Prairie & Forest Trails

There are many legendary landmarks, such as the limestone wall rumored to be built by Confederate Civil War prisoners. Also, there are granite boulders brought down from the north by a glacier 12,000 years ago.

Wild animals, including deer, opossums, squirrels, raccoons, snakes and skunks, live in the preserve. Many different species of birds also live here, such as swallows, flycatchers, bluebirds, kingfishers, and herons.

The college has 2.75 miles of paved trail and two miles of unpaved nature trails. The paved trail is part of the Rock Run Trail and represents a cooperative agreement between JJC and the Will County Forest Preserve District. The Rock Run Trail connects to the 61-mile I & M Canal Trail. Cyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters can use the paved trail. The unpaved nature trails are foot paths only.

Motor vehicles are prohibited from using all of the trails. Violators are subject to fines. Please respect these valuable resources.

View the Nature Trail Guide

• View the Main Campus Nature Trail Map (PDF) 
• The trails are open from dawn to dusk, whenever the campus is open.

Trail Lengths

Walking Difficulty: Easy