If you need a respite from the overbearing hassles and frenetic pace of the modern world, a car can only get you so far. To really get away from it all you need to park the roadster and put in a little extra effort to find true seclusion in nature, away from motorized noise and electronic interference. Here are some southeastern destinations where cars aren't allowed, mainly because it's physically impossible for them to reach these places; places where you've got to be prepared to hoof it and forgo the little creature comforts of civilization, such as toilets that flush.

Hike Inn -- North Georgia Mountains

You'll have to hike five miles before you can rest your head at this 20-room lodge that is part of Amicalola Falls State Park. Depending on your speed, the moderate trail leading to the lodge takes between two to four hours from the park's visitor center. The rooms have bunk beds (linens provided), electric light and heating panels during cold weather. A bath house with compost toilets and hot showers is on the premises. The southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on nearby Springer Mountain, so the Hike Inn is usually populated with some serious backpacking enthusiasts. Turn the cell phone off and make some new friends over meals served family-style.

Stay: Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls. Open year-round, reservations required. Rates start at $70. 800-581-8032, hike-inn.com

Eat: Family-style dinner and breakfast is served at the Hike Inn, included in lodge rates.

Info: Amicalola Falls State Park. 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville. 706-265-4703, www.gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls

Dry Tortugas -- Florida Keys

The most remote spot in the Florida Keys is Dry Tortugas National Park 70 miles in the Gulf of Mexico due west of Key West. The only way to get to this group of tiny islands is by boat or seaplane. One of the best bargains for staying overnight in the Keys is the campground on Garden Key. The focal point of tourism in Dry Tortugas, Garden Key is the site of Fort Jefferson. This fortress of red brick is a surreal sight in the middle of the ocean that began sinking ever-so-slowly into the sea even while it was being constructed in the mid-to-late 19th century. Two authorized high-speed ferry companies and one seaplane service depart daily from Key West. Fishing is prohibited in most of the park, as this is a fragile and protected marine sanctuary, but snorkeling among the coral reef near Fort Jefferson on Garden Key makes it worth the trip.

Stay: A first-come, first-served primitive campground is located on Garden Key, nestled in a grove of palm trees between Fort Jefferson and a small white-sand beach. $3 per person, per night.

Eat: No dining, concessions or services of any kind exist in the Dry Tortugas. When camping you must bring your own food and drinking water; if day-tripping, the ferry companies provide lunch, snacks and beverages from their boats. Compost toilets available.

Info: Dry Tortugas National Park. 305-242-7700, www.nps.gov/drto

Shackleford Banks -- North Carolina

Shackleford Banks is the only island of Cape Lookout National Seashore where vehicles aren't allowed. No bridges connect the barrier islands of this seashore to the mainland, but private ferries do transport vehicles to the other Cape Lookout islands. Shackleford Banks is more wild. Part of the draw, besides pure seclusion, is the herd of feral horses that roam the island. Be sure to keep your distance should you spot the horses, as they aren't used to human contact and could attack if approached. A list of authorized passenger ferry services to Shackleford Banks is available from the National Park Service. www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/ferry.htm

Stay: There are no designated campsites on Shackleford Banks but tent camping is allowed in certain areas, including the beach. No services of any kind exist, so you must bring your own food and water and leave no trace of your encampment behind. Composting toilets are at the west end of the island.

Info: Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center. 131 Charles St., Harkers Island. 252-728-2250, www.nps.gov/calo

Sapelo Island -- Georgia Coast

This barrier island, once the property of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds, is now owned mostly by the state and reachable only by passenger ferry. The state-run ferry leaves from the visitor's center in the town of Meridian and advance reservations for guided tours are required.

Individuals, couples and families wanting to stay overnight on Sapelo must be guests of a resident of Hog Hammock, an isolated Geechee community on the island inhabited by descendants of the original slave settlers from West Africa. These proud people struggle to keep their traditions alive in the modern age. Some residents of Hog Hammock operate bed-and-breakfast-type establishments and provide their own private tours of Sapelo.

Stay: The historic Reynolds Mansion operated by the state only accommodates conference and retreat groups of 16-29 people, with a two-night minimum. Meals are included with the booked rate. For more info on booking Reynolds Mansion call 770-975-4291. For a list of resident-run accommodations in Hog Hammock visit the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society website and click on the "visiting info" link.

Info: Sapelo Island Reserve. 912-437-3224, www.gastateparks.org/info/sapelo. Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society, 912-485-2197, www.sapeloislandgeorgia.org.