Rock Run Preserve

Location

Rock Run Preserve has two access points:

Black Road Access is located on Black Road, west of Essington Road, in Joliet.

Paul V. Nichols Access is located on Essington Road, north of Black Road, in Joliet.

Phone

815-727-8700

Hours

Sunrise-Sunset

On social media

Like the Rock Run Preserve Facebook page to get news updates, photos, videos and information about upcoming programs at this preserve.

Preserve history

The 320-acre Rock Run Preserve was acquired between 1990 and 2009.

The preserve is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,450 acres.

A 168-acre portion of the site was registered as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2003 and 2005. This registration provides permanent protection for the natural resources at the preserve.

Rock Run Preserve has two access areas, both in Joliet: Black Road Access and Paul V. Nichols Access.

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE ON THIS PRESERVE'S INTERACTIVE MAP

Natural resources

Rock Run Preserve protects a diversity of habitats, including forest, prairie, wetland and a portion of Rock Run.

Wildlife found at the preserve includes the snapping turtle, Chicago garter snake and more than 100 bird species.

The preserve is also home to more than 500 plant species, including the violet, buttercup, mint and aster.

The site is managed with invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration to protect and enhance its natural resources


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Amenities and activities

Trails

Rock Run Preserve features 0.52 mile of crushed limestone trail, ideal for the following activities:

  • Hiking/running
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing

Rock Run Preserve also provides access to the 11.29-mile, paved Rock Run Greenway Trail, ideal for the following activities:

  • Biking
  • Hiking/running
  • In-line skating
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowshoeing

The Rock Run Greenway Trail connects to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ crushed limestone I&M Canal State Trail and the 4.36-mile, paved Joliet Junction Trail to provide a 16-mile, mostly paved loop trail.

Picnicking

Two picnic shelters are available at Rock Run Preserve:

Fishing

Black Road Access offers access to shoreline fishing on a quarry pond within the preserve. Statewide and District regulations apply.

Geocaching

Permits are available for geocaching at this preserve access.