Lower Rock Run Preserve
Location
Lower Rock Run Preserve has two access points:
- I&M Canal Access is located on Houbolt Road/Hollywood Road, north of Route 6/Channahon Road, in Troy Township.
- McClintock Road Access is located on McClintock Road, just northwest of Route 6, in Joliet.
Hours
Sunrise-sunset
Trails
I&M Canal State Trail
McClintock Road Nature Trail
Rock Run Greenway Trail
Phone
815-727-8700
The 430-acre Lower Rock Run Preserve in Joliet offers a diverse landscape of woods, prairie and water along Rock Run, with access to an extensive regional trail network. Multiple connections make it a convenient starting point for both short walks and longer rides.
Planning your visit
Lower Rock Run Preserve is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.
The preserve has two access areas in Joliet: I&M Canal Access and McClintock Road Access.
Amenities and activities
- Dog park: McClintock Road Access includes a 7.5-acre off-leash dog park, with a 2.5-acre area designated for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required.
- Picnicking: I&M Canal Access Shelter accommodates up to 60 people and is available for rental.
- Trails: I&M Canal Access features 0.32 mile of natural surface trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It also connects to the 11.29-mile paved Rock Run Greenway Trail and the 61.5-mile crushed limestone I&M Canal State Trail. These trails link to the 4.36-mile paved Joliet Junction Trail to form a 16-mile, mostly paved loop. McClintock Road Access features 0.63 mile of natural surface trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Flora and fauna
Lower Rock Run Preserve protects a range of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland and a portion of Rock Run.
Wildlife includes species such as the northern water snake and eastern kingbird.
Plant species found at the preserve include leather flower, white water lily and prairie phlox.
Preserve history
The preserve was acquired between 1989 and 2003 and is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which protects more than 1,400 acres.
Upcoming events
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Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Phenology
Sign your homeschool students up for a naturalist-led field trip focused on phenology.
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Nature’s Calendar
Elementary-age homeschool students invited to naturalist-led field trip at Four Rivers to learn about the four seasons.
WonderKids: Bats!
Calling all families with preschoolers! September's WonderKids program will be all about bats.
Latest headlines
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Rare bird alert: Swallow-tailed kite lands in Will County
Fall bird migration is in full swing, and that means we can get some rarely seen birds in the area. Most recently, a swallow-tailed kite has been spotted in Crete.
Chill out this fall with the self-paced Woods Walk challenge
Explore seven of 10 trails to earn a hiking medallion.
Fall is just around the corner. Ready for the harvest moon?
Like it or not, it's almost fall, and with it comes the harvest moon and more celestial happenings.
Frequently asked questions
Groups less than 25 people may use picnic groves and shelters on a first-come, first-served basis without a picnic permit if the picnic area is not already reserved. However, purchasing a picnic permit is recommended due to the high demand for picnic groves and shelters. A picnic permit will reserve your space. Picnic permits are required for groups that are 25 people or more. Visit the picnicking page for more information.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the forest preserves, excluding natural surface trails in areas designated as state nature preserves. With a permit, dogs are allowed off-leash in designated dog parks only. Visit the dog park page for more information.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information 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.