Katy Trail Forum

I rode the Katy Clinton to St Louis several times. But for the life of me cant find info on the RI trail. I mean a description and access.is this a gravel trail like the katy? Is there a,way to park at its entrante either at Truman or further east? Is the parking free? Is it distinct from the katy? Basic usage info would be welcome or a link to those. Thank you whomever can help. Imenezj@gmail.com

I am planning on and end to end bike trip on the Katy trail. Can someone recommend a detailed bike map of the full trail? I see nothing on line that even comes close. I'm talking a physical map. Not the online maps which don't help.

I have never seen a “detailed” printed Katy Trail map.

There are three printed maps that I’m aware of. They all show the route of the trail with towns and mile markers, but please be aware that you won’t get details like surrounding roads or off-trail towns.

[1] MO State Parks publishes a glossy brochure type map. You can often find these at trailheads, although many times the trailhead mapholders are empty. I believe MO State Parks will mail you one if you request: https://mostateparks.com/page/contact-us

[2] We sell a laminated map on this website: https://bikekatytrail.com/merchandise.aspx#map
Again, it gives you the route which you can see in relation to the river, with trail towns and mile markers, and distance info – but no details beyond that.

[3] At the bottom of the Interactive Map page ( https://bikekatytrail.com/katy-trail-map.aspx ) are links to PDFs which contain basic maps similar to what is explained above, as well as mileage charts. You can download and print these, or have it on your phone in a pinch.

I know these aren’t what you had in mind, but I wanted to provide some kind of answer for you. If anyone else knows of other maps, please do share.

Maps or not, have fun out there on the trail – happy trails!

Maybe what you are really looking for are one of the Books written about each stop, with a Map included. The first time I rode end to end, I had read a copy first, and took it with me on my ride.

Thank you so much for your help.

Would you recommend camping at Coopers in Easley or at Katy Roundhouse?

If you can tell us why you want a map, maybe we can figure out a solution for you.

I'll also add that the Katy is very easy to follow. Sedalia is the only place that I remember where you get off the gravel rail trail, and it is very well marked.

This isn't the OTET, or the Erie Canal Trail, where detailed directions and wayfinding are required. If you have ridden either of those, I understand why you are asking for a map.

Boonville is just as convoluted as Sedalia, IMO. But yes, Sedalia is a bit funny. In fact, in Sedalia if you look closely, you can actually see the old track going through the woods next to it.

I found that Google Maps STREET VIEW provided all the detail I needed. It allowed me to assess small towns with my own eyes. You will find stores, parks, restaurants etc that are not listed on the Katy website. It will also allow you to size up cycling conditions, such as shoulders on the road and what conflict with cars (and semi trucks) may exist.

In planning the last day of our trip, riding from Hermann to Machens, we need to ride back to the Bike Stop and Cafe to return a bike and get our car. What is the distance between Machens and StCharles? It looks like 12 miles?

You are correct. It is about 12 miles from Machens ot St. Charles

Around 12 miles for a round trip of 24 miles.

Yes that’s correct. About 12-13 miles. Like 25 RT. It’s a nice ride but nowhere really to stop for snacks so bring snacks and drinks for this part.

Pretty close to 12 miles.....yep.

The Corner Bar & Grill has reopened in Rhineland. Great to have it back!

https://www.facebook.com/share/17QifnLVpK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wanted to check if anyone has any infomation on a list of possible ...Trail Angels... on the Katy. They can offer transportation needs, supply needs or even housing. I am used to there services and help on hiking trails. I would guess there is a network of these wonderful people on the Katy also.
Anybody who could offer any contacts would be greatly appreciated.... .Thanks

I’m an Appalachian Trail hiker myself. About 800 done, 1400 to go! No trail angels like you are used to on hiking trails. There are services offered and easy to access. Shuttles, stays, food etc. Nice people offering great service. But you’ll pay for it. All reasonably priced. The Katy is the best. I’m riding it for the 6th time this June. Enjoy!

Im all in for paying for any shuttles, services or assistance that I receive on the Katy. Just thought it would be a good idea to have some contacts while planning my ride and once im on the Katy Trail. Starting my ride May 2nd.. Really looking forward to it.
Still trying to hook up with a shuttle from Warrensburg AmTrak to Clinton

Every town along the trail has plenty of “trail angels” plus this web site has phone numbers for trail services so I guess that makes Ray a “trail angel”, and if you encounter a problem on the trail other people will stop and offer you help so I guess we are in effect all “trail angels”.

I’m an Appalachian Trail hiker myself. About 800 done, 1400 to go! No trail angels like you are used to on hiking trails. There are services offered and easy to access. Shuttles, stays, food etc. Nice people offering great service. But you’ll pay for it. All reasonably priced. The Katy is the best. I’m riding it for the 6th time this June. Enjoy!

Have you heard of Warm Showers? They are a bit like trail angels for cyclists.

Starting my ride on the Katy on March 2nd.
Checking to see if anyone has any contacts for a 2 person and 2 bike shuttle from the Warrensburg AmTrak station to the Clinton trailhead. I dont feel comfortable riding on the road to Clinton.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated...Thanks

If you can't find a shuttle, maybe think about taking the train to Lee's Summit instead, and riding down the Rock Island Trail.

I will be on alittle bit of a time frame. Not sure I can swing an extra day or two going down the Rock Island and up and back on the Katy. It would be nice it that can work out.
How about Uber XL? (Van,truck,etc) Has anyone got any experence using them from Warrensburg to Clinton?

You might try contacting the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce or Tourism. I think the nice folks there might be able to give you some leads or gravel route

Great idea.... I will check with them.... Thanks

We don't have ebikes. We need advice on the most interesting parts of the trail - rural. Not invested in biking through cities.

Here is a very comprehensive book about the trail. Well worth the cost.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1835639275/the-complete-katy-trail-guidebook-hiking?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-b-books_movies_and_music&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJMm6Q1YljzuZe_9Im2PBT1BZwtXHMIY3gJdp1YRLHrIODb0QIVUuQ4aAiS_EALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_22195702280_177315946471_731791293836_aud-313421751817:pla-314262775427_c__1835639275_12768591&utm_custom2=22195702280&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22195702280&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRJN70P1RJxnr7erZJtnylQR6&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJMm6Q1YljzuZe_9Im2PBT1BZwtXHMIY3gJdp1YRLHrIODb0QIVUuQ4aAiS_EALw_wcB

Thanks for your help. I'll try to find the book.

Do you recommend any campgrounds right on the trail - Katy Roundhouse or Cooper's?

I've not camped so I really couldn't say. Others may wish to chime in. BTW - that book is very informative. I believe #11 is the current edition. Enjoy!

We've stayed at the Katy Roundhouse several times....it is convenient and quiet. Same with Steamboat Junction. Have not stayed at Coopers Landing but have stopped for drinks and snacks. They have bands from time to time which may or may not be desirable.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but I would say that none of the trail would be considered "biking through cities."

How many days do you want to spend riding?

Agree and good point Bill.

The Katy passes through very small rural towns. Through them, for the most part you are still on the trail or designated streets.

Sedalia is near 22k. Boonville is near 8k.

Boonville is just as convoluted as Sedalia, IMO. But yes, Sedalia is a bit funny. In fact, in Sedalia if you look closely, you can actually see the old train track going through the woods next to the KATY Trail.

The Facebook page says they closed at the end of 2025.

Thank you John for catching that. I have removed the listing.