Katy Trail Forum

I'm planning to fly from Panama City, Panama to San Diego, California. From San Diego I will take tAmtak to LA. From LA Amtrak to St. Louis, Mo. Will start on the Katy Trail and ride back west.

Wowee! Are you coming all the way from Panama just to ride the Katy Trail? If so, that's pretty awesome & somebody ought to bring it to the attention of some local media for a great story.

To answer your question: Check out this page: https://bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.aspx. I don't think it takes into account any trail closures, but it's a good resource.

Approximately when are you planning to ride? I'm a frequent Amtrak rider and used to ride the Katy trail a lot. I may be able to offer some suggestions since you are so far away. You can email me at jw.orr@att.net

Not sure if you NEED to go from east (Kirkwood/st louis) to west. You might want to ride Amtrak from LA to KC then to Lee's Summit (KC suburb) and ride the Rock Island Trail to the Katy, going west to east (with the wind). West to east is supposed to be slightly easier since riding with the wind.

I can tell you more about the Amtrak options to/from KC, St. Louis, Kirkwood.

Another option might be getting off the train in Washington MO, two stops before downtown St Louis. It's a short ride from there to the Dutzow trailhead with good shoulders the whole way.

Note that you will want to make your train reservations as early as possible because the Amtrak train in Missouri only accommodates a handful of bicycles, that number could be 4 but don’t quote me.

If you decide to get off in Washington, you may want to arrange a shuttle over the bridge and to Ditzler. The new bridge is open but the bike path on it is still being worked on. No completion date set yet. Also the shoulder on the highway between the bridge and Dutzow isn’t the best with vehicles traveling 55mph next to you.

For a shuttle across the bridge and to a trailhead, call Joe at Revolution Cycles.

***autocorrect struck again — Ditzler is supposed to be Dutzow ??

Hi, William! How's your planning going? If you're still seeking info on riding from the St. Louis or Kirkwood Amtrak stations, let us know. I'd be happy to give you some insights on making those routes.

The tunnel is closed, and it looks like it will be closed for a long time. They are doing some kind of work on the rock around the western opening. There is a ridearound on the highway. We did not take the ridearound, so cannot comment on the traffic.

Bill, if the tunnel is closed and you didn't use the detour, how were you able to pass through? Planning to ride the whole trail soon, and your reports are helpful.

I checked out the Rocheport closure while riding my motorcycle today. Yes, work is being done right at the tunnel. I rode, by motorcycle, the detour suggested by the state park system. The 1 mile section on Highway 240 spur seems fine, no shoulder but very little vehicle traffic. The next section of the detour is 3.2 miles on US Highway 40. US Highway 40 has the grooves cut into the highway along each shoulder. If you are traveling westbound on the detour, there is approximately 1 to 2 feet of pavement between the road grooves and the gravel on the shoulder, MAYBE enough paved shoulder space to not have to ride in the vehicle lane. If you are traveling eastbound on the detour on Hwy 40, the grooves on the highway are cut so close to the shoulder, that there is not enough room to safely ride on the paved shoulder without getting in the gravel. From what I could see, most of the eastbound route on Highway 40 will be riding in the vehicle Lane. I guess you could ride in the gravel/rock shoulder for 3 miles, but it is not hard-packed chat surface like Katy trail. We start our Clinton to St. Charles ride next Monday, not sure if I am going to take my group out on US Highway 40.
Also checked out the closure at Boonville. As of Sunday afternoon, the orange gates were on the shoulder of the trail at the Boonville Trail head and at the other end of the stated closure, mile marker 191.

Lynn, there were no workers on Sunday, so we walked through the constructions zone. We would not have been able to do so if workers were there.

This is a question for Mark. What time of day did you ride the detour and what was the level of traffic?
I have toured on roads quite a bit and this type of road is ok with me unless the level of traffic is high.
Thanks,
Allen

Allen: I rode the detour on my motorcycle on Sunday afternoon around noon. I would say traffic was light. I do not want to expose my wife, sister and sister-in-law to those detour conditions. If I was by myself, I would ride the detour, being cautious as you would be riding on any other road.

