"Walking the open pastures among 20-30 beautiful horses was like stepping into a dream."
Katrina A from United States
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"The Ranch is a hidden treasure tucked into the sweet little historic town of Madison."
Adrian from United States
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"Even if you're not into riding horses, the feel of being in the real countryside is worth the cost."
clarksdale from United Kingdom
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"The staff - the catering the location and the ambience. great place to stay and if you like horses just excellent."
David from United Kingdom
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"All of the animals, the staff, the food, the facilities."
Michael from United States
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? All-inclusive equestrian guest ranch on over 200 acres near Madison
Equestrian & Riding Program
Southern Cross Guest Ranch offers all-inclusive riding plans with two daily horseback rides and personalized horse matching. Guests are assigned a horse for their stay and participate in grooming, saddling, and turning out. Riders who demonstrate their ability can explore over six miles of scenic wooded trails without a guide.
Dining Experience
The traditional restaurant serves international cuisine for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is provided by the property. The kitchen staff accommodates dietary needs and prepares homemade dishes.
Accommodations & Rooms
Family rooms in Madison offer air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. Guest rooms are spacious. Each room includes a TV.
Recreational Facilities & Grounds
The property has a saltwater heated outdoor swimming pool and a games room with billiards and table tennis. Mountain bikes are available for guest use around the ranch. Fishing, hiking, and an outdoor fireplace are offered on the grounds.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
Guests can access over six miles of scenic wooded trails and horse pastures directly from the property. The historic town of Madison offers self-guided walking tours. Lake Oconee provides fishing and boating activities, and Georgia's Stone Mountain Park is nearby.
Highlights
Horseback: All-inclusive plans with two daily rides
Swimming: Saltwater heated outdoor pool
Accommodation: Family rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms
Dining: International cuisine and homemade meals
Recreation: Bikes, games room, fishing, and hiking on site
Location: Near historic Madison and Lake Oconee
“This guest ranch feels like a well-kept secret, especially for families, offering a genuine countryside escape with abundant activities like horseback riding and cycling. The food, consistently praised, is a significant draw, complementing the comfortable accommodations. It's a place where the simple joys of the outdoors and good company truly shine.”
Thomas MillerEditor-in-Chief at Usgeorgia
Select your room type
Southern Cross Guest Ranch offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard King Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
455 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Superior King Room
2 persons
500 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Southern Cross Guest Ranch offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.6/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Fishing
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Laundry
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Board games
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Saltwater pool
Seasonal outdoor pool
Sun loungers
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Terrace
Garden furniture
Dining table
Bathroom
Washing machine
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Dryer
Media
Flat-screen TV
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Dining Onsite
At Southern Cross Guest Ranch, dining is a delightful experience enriched by diverse international flavors. The inviting atmosphere encourages guests to savor meals while enjoying picturesque views and the charm of the ranch surroundings, setting the stage for both relaxation and culinary adventure.
Restaurant #1
International cuisine with traditional influences
Ambiance
Cozy and welcoming, reflecting the ranch's rustic charm and tradition
Key Offerings
Enjoy a delightful assortment of meals crafted by the kitchen team, including decadent desserts and global culinary treats, perfect for indulging after a day of activities.
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Open for lunch and dinner
Southern Cross Guest Ranch Location
1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA 30650,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Springfield Church
4800 ft
Museum
Steffen Thomas Museum and Archives
1.8 mi
Landmark
Trinity Church
1.4 mi
Landmark
Bethany Church
1.4 mi
Landmark
Thomas Steffen Museum and Archvs
1.5 mi
Landmark
Morgan County Church
1.5 mi
Landmark
Bruce Weiner Micro Car Museum
2.6 mi
Church
Barrows Grove Baptist Church
2.5 mi
Nearby
Friendship Church
200 ft
Explore Madison
Nearby Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Springfield Church
18 minutes' walk
Historic church offering beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, ideal for quiet reflection.
Steffen Thomas Museum and Archives
10-minute drive
Art museum showcasing the works of Georgia artist Steffen Thomas, featuring rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
Bruce Weiner Micro Car Museum
10-minute drive
Unique museum housing over 200 microcars, providing a quirky yet fascinating experience for automotive enthusiasts.
Hiking at nearby trails
10-minute drive
Multiple scenic hiking trails cater to all skill levels, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature.
Yoga at local studios
10-minute drive
Relaxing yoga classes perfect for winding down after a day of exploration, suitable for all experience levels.
Madison Steakhouse
5-minute drive
Classic steakhouse featuring prime cuts and hearty sides in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Pie Lab
10-minute drive
Charming eatery known for its delicious homemade pies and casual vibe, ideal for all ages.
Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation
10-minute drive
Local arts center offering various performances, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.
Live Music at local bars
10-minute drive
Vibrant nightlife with live music performances, perfect for those seeking fun out on the town.
Transportation options
City Centre
Madison 16 min · 6.6 mi
Airports
Athens-Ben Epps (ahn) 88 min · 36.3 mi
Maconacon (kcv) 139 min · 57.4 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of USD 0.1 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
11
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Southern Cross Guest Ranch from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.6/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.4/10
Pros
Plentiful breakfast
Tasty food
Excellent service
Knowledgeable guides
Warm welcome
Cons
Horse welfare concerns
Room cleanliness issues
Guest reviews
based on 55 reviews
9.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.