Southern Cross Ranch

These folks really know how to show the hospitality. This place is a guest ranch that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet style. They have some fabulous cooks and a wide range of food choices and outside guests are welcome to come just for the grub. When the bell rings come and get it and help yourself to as many trips as you want. Don’t overlook the deserts as they are fantastic. We really love this place and it is especially good at holiday times. Call and make a reservation first if you have a big group. You won’t be disappointed.

My boyfriend and I came yesterday for the all inclusive day package deal. It was his first time riding and I was excited for him to finally see how it felt to walk through the trails on a horse. The first guided trail was fun, we ran up on a few doe and one 7 point buck. We maintained a walk for most of the way. Then when we went back for our second trail, it was a game changer. We were told that we were allowed to ride off away from the group and ride the trails alone (the two of us together). Needless to say, that is the best decision to make for someone who has experience riding. We rode all through the trails, walking/​trotting/​loping/​galloping and it was truly amazing. I was so happy my boyfriend got to experience a gallop, and quite a few times may I add lol. The horses were amazing and strong. They were also pretty obedient, which is always a plus. They matched us both with horses that fit our experience level, so We felt super comfortable on our horses the whole ride. The staff was also, very friendly and happy to help with anything we needed. The food was also pretty good! Needless to say, If you’re looking for a great place to go for a great ride, beginner or expert, this is an awesome place to go. We really enjoyed our visit and made lots of cherish-​able memories. We hope to come back soon!
Also! If you’re planning on going, try to pick a day where it hasn’t rained in a few days! The dryer the trails are the more you can do on them. :)

I drove out to Southern Cross Ranch to horseback ride with a friend who had never been on a horse. The ranch was only about an hour outside of Atlanta but the scenery made it feel half a world away. Out in Georgia’s heartland we were surrounded by a landscape of rolling pastures and lush woodlands.
We arrived at the property and took a long road to the main house. Once we paid for the two hour ride and signed waivers we went over to the horse stable for our assignments. They matched us with horses based on our level of experience.
The horses were in great condition. They had good muscle tone and their coats shimmered in the hot sun. The staff instructed us to groom them by brushing their hair and coat with a stiff bristle brush. This fostered an environment of trust between horse and rider before getting in the saddle.
At the start of the ride our horses strolled into a pasture where a couple of other horses were sipping from a lake. A few minutes later the trail guide led us into a wooded area and in no time we were deep into the woods. It was so remote that at one point we passed grazing deer.
For the majority of the ride the horses walked slowly and single file down the trails. Once we got back into the open pasture, my guide invited me to gallop my horse. After we got back to the stable and dismounted the horses, the staff sprayed them with water to cool them off.
Our legs were sore the next day from spending two hours in the saddle but we both had a wonderful experience unplugging and getting lost in nature. I would recommend Southern Cross Ranch to anyone looking for a nearby escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This was our second visit. What a wonderful place. Lots of trails, lots of extremely well-​cared for horses, very nice trail guides, awesome food, nice pool. Even the dogs are friendly! This is a great place to get away and unwind for awhile. Not only do you get to ride horses, but you will also be responsible for grooming them before and after. FUN!

Our 10^th family trip here. The staff is outstanding & the food is out of this world, served buffet style with plenty of choices. The horseback riding makes it even better.

I’ve been coming here for several years with my family and extended family; it’s a trip we look forward to every single year.
If you would like to unplug and get away from it all, truly relax in a mellow setting, this is the place. Sit by the fireplace and read a book, go out onto the porch and enjoy the sunset. Catch the big game on the lounge TV. Take a walk into the woods and look for deer.
A previously-​posted review here on Unilocal as well as the Ranch’s website do a great job of describing the horse riding options here, so I won’t belabor that, other than to say that you don’t at all have to be experienced to enjoy this at the Ranch.
I have to direct my highest praise for the staff though: they treat us so well, each and every time. They are so attentive, and remember so much about each member of our party when we return. These folks go out of their way to take care of you.
I just appreciate all they memories they’ve helped us make. Great job!

Consider this the ultimate family vacation destination. Our extended family has stayed here several times over the years. The staff is wonderful and treats every guest as family. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are severed daily and the food is prepared fresh daily and wonderful. Our extended family is able to sit back and relax and eat together. Afterwards, we spend countless hours reminiscing, talking, or playing games.
As far as the horseback riding, words cannot describe the scenery and the staff. They cater to the novice as well as experienced riders. They offer guided tours or allow guests to ride and explore on their own. They have over 200 horses that are tame enough for my 11 year old to handle himself.
I would definitely recommend this for either and extended family gathering (aunts, uncles, cousins) or for husbands looking for something special to surprise your wife.
The rooms themselves are very clean and quaint.

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!