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Spring Creek Greenway Trail

Location

The Spring Creek Greenway Trail consists of two segments totaling 8.53 miles. Access points are located at Hadley Valley in Joliet/Homer Township and Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen.

Hours

8 a.m.-sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Spring Creek Greenway Trail consists of two segments of mostly crushed limestone path totaling 8.53 miles within Hadley Valley and Messenger Marsh.

The western segment may be accessed from the following locations: 

  • Hadley Valley –GougarRoad Access (GougarRoad, Joliet)
  • Hadley Valley – Route 6 Access (Route 6, Joliet)
  • Hadley Valley – Bruce Road Access (Bruce Road, Homer Township)

The eastern segment may be accessed from Messenger Marsh (South Bell Road, Homer Glen). 

Trail experience and activities

The western segment of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail is a hilly, loop and linear trail and travels 5.09 miles through the woodland, savanna and wetland of Hadley Valley. Most of this trail segment is crushed limestone except for around a 0.25 mile section that is paved from Interstate 355 east to a bridge over Spring Creek. The paved portion has a wider mowed shoulder to allow equestrians to continue their rides.  

The eastern segment of the trail is a hilly, loop and linear crushed limestone trail that travels 3.44 miles through the woodland and savanna of Messenger Marsh. 

Both segments of the trail are ideal for the following activities:

  • Biking
  • Horseback riding (trailer parking available at Hadley Valley –GougarRoad Access and Messenger Marsh)
  • Hiking/running
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing

Trail connections

Pilcher Park trails: Trail connections in Joliet connect the segment of the Spring Creek Greenway Trail at Hadley Valley to Pilcher Park trails owned by the Joliet Park District.

Trail history

Spring Creek Greenway Trail was acquired between 1990 and 2014. 

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Trail sign with limestone trail, grasses, and vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Limestone trail lined with grasses, vegetation, and trees.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Trail sign with limestone trail, grasses, and vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Limestone trail lined with grasses, vegetation, and trees.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Limestone trail leading up to a bridge.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Limestone trail lined with grasses and vegetation with a walking bridge and trees in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
People walking on wooden bridge along limestone trail with vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Brown thrasher standing on a limestone trail with grasses in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Climbing prairie rose growing with pink flower petals and vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Sunflower growing with yellow flower petals with vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Frequently asked questions

Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:

  • Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
  • Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
  • Have functional pedals.
  • Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.

Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.

Fishing is allowed in any forest preserve unless otherwise posted. Visit the fishing page for more information.

Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.