At the foot of Blood Mountain, just below Vogel State Park, the Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center preserves the family farm of one of Georgia’s best-loved mountain writers. Admission is free, and it makes an easy, quiet stop on the drive between Blairsville and Vogel.
Byron Herbert Reece (1917-1958) grew up here in Union County and wrote poetry and novels rooted in Appalachian farm life, including the novels Better a Dinner of Herbs (1950) and The Hawk and the Sun (1955). He won two Guggenheim Fellowships and taught at Young Harris College. “I am a farmer first and a writer second,” he said, and the farm tells both sides of that story.
- OpenTue.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- AdmissionFree
- Where8552 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville
- Phone706-970-5985
What You’ll Find
Farmstead & Exhibits
A historic barn, a building of old farm tools and exhibits and signs across the property show how mountain families like the Reeces lived and worked in the early 1900s.
Welcome Center
Start at the welcome center and gift shop for Reece’s books and the story of his life and work.
Walking Trail
A walking trail winds past native plantings and creekside views and connects to Vogel State Park next door.
Tours, Events & Rentals
Group Tours
Guided group tours are available with an advance reservation. Call the farm or email Bhrfarm@uniongov.com.
Pavilion & Events
The pavilion and grounds host weddings, reunions and gatherings, reserved in advance through reecefarmevents.com. The farm also rents cabins nearby.
Byron Herbert Reece Society
The Reece Society, which helped create the heritage center, keeps Reece’s work alive with readings, contests and literary events.
More Nearby
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked in September 2026 against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- Reece Farm events and visitor information – hours, admission, contact and rentals
- Byron Herbert Reece Society: The Farm – history and features
- Wikipedia: Byron Herbert Reece – biography and works
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.
Last updated: September 2026