New England’s rolling hills and dense forests hide secrets of a bygone era—ghost towns that once buzzed with life but now stand silent, reclaimed by nature or lost to time. These abandoned settlements, scattered across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, offer a haunting glimpse into the region’s past. From logging camps to flooded villages, each ghost town tells a story of ambition, hardship, and abandonment. For the folks at Wicked617, we’ve crafted a guide to some of New England’s most intriguing ghost towns, their histories, what remains today, and a few verified road stops to fuel your adventure. Buckle up for a scenic ride through history, with a detour to the mysterious Leicester Airport, where we encountered some modern-day obstacles but still found the journey wicked awesome.
Dogtown, Massachusetts: The Witch’s Lair
Location: Gloucester, Cape Ann, Massachusetts
Why It Became a Ghost Town: Founded in 1693, Dogtown was a bustling settlement until the early 19th century when coastal Gloucester’s fishing industry outshone it. By the 1800s, the town was left to outcasts, including alleged witches like Tammy Younger, the “Queen of the Witches.” Poor soil, isolation, and the decline of inland industries led to its abandonment by 1830.
What’s Left Today: Cellar holes, stone walls, and the eerie Babson Boulders—rocks inscribed with moral sayings like “KINDNESS” and “TRUTH”—dot the landscape. Dogtown is accessible via trails in Gloucester’s Ravenswood Park, but visitors report an unsettling vibe, with tales of ghostly figures and strange noises.
Fun Fact: Tammy Younger was so feared that local kids left offerings of corn and fish for safe passage through Dogtown.
Can You Visit?: Yes, via hiking trails off Cherry Street in Gloucester. Be prepared for a spooky, wooded trek.
Road Stop: The Causeway Restaurant (78 Essex Ave, Gloucester, MA) is a must for classic New England seafood. Their lobster rolls and clam chowder are wicked good—perfect for refueling after exploring Dogtown’s eerie trails.
Livermore, New Hampshire: The Logging Town That Faded
Location: White Mountain National Forest, near North Conway, New Hampshire
Why It Became a Ghost Town: Livermore thrived in the late 19th century as a logging hub under timber baron J.E. Henry. Forest fires in the 1880s and 1897, coupled with deforestation and mill closures by 1928, led to its decline. By the 1950s, it was deserted.
What’s Left Today: Along Sawyer River Road off Route 302, you’ll find crumbling foundations, brick remnants, and overgrown paths. The 2020 census noted a population of two, but don’t expect a welcome party—just deer and bobcats.
Fun Fact: J.E. Henry’s logging operation had 47 strict rules, 28 of which were about horse care, showing the era’s reliance on equine labor.
Can You Visit?: Yes, via the Sawyer River Trail (1.5 miles one way). Park at Route 302 and hike in, but watch for uneven terrain. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot in the White Mountains.
Road Stop: Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub (3 Station St, Glen, NH) offers hearty comfort food like prime rib and craft brews. It’s a cozy spot to warm up after a chilly hike to Livermore.
Perkins Township, Maine: The Island That Time Forgot
Location: Swan Island, Kennebec River, between Richmond and Dresden, Maine
Why It Became a Ghost Town: Incorporated in the 19th century, Perkins thrived on shipbuilding, farming, and ice harvesting. Named after wealthy trader Thomas Handasyd Perkins, it drew summer residents until pollution in the Kennebec River and the Great Depression dwindled its population to 61 by 1918. By 2000, it was empty.
What’s Left Today: Thirteen historic buildings from the 1750s remain, preserved in the Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area. Access is by boat only, making it a unique adventure.
Fun Fact: Benedict Arnold planted a flagstaff here during his 1775 Quebec expedition, giving nearby Flagstaff its name.
Can You Visit?: Yes, via guided tours or private boat to Swan Island. Check with Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for access details.
Road Stop: The Liberal Cup (115 Water St, Hallowell, ME) is a lively pub with great fish and chips and local brews, ideal for a post-island meal.
Lewiston, Vermont: Washed Away by Progress
Location: Near Hanover, Vermont, off McKenna Road
Why It Became a Ghost Town: Settled in 1765, Lewiston was a coal transport hub for Dartmouth College. The 1950 Wilder Dam flooded its farms, and in 1967, bulldozers razed the village for an Interstate 91 feeder road.
