Southern Cross Ranch
Welcome to Southern Cross Ranch, a beautiful equestrian escape nestled at 1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA, just a stone's throw from Athens, Georgia. Boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 stars, this all-inclusive horse ranch is a haven for horse enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in the warm embrace of Southern hospitality, where every detail is designed to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're indulging in culinary delights prepared by our talented chef or enjoying the serene landscapes while riding through picturesque trails, Southern Cross Ranch promises an adventure like no other. At Southern Cross Ranch, we understand that every guest seeks something unique. Our accommodations feature cozy lodgings, including queen beds and essential amenities to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Our farm-to-table buffet offers a diverse array of dishes that cater to all tastes, making every meal a delightful experience. With a variety of trail rides tailored for every skill level, even the most seasoned riders will find new paths to explore, as highlighted by our satisfied guests. As one visitor put it, "the freedom to explore the beautiful terrain had my family coming back for more." With check-in at 2:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM, we ensure that your time at the ranch is both relaxing and rejuvenating. Join us at Southern Cross Ranch to create lasting memories surrounded by nature, horses, and the warm smiles of our dedicated staff. To book your stay or learn more about our offerings, give us a call at (706) 342-8027 or visit our website at southcross.com. Experience the best horseback riding and the ultimate ranch getaway today!
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Reviews & Questions
Google Reviews
Debora Parrish
An experience like no other. The Southern Cross Guest Ranch exceeded all expectations. The food, prepared by a chef was varied with many delicious dishes. Our lodging included a queen bed with amenities equal to any 4* hotel. But our reason for choosing the Ranch was of course riding horses. They are beautiful. All 100+ of them. The barn staff could not have been more patient, friendly, or helpful. It’s obvious that each of them love their job and the horses. Guides are provided to make certain everyone is safe and comfortable. Two things are certain, I won’t wait 50 years to ride again. And I will be returning to Southern Cross Guest Ranch October 2025
Tim Russell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing All-Inclusive Horse Ranch Experience! Southern Cross Guest Ranch is a dream come true for horse lovers! 🐎 From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed with warm Southern hospitality. The rooms are charming and themed like a classic Southern horse farm — cozy, clean, and full of character. The food? Absolutely delicious! Every meal — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — is prepared with Southern pride and love. There's great variety and everything is full of flavor. The horses are stunning and clearly cared for with passion. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the skilled staff make sure you feel confident and safe. Daily riding schedules are well-organized and tailored to your comfort level. The entire experience — beautiful horses, friendly staff, amazing food, and peaceful surroundings — makes this ranch a truly wonderful getaway. Highly recommended!
Sherri H
A phenomenal experience from the point of finding this Ranch on Google to booking my meals and trail rides. The farm to table buffet is just completely delicious and in case you're wondering, trying to get more food in an overstuffed belly doesn't work. 😂 The staff at the horse barn are super friendly and so are the horses. A huge shout out to Karen, she is so beautiful inside and out and she has more patience than Job. Brody is a powerful little man and he is so helpful and kind. Inge is a fabulous lady and her Ranch is the only one I have ever seen, but I can't imagine that anyone is ever going to get close to the experience's she provides. You are just going to have to book a room, or a meal and some activities. ♥️
mirandavA2947QK
Our family leases horses, and my daughters ride several times a week, so I was a bit concerned they might find the trail rides repetitive. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The freedom to explore the property on our own quickly became their …
Jill Sell
We came just for the afternoon to ride. This is the best horseback riding experience I’ve found anywhere. Guides are helpful and give good instruction, but they also let you have a lot of hands on experience tacking the horses and with how the ride goes. We got to trot and canter on their beautiful wooded trails. Saw lots of wildlife on the walking parts too.
Renee Labombarda
Our first visit here, since all our friends highly recommended it. They weren't wrong! GREAT food, lovely rooms, very accommodating! Friendly staff at the stables, the house & dining room, it did unfortunately rain during our 5 day stay, But we made the best of it, and still got a few rides in. I can promise we will book here again!
travelgueen7593
Two 70 yr old grandparents and an 8 and 10 yr old grandchildren just spent a fabulous week here. While the sleeping area was a little small and 1 bath a challenge the horse back riding, staff, food, camaraderie, pool, access to pasture and …
Dd Garzon
If you like animals, the outdoors, delicious food, and serious R&R, this is the perfect place for you and your entire family. Came here for the first time over the 4th of July weekend and we already can't wait to come back!! The horse rides were so great, and don't worry if you are a beginner, the horses are so gentle and sweet and they have guides that teach you how to trail ride. The food was so delicious and plentiful. They put on an impressive fireworks show for the 4th of July. Everyone was super friendly too. I just love that we found a place like this!
585adriennep
Probably the best trail ride I have ever been on. I have done Wyoming, Wisconsin, Maui, Kauai, The Big Island, Los Angeles (all over) Santana Barbara and more, and this is by far the best. Love that you get to groom and tack up, being able …
Miriam Bruns
Spend one night in on the ranche with my cousin and took a horse back ride in the morning. The ranch is a lovely place with cute animals everywhere and very nice staff. The breakfast was very "american", well prepared with a good variety. Pool was nice too and I guess for children a lot stuff to do and to explore. The staff at the barn was very kind and helpful. There is one things which was not that great: the room had a bad smell (we didn't tell them so probably we would have gotten a different one). About the ride: all the horses have their own equipment and it is in very good condition. You can get a helmet if wanted. It was extremely hot but we rode in the forest where the temperature was surprisingly moderate. The guide was super nice and took care that everyone was comfortable and horses would not get to hot. Two things to complain about: the hoves of some horses were in poor shape. In addition my horse had a small but open wound from the saddle before the ride. I told the staff but they only put a little ointment on it after the ride. Also her back was not 100% well. All in all this is a very nice guest ranch with very nice trails but some room for improvement. Especially for inexperienced riders I would recommend it. But please take better care of the hoves and check the AC 😉
