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Southern Cross Ranch

1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA 30650-5012
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Traveler (387)
Room & Suite (39)
Pool & Beach (24)

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About

#1 of 3 B&Bs in Madison
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.7
Southern Cross Ranch is a new breed of dude-ranch experience that combines a working ranch with the comfort of a cozy bed-and-breakfast inn. Stay as a rider or non-rider. Mountain bikes and Guided/Unguided riding available. Eat. Sleep. Play.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Bicycles available
Game room
Books, DVDs, music for children
Children's television networks
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Fence around pool
Restaurant
Complimentary tea
Kid-friendly buffet
Outdoor dining area
Hiking
Horseback riding
Billiards
Darts
Fishing
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Meeting rooms
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Clothes dryer
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, German
308Reviews8Q+A73Room tips
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Tracy H wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
Three friends and I went on February 17th, 2024 and had a blast. It was cold but we still had the best time. The guide was awesome. It would be nice to be able to book a riding trip without the full "experience". I would pay more to ride and not brush and saddle the horse. We arrived at 8:30 for a 9:15 ride. No one showed up until 9:15 to check us in at the barn the we spent an hour preparing the horses. We booked a 2 hour ride (from 9:15 am until 11:15 am) but didn't start the ride until 10:15 because we spent from 9:15 until 10:15 getting the horses ready: brusing them, waiting on someone to wash their legs, getting the saddles and bridles. At 11:15, during the ride, the guide said we had another hour but we couldn't stay for our second hour because we had other plans at noon. We were very disappointed that we couldn't get our full 2 hours due to the delayed start.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Holly O wrote a review Jan 2024
2 contributions
My daughter and I went to the ranch for the morning ride and lunch (did not stay the night) with some friends before Christmas break ended and school started. It was a frigid 29 degrees when we arrived at 9:30 AM (for the 9:45 ride). The barn was stirring with activity: stall cleaners, ferrier, feeding, and ride prep. There were heaters blowing and many of the horses were blanketed. Per our usual visits, we brought lots of treats (carrots, apples, and even candy canes...horses love peppermints) to share with the horses both in the barn and in the pasture. It was a smaller riding group than we are normally paired with, but all of us were experienced riders. Jerri was our guide, and she was simply awesome. So engaging, told great stories, catered to our skill sets, and encouraged the horses and the riders to "play" and "have fun". We trail rode, trotted, and cantered for the full two hour ride. Besides our fingertips and toes, there was no time to get cold. We were working! It was the best guided experience we have had to date! And let's not forget their delicious homemade meals. Our lunch was terrific: grilled salmon, French dip sandwiches (with au ju), veggie egg rolls, grilled vegetables, salad, and handmade, homemade ice cream (along with various other desserts). Can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Take a look at the weather so that you can dress appropriately (rain jackets, gloves, hats, etc)!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Southern Cross Guest Ranch, Innkeeper at Southern Cross Ranch
Responded Jan 14, 2024
Hi Holly! I'm so happy to hear that you and your group had a wonderful ride with Jerri, aka Montana J. The food was incredible that day and I'm happy that you enjoyed it. I will share your comments with Jerri & Chef Will. Happy New Year! We will hopefully see you soon. Kind regards, Karen.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Laurie L wrote a review Oct 2023
1 contribution
+1
Overall, great getaway with Friends. The owners and staff were so friendly and made the vacation experience so much fun and very enjoyable. The meals were outstanding, the rooms were large and comfortable. Horseback riding was a bonus and fun for new riders and experienced riders. Lots of repeat visitors and visitors that came alone and felt so comfortable doing so which tells a lot about a place.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Christina L wrote a review Oct 2023
2 contributions
This is my go-to place for horseback riding, I've brought my family here 3 times and will definitely be back. The staff is amazing, so helpful and kind. Love the horses and the dogs! Perfect trail covered by shade as well.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mary Ellen J wrote a review Sep 2023
1 contribution
My friend and I just spent 3 wonderful days at Southern Cross ranch and I can’t say enough about the place, the staff and the food. We are both novice riders and the stable crew and trail guides were all so friendly and patient with us. We went on 4 great trail rides, visited with and fed the many horses in the pastures, took a dip in the pool and enjoyed some wonderful meals. The accommodations were great… you really felt like you were part of the ranch family. I highly recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Laura M wrote a review Sep 2023
Marlborough, United Kingdom1 contribution
+1
