Southern Cross Guest Ranch, Madison

I visited Southern Cross in April 2012 for a week primarily for my daughter's spring break of her senior year in high school. My wife came along but did not participate in the horseback riding. My daugther and I did the all-inclusive horseback riding which consisted of no less than four hours of riding every day. My daughter elected not to ride one afternoon and my wife and I simply enjoyed the beautiful pool area the afternoon. Southern Cross advertises riding without a guide and they certainly lived up to that reputaton. We were basically requred to ride for the first hour of the first ride with a guide and were told that we were welcome to ride by ourselves thereafter. All of the guides were very friendly and couldn't have been any nicer. We actually rode by ourselves unguided only twice the entire week because we enjoyed riding with the guides even better. My wife and I stayed in the Charleston (a category 5) and my daughter stayed in the Cherokee (a Category 1). My wife loved our room and she stays in hotels all the time. The room was very well appointed and the bathroom was huge with a separate shower, whirlpool tub, and his and her sinks. We loved the sunsets with the horses in the background accompanied by a bottle of wine. While my wife did not ride, she enjoyed watching the horses canter by at all times of the day. I have never seen so many horses! Everywhere you look. This is a horse lover's (i.e. my daughter's) dream vacation. I recommend the Hard Labor State Park trail ride for something different if you are staying more than a few days. We really enjoyed it but it is alot of riding. I would recommend going on a diet before you come because the food is tasty and plentiful. Between three full meals a day and the chocolate chip cookies in between, count on adding a few pound during the week. We went into Madison one evening and had dinner at the Chop House which was very good. My wife did a full day of spa activities at the James Madison Inn and loved it at a very reasonable price. There is plenty at Southern Cross for everyone. We hope to get back sometime in the near future. You won't be disappointed if you love horses, nature, peace and quiet, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and a friendly Southern staff.

I just needed to relax and the Southern Cross Guest Ranch was perfect choice! It’s a little over an hour from Atlanta, and not far from the highway exit. The staff are so wonderful and accommodating, and make every effort to make you feel at home. The ranch has more than 200 horses, and the trails are beautiful and serene. I rode every day; the staff caters to the novice as well as those with experience. My room was nicely decorated, very roomy and comfortable. It overlooked the pasture with the horses. I enjoyed curling up on the swing by the pool & hot tub with my book before dinner. The food was very good and plentiful, and breakfast was made even better by watching the “babies” galloping by the dining room windows. The staff cheerfully made every accommodation for guests with dietary restrictions. I would highly recommend Southern Cross for singles, couples, and families with children. I can't wait to come back!