The road stretches out ahead, two thin strips of worn asphalt disappearing into the pines.
This is the kind of place where you leave the noise behind, where cell signals fade away, and where a gas station clerk asks where you’re from—not to make small talk, but because they genuinely care.
South Carolina’s Long Cane District isn’t just another scenic spot. It’s a place where history feels alive, where ghost towns melt into thick forests, and where the evening air hums with the steady sound of cicadas.
The towns here—like Bordeaux, where the Sumter National Forest stretches endlessly, and McCormick, where history lingers in every brick—are the last strongholds of a slower, quieter way of life.
This is a land of deep roots and quiet solitude, where the roads are empty, the stars are bright, and time seems to move just a little slower.
Here are 10 of the most secluded towns in the Long Cane District—places where the world hasn’t quite caught up, and maybe never will.
10. Clarks Hill
Clarks Hill is a peaceful community near the Savannah River in McCormick County, with a population of just a few hundred.
It’s a haven for outdoor lovers, offering access to Clarks Hill Lake for fishing, boating, and watching stunning sunsets over the water.
The area is rich in history, with nearby historic sites and trails that reveal the stories of the past.
Small local businesses and agriculture form the core of the town’s economy, reflecting the quiet, simple lifestyle of its residents.
Its seclusion comes from the surrounding forests and the absence of urban development, making it a perfect escape from modern life’s fast pace.
Where is Clarks Hill?
Clarks Hill is in western McCormick County, near the Georgia border, surrounded by forests and Clarks Hill Lake.
You can reach it via US Route 221 or South Carolina Highway 28, but it remains off the beaten path, adding to its peaceful charm.
9. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a quiet spot in McCormick County with just a handful of residents. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Sumter National Forest, it’s ideal for hikers, bird watchers, and those seeking peace.
The community is small, with a few family farms and minimal businesses, reinforcing its back-to-nature lifestyle.
Bordeaux’s secluded charm comes from its dense woodlands and light traffic, creating a peaceful escape where the loudest sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong.
Where is Bordeaux?
Bordeaux sits in central McCormick County along South Carolina Highway 283, between McCormick and Plum Branch.
Accessible by rural roads, it offers a scenic, quiet drive through the forested countryside.
8. Verdery
Verdery is an unincorporated community in Greenwood County with a population barely hitting triple digits.
Known for its historic roots and rural landscapes, Verdery features family-owned farms and quiet trails through the Piedmont region’s natural beauty.
With no commercial industries and minimal traffic, Verdery maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking quiet and a connection with nature.
Where is Verdery?
Verdery is in southeastern Greenwood County, south of the city of Greenwood. Accessible via State Highway 10, its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding hills and farmland.
7. Kirksey
Kirksey is a small, rural community in Greenwood County with just a few hundred residents.
Life here revolves around farming, outdoor activities, and the quiet of the surrounding countryside. Open fields, wooded areas, and the sounds of nature define daily life.
Its remote location away from major highways and lack of commercial development keeps Kirksey quiet and undisturbed.
Where is Kirksey?
Kirksey lies in western Greenwood County along South Carolina Highway 67, between Bradley and Troy. Its remoteness and limited traffic make it a peaceful hideaway.
6. McCormick
McCormick is a historic small town with around 2,500 residents. It’s known for its charming Main Street, the McCormick Train Station museum, and the Dorn Mill Complex. The surrounding Sumter National Forest and Lake Thurmond offer fishing, boating, and hiking.
While local businesses support the economy, McCormick’s remote location and quiet streets preserve its small-town feel.
Where is McCormick?
McCormick sits at the junction of U.S. Route 221 and South Carolina Highway 28 in western South Carolina near the Georgia border. Its distance from major cities keeps it peaceful and quiet.
5. Bradley
Bradley is a small, quiet community in Greenwood County with a population in the hundreds. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, it offers a simple lifestyle focused on agriculture and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
With few businesses and little traffic, Bradley’s untouched natural surroundings make it a peaceful retreat.
Where is Bradley?
Bradley is in southern Greenwood County along South Carolina Highway 10. Its rural location and lack of traffic help preserve its quiet atmosphere.
4. Troy
Troy is a small town in Greenwood County with around 100 residents. It features historic buildings and access to Lake Thurmond and Sumter National Forest for outdoor recreation.
Agriculture and small businesses sustain the town, while its remote location keeps it quiet and relaxed.
Where is Troy?
Troy lies in southwestern Greenwood County along South Carolina Highway 10. The surrounding forests and rural roads contribute to its secluded feel.
3. Willington
Willington is a historic community in McCormick County with only a few dozen residents. It’s known for the Willington History Center and Bookshop, which reflect the town’s deep roots.
With no major industries and miles of countryside between it and larger towns, Willington is a peaceful step back in time.
Where is Willington?
Willington is in northern McCormick County along South Carolina Highway 81. Its location among forests and farmland adds to its tranquil atmosphere.
2. Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is a small town in McCormick County with fewer than 200 residents. It features well-preserved 19th-century buildings and the Mount Carmel Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Agriculture once thrived here, but now the rural setting and quiet streets define its peaceful charm.
Where is Mount Carmel?
Mount Carmel is in western McCormick County near the Georgia border at the junction of Highways 28 and 81. Its rural setting and lack of traffic keep it calm and quiet.
1. Lowndesville
Lowndesville is a charming town in Abbeville County with just over 100 residents. Its historic homes and churches reflect its rich history, and Lake Russell provides opportunities for fishing and boating.
With small businesses and agriculture at its core, Lowndesville’s seclusion comes from its distance from highways and urban centers.
Where is Lowndesville?
Lowndesville sits in southwestern Abbeville County near Lake Russell and the Georgia border. Accessible via South Carolina Highway 81, its rural location ensures peace and quiet.
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