I spoke with a rep from State Parks System. The tunnel had to be closed unexpectedly due to unstable rocks in the tunnel and above it.
Project could be done "around May 1", depending on weather and actual condition of the tunnel.

It's 4pm on Wednesday 5/1. I've just returned from a walk to the Katy Tunnel at Rocheport and it remains closed to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. There is equipment at the East side of the tunnel and they are using very tall extendable platforms with men and pneumatic or electric powered chisels to scale to the very top of the tunnel bluff and chisel off loose or nearly loose rock that might fall on trail users below. It appears that the entire east face of the rock bluff above the trail has been removed...I can't estimate the depth of the removal but some amount of that rock face is gone. It is a safety issue and one that DNR has worried about for at least a decade. Perhaps fifteen years (or more) ago, the tunnel was closed for a month or so while evaluations were made for this safety issue. Apparently, at that time, no action was taken. I wasn't able to ask any workers when they thought the job would be finished. No matter for a few days anyway. The river will slightly cover the trail just west of Rocheport and that alone would result in a trail closure and detour from the west into Rocheport.

We walked all around this rock and didn't see marks for floods.

Are there actual marks that a person should be able to see?

Or is there just the idea that in the past people made some marks that are now gone?

When I saw it last year, the marks were faded. They were pretty high up on the rock and if memory serves, on your right side if you are facing the rock from the trail.

Be on the lookout for a territorial goose that was lying down in front of standing rock and we were not able to pass a few weeks ago. It was a bit scary as he kept flying in front of us and hissed at us. We had to get off our bikes and use that as protection.

Trigirl, that goose attacked me!! He swooped on me once, and then sat on top of the rock giving us the evil eye!

Jerry, thanks for confirming! I couldn't see anything. I guess I imagined that someone would have chiseled the marks in, but I think I just imagined that.

The Dormatory room was clean and comfy. My husband is over 6 feet tall however,and we pulled the mattress off the top bunk onto the floor so he could stretch out. Mattresses were good quality though. We really appreciated the locked bike shed and the free washer/driver right outside room. Extra bathroom down hall came in handy too. Only disappointment I guess would be the convenience store muffins and bagels served for breakfast.

Jackson County & the KCATA are planning to officially open the first 6-mile section of the Rock Island Trail from Lee's Summit to the south Raytown area in June 2019.

So how do you get from this new Rock Island Trail segment to the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill. How do you get from the Amtrak Station in Pleasant Hill to the new Jackson County Rock Island Trail or the State Parks Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill?

We have mapped bicycle-friendly routes to make all of these connections, and the main Rock Island connector between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill is now marked on-street with fluorescent orange arrows and initials "RI". More details here:

http://mobikefed.org/2019/04/369-miles-connected-trail-across-missouri-new-rock-islandkaty-trail-connections-maps-routes-

Jackson County & the KCATA are planning to officially open the first 6-mile section of the Rock Island Trail from Lee's Summit to the south Raytown area in June 2019.

So how do you get from this new Rock Island Trail segment to the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill. How do you get from the Amtrak Station in Pleasant Hill to the new Jackson County Rock Island Trail or the State Parks Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill?

We have mapped bicycle-friendly routes to make all of these connections, and the main Rock Island connector between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill is now marked on-street with fluorescent orange arrows and initials "RI". More details here:

http://mobikefed.org/2019/04/369-miles-connected-trail-across-missouri-new-rock-islandkaty-trail-connections-maps-routes-

Brett thank you for everything that you and your organization have done to help make this happen. Very exciting to see the Rock Island Trail expanding westward!

Brett thank you for everything that you and your organization have done to help make this happen. Very exciting to see the Rock Island Trail expanding westward!

