Hickory Creek Preserve — Attraction in Mokena

There are a few different access points for Hickory Creek, which don't all connect to one another (Hickory Creek Barrens, Hickory Creek Junction), but still a great place to walk through the woods. In the fall, the preserve closes early for deer mating season (around 3-4pm), so watch out for signage; you don't want to get stuck in the preserve when it's closed!

There are a couple bridges (on either side of the 3+ mile trail) that take you across Hickory Creek, which is a nice stopping place, since it is a bit of a hike. In addition to the asphalt-paved trail, there is a smaller nature trail off from the back parking lot, which is a bit under a mile loop(?) The main pedestrian bridge (you can't miss it, since it is a full metal bridge) takes you to a portion of the Old Plank Trail, great for biking in addition to...

When we arrived to hike with our dog it was posted that dogs weren't allowed. With the website down it was impossible to know that this was a state nature reserve area. We wouldn't have gone and wasted our time if we knew. Had to turn around and leave. I'm sure the area is very beautiful, I'd just like to know ahead of time. Please maintain the webpages better and list which resources are reserve areas where pets aren't allowed. I want to comply and follow the rules, but I'd rather know...

Love the trail! I go on my bike often! WARNING : EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION : This trail is super hilly and narrow, a couple of people have even died or gotten seriously injured on this hill. Other than that. They just did some reforestation and the path looks well paces and sealed. The creeks are cool to stop by and I see some C.A.R fishermen there frequently. The only thing I personally worry about is the shadyness of the trail being that if you walk or run....