11 Of The Quietest Towns In The Southern United States
The Southern reaches of the United States is a bustling region with some of the country’s largest states like Texas and Florida. Yet, it boasts several quiet towns devoid of the unpleasant commutes in cities like Houston and Miami. From the ocean-drenched Isle of Palms to the historic Harpers Ferry, these towns are true havens for retreats and laid-back living. In addition to their relaxing aura, these quiet towns in the Southern United States are hospitable and have rich histories and diverse cultures. Plus, they are richly endowed with the region’s natural features, like the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains, that set the stage for outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking for where to pray, meditate, write a book, get inspiration, bond with family and friends, or have fun in nature, these quietest towns in the Southern United States are excellent destinations to visit.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Enjoy unreserved rest in the quiet town of Chincoteague. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this town is populated by less than 3,500 people and is a haven for nature lovers. Here, visitors will be met with beach relaxation, nature cruises, and an amazing bird-watching experience. These restful activities can be enjoyed at the nearby 14,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is characterized by an unsullied white sand beach, maritime forests, wetlands, and shrubs where a wide variety of wildlife, including the famous Chincoteague ponies call home. Trails also crisscross this refuge, offering easy access to its natural features, including other wildlife like white-tailed deer, ghost crab, and an abundance of birds year-round.
Angling enthusiasts can enjoy quiet fishing expeditions at the town’s Veterans Memorial Park or Robert Reed Waterfront Park, both of which have fishing piers. The parks also have boat ramps for kayak launching into the waters for gentle floating experiences. Every July, this town even hosts an exciting event known as the Pony Swim, which comprises a literal swim with ponies done by Saltwater Cowboys, a pony auction, and a week-long carnival.
Highlands, North Carolina
There is no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities than a cozy and serene town surrounded by waterfalls. Located in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands is that perfect town, populated by just above 1,000 people and surrounded by not just waterfalls but also rivers and lakes, making it the perfect getaway in nature. Visitors to this town can lose track of time exploring some of the top waterfalls in the area, including the 60-foot Bridal Veil Falls, the 65-foot Dry Falls, and the Cullasaja Falls, which rises more than 200 feet. These falls are near each other and can all be seen on the drive along US Highway 64.
Highlands is also home to Harris Lake, which is excellent for paddling. Additionally, the Cullasaja and Chattooga Rivers are also in town for fishing and boating adventures. As for hikers, Highlands is endowed with exciting trails worth exploring. Famous among these is the two-mile loop Whiteside Mountain Trail which leads to the top of White Mountain where some of the most breathtaking views of North Carolina can be savored.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
While covering only a tiny area in the massive Blue Ridge Mountains, this town flaunts the name of the mountainous region and serves as a sanctuary for retreat seekers. This town is richly blessed with 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, over 100 miles of rivers and streams, and more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Surely, a one-time visit will not be enough to explore all of this goodness; however, fishing for trout at some of the top waterbodies around, like the Jack’s River and Toccoa River, is always a great way to begin.
Next, one can embark on a pleasant 26-mile round trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This journey lasts for two hours and takes passengers along the Toccoa River and through Georgia’s scenic countryside to the town of McCaysville.
For hikers, the four-mile Green Mountain Trail is one of the area’s best trails to explore, as it presents stunning views of Lake Blue Ridge. Notably, Blue Ridge is near Springer Mountain Trailhead, the starting point of the Appalachian Trail, one of the greatest trails in the world, stretching for 2,185 miles to Maine. In the meantime, Blue Ridge invites visitors to Mercier Orchards to pluck several locally grown fruits or explore more than 2,500 artworks on display at the Art Center in the historic Fannin County Courthouse.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Like a fairy tale town from Alice’s Wonderland, Harper's Ferry dazzles with unmatched natural scenery, interrupted only by a few colorful historic structures and the bridge. Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, this 19th-century town invites visitors to soak in some of the best views in West Virginia by hiking the 4.5-mile out-and-back Maryland Heights Trail. This trail takes about three hours to complete and is considered challenging.
After taking in the views, one can explore the town’s historic attractions, starting from John Brown's Fort, which is the only surviving part of the Harpers Ferry Armory. In October 1859, John Brown, an American abolitionist, and his men raided and used the fort as a refuge while attempting to create a slave revolt. Unfortunately, the fort was attacked by federal forces, and John Brown was captured, tried, and executed. However, the event became one of the major triggers of the Civil War a year later.
Next, visitors can enjoy meals at the historic White Hall Tavern, which was once an 1850s place for all kinds of debates, especially political debates. Before leaving town, enjoy some water adventures at River Riders Family Adventure Resort to have fun ziplining and paddling on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
Elizabethtown, North Carolina
The cozy, tranquil town of Elizabethtown is not just a place to hide from the noise but a nature lover's delight. Escape to this quaint town of around 3,000 people and find tranquility at the Jones Lake State Park. Covering a 2,200-acre area, this park has dozens of picnic tables, six miles of hiking trails, and a lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Nearby, the 1,200-acre White Lake is an alternative destination for more adventures like swimming, jet skiing, and beach relaxation.
