Katy Trail Forum

I searched the forum and only found one on the subject from 2023. I will be renting an electric bike and camping. The rental company told me that most people charge the bike are staying at hotel or bed and bresftfast....Has any one had experince chargeing while camping? I want to do the most pretty part .Im thinking about starting in new frankiln and trying to do it in 3 days to st charles ...but i dont know if I can do it in 3.

A lot depends on the bikes battery amp hour rating, the bikes drive motor power, and how much you will rely on the motor vs pedal assist. When you stop to eat etc, look for power outlets and ask around. People will usually help you out.

The Turner Shelter in Tebbetts is a good place to stay inside and sleep while charging your bike.

Ok, so it is decided we need to make advance overnite accommodations. So what about extended parking on the east end? Nothing at the terminus; anything in Black Walnut or is it necessary to go back to St. charles? This would involve shuttle service, or renting a car to go back to Clinton, pre-ride. Thoughts on this?
$400 seems like a lot to shuttle our vehicle from Clinton to the east end, but seems the easiest. Thoughts on this?

I don't mean to be tedious, I'm sure these questions have been posed a million times. I just haven't found the answers yet.

I guess $400 seems like a lot, but to drive a vehicle from end-to-end on the KATY is an 8-hour day for someone. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive one way. Then they have to get back. That's 7 hours not including breaks. So maybe $400 isn't so bad. I guess it depends on how much the convenience is worth.

Parking at Black Walnut is okay but I don't know if I'd want to leave my car somewhere in a secluded spot for 5 or 6 days. Downtown St. Charles might be a better choice.

The Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles lets you leave your vehicle with them if you use their shuttle to go to Clinton. If you are getting to Clinton a different way and somehow leaving your vehicle towards the east end of the trail, then St. Charles is definitely the safest place.

Yeah, I'd use Trail Stop or another shuttle service that has good parking in St Charles.

Well, here's a thought. For a leisurely ride, why not park in Clinton at the Community Center (about 1/2 mile from the start); very safe there and there's camping at the Community Center, then ride east to the terminus at Machens. There's only a kiosk and bathroom there, so the only reason to go there is to do the entire trail. Then back to St Charles, remain overnight (it's 12 miles one way between Machens and St Charles). You could then start heading back West, and catch the Amtrak at either Washington or Hermann. There are bike routes to St Louis Union Station or Kirkwood Amtrak from St Charles, but that might be more than you want to try. You have to cross the Missouri River at either Washington or Hermann, but neither way is that bad if you're used to riding with motor vehicle traffic. Just ride WITH the traffic. Of the two, Hermann is better on a bike. Then catch the Amtrak back to Sedalia, making sure you reserve a spot for your bikes. Then ride back to Clinton. It's longer, but the eastern half is flat, so it doesn't matter what direction you're going. You could go on to Warrensburg (next stop west from Sedalia) on the Amtrak and shuttle back to Clinton; would NOT recommend riding State Hwy 13 between Warrensburg and Clinton. It's only about 24 miles, but there's no shoulder for most of the way, so it's just not safe. There are shuttles between Warrensburg and Clinton; you'll have to search around on this site for them. It does extend your trip, and Amtrak may adjust its schedules daily, so you do have to be flexible. You'll be on the trail longer, but depending on how far you ride each day, not a lot. For example, it's a little over 60 miles from St Charles to McKittrick (Hermann), so that adds a day. Depending on whether you camp or stay in lodging, you could eat into that $400 savings from not taking the shuttle, but you can perhaps visit some sites that you missed on the first leg. By the way, forget about prevailing winds and weather forecasts; it will be the opposite during your trip. Take rain gear and have a great trip.

Is there parking at Bluffton trailhead? I have the Katy trail guidebook but I don't see anything about parking.
Thanks

There is no trailhead at Bluffton. The closest would be Portland.

Thanks for the information

Shawnee Mound BBQ is open

Thanks for the heads-up; got 'em back in the listings.

Hello all- This forum is MASSIVE and a lot to surf thru! Could some experienced riders comment with their trail highlights? Looking for must see scenic attractions, best campsites and food/beverage.

Use the search bar above and type in “Trip Reports” to see what other people found on their trips. Then just ride along and keep your eyes open, you might just see something no one else has seen. Have a good time.

Highlights in the Spring are wildflowers.

Highlights in the Fall are orange and red leaf color.

