3 Days of Outdoor Adventure in Madison and Morgan County - Official Tourism Site for Madison Georgia

3-Day Itinerary for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Day 1

Spend the Morning in Georgia’s Second Largest State Park

Start your outdoor adventure immersed in nature. With 5,804 acres, Hard Labor Creek State Park, is located just 15 minutes west of downtown Madison in the quaint town of Rutledge. With not one but two lakes, spend the morning fishing on Lake Brantley or head over to the sand beach of Lake Rutledge for swimming or boating in one of the rentable canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats.

If golf is your idea of an outdoor adventure, The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor is a fun yet challenging 18-hole course set in a serene and natural setting. Still yet, there are hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole mini-golf course, playground, camping and cabins, and much more for the adventure traveler.

Discover Scenic Morgan County by Bike

Grab lunch from The Caboose in downtown Rutledge and spend your afternoon exploring the scenic countryside through Madison-Morgan Meander, a self-guided map of cycle-friendly routes past farms, historic schoolhouses, favorite film sites and other great finds.

Stop along the way to learn about area historic sites, take in the bucolic beauty of the region, and get to know area farmers who continue Georgia’s agricultural traditions growing fresh, healthy products at stops like Rock House Farm & Creamery. As farming is seasonal, be sure to call ahead to verify the farm you’re interested in visiting is accepting guests.

Day 2

Go Wild with a Guided Safari

Experience the heart of Africa just minutes from downtown Madison at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Explore over 500 acres by joining a guided safari drive to see free-roaming animals like zebras, giraffes, and rhinos. Choose from three safari drive-through experiences for individuals, families and groups, or opt for an exclusive VIP experience accommodating up to eight people.

Get closer than ever to giraffes and rhinos during an “animal encounter” led by knowledgeable keepers. Dedicated to wildlife preservation and education, the park features interactive exhibits and educational programs for a memorable visit. Extend your adventure by staying in one of the park’s luxurious safari tents or the state-of-the-art giraffe barn.

Jump in the Saddle at Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Enjoy lunch and an afternoon horseback ride at Southern Cross Guest Ranch, which Travel+Leisure has named one of “America’s Best Dude Ranches.” Home to well over 150 Paint & Quarter horses, day visitors and guests at the Ranch’s 17-room inn are invited to join guided or unguided horseback rides on the picturesque trails through forest and pasture.

Back at the inn, guests enjoy swimming, fishing, bike riding, or simply relaxing on the farm. The ranch’s highly trained chef and kitchen staff also serve a variety of meals including international cuisines and local favorites for lunch, dinner, and special events.

Day 3

Go Hunting at Burnt Pine Plantation

Get an early start on your hunting trip at Burnt Pine Plantation. Sitting on more than 4,500 acres of meticulously managed land for hunting quail, deer, and turkey, Burnt Pine also offers pheasant and dove hunting as well as fishing.

This sprawling estate is home to a 28-bed lodge and conference center, an ideal location for getaways and leaving the hustle and bustle behind.

Revel in Georgia’s Lake Country

Ready to get on the water? As part of Georgia’s Lake Country, Morgan County has 89 miles of shoreline along Lake Oconee and the Apalachee River.

Bring your boat for an afternoon on the lake or book a guided fishing trip with a local expert. If you prefer to relax by the water, Hard Labor Creek State Park features a public sand beach along tranquil Lake Rutledge.