Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge Tank Trail Heritage Circuit
WWII tank training roads through restricted ordnance zones
These concrete tank roads were built to test military vehicles during World War II, when Jefferson Proving Ground fired over 24 million rounds of ammunition across 55,000 acres. Today, 50-year-old oak trees grow through cracks in the concrete while unexploded ordnance keeps most of this former weapons testing facility permanently off-limits. The accessible portion follows the old perimeter road past concrete bunkers and observation towers, where artillery shells were fired at mock villages and captured enemy equipment was blown to pieces.
Restricted access requires advance reservations through the refuge office, with guided tours only during designated weekends. Standard passenger vehicles can handle the maintained concrete roads, but don’t deviate—unexploded ordnance contamination extends well beyond marked boundaries. Tours operate April through October when wildlife activity peaks. The historical significance is sobering, but the wildlife recovery story is remarkable. Bald eagles, river otters, and elk now thrive where tanks once rolled, making this one of Indiana’s most unique conservation success stories.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 680 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Standard passenger vehicle |
| Nearest town | Madison, Indiana |
| Land manager | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fws.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive this in a regular car, or do I need a 4x4?
A standard passenger vehicle handles this trail fine. It's a scenic drive on mixed surfaces with only 200 feet of elevation gain — no clearance or traction demands beyond what a normal sedan or crossover can manage.
When is the refuge open for this drive?
April through October is the reliable window. The refuge operates on a limited public access schedule, so check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service site before you go — access days and hours aren't always consistent.
Do I need a permit to drive the Heritage Circuit?
Yes, a permit is required. This is a restricted federal refuge with active unexploded ordnance zones from its military past — you won't be winging it in here. Coordinate access through the Big Oaks NWR office before your visit at fws.gov/refuge/big-oaks.
What's the most serious section and what should I actually expect?
There's no genuinely hard section — this is rated easy for a reason. The trail follows old WWII tank training roads, so expect flat to gently rolling terrain, some rougher unpaved stretches, and a lot of open land. The UXO buffer zones are the real 'hazard,' meaning you stay on the designated route, full stop.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas?
Zero cell service on trail — plan accordingly and download any maps offline before you leave. Madison, Indiana is the nearest town for fuel and sits roughly 15-20 miles from the refuge, so top off before you head in.
Trail track
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