Getting Oriented
Redbird sits on roughly 1,400 acres of reclaimed coal-mine land north of Dugger, in southwestern Indiana, straddling the Sullivan and Greene county line. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages it through the Division of State Parks, and the property reopened to the public on August 9, 2019, after a spring renovation season. More than $5 million in federal reclamation money went into cleaning and revegetating toxic coal-waste ground here, and the mining past still defines the terrain. The gatehouse address is 15470 W County Road 350 N, Dugger, and every visitor checks in and pays there before riding.
Trail Overview
The DNR describes a trail network that runs from gentle routes to technically demanding hills and grades, open to riders of every skill level. Third-party trail counts put the marked system at roughly 25 miles, though the agency does not publish an official total or a formal green/blue/black rating. During the 2019 work the staff cut about 3 miles of new single-track aimed at dirt bikers. Expect steep clay inclines, rocky sections, deep ruts, and mud bogs, with sand and gravel pits scattered across the property. Full-size vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes share designated trails, so line choice and traffic awareness both matter.
Points of Interest
- Steep reclaimed-mine hill climbs and rutted descents that hold water after rain
- Old surface-mine gravel and sand pits used as play areas
- Several fishing lakes reachable from the trail network
- Broad areas open to hiking, with spring mushroom hunting a local draw
- Mountain-bike-friendly routes for non-motorized use
Where to Camp
Redbird appears in the Indiana State Parks reservation system, which indicates on-site camping by reservation, though the DNR property pages do not describe a developed campground with hookups. Riders wanting a full campground often base at Shakamak State Park near Jasonville, about 20 minutes away, or use the primitive sites and fishing lakes of the adjacent Greene-Sullivan State Forest.
Permits and Regulations
A trail pass or annual permit is required to ride. The motorized day pass runs about $15 per vehicle and the Indiana annual ORV trail-use permit about $95. Out-of-state riders with unregistered machines can buy a $20 annual out-of-state motorized trail-use permit, valid at Redbird and Interlake only, and groups riding under one annual permit pay $45 per additional ORV. Every vehicle must be ORV-registered through the Indiana BMV or street-legal under Indiana law; out-of-state riders register at home or at an Indiana BMV branch. DOT-approved helmets are mandatory except in fully enclosed cabs or under roll-bar protection, and all machines need a working spark arrestor and muffler. No tire chains or studded tires, and no alcohol on the property. Operators of full-size vehicles must be at least 16 with a valid license; younger dirt-bike, ATV, and UTV riders need direct adult supervision. Trails run sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Call 812-847-0146 or 812-847-9172 before driving out; trails close in hazardous or wet conditions and the clay turns greasy fast
- Carry recovery gear. Winches, straps, and traction boards earn their weight on the wet hill climbs
- Air down for the loose clay and gravel, and watch drop-offs at old pit edges
- Fuel and stock up in Dugger or Linton before you reach the gate
- Keep your daily receipt in the vehicle; staff can check it on the trail
Fuel and Water
Fuel and basic supplies are limited in Dugger, a small town just south of the property. Linton, about 20 minutes northeast, has larger stations, groceries, and services. Top off and buy water and food before you reach the gate. Do not count on potable water or a store on site.
Nearby
Greene-Sullivan State Forest sits adjacent to Redbird, with dozens of fishing lakes and primitive camping. Shakamak State Park near Jasonville, roughly 20 minutes away, adds a full campground, lakes, and swimming. Riders chasing more motorized terrain can head to Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area near Lynnville, the state's larger 3,500-acre ORV property, about an hour south. The towns of Dugger and Linton cover food, fuel, and lodging.