the Abracadabra Coffee Co., or the Village Butcher. The town has a youthful vibe with unique shops like Vermont Eclectic Company, Clover Gift Shop, and F.H. Gillingham & Sons, which sells Vermont’s world-famous maple syrup.

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm and interactive museum showcasing Vermont's agricultural and rural heritage. Located within Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, visitors can see the famous herd of over 70 Jersey cows imported from the Isle of Jersey in 1871, explore farm life exhibits, and visit the cheese shop.

Essex, Connecticut

Less than 7,000 residents make their homes in the pretty riverside town of Essex, Connecticut, along the west bank of the Connecticut River. Known for its nautical heritage and historic district, Main Street is lined with colonial-era homes, the cozy Griswold Inn, and tons of fun boutiques and eateries like Chocolate Geeks, the Essex Coffee & Tea Company, and Toys Ahoy! The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a variety of train experiences, including a ride on the 2024 North Pole Express with festive sing-a-longs, cookies, and hot chocolate or a gourmet dinner trip on the elegant Essex Clipper for a 4-course meal served pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. History buffs will enjoy learning about the region's history at the Connecticut River Museum or discovering the Essex Harbor and Essex Reef Lighthouse.

North Haven, Maine

North Haven, Maine, is a secluded island town in Penobscot Bay with roughly 425 residents. Formerly a favorite retreat for wealthy New Englanders, it now features no grand mansions but instead offers rolling fields, farmhouses, and a tranquil, peaceful lifestyle. Accessible only by ferry, visitors often enjoy watersports such as kayaking and sailing. Hiking is also popular, aided by the North Haven Conservation Partners, who have conserved 200 acres of land and several miles of shoreline for public access. Burnt Island, a 74-acre island reachable at low tide from North Haven, has a trail encircling it. Additionally, Sage Woods, a 10-acre area with trails, is located near the island’s golf course.

Open four seasons, Turner Farm is an organic farm worth visiting, and many of the local restaurants in this close-knit community serve their organic vegetables, herbs, and pasture-raised beef and pork. The North Haven Brewing Company is the perfect way to end the day in this secluded town away from it all.

Discover seven small, secluded New England towns that offer unique attractions, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities, each with populations under 10,000, like Marion, Massachusetts, with its coastal beauty; Errol, New Hampshire; and Greenville, Maine, gateway to Moosehead Lake and Mount Kineo's rhyolite trails. Woodstock, Vermont, combines outdoor adventures with a historic downtown, while both Shoreham and North Haven are tranquil island escapes. Each secluded town offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and local charm, allowing visitors to escape the everyday hustle and bustle.