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.

 

View Rock Run interactive map

Hours

Sunrise-sunset

Trails

Rock Run Greenway Trail

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Spanning 321 acres, Rock Run Preserve in Joliet features a diverse mix of forest, prairie and wetland habitats along Rock Run, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.

The preserve includes two access areas in Joliet: Black Road Access and Paul V. Nichols Access.

Planning your visit

Rock Run Preserve is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

Amenities and activities

  • Fishing: Black Road Access provides shoreline fishing at a quarry pond within the preserve. State and District regulations apply.
  • Picnicking: Picnic shelters are available at both access areas. Black Road Access offers a reservable shelter with a capacity of 60 people, while Paul V. Nichols Access includes a shelter for groups of fewer than 25 people that is not available for rental.
  • Trails: Rock Run Preserve features 0.52 mile of crushed limestone trail for hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The preserve also provides access to the 11.29-mile paved Rock Run Greenway Trail, ideal for biking, hiking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This trail connects to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ I&M Canal State Trail and the 4.36-mile Joliet Junction Trail, creating a 16-mile, mostly paved loop.

Preserves Are for You: Rock Run Preserve

Rock Run Preserve in Joliet is a place where neighbors connect with nature, explore local trails and enjoy the outdoors together.

Get to know the pileated woodpecker

Pileated woodpeckers live across most of the eastern United States as well as in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada.

Put your junk the trunk

This fun music video wants you to hide your valuables so you're not an easy target for crooks.

Flora and fauna

Rock Run Preserve supports a wide range of wildlife, including snapping turtles, Chicago garter snakes and more than 100 bird species. The preserve is also home to more than 500 plant species, including violet, buttercup, mint and aster.

Ongoing management — including invasive species control, prescribed burning and habitat restoration — helps maintain and enhance these ecosystems.

Preserve history

Rock Run Preserve was acquired between 1990 and 2009. A 159-acre portion of the site was registered as an Illinois Land and Water Reserve in 2003 and 2005, providing permanent protection for its natural resources. It is part of the Rock Run preservation system, which conserves more than 1,400 acres.

(Photo by Chad Merda)

Creek lined by grasses and vegetation with trees in the background.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Trail sign with vegetation and a snow covered trail in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Pond with trees in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Pond lined with vegetation and trees.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
People walking on paved trail with trees and vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Two painted turtles resting on a fallen tree in the water.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Mallard standing on a rock in the water.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
White-tailed deer standing in grass with paved path and vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Common milkweed growing with white and pink flower petals.
(Photo by Chad Merda)
Northern cardinal perched on a branch.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Upcoming events

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Frequently asked questions

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

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.

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.

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.

Any for-profit photographer must obtain a permit before taking photos or videos in a District preserve. The fee for a photography permit is $25 per hour. Commercial filming permits are $125 for a half day, $250 for a full day, and $1,000 for a week. Permit applications are available on the Photography and Videography permit page. We do not offer annual permits at this time. 

There are many opportunities to volunteer with us. Visit the volunteer information page for more information.