We just spent two nights (one day, as we arrived late) at Southern Cross. The ranch is beautiful, the drive in with horses each side is superb. The rooms are nice and spacious. The rides are basic - if you’re an experienced rider and want something more challenging than trail rides/trotting then this probably isn’t the place for you. But they are very generous with the ride time and it’s two two hour rides per day on lovely forest trails. They also let you go off and explore on your own on the horses which is very cool and unusual. If you like buffet-style food it’s good, but we were a little disappointed that no alcohol was included and there was also no option to buy it - best to go well-stocked if you like a drink with your dinner. It’s a shame as there’s a lovely bar area although a defunct massage machine rather ruins it! There’s also no entertainment and very little to do after about 7pm. That makes it very relaxing but just worth bearing in mind. Overall, a lovely stay but a bit more variety of things to do would improve it.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Grumbly wrote a review Jul 2023
Tampa55 contributions48 helpful votes
Southern Cross is a nice ranch for beginner riders, those with kids, folks desiring a calm riding adventure, or to get a way for a couple of days. This is not a ranch for experienced riders. Grounds are beautiful, comfortable lodgings, delicious food, refreshing pool, and pleasant folks. Also, price is two to four times less than ranches out west. An experienced rider, this was my 7th ranch trip, all the others west of the big river. Was able to drive to Southern Cross, had read of it for years, and I decided to give a try, tying this into visiting other cities. Southern Cross does something unique and cool. It allows riders to fetch the horse from the pasture, bring it in to brush and tack (wranglers helping); and after the ride, reversing the process. Kids will luv that. Also, guests are permitted to walk into the pasture to chill with the horses. The nose to butt trail rides are quite tame. Mostly walking through dense woods, routes largely flat, and maybe a short canter or trot. Will see lots of deer that get very close and don’t run away. Afternoons hot my summer visit, only one canter up “canter hill.” I’ll emphasize this is great for newbies and inexperienced kids. Those with riding experience will be quite bored. Contrasting this with other ranches I’ve visited here are some of the differences. For some the views are breathtaking. The terrain incredibly challenging, riders are surprised how crazy steep the hills they are climbing up and down. At times a 100’ to 500’ drop to the right or left. More open land, there is much more trotting and cantering, and for the latter will easily canter a good distance, dodging brush, before slowing down. Even have cantered down hills. Some other ranches also have real cattle work where moving cows from pasture to pasture. That is a treat, and memorable. Southern Cross has around 6 miles of wooded trails, which during my 3 day stay I had done the same trails often. Out west some ranches trailer the horses and guests to other areas including national parks or other federal land, one ranch having I think close to 20 different trails. Even if new to horses, if desire significantly more challenging rides there are cattle ranches that can accomplish that such as The Hideout and Zapata. Southern Cross is excellent for whom it caters: kids and beginners. Saw lots there, including one parent/one child. I’d also suggest kid-friendly White Stallion in Arizona, which adds rock climbing, e-Bikes, shooting, archery, etc., and even a family rodeo. Other ranches also have stuff such as how to lasso, crafts such as making leather belts, country singers during the evening, etc. Overall, especially for the price, Southern Cross is a strong choice, including for those who want to sample riding for a few days to see if it’s something they enjoy, before heading to a ranch out West.
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Curious40935224736 wrote a review Jul 2023
2 contributions
My husband and I spent the weekend at Southern Cross Ranch. We had an amazing and relaxing experience . Waking up in the morning to the beautiful views and the peaceful environment! The ranch is family owned and runs as such. I honestly felt as we were all a big family. The service was amazing, the food is to die for homemade and soooo good! Can't wait to go back
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Pack jeans and closed toe shoes (preferably boots) if you are planning on riding.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Brent F wrote a review Jul 2023
Wilmington, Delaware13 contributions6 helpful votes
The extras make this place worthwhile. The food was good. LOVED being able to roam the pastures with the 175 gentle horses on the property. My daughter was in heaven with all the animals everywhere. The four hours of riding a day included was also something you don’t find everywhere. It was an immersive experience we will never forget.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Eileen19 wrote a review May 2023
37 contributions7 helpful votes
+1
I had a wonderful experience at the ranch as a solo traveller. I flew into the Atlanta airport and arrived using the Atlanta Airport Cab. When I arrived to check-in, I received a tour of the guest areas. Both buildings are lovely and tastefully decorated. The check-in building has the office, 2 display cases of souvenirs you can purchase (t-shirts, mugs, magnets, ornaments, small toys), a communal kitchen for guests, a media room with a tv, dvds, and books that can be borrowed, and a sitting room with a ~50 gallon fish tank. Upstairs is a sun room where you can do jigsaw puzzles and an outdoor deck. The other building includes the game room and the eating area, plus a deck. Outside is a small pool, which I used the 1st day. They provide towels. Yard games and bikes are also available. I was pleasantly surprised to be given a free upgrade to the Southern Belle room because I was staying most of the week. I loved the room. It had a beautiful view of the pasture, which is huge - it wraps around the entire perimeter of the property. It was the most relaxing thing to look out my window and see horses grazing or running around. I also had a small balcony, just big enough for 2 chairs, which also had a lovely view of the horses. The room location was also convenient because it's right above