Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Joliet area

Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in Joliet, Illinois

The City of Joilet is located 34 miles south of Downtown Chicago in Northeastern Illinois.The city is situated along the Des Plains River, has picturesque bridges over the river and has a historic downtown area. Joliet has a rich history for the shipping traffic along the waterways, then as a railroad hub and finally as one of the first towns along Route 66 for those heading out to California from the Chicago area.

The area around Joliet has a number of lengthy recreational trails for bike riding, running and walking that span out from the city center as well as local trails.

Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, also called the I & M Canal Trail, extends to the southwest and to the north of the City of Joliet. The trail is a 96-mile long unpaved pathway that extends from LaSalle to Romeoville, north of Joliet but has a long gap within the city.

The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail travels past several forest preserves and natural areas and the following Northern Illinois communities: LaSalle, Utica, Ottowa, Marseilles, Seneca, Morris, Channahon, Rockdale, Joliet and Lockport.

The east end of the longer portion of the I & M Canal Trail is located at S. Brandon Road and Mount Road on the south side of Joliet.The trail heads to the southwest from there with the next community being Channahon.

The shorter section of the I & M Canal Trail starts at Black Road and N. Chicago Street in Joliet. This section of the trail heads to the north and goes past Dellwood Park. The northeast end of the shorter section of the trail is located at E. Romeo Road to the east of E. Independence Boulevard in Romeoville which is also the south end of the Centennial Trail that heads up to Lemont and farther to the north.

Read more about the Illinois and Michgan Canal Trail

Wauponsee Glacial Trail

The Wauponsee Glacial Trail is a 22.3-mile long unpaved pathway located near Joliet in Northeastern Illinois. The trail has a surface of compacted crushed limestone.The trail passes through wide open farmland and crosses a number of creeks and rivers. The route of the trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way and travels through the communities of Preston Heights and Manhattan.

The north end of the Wauponsee Glacial Trail is located at Rowell Avenue just south of Interstate 80 on the east side of Joliet. The south end of the Wauponsee Glacial Trail is located in the small community of Custer Park on the west side of the Kankakee River.

Read more about the Wauponsee Glacial Trail

Old Plank Road Trail

The Old Plank Road Trail is a 20-mile long paved pathway that spans between Joliet and Park Forest. The trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way and follows a relatively straight route. The trail passes through the communities of Joliet, New Lennox, Frankfort and Park Forest.

The west end of the Old Plank Road Trail is located on the north side of E. Washington Street between Logan Avenue and Adelle Avenue on the east side of Joliet.

Read more about the Old Plank Road Trail

Rock Run Greenway Trail

The Rock Run Greenway Trail is a system of paved pathways that extends for over 10 miles located on the west side of Joliet. The trail connects with the Joliet Junction Trail on Theodore Street and Cypress Lane and comes close to the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail on Hollywood Road south of Interstate 80. The trail meanders through Rock Run Preserve, Middle Rock Run County Forest Preserve and past Joliet Junior College.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails located in Joliet, Illinois.