Katy Trail Forum

So, I've been planning my second trip on the Katy for almost a year. My intention was to ride from Pilot Grove to Jefferson City, taking my time to photograph and video many of the most scenic areas and historic spots, ie; Rocheport tunnel, explosive bunker used by the RR etc.

Obviously the rains came and that is now history. However, I couldn't change my dates of riding, so I received the daily updates from the forum, thanks to all of you, and decided I was going to do my part of spending some money along the trail.

So, on 6-15, I want to give a shout out to Jerry at the Katy Junction B & B in Pilot Grove. A friendly host who make a "mean omelette" to send you off in the morning. Rode as far as Boonville where the trail was under water and the bridge being blocked made it a tourist attraction to walk over and view the flooded land. I might add that I rode over the bridge and returned on the highway portion of the bridge, where I did not encounter one car. Won't be able to do that ever again. Even rode in the middle of the highway.

Ate lunch at the Breaddough Pizza Parlor in Boonville. Very good pizza, enjoyed with Gelato for dessert .

The Boonville train depot has a great little bike shop that I bought a Katy Trail t-shirt that was somewhat different than others I have seen. I believe the bike shop owner designed it. Very nice and reasonable price.

The trail between these two towns was excellent and even though it was a short ride, it was enjoyable due to the condition and weather. I rode back to Pilot Grove for the night.

The next day, 6-16 I loaded up my bike and drove over to Rocheport by coming in from the East off I-70 as this road wasn't blocked. The trail to the Rocheport Tunnel is open from the Rocheport side, but blocked after exiting the tunnel. This was one of my "must see" places. After several photo shoots at the tunnel I then headed East on the trail toward Hartsburg. Hoping to get through on the trail. Didn't make it due to the flooding.

So, I rode as far as possible East bound and then turned around and rode back to Rocheport.
The Trailside Cafe was a great place for a meal. It wasn't crowded. but was doing a good deal of cooking. Had a wonderful meal and called it a day, staying at the Katy Trail B&B. Due to cancellations, I had the whole house with the Jefferson Room to myself. Very nice accommodations. The next morning, Sunday, I headed over to the Trails side Cafe and discovered the place was so busy you had to give your name and wait. But, it was worth it.

That day I rode over to Columbia and scouted that cute city.

So, all in all the trip wasn't what I had planned, however with a little help from the forum and earlier riders I adjusted and still had a great time, riding short distances, meeting the local people and slowing down long enough to even shop a little and smell the roses, instead of flying by as I had done in the past.

Water is receding every day and work on the trail has probably started in sections. The small towns are really hurting from cancellations but they're remaining open in hopes we riders will stop by.

Enjoy the ride, there are a lot of open sections of the trail and with a little planning on your part you can also ride some of the flooded areas to see the beautiful bluffs and meet some very nice townsfolk.

Jim,
Arvada, CO

Very nice note, thanks for sharing.

Even at "flood stage" most of the Katy remains above water. Flood stage has many levels, minor, moderate and major.
ALL THE PREDICTIONS COMING FROM THE ADVANCED HYDRAULIC PREDICTION SERVICE are showing only MINOR FLOODING at all gauges. Most of the trail should be back up and running in a couple weeks.
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lsx&gage=gscm7

Most of the trail should be back up and running in a couple weeks.

Is that information from the DNR Tony?

The water might recede and the trail might dry out in a few weeks. HOWEVER, it is probably going to be months before the trail is repaired end-to-end. There are lots of washouts (some more than 50 feet wide) and there will be sand/mud covering the trail as well.

My point exactly.

Unless the DNR has released that statement, it’s an unfair and unrealistic statement to make and may lead people on to believing something that is not true.

Who knows, maybe Tony will confirm his source is reliable.

While there is considerable damage for DNR to deal with, that does not make Tony's statement untrue. There are far more miles of undamaged trail than damaged. Yes there will be some problems getting past some areas, but parts of the trail here that were underwater yesterday I was able to ride today. No I did not have to slog through mud. It was damp but not slinging up onto my back. I have been here from before the trail started and have been through every flood on it. It is NOT misleading to say MOST of the trail will be up and running in a few weeks because MOST of it already is. Overstating the negatives also leads people to believe something that is not true; that the trail is unusable. End to end riders will have problems for awhile, however there are still many ways to experience the Katy Trail. As nice as it is to have the trail to myself I would like others to enjoy it also.

Optimum optimism is nice to hear for a change.
Thanx

I agree, Doug, that we can make the best of what we have. I am an avid end-to-end rider, but this year I am going to have to settle with sections at a time. But for my mental health, I have to ride!!