Notably, Elizabethtown was the site of the Battle of Elizabethtown, which took place in August 1781 during the Revolutionary War and ended the influence of the Tories in North Carolina’s Cape Fear region. Find the historical marker of the battle on the town’s Main Street and proceed to the Tory Hole Park as it commemorates the battleground. This park is also ideal for relaxing as it is along the Cape Fear River and has a playground, a scenic walking trail, picnic areas, and a 9-hold disc golf course.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Broken Bow is a serene town in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountain, ideal for a vacation full of adventures. Here, visitors will be in proximity to Broken Bow Lake, one of Oklahoma’s top attractions, offering exciting water activities like boating, fishing, and paddling. On the shores of the lake, the Beavers Bend State Park also offers exciting adventures with its trout streams, Mountain Fork River, hundreds of campsites and cabins, and hiking trails.
Notably, the David Boren Trail is one of the best trails in Oklahoma. It stretches for 16 miles and connects to multiple trails, including the Beaver Lodge Trail and Cedar Bluff Nature Trail, both of which are one mile long.
Elsewhere, the Hochatown Petting Zoo invites animal lovers to see and interact with birds, critters, kangaroos, goats, and deer, among other exotic animals. For similar natural experiences, the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area is nearby and features pine and hardwood forests alongside wildlife such as deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock is one of America’s best mountain towns worth visiting year-round. This town is right on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is blessed with the impressive scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, carpeted with lush greenery. It also hosts interesting attractions like the famous Blowing Rock that juts out above the Johns River Gorge and offers impressive views of the Pisgah Forest.
Nearby, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park invites adventures to explore its 25 miles of carriage and bridle trails, fish in its lakes, and soak in the sights of meadows and dense forests. Adjacent to the park, the Julian Price Memorial Park also offers outdoor recreation as it has seven miles of trails, campsites, picnic sites, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Also, a visit to Blowing Rock is always an opportunity to experience life in the Wild West with a three-mile ride aboard a historic steam-powered train at the Tweetsie Railroad. The railroad park also features live shows, a zoo, arcade games, and a playground to delight people of all ages.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is a town on a barrier island of the same name, perfect for a relaxing seaside retreat. On arrival here, don’t hesitate to kick back on the town’s beautiful main beach, which is an ideal spot to build sandcastles, swim, surf, and play beach volleyball. If you love golf, the Wild Dunes Resort in town is a must-visit, as it has two famous golf courses with breathtaking scenery.
Furthermore, nature lovers can join the Barrier Islands Eco Tours to explore Capers Island, one of the few undeveloped islands on South Carolina’s coast. This tour offers information about the island’s ecosystem and opportunities to see interesting wildlife like loggerhead sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Meanwhile, the Beach House Spa is in town to offer a relaxing experience with various treatments, from hot stone massage to facials and more.
Cleveland, Mississippi
Cleveland is a jewel in the Mississippi Delta where serenity and authentic Southern hospitality thrive. Here, a bad day can be made good at the 8 West Grille, where great music meets delicious farm-to-table meals. Just outside the town, the Dockery Farms will appeal to all lovers of music as it is considered the birthplace of blues. At this former cotton plantation, visitors will learn about how this music genre was birthed by African Americans who came to work at the farm.
Back in town, the Grammy Museum is the only one of its kind outside Los Angeles and explores the history of the Grammys as well as the musical achievements of Mississippians. This museum is located at Delta State University, and visitors can check out the Matthews-Sanders Sculpture Garden while in the area to admire sculptures and enjoy a picnic with the views.
Cleveland also features the Martins & Sue King Railroad Museum, where the railroad history of the Delta region is preserved and promoted. This museum is worth visiting to see railroad artifacts and exhibits, including one of the largest O-gauge railroads in the country and a 1941 Illinois Central Caboose.
Hot Springs, North Carolina
Hot Springs is a quiet haven for retreats as it is populated by just 500 people and blessed with unique natural attractions. First off, this town is located along the French Broad River and on the Appalachian Trail, where hikes are enjoyed in seclusion. One of the best trails in the area is the 2-mile scenic Lover's Leap loop, featuring a dramatic rock outcropping, where views of the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest are enchanting.
Moreover, opportunities for water adventures like rafting, kayaking, and canoeing abound on the river. Hot Springs is also not accidentally named. This town is the only known place in North Carolina with natural hot springs, and it would be inexcusable to visit without enjoying a healing and relaxing soak at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa. This spa is the best in town and features private tubs filled with naturally warmed mineral waters alongside gorgeous scenery.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island is a picturesque coastal gem on Alabama's Gulf Coast, renowned beyond its coziness as the perfect stop for family beach vacations and water sports. The town's tranquil beaches, such as East End and West End beaches, serve as recreational and relaxational hot spots for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Plus, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is in town to offer an immersive experience in nature. Covering a 164-acre area, this sanctuary has walking trails that meander through maritime forests, marshes, and dunes, offering opportunities to see hundreds of migrating bird species crossing the Gulf of America from Central and South America, particularly in spring.
Downtown The Arts of Dauphin Island gallery is a great place to enjoy art classes and explore paintings and woodwork made by local and regional artists. Notably, Dauphin Island is home to Fort Gaines, one of the best-preserved Civil War-era seaside fortifications of the 19th century in the American South. This fort is worth visiting to see and explore, as well as a blacksmith shop, original cannons, a museum, and a gift shop.
From the scenic shores of Dauphin Island, Alabama, where sunsets are breathtaking, to the numerous waterfalls around Highlands, North Carolina, these Southern United States towns are not just serene but full of sensational experiences. In these quiet towns, you can relax in the pristine arms of nature or subscribe to a historical immersion, all void of noise and chaos. Whatever rocks your boat, these towns offer a tranquil setting and authentic Southern charms that will leave you with fond memories.