Regardless of season, I always enjoy the company of my wife. Yep...being with her is a highlight for sure.

The "must sees" and "bests" of anything are judgement calls that vary for each individual.

New website: https://goboonville.com/rivers-rails-trails-museum/

This is definitely a cool place to visit when you pass through. They also have Katy Trail swag. I recommend the socks.

Are there any closures along the Katy and completed section of the Rock Island? The state park website didn't have any listed. Thanks for your help!

I just rode the length of the Katy and there were no closures. I didn't touch the Rock Island trail so I can't speak to that part. Have a good ride.

The Katy junction B&B in Pilot Grove, well be closed for Aug. 22nd 23rd for a wedding that weekend. All rooms taken on those dates.

I want to know when the ride is and how much it costs.

https://bigbam.wetravel.com/trips/october-5th-11th-2025-big-bam-on-the-katy-big-bam-86200437

Planning on riding Clinton to Machens about the 3rd week in October 2025. Want to do a fairly leisurely trip of 35 to 45 miles per day but I don't want to be tied in to a set schedule. Is it easy to get accommodations without reservations at that time of year? Thinking motel, abnb, camping.

Peace of mind that you have a place to spend the night can enhance a leisurely trip. Know that MU football game days in Columbia can cause lodging to fill in the outlying area. And fall rides in cool days with colorful trees can bring more people to the trail after sitting out the hot months of July and August.

For me, traveling without reservations creates confusion and stress. It would be nothing but speculation for anyone here to tell you with any reliability that you could always find lodging where you wanted on your leisurely journey.

All of the Oktoberfest events across the state combined with the leaves changing color make your proposed timeframe one of the busiest times of the year. You will probably be okay being flexible around the western part of the state, but I would at least plan out your stops along the eastern half of the Katy Trail.

As a trail lodging owner I'm always sorry when I have to tell last minute folks that all four cabins are already full for that night. Sept. and Oct are especially busy months

Hello everyone. I just finished riding the Katy trail yesterday. A young man had passed me between St Charles and Machens. He was kind enough to take my photo ringing the bell and he informed me of his time and that he had ridden straight through. Unfortunately, he had to shoot off and catch his ride and somehow in the middle of this he left something behind. I would like to return it to him if there is a way to find it. I didn't get his name so I figured I'd drop a line here. If he sees this or someone can identify him for me then confirm 1. What he lost 2. The time he told me it took him to finish. Then I will find a way to get in touch and return it.

Hi Tom,

The timing is off but your description made me think of a young man who rode straight through in a total time of 16:57, ride time of 14:38. But he did this on July 3rd. If this is him, his name is Cooper White. What a feat!

Good job, Cooper!

Wrong date, Cindy.

Hey, I did the Katy on July 3rd 2025 as a 15 year old. I did it in 16 hours 57 minutes elapsed, and 14 hours 38 minutes moving. But I can’t seem to find the place where I put my ride on this website. Does anyone else know how?I have proof of ride on Strava but don’t know how to put the link in here.

Thanks! Cooper white.

Congratulations Cooper! That's an amazing accomplishment - and yes, as far as I know you are the youngest person to have ever done this.

Please email me the Strava link and any other details that you think are relevant, at contact@trailhub.com and I'll get you added to the Single Day Riders page at https://bikekatytrail.com/one-day.aspx

Again, congrats!

good job man, very impressive

What's the point; it's not a racetrack. Slow down and enjoy the scenery which you obviously missed in your haste.

He's 15. He has lots of time left to do it again another way if he wants to.

I think the point is that he set a very difficult goal and accomplished it.
I'm sure most of us of a certain age have complained about young
Not getting out and doing stuff. This young man got out and did something.
Good for him.
There is no "correct" way to enjoy the Katy......you enjoy your way and let others
enjoy it their way.

Way to go Cooper! Great job. I have done the whole trail a few times but I was touring each time. Fastest I did it was 3 days. I am thinking about trying it in one day next year when I am 74. I'll be riding my WAW velomobile the next time. You can go to velomobileworld.com to see what velomobiles look like. 3 wheels with a complete CF shell. They are very aerodynamic, fast, and comfortable.

I'm trying to plan a 6 day ride with stays in B & B's or hotels near the trail. I'm having a hard time figuring out the Jefferson City stop. Is the city easy to bike in? I prefer no street riding. Every place near there is booked for the dates in September but a couple of hotels.Help!