We will be riding from Windsor this weekend, can anyone tell me the conditions of the trail? Also the Katy out of Windsor. Thank you!

Bank is closed for good.

Parkside Cafe currently closed unknown if it will re open.

As this years end to end ride was cancelled due to the 40 days and 40 nights of rain what can i expect for trail conditions next year? I know it's too early to tell but do the trails generally get dried out and rebuilt fairly fast? Hopefully Mother nature will cooperate. Thanks, any input would be great.

Once the water is off the trail, it is usually ride-able immediately. I've ridden all the previously flooded sections near St. Charles with no problems.

July 1, 2019
Hi
We are a couple wanting to bike the entire Katy trail now.
Are there designated detours in all locations that are closed? In other words, is it possible to bike the entire trail using detours, or are there areas that you just can't go forward because of no designated detours.
Thanks for any help!

I can't speak for the whole trail but if you call me at the Bluffton Barn I can give you "This is what I do you have to decide for yourself what you are capable of" information for the rides I do within 20 miles either way of Bluffton. The trail was underwater by Portland this morning but the river is dropping.

The only way to know is to get out there and give it your best shot. Sure, you will probably run into water covered, mud covered, washed out, stinky mosquito infested sections of the trail and will need to make decisions on how best to deal with what nature throws at you, but hey, what a story you will have to share with you fellow cyclists.

I was riding Saturday (6/29/19) from Treloar to Matson and found the Trail fenced off about a mile or so past Augusta. I went around the fence and a little further found the bridge out and no detour. About a 20ft gap and didn't want to portage thru. Riding alone, that didn't seem like a good idea.

If you past Augusta going east you have to detour thru Klondike Park. I not sure there is a sign for the detour. It's a very steep uphill entrance to the park. That's the way around the bridge replacement that's happening.

Even at "flood stage" most of the Katy remains above water. Flood stage has many levels, minor, moderate and major.
ALL THE PREDICTIONS COMING FROM THE ADVANCED HYDRAULIC PREDICTION SERVICE are showing only MINOR FLOODING at all gauges. Most of the trail should be back up and running in a couple weeks.
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lsx&gage=gscm7

Please see the Missouri River levels predictions.
Most recent reports from end to end riders is, there is ONLY 50 MILES that is NOT rideable. We have been riding out of St. Charles everyday with the exception of when the river hit 34 feet in St. Charles, and we have plenty of riders on the trail TODAY for the Fourth of July.

https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lsx&gage=sclm7&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

I'm planning on riding the trail starting at Clinton and going to St Charles. Is there a safe place to leave my truck in Clinton?

Check with community Center.

I hope you're planning your trip for next year. Not likely to get much past Boonville with stretches of the trail still flooded, all the washouts, and damage to bridges.

As Corky said, the Clinton Community Center used to allow parking for Katy Trail riders. You just need to notify them so your car will not be towed. You won't get past Boonville, as water is still covering the trail at the north end of the Boonville bridge for many miles. But that still makes for a great ride. Clinton to Boonville; stay in Boonville, then head back. Here is the contact info for the center:

Clinton Community Center
1004 East Sedalia Avenue
Phone: 660-885-2181

Is there no way to get around flooded sections?

No. This isn't a little flooding or a little water over the Trail. This is massive widespread flooding. The areas that are supposed to be Trail and farm fields look like an ocean of water - miles and miles and miles. If you are on Facebook, look for COMO Photographers - they have some amazing pictures of the flood waters.If you look at a picture they posted on June 27, it shows the "pepper mill" along the trail between New Franklin and Rocheport - you can see the water is almost as high as the "squeeze gates" that block traffic from the Trail. As has been posted here before, the State has a map that shows road closures - you can see where roads are still flooded. You can look at it and have a good idea of where the Trail is open and where it is not. http://traveler.modot.org/map/. This is a devastating flood event for Missouri.

sharon

From an AP article yesterday from Omaha, Nebraska:

The amount of water flowing into the Missouri River will remain high throughout the summer and fall, and that water will likely continue to exacerbate flooding downstream.

Water released from Gavins Point Dam....are more than double the average amount.

The high releases likely will continue worsening flooding downstream....where many levees were damaged during the March flooding.

Officials say the releases of 70,000 cubic feet per second of water are needed because the upstream reservoirs remain quite full.

As Sharon stated: This isn't a little flooding or a little water over the Trail. This is massive widespread flooding.

Perhaps a good idea to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles, but not real practical this year.

You could also consider staying two nights at one place, doing out and backs and then moving to another area past any flooding.

