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Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · Running trail in Plainfield, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
839-acre nature preserve featuring herons & egrets, a lake & wetlands, a visitor center & trails.
What runners say about Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
“Amazingly beautiful scenery at this place that feel like you're on vacation when you're here.”
NO BIKES/FISHING/DOGS was searching for some good bike trails near Plainfield and saw other reviews mention great paths for biking and fishing while I was here a cop coming down the trail, alerted us there’s absolutely no bikes fishing or dogs tolerated at this preserve due to heron protection.
Birdwatching, walking, bike riding... Whatever you're into, you will not be disappointed. Amazingly beautiful scenery at this place that feel like you're on vacation when you're here. Depending on when you go, you will see lots of people taking pictures of the bird sanctuary or fishing in the lake.
I hate to sling around 5-star reviews but this place is special. Beautiful asphalt trails. Bring your bicycle! I heard someone beating on a drum, I thought. I looked in time to see a swan flying low over the lake, reflected in the water surface. Haven't seen the heron area yet because of nest area protection.
Beautiful trail! Very nice walk with the family. Sadly, the little one dragged his feet through the gravel path all the way through. I know blacktopping that path wouldn't only be expensive, but also a large shock to the wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“My only complaint is that it’s infested with invasive plants and there’s very few places where you get a good view of the lake.”
Plan your run at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitereconnectwithnature.org
- Phone(815) 722-9470
Running trails near Plainfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Renwick Preserve
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Lake Renwick Preserve - Turtle Lake Access
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Lake Renwick Preserve - Copley Nature Park
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Lake Renwick Preserve - Plainfield Township Access
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