The 7 Most Remote Spots in Connecticut And How to Get There

Connecticut has everything from open forests to small towns to large cities. There are even villages dating back to the 1700s, making the state a fascinating mixture of environments.

According to Census reports, approximately 3.6 million people populate the relatively small state. The state is second only to Rhode Island as the smallest state in New England. Despite its size, Connecticut offers several remote spots where you’re unlikely to encounter many other people. Whether you’re hoping to get away from it all or are just curious about places in the state that are far off the beaten path, these are some of the most remote spots in Connecticut. 

1. Outer Island, Branford

Off the coast of Branford, Connecticut, along the Long Island Sound, there’s a small archipelago called the Thimble Islands. The 5-acre outermost island, appropriately called Outer Island, is the most remote of the grouping. To get here, one must follow some specific rules as it’s part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. You can travel by kayak or small motorboat. Additionally, visitors must take their boats and side-tie them to the floating dock only, following signs and rules. Guests may also take a water taxi. Finally, there are only certain hours allowed for visiting.

2. Canaan Mountain

The Canaan Mountain Wilderness Natural Area Preserve is part of one of the largest roadless areas in Connecticut. You can’t even spot the trail for the mountain on maps. But if being alone in nature is what you seek, you can’t beat the beautiful views, which feature dramatic slopes and cliffs. At an elevation of 1,581 feet, you’ll feel like you’re alone on top of the world. Canaan Mountain is part of Litchfield County. To get here, visitors need to take Route 7, park along the side, and search for trailheads. It’s an area best for hikers with plenty of experience.

3. Scotland

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in the middle of nowhere, one of the best places to go is Scotland. Scotland, Connecticut, that is. This small town is one of the least populated in Windham County, CT. Its population hovers around 1,500. The rural town dates to 1700 and is the birthplace of Samuel Huntington, who signed the Declaration of Independence. Huntington’s homestead is now a historical site. Reach Scotland by traveling CT-97.

4. Ender’s Island, Mystic

Enders Island is an 11-acre island that’s just off the coast of scenic Mystic, CT. This charming private island is home to a spiritual retreat and features beautiful ocean views and walking paths. But there’s only one way to get to the island. Visitors must take two causeways. One from the mainland that connects to Mason’s Island. Then, take a second causeway that connects Mason’s Island to Enders Island.

5. Selden Neck State Park, Lyme

This island park is 607 acres and only accessible by boat or kayak. Plus, visitors must reserve one of the four primitive campsites on the island, where they can sleep under the stars. The island cut off from the mainland of Connecticut in the 1850s, features no roads and no inhabitants, only visitors. Fascinatingly, over 130 years ago, the island was home to a red granite schist quarry. Developers used the stones to pave the streets of New York City.

6. People’s State Forest, Barkhamsted

Despite the word people in the name, with 3,059 acres of forest, visitors are likely to enjoy a solitary experience in nature here. Located along the West Branch Farmington River in the town of Barkhamsted, the park offers an ideal spot for outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and hunting. To get here, visitors must take Route 318 in Barkhamsted and then travel across a steel bridge.

7. Dudleytown, Cornwall

New England legends surround the mystery of Dudleytown, an abandoned settlement in Cornwall, CT. Old remnants of colonial stone walls and buildings lay in the woods of the aptly named Dark Entry Forest. Rumors circulating for decades claim that ghosts and spirits haunt the isolated area. Of course, locals have opinions on the truth. These days, the site is only accessible to those taking a tour, as it’s now part of private property.

Summary of Remote Spots in Connecticut and Their Coordinates

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