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Katy Trail Missouri: Maps, Services, Events, Towns, & More
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More Katy Trail State Park Resources
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About Katy Trail State Park, MOThe Katy Trail is a 225 mile (365 km) bike path stretching across most of the state of Missouri. (Use this link if you're looking for the Dallas Katy Trail). Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana.America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic. It's ideal for hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike. Horseback riding is also allowed on a 25 mile section of the trail. Many cross-country cyclists include the Katy Trail in their tours. It is part of Adventure Cycling's Lewis & Clark route, as well as the American Discovery Trail. Visit the FAQ Page for more general trail information. Or, dive right in and start planning your ride -- check out the towns and services along the trail, or build your own customized list of just the towns and services that interest you. |
What's Going On
Katy Trail 20th Anniversary
The trail turns 20 this year, and several special events are planned to commemorate this milestone.On May 8, the Department of Natural Resources sponsors an event in Rocheport to recognize Pat Jones and other founders who helped make the trail a reality. The event will feature a walk to the Ted Jones Memorial, a commemorative bike ride, refreshments, and a kick-off of the Ticket Book program (see below). For more information, see the DNR website.
On May 28 through June 2, there will be a Katy Trail Celebration Ride for bicyclists and a Torch Relay that will start in Clinton and end in St. Charles. This event will coincide with the Pedaler’s Jamboree over the weekend portion of the Celebration Ride. For more information, visit pedalersjamboree.com.
On June 20, Defiance merchants are sponsoring a Fathers Day Bike Ride. Several distances are available; see fathersdaybikeride.com.
The DNR is sponsoring a ticket book program, in which participants collect stamps from each community along the trail to earn prizes. For more information, see this page at the DNR website.
Katy Trail Merchants and Communities
Representing the businesses and towns all along the trail, Katy Trail Merchants and Communities serves as a Chamber of Commerce to the trail. If your business gets customers or your town gets tourists from the Katy Trail, please consider joining "Katy MaC". The organization is especially helping promote the trail during the 20th anniversary celebration this year.Get the GUIDEBOOK
The Updated and Revised 9th edition of The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook is now available. The book is $18.95 and can be ordered online at www.pebblepublishing.com. The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook is a guide to services, towns, people, places and history. It includes wineries, B&Bs, camping, photos, maps and a fold out map and mileage chart of the whole Katy Trail. Whether you're hiking, biking or touring by car, this guidebook is the definitive resource to take you there.Visit the Pebble Publishing website to get your copy.
Organized Rides
One of the best ways to experience the Katy Trail is on an organized group tour. Typically, the lodging and some meals are prearranged, so you can concentrate on the trail.There are several organized end-to-end rides each year. The biggest, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, occurs in mid-June. Several rides are scheduled for 2010 - as rides are announced, they are added to our list of organized rides along the trail.
Another approach: there are also tour organizers who will put together a more individually customized ride for you. In general, they take care of most lodging arrangements, some meals, luggage transfer and point to point transportation, so you can focus more on the ride itself. Here is a list of tour organizers operating on the Katy Trail.
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SUMMER on the Katy Trail |
HEAT - It's easy to underestimate the heat and its effects. Bring LOTS of water - more than you think you'll need - and keep drinking it regularly. You can also beat the heat by starting early in the morning. Plan your rides so you can wait out the peak mid-day heat in a nice cool restaurant or other business.
THUNDERSTORMS - Lightning kills, and a cyclist is an easy target. Seek shelter if you see a storm developing, and be alert for flash floods.
02/04 BREAKING NEWS: BOONVILLE BRIDGE HAS BEEN SAVED!!
Upcoming EVENTS On or Near the Katy Trail
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Weather Alert
Follow this link for current Katy Trail weather conditions, and Missouri average temperatures and precipitation.Heavy rains and thunderstorms can happen any time - be aware and be prepared!
- After heavy rain, stay alert for washed-out sections of trail. We check regularly with the Department of Natural Resources to find out if any washouts have been reported; I'll let you know if they report any.
- Since the trail follows along the Missouri River, it crosses over many streams and small rivers. Be alert for flash floods during and after heavy rain.
- A cyclist is a prime lightning target. Seek cover during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike ten miles away from the storm center.
- Consider packing rain gear for longer rides, even on a sunny day. Heavy rains can develop quickly.
- Check a weather website prior to your trip. Weather patterns generally move west-to-east across Missouri, so you can try to predict your weather conditions by looking at the current weather radar.
Trail Conditions for Katy Trail State Park in Missouri
No closings to report.
05/01/10 Large hole in the trail at mile 193.9 on north edge, about 4 feet east-west and extending about 3 feet onto the trail. Large enough for an inattentive hiker/runner to fall into or biker to have a serious accident. [thanks for the alert, Dave]
Please let us know, or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946, if you come across any washouts, blockages, or other problems.
Beyond the Katy Trail...
If you like the Katy Trail, you'll also enjoy the
C&O Canal Towpath Trail and
Great Allegheny Passage (GAP).
The C&O runs 185 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Maryland, along the banks of the Potomac River.
The GAP connects to the C&O at Cumberland MD and runs across a significant part of Pennsylvania.
Together, the C&O and GAP enable you to ride 335 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.
Travelling to Florida? If so, check out our sister website for
Sanibel Island, Florida,
the most bike-friendly island you'll ever visit (nice beaches too!).
How about New England? The
Cape Cod bike trails are south of Boston,
with beaches, lighthouses, and more.
In South Carolina, enjoy biking on
Hilton Head Island's bike trails and beaches.
The Silver Comet Trail in Georgia connects up with the
Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama,
giving you nearly 100 miles of scenic paved trail.
The Cowboy Trail in Nebraska will eventually
stretch over 300 miles - even longer than the Katy Trail.
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