Connect With Nature at Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve

For many years, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has worked hard to preserve some of the area's most beautiful, abundant natural areas for the enjoyment of residents, the protection of vibrant outdoor areas, and the conservation of the many wildlife species that call these preserves home. Fall and winter are excellent times to visit the area's preserves and trails, with tons of activities available for residents of all ages. Our real estate agents have all of the details on how you can connect with nature, explore the trails, and enjoy some family-friendly outdoor fun.

Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve – New Lenox Access on Schoolhouse Rd., North of Rt. 30/Lincoln Hwy.

The largest preserve in Will County, Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve covers more than 1,500 acres of land and features an access point close to New Lenox homes for sale that makes it easy for local residents to connect with nature at any time. There are a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy here, from hiking and biking to wildlife viewing.

• Natural Beauty and Wildlife Viewing
  Do you love watching birds or seeing other types of wildlife in a thriving, natural habitat? Because it is a nature preserve, Hickory Creek Barrens provides ideal conditions for a wide variety of wildlife species to thrive. You can spot more than 50 different types of birds when you explore the nature preserve.
  
  Thanks to a diverse collection of habitats, from forests to wetlands, you can find different types of wildlife depending on which part of the preserve you explore. Hickory Creek Barrens is also home to many varieties of plant life, including some threatened species like the savanna blazing star and Mead's milkweed.
  
  
• Hickory Creek Bikeway Trail
  The preserve contains the western part of the Hickory Creek Bikeway Trail, with a 3.75 mile paved part of the trail that makes it easy to explore the area. This trail is designed for biking, hiking, running, and inline skating during the warm weather months. In the winter, it becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  
  
• Route 30 Bikeway Trail
  For a slightly longer trail, try the Route 30 Bikeway Trail, which also features an access point within Hickory Creek Barrens. This trail is ideal for the same activities as the Hickory Creek Bikeway Trail, with double the length at 7.56 miles long.
  
  
• Old Plank Road Trail
  If you're searching for a trail that connects with a variety of other natural attractions in the area, look no further than the Old Plank Road Trail, which is one of the longest in Will County. This 22-mile long paved trail allows you to enjoy the same activities as the shorter trails while connecting with other Will County communities as you progress.
  
  
• Picnicking at Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve
  Interested in planning a group outing where your family and friends can connect with nature? There's also a large picnic shelter available for rent, which has the capacity for up to 60 people. At the picnic shelter, you'll find plenty of shaded seating and cooking areas, perfect for recharging before you go out to explore more of the Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy all of the outdoor attractions in New Lenox and throughout Will County? Our New Lenox real estate agents have the local knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect home. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the New Lenox, IL area.