Rock Run Greenway Trail

Location

The Rock Run Greenway Trail extends 11.29 miles from Crest Hill south through Joliet.

Hours

Sunrise-sunset

Phone

815-727-8700

Activities

Rock Run Greenway Trail is a paved path that travels 11.61 miles from Crest Hill south through Joliet.

The trail may be accessed from the following locations:

  •     Theodore Marsh (Gaylord Road, Crest Hill)
  •     Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access (Essington Road, Joliet)
  •     Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access (Black Road, Joliet)
  •     Colvin Grove Preserve/Joliet Junior College South Lot (Houbolt Road, Joliet)
  •     Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access (Hollywood Road, Joliet)

Trail experience and activities

Rock Run Greenway Trail is a flat, linear trail and travels through woodland, prairie and wetland. It is ideal for the following activities:

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

Trail connections

DuPage River Trail: A paved path along Black Road in Joliet and Shorewood connects Rock Run Greenway Trail to the 3.77-mile, linear paved DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods.

Joliet Junction Trail: The north end of Rock Run Greenway Trail connects to the 4.36-mile, linear paved Joliet Junction Trail at Theodore Marsh.

I&M Canal State Trail: Street routes in Joliet connect the south end of Rock Run Greenway Trail to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' crushed limestone I&M Canal State Trail.

Multi-trail loop: Together, Rock Run Greenway Trail, Joliet Junction Trail and I&M Canal State Trail provide a 16-mile loop trail.

Trail history

Rock Run Greenway Trail was acquired between 1990 and 2021. 

(Photo by Anthony Schalk)

Trail sign with paved trail and trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Paved trail lined with grasses and trees.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Trail sign with snow covered trail and trees in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Paved trail lined with grasses and trees.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
Person riding a bike and people running on a paved trail.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Paved trail lined by trees, vegetation, and grass.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Person riding bike on a paved trail with vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)
American robin standing in grass.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
White-tailed deer standing in water with vegetation in the background.
(Photo by Anthony Schalk)
Great egret standing in tall grasses looking off into the distance.
(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.