Riding through Missouri and plan is Katy Trail by mid-September. I know sections are currently still flooded. Whats the general read?
Thanks

That is an unanswerable question. I have seen that the Corps of Engineers is saying the Missouri River may be above floor stage into the fall as late as November. But, what that means for the Trail depends on many factors including the weather. Also, until the water goes down, there is no way to know how much will need to be repaired. I would not expect any of the major repairs to be done until they are sure the water isn't going to come back up.

But - I think it is safe to say that parts of the Trail will be open in September - just be prepared to be flexible.

Sharon

Hi,

Any information on trail conditions on the Rock Island Spur from Pleasant Hill to Windsor?
Planning to ride this later this week if possible.
Thanks in advance for your help.

We rode Windsor to Leeton last Friday and the trail was in great condition. We've not had much rain this week so it should still be the same.

has anyone left their vehicle over night at Medford Trailhead please? Just want to make as sure as i can it will be safe there as it is somewhat remote. Thank you

The corner store in Chilhowee is closed as of June 14th 2019. Too bad!

BUT - it will be reopening under new ownership on July 12. Glad someone is able to re-open the store - it is very convenient.

Sharon

My wife and I were planning on heading out from Chesterfield on the trail. How far can we get with the flooding?

Drove on over to Hermann yesterday and did some quick exploring/recon this morning. You can make it with no issues 16 miles from trail entry off Hwy 19 before the trail is completely engulfed; basically a mile past Portland. Unfortunately I was time constrained and didn’t have a chance to check more than about 2 miles to the east.

https://strava.app.link/SJWiEj5NTX

Primm was that you I spoke to in Portland this morning around 9:30? Always like to put a face with the name. Doug

Yessir, Doug. Hope you made it off the road before it got too hot! I’m back home now after 3 good days and 200 miles of the Katy. I’ll be back with some buddies next time.

Well, I type this from the Holiday Inn Express instead of my tent... I know there’s been a ton of flooding, but my hope and limited research led me to believe I could make it to New Franklin to camp tonight. After a wonderful first day (ever) on the Katy, I rolled over the bridge in Boonville only to encounter water literally everywhere. The main highway was closed, but I was able to turn onto 87 and get to the trailhead. After walking my bike through a couple of knee deep water crossings, I decided to err on the side of safety. Retraced back out to 87 and went a couple miles further only to run into another huge washout. Finally gave up and slogged back to a hotel...
What’s really frustrating is making it to within 1.5 miles of the campground. ??
Prayers for all the families and businesses being impacted in much more significant ways than my mere inconvenience, though!

Look at it as a blessing in disguise........you’re going to sleep on a soft bed in an air conditioned room. Fate works in mysterious ways.

Thank you, Primm, for the very latest on the flooding east of Boonville. I hope you can still get some good cycling in. Knee deep water sounds ominous for the prospects of riding the Trail in the next few weeks. We plan to cycle east from Boonville in late September (this year!) so we are watching this space with some apprehension. And like you, our thoughts go out to the people and businesses directly affected.
Michael

https://strava.app.link/q4DB6aeOTX

Hi, we are planning a family trip on the Rock Island and Katy Trails from Kansas City to St Louis at the end of August. It sounds like the trail has been hit pretty hard by the flooding. Presuming the rains let up over the summer, what are the chances the closed areas of the trail will be open? Will there need to be a lot of repairs? We will be towing our 2 small kids, so we don't want to get in a situation where we need to take detours on dangerous roads. We're not familiar with the area, so we just don't know! Any guidance would be appreciated. We're planning to take the train back from Kirkwood to Lee's Summit. Also it seems there is no camping/lodging along the Rock Island Trail (except at ends). Is this true?

Sorry I don’t have anything to add other than I hope to learn from your experience this year as we hope to do a similar thing next year (2020).

Have you done similar trips elsewhere? I’d love to find some resources on making this type of trip successful with young kids. I’m a lifetime backpacker, and my wife loves riding bikes, so we are working to combine those, but I’m not sure what questions I should be asking to make it successful.

Repairs are scheduled pretty quickly, but this flooding has been historic and upstream dams will continue to release large amounts of held water throughout the summer. The good news is that there are several reasonable shuttle companies that will route you around closures if needed in August because a few small sections remain closed.

Chilhowee City Park has a couple of free camp sites on the Rock Island portion of the trail, but they are not well publicized yet. You can see pictures on their Chilhowee City Park Facebook page. There are multiple routes that riders have posted about from the Lee's Summit train station to Pleasant Hill where you join the Rock Island. If you need it, I have mapped out what I consider the most family friendly option that uses mostly trails and very few roadways, but you will want to plan that out ahead of time if you are not taking a shuttle to Pleasant Hill.

