Thru-Hiking
- + It has been decided that I will be thru-hiking the Katy Trail starting the end of May 2014. All the research I have found shows this has only been done by a couple of people and it was 6 years ago. I'...
Discussion started 04/15/2013 07:07 AM by CindyS - 31 replies (last reply by Michael at 07/24/2019 10:29 AM)CindyS from Currently Springfield, MO on 04/15/2013 07:07 AM
It has been decided that I will be thru-hiking the Katy Trail starting the end of May 2014. All the research I have found shows this has only been done by a couple of people and it was 6 years ago. I've been reading cyclists info but I was curious about whether there were more planning a thru hike.
Don from Ellisville, MO on 04/15/2013 11:46 AM
Cindy, this sounds like quite an adventure, but not everyone posts journals of their trips. In fact, I talked to two sets of couples thru-hiking during my Katy ride last September. So that's at least 4 people who were attempting it in the last year. I've also run into people who were jogging the entire trail -- not for me!
Trek on 04/15/2013 12:15 PM
I just went to the home page and searched "hiking." There are several posts that may be relevant that are as recent as December 2012.
Mr.z from Lee's Summit on 04/15/2013 12:45 PM
I am planing to head out on the 25th of this month. I have Hiked the Appellation trail in a season and am looking forward to this hike. If I can help just ask.
CindyS from Currently Springfield, MO on 04/15/2013 01:24 PM
That's great! I have seen some who have posted about hiking sections but not many on a thru hike. I'll try typing just hiking. Also, I want to hike the AT but I have 3 kids all under the age of 8 so I have to wait until they won't make my husband mad in the 6 months I'd be gone. That's why I decided on the KT. They're going to "follow" me with the RV.
I've read that the flat terrain has caused some difficulty with people's legs. Is this just something I'll have to deal with or is it a training (or lack there of)?
Mr.z from Lee's Summit on 04/15/2013 02:32 PM
Spend good money on good shoos. I learned on the AT how much foot wear means to a hiker. Your feet will swell. I also get inserts for extra support. I use walking poles to help with shock on my knees. As for the flat surface, if your shoes take the brunt of the shock you will be fine. You millage and pack will have some thing to do with feet and leg issue.
Don from Ellisville, MO on 04/15/2013 06:19 PM
I am a biker, so I am asking out of ignorance -- how does a flat terrain cause more problems? It would seem like the opposite. As for your husband, he will find plenty to do with the kids, because the Katy was laid out with towns every 10 miles for the purpose of bringing on water for the steam engines. Lots of local history, and your 8-year-old could read up on the Lewis & Clark expedition and follow their (your) progress along the trail. The rest of the family can even take short day hikes with you, which is much more difficult to do on the Appalachian Trail.
Mr.z from Lee's Summit on 04/15/2013 08:59 PM
I would say it is more due to the firmness of the ground rather that it being level that is harder that other surfaces. The lack of give makes our body's take all the shock of each step. It is because that is a packed down railroad bed. Still it is not as bad a a road.
CindyS from Currently Springfield, MO on 04/15/2013 09:12 PM
Yes that is how I am to understand it as well as far as the type of ground. Some have suggested because it's more walking rather than hiking but I don't know. I did a small section of the Ozark Trail a couple of year's ago so I don't want to get too excited about the ease of this trail in comparison.
We homeschool and the 8 year old boy is into Lewis and Clark and the 3 year old loves trains. Basically it should be full of win.
Any specific recommendations on shoes? I was in need of a new pair of running shoes and just bought a pair of New Balance minimus. I haven't tried them yet but I thought I might try to condition myself as "barefoot". But your shock absorbing comment makes me think I should not. Many things to ponder.
Mr.z from Lee's Summit on 04/16/2013 07:34 AM
Everyone is different so I could only tell you what worked for me. I came across a few people doing the barefoot thing. I bow before them. On the AT I had a few issues with my feet and they were due to poor foot wear choice on my part. Lafuma and Salomon brands worked best. they also lasted the longest. I fond a cross trainer worked best for me. Gortex did not breath well for my feet and now I stay away from it.
Trek on 04/16/2013 08:11 AM
I'm not a long distance hiker, but I have put many miles on both Merril and Keen hiking boots and shoes with good luck. They are similar in style and price to those mentioned by Mr.z.
Keen sandals are great on the bike too.
El Toro on 04/16/2013 06:56 PM
I too have done a small section of the Ozark Trail (and have climbed several 14ers in Colorado, etc) and walking the KATY Trail is NOTHING LIKE those experiences. The surface is flat and well-maintained. You will not find large rocks and roots, etc. It will feel more like a walk down the road....but it is a VERY LONG ROAD. For me, it would be a significantly different kind of training and preparation. I would be very much focused on endurance, endurance, endurance...and on blister prevention.
