Biking Rock Run Greenway in Will County

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has the neatest URL for their website -- "Reconnect with Nature." I love it! Their Rock Run preservation system conserves over 1450 acres of land. Rock Run Greenway Trail runs 10 miles from Crest Hill south through Joliet and starts on Gaylord Road north of Theodore to the Lower Rock Run Preserve at the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail. The I&M is a 55 mile trail which continues west to LaSalle/Peru or east to Rockdale. Before Rockdale, if you turn north onto the Joliet Junction Trail to Theodore Street, you have a loop back to Rock Run Greenway (when the proposed section is finished.)

This is the segment between Black Road and Essington trailheads and it consists of lovely forest, ponds, marsh and wetlands, and the creek, and was extremely heavily used the Saturday I rode it. The trail is well maintained asphalt and has a few small hills. This segment and the Theodore Marsh segment are about a six mile round-trip.

This Great White Egret was enjoying Rock Run Creek and the beautiful day, oblivious to the people teeming the trail. I am always thankful to those who preserve such areas and allow us the privilege of enjoying nature while allowing wildlife the opportunity to dwell in pristine environments

Trail maps are posted at trailheads and are also available at their website.