3 Best Hiking Trails in Joliet, IL

“Rock Run Preserve is an elegant spot for trails in diverse wetland, forest, and prairie areas on 32 acres. The total length of the trail is 2.5 miles long, with an elevation gain of 36 feet. This trail is generally considered an easy trail route. The trail is a loop type, and the time taken to complete the entire trail is approximately 45 minutes. The trail features more than 100 bird species and is home to more than 500 plant species. Rock Run Preserve provides a spacious parking area, shelter, restroom, and access to the paved Rock Run Greenway Trail for hiking and walking. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic shelter for rental and numerous benches along the trail for resting or watching nature.”

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“Pilcher Park Nature Center is an excellent area to learn about the great outdoors. You can bring the whole family out for hiking, bicycling, or cross-country skiing. This is a 3.9-km loop trail, with an elevation gain of 12 meters. This is generally considered an easy route, and it takes an average of 43 minutes to complete the entire trail. Over 640 acres of the property provide wildlife habitat and the ideal outdoor activity setting. Pilcher Park Nature Center also invites groups for overnight or field trips, or holds a corporate picnic in the park. This nature area also includes a spacious playground, picnic spots, scenic hiking paths, bike trails, and cross-country ski trails.”

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“Hammel Woods is an ideal destination to experience a pleasant and relaxed time with friends and family. This is a 4.7-km loop trail, with an elevation gain of 33 metres. This is generally considered an easy route, and it takes approximately 56 minutes to complete the entire trail. This trail is a popular spot for a diverse range of recreational opportunities such as birding, fishing, and hiking. Hammel Woods also offers a delightful escape into nature with paved paths. This nature haven also includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, picnic tables, public restrooms, barbecue grills, and kid-friendly hikes. The trail is open year-round and is ideal to visit anytime, and it is also pet friendly.”

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