OPRT Trail Photo Tour Trail side attractions Click on a thumbnail picture to open a bigger copy of the picture with a description t
Old Plank Road Trail
A 22-mile recreation and nature trail in northeastern Illinois
More Trail Maps Click here to go to the main map page for connections on both ends of the OPRT and with some of the side trails through Hickory Creek Preserve. OPRT Map with Mileage and Roads Click anywhere on the map to enlarge the image to the size of your browser and computer monitor.
Western avenue is the current eastern end of the trail. Acquisition of the right-of-way to the east of Western Avenue through Chicago Heights is complete. You can access the 5.0-mile Thorn Creek loop trail in Cook County Forest Preserve off 26th Street by Visit the commercial, recreation, and arts complex just 1.0 mile south of the trail via Orchard Drive. The 90-acre Central Park complex features a 45-acre wetland restoration project (Visit backtowetlands.com), a major aquatics complex, Freedom Hall (cult Freight trains rumble across the bridge over the entrance to the Matteson, Illinois METRA station. Bike racks and bike locks are available at the Park Forest Municipal Parking Lot. Call 708-748-1112 for bike locker information. South on Pfieffer Road then east on Sauk Trail takes you to the Commisioner's Park which features the adventure-style play structure "Fort Frankfort." With over 20 acres, Governors Trail Park is one of Matteson's largest parks. With two playgrounds, a ball field, a sand volleyball court, and picnic shelter, this is a great resting stop along the Old Plank Road Trail. Trail users can find parking adjacen With almost 15 acres dedicated to open space preservation, the Village of Frankfort has created a natural habitat where visitors can view remnant prairie and search for some of the most rare prairie plant species found in Illinois. An interpretative trail The unique trail bridge over Route 45 has become a landmark for trail riders. Just south of the bridge and east of Route 45 is Main Park where you will find a playground, baseball and soccer fields and the home of the Frankfort Falcons Football League. Nestled between Nebraska Street and the Trail, this two-acre community park provides many avenues for outdoor activities with a playground and baseball and soccer fields. Gazebo in Holden Park. The EJ&E caboose and the Park Forest train viewing platform are in the background. Logan Park is a great place to access the trail. Parking is on the south side of the trail along with a small picnic shelter (on North Street, just west of Orchard Drive). Public washrooms are located next to the trail at Logan Park. North of the trail at Ride the METRA electric trains from the Old Plank Road Trail to Chicago's Loop (Millenium Park) and points in between. Within .5 miles north of the OPRT, on Schoolhouse Rd. Trail users can visit the Hikory Creek Barrens and access the 2.8 mile trail. Schmuhl School is the last one-room schoolhouse in the area. Located on Route 30, in Mokena, this site has ample parking and picnic areas, and provides a pedestrian bridge crossing over Route 30. An asphalt trail leads .5 miles to the OPRT. The playground is handicapped accessible. The trail ends at Washington St. in Joliet. There are street routes to connect to the I&M Canal State Trail and Will County Trails in Joliet. The trail ends at Washington St. in Joliet. There are street routes to connect to the I&M Canal State Trail and Will County Trails in Joliet. Trail access in New Lenox off of Cedar Road The library is .5 miles north of the OPRT trail on Pheiffer Road. Trail users can relax and enjoy a bite to eat or visit one of the many unique shops in the historic district. Many community events are scheduled in this area. Visit www.villageoffrankfort.com for more information. Public restrooms are available. The trail ends at Washington St. in Joliet. There are street routes to connect to the I&M Canal State Trail and Will County Trails in Joliet. Library, City Hall, French Market, & Fireman's Playground Old Plank Road Trail Map