What’s Left Today: The railroad and station remain, unused, and Dr. Joseph Lewis’s house is now a Dartmouth-owned pottery studio. Lewiston Hill Road marks the former village center, but little else survives.
Fun Fact: Bigfoot is rumored to roam nearby Glastonbery Mountain, adding a cryptozoological twist to the area’s lore.
Can You Visit?: Yes, but there’s little to see beyond the pottery studio and faint traces of roads. It’s more about imagining what was.
Road Stop: Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery (30 S Main St, Hanover, NH) is a local legend for its diner-style breakfast and fresh pastries. Grab a maple cruller for the road.
Hanton City, Rhode Island: The Lost City
Location: Along Route 116, Smithfield, Rhode Island
Why It Became a Ghost Town: Known as the “Lost City,” Hanton City was a colonial settlement abandoned for unknown reasons—possibly disease, economic shifts, or isolation. By the 19th century, it was deserted.
What’s Left Today: Stone foundations, a defunct dam, scattered walls, and a burial site with three readable names (Alfred, Eliza, and Emor Smith) mark the Hanton City Trail.
Fun Fact: The mystery of Hanton City’s abandonment has sparked theories of a smallpox outbreak or a cursed land, but no records confirm why it vanished.
Can You Visit?: Yes, via the Hanton City Trail in Smithfield. It’s a short hike, but the overgrown paths can feel otherworldly.
Road Stop: Blackie’s (280 George Washington Hwy, Smithfield, RI) serves up gourmet pizzas and craft cocktails, a perfect stop to reflect on Hanton City’s mysteries.
The Leicester Airport Adventure: A Ghostly Detour
Our quest to explore the abandoned Leicester Airport in Massachusetts turned into a classic New England tale. Tucked off Route 56 in Leicester, this small airfield, once a hub for local aviation, was abandoned decades ago, its runways overtaken by weeds and its hangars left to rust. We set out to verify its ghostly status, expecting to find crumbling tarmac and maybe a forgotten Cessna. Instead, we were greeted by a group of kids blocking the overgrown access road, passing a joint and vibing to music. Planes may no longer fly here, but someone was definitely flying. The road was too choked with brush to push through, so we couldn’t confirm the airport’s remains up close. Still, the ride through Leicester’s winding, tree-lined roads was a scenic blast, with golden autumn leaves and rolling hills making it a wicked cool detour.
What’s Left Today?: Satellite images show faint outlines of runways, but ground access is tough due to overgrowth and private property signs. Locals say the site is still there, hidden by nature.
Fun Fact: Leicester Airport was a training ground for pilots in the mid-20th century, but its closure is murky—likely due to declining use as larger airports took over.
Can You Visit?: Technically, yes, but trespassing is discouraged, and the road’s condition makes it tricky. Stick to nearby public roads for a glimpse.
Road Stop: Wheaties Restaurant (1049 Main St, Leicester, MA) is a cozy diner with killer breakfast burritos and strong coffee, perfect for shaking off the disappointment of a blocked ghost town.
Why Do Ghost Towns Fascinate Us?
New England’s ghost towns, from Dogtown’s witchy past to Livermore’s logging ruins, captivate because they’re frozen in time. They whisper of dreams dashed by floods, fires, or economic shifts. As Taryn Plumb notes in Ghost Towns of New England, the region’s abandoned places evoke “kenopsia”—that eerie feeling of a once-lively place now silent. Whether it’s the mystery of Hanton City’s lost settlers or the submerged farms of Lewiston, these sites stir our imagination.
Tips for Your Ghost Town Road Trip
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Pack for Adventure: Bring sturdy shoes, bug spray, and a camera for hiking trails like Dogtown or Sawyer River.
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Respect the Land: Many sites are on protected or private property. Stick to marked trails and avoid trespassing (sorry, Leicester Airport explorers!).
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Embrace the Vibe: Ghost towns can feel creepy, especially at dusk. Lean into the spookiness but stay safe.
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Check Road Conditions: Overgrown paths and seasonal closures (like Sawyer River Road) can affect access. Call local ranger stations or check online.
Final Thoughts
New England’s ghost towns are more than ruins—they’re portals to the past, each with a story of resilience and loss. Our Leicester Airport misadventure proved that even if you don’t reach the destination, the journey through New England’s backroads is always worth it. So, grab some chow at a local diner, crank up the tunes, and chase these ghostly relics. Just watch out for kids blocking the road—they might be guarding more than just an old runway.
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