Remember that Amtrak on board bike tickets are limited in number so you need to order those well in advance otherwise you have to take apart some of your bike and store it below the train with the large luggage.

Amtrak may not let you roll the bike trailers on. Recumbents and tandems are not allowed.

It may be prudent to see if or how they will let you take a trailer.

Thanks for the helpful info! We hadn't really thought about shuttling as an option since we have the "self-supported" mindset(lol), but it would make a lot of sense and be worth it with the kids in tow. Shuttling is a good back-up plan if we can't avoid closures. We shouldn't need a shuttle to Pleasant Hill, as one of us can drop off kids and gear at Pleasant Hill, drop the car at Lee's Summit and then ride back to Pleasant Hill. We'll check out the routes beforehand. I was feeling more concerned about getting to the station at St. Louis, and maybe a shuttle would be a good option. I've seen info on routes to the Kirkwood station, but I'm not sure if that'll be good hauling kids. We may also try to hang out in St. Louis a few days.

As for the Amtrak, we were planning to buy tickets now with the on board bike spots, but we were feeling concerned about the trail conditions. I guess we'll just plan to get a refundable fare to play it safe, but I feel encouraged hearing that the trails are repaired fairly quickly.

As for the trailers on Amtrak, we have one Burley D'Lite that will fold up and we can treat as luggage and shouldn't be a problem. The other is a Wee-hoo (seated tag-along) and we're still trying to figure that out. I'm guessing we'll have to disassemble it and find some sort of box to fit it in. Or maybe they would take it without a box?

Eric - I'm happy to offer any help we can. We were big backpackers pre-kids and pre-Texas and have also done some cross-country type bike tours. Backpacking with a 2 yo and 4 yo is ok, but we'll be able to do a lot more hauling them on wheels! We did a weekend trial run riding to a state park, and that went okay. They both love riding along, and hopefully that doesn't change on a longer trip.

As I said, we are considering something similar for 2020, but in my looking at maps (haven't ridden in the area), I was thinking about the following for the St. Louis connection:

Ride pretty much to the east end of the trail in Machens, then ride up to Portage Des Sioux, and then across on Portage Road over to Grafton Ferry Road, and take the Grafton Ferry to Grafton:
https://www.visitalton.com/business/detail/405/grafton-ferry

Once you're in Grafton, there is a buffered bike lane to Alton, where you can pick up the MCT Confluence trail which connects to the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, which leads to downtown. I'm not sure how easy it is to get from the riverfront to the Amtrak station, but in a pinch you could take the St. Louis Metro.

There also looks to be a bike lane on the 67 bridge across the Mississippi to Alton, but it doesn't look like there is a great way to get to that bike lane unless traffic is sufficiently light.

but PLEASE don't take any of this as a suggestion. Just thoughts of a similar-minded person looking at maps and not knowing anything about the situation on the ground, but trying to figure out a similar thing.

Camping in Windsor at both Katy-Rock Junction and Farrington Park

The trail from St. Charles to Machens is often closed due to flooding and is one of the last areas to get repaired. I suggest that you either end your route at St. Charles and get a shuttle from there to Kirkwood or cross the Missouri River on the 364 bridge before you get to St. Charles. It has a separate pedestrian lane and the paved trail will take you to Creve Coeur Park where again, you could arrange for a shuttle to take you to the train station. I don't recommend riding on 367 from Alton. Or riding to the train station from either St. Charles or Creve Coeur Park. No real bike friendly routes yet. As someone who loves riding the Katy and wants to see it continue to be successful, I say please come ride the trail. It's so awesome and local businesses need support now more than ever!

I would suggest taking the Katy to the Weldon Springs area, then cross the bike trail on I-64 into Chesterfield. You may need to Uber from there to the Kirkwood amtrack station. I agree with previous comment I’m not sure I would take the Alton route

Looking for a place to crash after a 35-45 mile bike ride to Phillys Pizza. Prefer a reasonable and not fancy B&B but also could stage our RV if there is a spot. Anyone?
Thanks!

What night are you looking for? Happy to check our calendars at the Katy Haus and Bank Haus. Your RV is fine to park on the street. We are right next to Philly's. :)

How far west can you ride from McBaine until you encounter flooding on the trail?

Since you live in Columbia MO, why don’t you go there and tell us?

Good afternoon, Gary, well I finally had a chance to get out to the trail. The trail is fine from McBaine to Rocheport. There are some rough spots, loose gravel in areas that were underwater, but it is good overall.