That's my 2 cents. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Tom Cody from Topeka, Kansas on 05/10/2013 02:07 PM
I'm currently training and planning to do this myself in early fall 2013... currently undecided if I will do it one-way or round-trip. I'm keeping a training and preparation journal in addition to the journal I plan on keeping on the trip and hope to post transcripts along with photos and maybe videos when I'm done. Like you I didn't find many reports from thru-hikers other than the two from 2007 linked from this site.
Mr.z from Lee's Summit on 05/11/2013 01:39 PM
It can be done. 12 days it took me. I gave myself 3 dollars per as to allow for food and lodging. I made my hike the end of April into may.
Ray (webmaster) on 05/14/2013 05:31 AM
Doug Knox from Troy, MO on 11/20/2013 10:18 PM
Feel free to contact me about my thru hike. It took 17 days but it was soooooo worth it. My e-mail is LMS346@netzero.com
Michael Conley from Camdenton, mo on 07/15/2019 03:52 PM
I thru-hiked the trail in October 2019...it’s a great trail to thru-hike lots of places to camp and resupply!
Doug from Bluffton on 07/15/2019 06:14 PM
So Mike, how does that time travel thing work? Do you come back on the same day you left? Did they have all the flood repairs done? Was that date just a typo? Just pulling your leg a little. Stop in last year on your next trip.
Anonymous on 07/15/2019 08:55 PM
Must be a new thing time travel. Replying to posts that are years old like they were new yesterday seems to be a thing now. Go figure.
Doug from Bluffton on 07/15/2019 09:57 PM
Well if he's already been to October maybe that WAS just yesterday for him.
Michael Conley from Camdenton,mo on 07/16/2019 06:08 AM
I was merely saying that a thru-hike of the Katy Trail was completed in October of 2018...the First recorded!!
Michael Conley from Camdenton,mo on 07/16/2019 06:10 AM
Get on your little bike and pedal down the road, real men hike!!??????
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/16/2019 09:33 AM
The first through hiker recorded was in 2007, with several since. See Ray's post above.
Michael from Camdenton on 07/16/2019 10:25 AM
Several form Clinton to St. Charles...none but mine all the way to Machens ????
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 07/16/2019 05:13 PM
I see that "Madeline and Lizzy" went from Clinton to Machens in June of 2017. They even posted a day-by-day blog of their trip, as noted on Ray's post. http://madelineandlizzykatytrail.blogspot.com/
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/17/2019 11:10 AM
Keep scrolling.
Doug Knox of Troy, MO
When: June 2007
Not only did Doug hike the whole trail from Clinton to St Charles - he continued on to Machens (before it was a finished part of the trail)!
Read Doug's blog.
TMak from California (State) on 07/17/2019 06:29 PM
My husband and I are planning to do the thru hike in October 2019. My husband is originally from Missouri and still has a lot of family along the trail that we plan to tap into for logistical support. But part of the journey is supporting the local businesses and meeting the very friendly folks that the Midwest is known for, which we intend to do. A long distance trail and walk are not foreign to us as we both walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain last year, about 500 miles in 34 days. Agree good pair of hiking boots, socks, and blister management are most important element. We plan to do a daily journal/blog and will be happy to share to this forum for future hikers.
Michael from Camdenton on 07/19/2019 05:41 PM
First man over 55 that has thru-hiked the entire trail ??
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 07/19/2019 06:42 PM
LOL, Mike, probably. But let's be sure: First man over 55 from Camdenton named Mike who hiked the entire trail. That record should hold for a while!
Michael from Camdenton on 07/20/2019 08:30 AM
I thought that might get a laugh ????
Someone from Somewhere on 07/20/2019 07:54 PM
Are we thru hiking yet?
Michael from Camdenton on 07/24/2019 10:29 AM
Not yet, would like to in October if the trail is in decent shape ??
Columbia to Rocheport
- + Has anyone rode the MKT trail in Columbia to Katy Trail going to Rocheport since the flooding? Is it open and are the restaurants in Rocheport open too?
Discussion started 07/14/2019 09:48 PM - 4 replies (last reply by Maurice Mcmurry at 07/23/2019 07:42 PM)Anonymous from North East MO on 07/14/2019 09:48 PM
Has anyone rode the MKT trail in Columbia to Katy Trail going to Rocheport since the flooding? Is it open and are the restaurants in Rocheport open too?
DRick from Columbia on 07/14/2019 10:00 PM
The trail is open from Rocheport to Easley (approx. 16 miles). Things are open in ROCHEPORT and they could really use the business.
DRick from Columbia on 07/14/2019 10:05 PM
The MKT is open with one detour. Right after the Perche Creek Bridge on the MKT, you will need to detour to a one lane gravel around the first water treatment pond and then get back on the MKT. It is possible to ride the section of the MKT that the detour bypasses, but the trail was covered for weeks and ther was a lot of silt deposited
Anonymous from North East MO on 07/14/2019 10:09 PM
Ok thanks for the info
Maurice Mcmurry from Columbia on 07/23/2019 07:42 PM
Stores and restaurants in Rocheport seem to be open only at the proprietors convenience, regardless of alleged hours. Too bad the town conspired to get rid of all the Red Necks who knew how to stay at their posts.