Jeff City is considered a hilly city. MY limited exposure there is that it is not much of a joy to ride within the city limits. Lot of controlled intersections and vehicle traffic. Once out on the trail, it's very different, obviously.

We've stayed at the Capitol Plaza hotel several times. It's any easy ride from the trail and is bike friendly.

Like Bill said, Jeff City can be hilly and/or busy if you venture very far into it.

However, you will not experience much of this if you stay within a few blocks of the river. The Jeff City webpage at https://bikekatytrail.com/jefferson-city.aspx lists a few B&Bs and hotels that are all easy to reach.

Getting to Jeff City, from the N. Jefferson trailhead, is not hard. You'll ride maybe a mile and a half to the river, then up a series of ramps to get to the bridge level. Riding across the bridge, you're rewarded with great views of the river and the capitol building. The bike portion of the bridge is totally safe and separated from car traffic.

I've found the streets between the bridge and the state capitol to be very easy to navigate and usually really quiet. Most of the buildings around there are state agencies, so the traffic only picks up when state workers are heading into the office or leaving for the day.

Jefferson City is like any other small town, traffic? sure morning, noon, late afternoon work traffic. Use google maps set to bicycle to get directions on how to use the bike/pedestrian bridge over the Missouri and to get around in Jeff. Google maps has an advantage over Apple Maps in that it shows more restaurants,hotels and B&Bs there are many once you cross the river. Just avoid the main highways and Missouri Blvd which are high traffic areas. Google maps will show you how to get to get where you want to go on side streets. Hills? Of course, the secret is to ride east/west directions as much as you can to avoid the up and down hill rides. You will see the exceptions to this general rule.

I’ll just add to Rays post, Google maps set on bicycle mode is a great tool to use to get around in Jefferson City and find hotels, restaurants, and B&Bs.

Prison Brews is a kinda cool place to dine. Craft beers. Great burgers/fries. Ice cream? Central Dairy, of course. But only get one scoop. They are HUGE!

http://katytrailcottage.com/ ... Katy Trail Cottage is about as close as you can get. From there you can walk or bike on sidewalks for a few blocks to restaurants. If you are willing to ride a few blocks then Central Dairy Ice Cream is well worth the adventure.

I really appreciate all the responses. Google maps set on bicycle is a so helpful getting around - new places especially. I went ahead and booked at the Capitol Plaza, Katy Cottage was booked. Thanks for explaining the city and how to navigate it.
Looking forward to our September ride. I may post again. You guys are the best!

All the above comments give excellent advice. And you chose well to go with the Capital Plaza, wonderful hotel, you will be able to get there without much stress. I lived in Jefferson City and know what's what there. Biking over the Missouri River on the safe bike/pedestrian section of the bridge is a wonderful experience, especially seeing the capitol building from that vantage point.

Once you check into the hotel, consider taking a Lift or Uber to the Central Eastside (corner of Ash and High St): O'Donoghues Steaks and Seafood, Prison Brews, The Mission (a cool bar with live local music, open mike night every Wednesday) and JQ's on High.

You might consider adding a day to your trip to spend in Jefferson City so that you can tour the Capitol building, enjoy their lovely downtown and everyone's favorite, ice cream at Central Dairy. If you can fit it in somehow, add a tour of the Missouri State Prison (MSP), Missouri's historic prison site, opened before the Alamo (I'm not kidding, book a tour and you'll hear all about it!).

I forgot to mention that back in the day (2017 and before) when I lived in Jefferson City, they used to joke about the "traffic jams" in the city core: 7:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm when state employees started and ended their work days. So avoid biking during those times and you'll be fine. But like someone else mentioned, stay off Missouri Blvd, stick to getting from the trail to the Capital Plaza and then back to the trail. You can bike to the places I mentioned above (Prison Brews, etc.) but if it were me I'd just Uber to avoid the hills, or biking back to the hotel after enjoying the night life.

If you want a great treat to eat, right across from the Capital is Arris' Pizza. Best pizza and Greek food around. Every time I go back to MO I eat there and get a few pizzas for the road. When riding the Katy I stop in Jeff City and take the loop to Columbia and go to Arris' 1020 Green Meadows in Columbia.

Just had to say the comments about this place are spot on. We were biking to trail as a family and decided to spend 2 nights in Boonville for some rest. This place was amazing. My wife was taking pictures of stuff she wanted to see at our house! We loved the bike repair tools in the garage. My son spent about 2 hours tuning his bike up.