the eating area - I didn't have to go outside at mealtime, and at night I could even slip downstairs in my pajamas to grab one of their complementary snacks before bed. The beds were very comfortable. The comforter had some weight to it, which made me happy, and the closet had an extra blanket and pillows. Climate control is from a unit mounted into the wall and controlled by a remote (that you can adjust as you wish). The room also had a comfortable couch near the window and very nice decor. I love that there was a painting that looked exactly like the Black Stallion. The shower has dispensers for liquid soap and shampoo. By the sink was liquid and bar soap. Towels and a hair dryer are provided, and an extra role of toilet paper, as well as a box of tissues. Someone came by during the day to provide fresh towels. In the eating area, there are soft-drink dispensers, a bin with fresh pastries and sometimes cookies, a basket of vending machine type snacks (goldfish, pretzels, chips), and a fruit basket with apples, oranges and bananas. These are available 24/7. The meals were excellent. Breakfast generally included 2 kinds of eggs, hash browns, some kind of breakfast meat, a hot cereal, and either pancakes, waffles, or french toast, plus juice, bread for toasting, sliced fruit, and yogurt. Lunch and dinner included 2 meat dishes, and sides of starches and vegetables, plus 2 kinds of desserts and a salad bar. I did not have any of the desserts, but the food was excellent. It ranged from "homey" (meatloaf/barbecue), to more elevated (chicken cordon bleu). Everything was prepared extremely well and all was delicious. The BEST part was the horses. I felt like this is what heaven must be like. After breakfast and lunch, I'd go up to my room, put on sunscreen, then head to the barn a half hour early to spend time with the horses. There were 3 foals a couple of months old, who were adorable. And a brand new foal was born while I was there!!! I got to see her when she was just a few hours old. It was the most amazing thing. In the barn guests are allowed to visit and pet the horses and foals, which was so therapeutic. There are also friendly dogs and cats running around the property who were looking for cuddles as well. The trail rides were great. Guests are matched with a horse, fetch them from their paddocks, groom them, and can learn to tack up if they wish. Many helmets in different sizes are available. The staff don't automatically offer a lot of guidance on riding or horse handling, so if you don't know what to do, just ask - they're happy to show you. I rode Maggie, Twisted, and Hildie while I was there. The trails are beautiful, with hills, a creek, and deer. The rides are a full 2 hours, which is in addition to grooming and tacking time. After the 1st hour, the guides give guests the option of continuing for the 2nd hour or heading back. The rides are generally nose to tail because the trails are very narrow, but we did have opportunities to trot and canter. Guests are also allowed to wear a small waist pouch, like a runner's fanny pack, to carry their phones or whatever small item is needed. Some guests carried a mini backpack. After the ride, guests untack, groom, and return the horses to their paddocks. After the rides, I stayed in the barn for awhile, again visiting with the horses. Then I'd go out into the pasture and walk among the many pasture horses (I believe there are 150 or so). By then it was almost meal time. I liked going up to my room after dinner to read on the couch and watch the horses from my window. What a beautiful sight to wake up to in the morning and go to bed with at night! Some pointers: wear sunscreen, you'll need it. Verizon cell reception was almost non-existent...I never had more than 2 bars, and much of the time had zero reception. Internet was also unstable and fluctuated between strong and zero. Something to keep in mind if you need to check in with work or people at home. Also, if you are a beginner, you will be sore. It's okay to skip a ride if you wish (but you won't get refunded unless a ride is cancelled for bad weather). It will help a lot if you stretch before and after each ride. You will have an amazing time at this ranch. It's an unforgettable trip. It was heaven on earth.
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Date of stay: May 2023
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Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Wear sunscreen! Beginners and guests not used to riding 4 hours a day will be sore - stretch...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
$183 - $230 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
southern cross ranch hotel madison
LOCATION
United StatesGeorgiaMadison
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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SOUTHERN CROSS RANCH $156 ($̶2̶1̶1̶) - Updated 2024 Prices & B&B Reviews - Madison, GA

Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Cross Ranch
Which popular attractions are close to Southern Cross Ranch?
Nearby attractions include Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (1.5 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Southern Cross Ranch?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Southern Cross Ranch?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Southern Cross Ranch?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Southern Cross Ranch?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Southern Cross Ranch?
Conveniently located restaurants include Farmview Market, Cracker Barrel, and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Southern Cross Ranch?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Southern Cross Ranch?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Southern Cross Ranch?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and German.
Are there any historical sites close to Southern Cross Ranch?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Heritage Hall (6.4 miles), Rogers House and Rose Cottage (6.4 miles), and Bonar Hall (6.4 miles).