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: Diurnal & Nocturnal
Homeschool middle and high school-aged students can learn how lie thrives in the daytime and the nighttime in field trip program.
Homeschool Day at Four Rivers: Day & Night
Elementary school-aged homeschool students invited to Four Rivers for field trip to leave how life can thrive in both the daytime and nighttime.
Sensory Search
Visit Plum Creek Nature Center to discover nature and engage your senses on the trails outside.
Latest headlines
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Forest Preserve wins awards for restoration, land acquisition projects
The awards recognize projects at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve.
Fall colors steal the show in October photo contest
Seasonal landscape at Hammel Woods captured by Matthew Dunn of Bolingbrook.
100 years since historic vote, Centennial Celebration plans announced
Special events in 2027 will honor the District’s past and celebrate its future.
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.