Madison's Back to Nature Guide
There is nothing like a walk in the woods, a horseback ride, or an early morning paddle to destress, escape and adventure! Madison is home to several incredible spots where you can experience some of Georgia’s best nature scenes and be whisked away from the routines of everyday life. From connecting with the great outdoors in Georgia’s second largest state park to engaging with wild animals at Georgia Safari Conservation Park, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the beauty and adventure our area has to offer.
Explore Georgia's Second Largest State Park
Just 9 miles east of Madison, in the quaint town of Rutledge, lies Georgia’s second largest state park, Hard Labor Creek State Park. Grab a boxed lunch from nearby The Caboose or Harvest & Honey to enjoy under the state park’s glorious pines, go paddling on a kayak, fishing with your friends, play some golf, relax on the beach, and stay the night in the Park’s beautifully-appointed and fully-renovated cabins. No cell phone required!
Saddle Up at Southern Cross Guest Ranch
Southern Cross Guest Ranch is a 17-room inn that is home to well over 150 Paint and Quarter horses. The ranch, which has received accolades from Travel+Leisure and Ladies Home Journal magazines as one of “America’s Best Dude Ranches,” is best known for its exceptional hands-on horseback riding programs, unguided riding opportunities, and an incredibly peaceful, comfortable setting.
While anyone may make a reservation for one of the Ranch’s two daily trail rides, guests of the inn will also enjoy three delicious meals a day, mountain bike and hiking trails, and a sparkling pool for those that just want to rest in the sun.
Pick Fresh Fruit at Local Orchards
If agriculture interests you, just 15 minutes from Madison in the town of Rutledge, two working orchards invite you to experience the season’s best flavors straight from the source. Sweets Berry Farm is a 15-acre pick-your-own farm where visitors can harvest blueberries, blackberries, plums, Asian pears, and more to allow fresh fruit picking from mid-May to early-September. Check their website for what’s in season now and bring shoes that can handle a little mud if it’s rained – nature doesn’t cancel for weather!
At CJ Orchards, it’s all about the peaches. With varieties like Fire Prince, Red Haven and Contender, this full-sized orchard – one of the only full-sized orchards in a 20-county region – offers a juicy lineup during Georgia’s summer peach season. Farmer’s tip: peach season ends in July, so stop in while the picking (and eating) is good!
If you want the full farm experience, plan a stay at The Farmhouse Inn. This beautiful Inn located on its own Hundred Acre Farm features fragrant gardens to enjoy, miles of wooded walking trails to explore, a scenic lake for fishing or kayaking, and a host of friendly farm animals. Guests are treated to daily farm-to-table breakfasts made with local ingredients – including eggs from the Inn’s own hens and honey from its apiary.
Go Wild at Georgia Safari Conservation Park
If you’re craving a more exotic adventure, look no further than Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Just minutes from downtown Madison, explorers can hop on a safari truck for a guided tour through the Park’s 500 acres. You’ll feel as though you have been transported right into the heart of Africa! Here you’ll encounter a diverse array of African species up close – from giraffes to kudus, white rhinos to zebras, and more.
After a day filled with wild adventure and animal encounters, unwind in style at the park’s luxurious accommodations overlooking a private savanna. Choose from a stay in the Giraffe Suite, offering a unique view of the giraffe and rhino barn, or in one of multiple glamorous, tree-top safari tents.
Hunt and Fish at Burnt Pine
For visitors seeking to challenge themselves and their hunting skills, Burnt Pine offers 700 acres of expertly-managed land revered for premier bird hunting, sporting clays and stocked-pond fishing. This celebrated lodge delivers guided hunts for quail, pheasant, turkey and more – complete with expertly trained dogs, seasoned guides and a deep respect for sporting tradition.
With an expansive lodge and conference center, Burnt Pine is the perfect spot for hunting getaways, corporate retreats or meetings, family gatherings, receptions, weddings, and simple “getaway from it all” trips to escape the daily grind. There is no “roughing it” here!
Are you ready to get back to nature?