Rocheport to New Franklin opening no time soon it appears
- + I think it will be awhile before we can ride between Rocheport and New Franklin. If you go to the link below to a FB page (This Town we call Boonville) and look at some photos posted by Danny Green o...
Discussion started 07/13/2019 02:35 PM by Sharonbikes - 8 replies (last reply by Maurice Mcmurry at 07/23/2019 07:05 PM)Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 07/13/2019 02:35 PM
I think it will be awhile before we can ride between Rocheport and New Franklin. If you go to the link below to a FB page (This Town we call Boonville) and look at some photos posted by Danny Green on July 10 - you will see why. The damage to the Trail is significant - a bridge was completely washed off of its moorings. It will be an expensive repair.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1212281372149238/
However, it appears that hi way 40 between Boonville and Rocheport has re-opened.
Sharon
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/15/2019 03:51 PM
Where's that bridge? I don't remember riding on anything like that anywhere between Boonville and Rocheport.
Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 07/15/2019 06:26 PM
You know, I thought the same thing...
Sharon
RP from Sylva NC on 07/16/2019 04:44 PM
You can see that bridge on google maps satellite images where the trail goes under 40 east of Boonville. (How it was before the flood)
Michael from Houston on 07/18/2019 08:25 AM
I bet I could ride that. :^D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rw9uk7U9nJE_jbTVJ1l0VRvz-c1rb_Is/view?usp=sharing
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/18/2019 10:39 AM
Oh, RP, I see it now.
And Michael, I had the same thought! Ride that washed out boardwalk, or ride the highway? I'll do the boardwalk!
MM from St Louis on 07/19/2019 09:36 AM
Looks like there are couple of road routes around this, either Highway 40 or Country Road 448. From Strava Heat map looks like more folks ride the HY 40 route... maybe there's a good shoulder? Anyone with first hand experience going around?
I've got a trip on the books from Lee's Summit to St. Charles, if I can work out any route detours.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 07/19/2019 01:43 PM
I know that Country Road 448 is extremely rough -- large gravel and washouts. It is a country farm road. It would be my last choice.
Maurice Mcmurry from Columbia on 07/23/2019 07:05 PM
Highway 40 is a bit scary, but it is short compared to the county road alternatives.435,442,467.448. Affectionately referred to as
"The Long and Gravel Road" by the very tough local gravel grinders. Steep hills,wash outs, abundant dust, large rocks, tractors,log skidders, combines, grain trucks, dogs, and the dreaded pick up truck. I prefer highway 40 but try to ride it mid day for light traffic.
Donations to help rebuild the Katy
- + DNR posted today an announcement about how to donate to the Foundation to help rebuild the trail.
Severe flooding at Katy Trail State Park has led to numerous trail closures within the park and the c...
Discussion started 07/05/2019 03:23 PM by Sharonbikes - 5 replies (last reply by Maurice Mcmurry at 07/23/2019 06:32 PM)Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 07/05/2019 03:23 PM
DNR posted today an announcement about how to donate to the Foundation to help rebuild the trail.
Severe flooding at Katy Trail State Park has led to numerous trail closures within the park and the cancellation of the 2019 Katy Trail Ride.
Nearly 100 miles of trail are underwater, and it may take several weeks for the water to recede in some parts of the trail. Based on the damage caused by the comparable flood of 1993, Missouri State Parks staff expects to find scour holes, washouts, bridge damage, downed trees, debris, silt accumulation and inconsistent trail surfacing.
You can help rebuild the trail and accelerate the restoration process by making a donation below to the Missouri State Parks Foundation. Everyone who donates $100 or more will receive a T-shirt commemorating their role in rebuilding this Missouri treasure. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
https://mostateparks.com/page/82026/katy-trail-flood-donations?fbclid=IwAR06UsTTAuXqnIerlBSoHeGqQu6YOfkdRsB71QV5tsrzBAhjMMjvws17TpQ
Sharon
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 07/05/2019 04:02 PM
Sharon, thanks for passing along the link. I donated because this trail means a lot to me and my family.
Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 07/05/2019 04:16 PM
Bikerboy - I feel the same way.
Sharon
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 07/06/2019 08:22 AM
I donated part of the refund from the Katy Trail Ride being cancelled. I'm looking forward to doing the Katy Trail Ride in 2020 and hope that they can get the trail in good shape by then.
Brian L. from Austin, TX on 07/21/2019 12:05 PM
Thanks for the link, Sharon. I just donated & hope all of you folks who are able will, too! I haven't ridden the Katy for several years, but would really like to someday soon. So sad that the flooding was so severe.
Maurice Mcmurry from Columbia on 07/23/2019 06:32 PM
We just viewed the damage at the former salt creek bridge under the highway 40 bridge west of Rocheport. Very sad. Flood waters are gushing through again. A huge repair will be required. Please donate