In 1845 Henry David Thoreau holed up in a one-man cabin on Walden Pond in Massachusetts. He stayed for two years, wrote a series of essays that would become a seminal work of transcendentalist literature, and wound up an off-grid icon. That’s a tall order for the average solo retreat. But you never know what a woodsy getaway might inspire, and we’re all in need of a good road trip. This fall, channel your inner Thoreau with some quality “me” time at one of these remote New England Airbnbs.
We hope you love the remote New England Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. Modern riverside cabin in Maine
Photo: Airbnb
Thoreau had Walden Pond. Guests of this one-bedroom cabin get riverside digs and Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, just 20 minutes away. There’s not much else around except local trails and a small grocery store, but the cabin is cozy, the kitchen is well-equipped, and the WiFi is strong. The perfect day here starts with a cup of coffee or tea on the patio, segues into a solo hike to Little Wilson Falls, and winds down by the fire pit.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $150 per night
2. Cozy forest cabin in Connecticut
Photo: Airbnb
From the outside, this is the quintessential cabin in the woods. It’s framed by foliage, accessed by a stone staircase to match the stone chimney, has a large wraparound deck, and overlooks a babbling brook. For extra wilderness cred, it’s also close to the Connecticut leg of the Appalachian Trail. Inside, however, this is no ordinary cabin. It reads more like a pied-à-terre in Copenhagen, with clean Scandi lines, tons of natural light, and carefully curated accent pieces. Because there’s no rule against doing a forest escape in style.
Two bedrooms, four guests
Price: $172 per night
3. Strawberry Moon guest house in Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
This adorable blue A-frame in Plainfield, Vermont, is the perfect introduction to vacationing off-grid. It sits on 10 acres of land off a dead-end road, the WiFi and cell reception are spotty, and you’ll need a car to get here as there’s no public transportation nearby. On the other hand, the cottage is only 15 minutes from Montpelier, the state capital, and a short drive to epic mountain biking networks, ski areas with hikeable off-season trails, and a handful of breweries.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $102 per night
4. Scandinavian wigwam in Massachusetts
Photo: Airbnb
It’s hard to say what’s cooler about this property: the so-called “Scandinavian wigwam” or the perks that come with it. When they’re not curled up by the traditional Danish wood-burning stove, guests can explore dewy wildlife trails, enjoy a private sauna, or arrange a forest bathing experience — the kind that involves an actual bathtub. The glamp-y retreat is located on a farm where all are welcome, even pets, and invited to help themselves to the on-site garden.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $93 per night
5. Tiny house in the hills in Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
Sleek, simple, and secluded, this one-bedroom cabin in Vermont’s Upper Valley Region puts a modern spin on the idea of hut camping. It comes equipped with everything you need for a rustic yet plush getaway: a queen bed with cozy linens, a kitchenette with all the coffee essentials, a window-facing workspace with a little library, a Tivoli sound system, decent WiFi, and a fire pit with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and free firewood. The only thing missing is a shower, but, as the host says, there are swimming holes nearby.
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $139 per night
6. Dream A-frame in New Hampshire
Photo: Airbnb
Guests of this loft-style cabin in New Hampshire get the White Mountains in their living room, thanks to the mid-century modern facade that’s basically one big A-shaped window. Being in the White Mountains also means unparalleled hiking and mountain biking, whether it’s a walk to the historic Rocks Estates or a trek up Mount Washington. Drearier days call for tours of quaint New England mountain towns, then snuggling up at home with one of the books provided.
One bedroom, four guests
Price: $208 per night
7. The Hygge Loft in Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
A solo trip to the wilderness is the perfect time to treat yourself. This mid-century modern loft seems like a splurge, but it’s really a steal considering the cabin comes with 70 acres of privately owned forest, not to mention 360-degree windows and skylights to relish the views when you’re not out discovering trails. Post-outdoors, you can throw on some vinyl, make cozy fall meals in the well-equipped kitchen, sit by the fire on the deck, or soak in the spa-like tub that makes this one of the coziest remote New England Airbnbs. 
One bedroom, two guests
Price: $249 per night