Is there a bike route from Independence to RI trail head or a schutte service.

Happy Trails

Is there a bike route from Independence to RI trail head or a schutte service.

Happy Trails

Treloar Bar and Grill is open. Not sure why it isn't on the amenities list. The food was great and the staff/owners were friendly. A really nice place to stop.

Thanks for the heads-up; it's listed now.

Happy trails!

Ray, thanks so much for this amazing resource. We used it to help plan our trip, and would have been lost without it. Keep up the good work!

The Clark Street Lodge was the PERFECT place for our ladies getaway or “board meeting” as we like to tell our husbands. The lodge was spotless with up to date furnishings and beautiful wooden spiral staircase which led to comfy queen bed. Plenty of towels and bedding. Lots of outlets and mirrors to get ready in the morning. We just loved the big open space with nice furnishings to relax together! Lots of windows to allow natural light in, if you choose. We spent one evening on the large covered front porch just taking in the beautiful scenery. I would give it 5 stars!

My brother Rob left for a bike ride at 1pm on Friday, April 26, from Columbia, and he has not yet returned. If there is anyone who was on the trail today or tonight who may have seen any type of incident, please reply here. His cell phone was ringing for a while when we called earlier, but it is now going right to voicemail. Any information would be helpful, as we are obviously worried.

Ben, do you have an update on your brother? Certainly hope he returned safely.

I was thinking about this morning. Please keep us posted.

Looking at taking a shuttle from St. Charles to Clinton. Does anyone know what time they leave and what time we would arrive in Clinton?

Probably best for you to contact them directly, whoever they are, instead of on an open forum.

Anyone seen any maps showing where the new route through Sedalia will run? I saw that there would be a groundbreaking ceremony for the new part of the trail in May (I think). As I understand it, this will be the connector from the Depot to the trail on the north side of Sedalia. Can't wait for it to open - I am not a fan of the road route you have to use now.

Sharon

We just swung through to put on ponchos on a rainy day. Looked like a fun place to hang out. Open at 10am on a Thursday, so I expect they are open lots of hours.

Silly Goose restaurant was very good. Not cheap, but good.

Kathy is great. Place is comfortable and looks great. Good food. The hot tub was really nice after a day on the trail. The two previous reviews covered it all. :)

Call ahead to see if they will be open. They evaluate the possible business volume from week to week to decide on hours.

We are planning on the Rock Island Trail next week, any tips on where to find water along the trail?

Chilhowee Corner Store only 2 blocks off the trail. They are great about filling water bottles and have food and drinks. In Leeton water now at the trailhead I believe. Casey's General Store and restaurant depending on time.

Thanks!

Charlotte could you give me a call at 314 327 4881 or email tmck1793@gmail.com
Thank You Tim McKinney.

Four of us are planning a trail ride next Sunday through Wednesday. (April 28-30) We are staying in O'Fallon and heading toward St. Charles. Are there any closures due to flooding on the trail?

Just road Weldon Springs to Augusta on 4/23. Bridge out around MP 65, west of Matson/east of Augusta. Have to detour up a hill through Klondike park. I walked my bike. Bridge is completely gone over creek. About 10-20 feet wide so don't think about jumping the creek like I had hoped.

Also, just read that there is a detour just west of Augusta over a creek. So that's 2 detours in less than 5 miles.

You didn't say how far you are going, but sounds like end to end if over 4 days. Another detour apparently way out west at the only tunnel on the trail.

Hoping to get 2 riders and bikes from St Charles to Sadalia on 6/2/2019 any advice. And will the trail be open for the ride back.
Thank you

Not to beat a dead "horse" but has anyone done the trail from sedalia to st. charles and camped the whole way? Looking to do 30 to 50 miles per day maybe a b&b in the middle. I've ridden the trail twice and have not noticed places to camp at the major stops/trailheads. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I believe you can do it by bike as long as you don't have your heart set on an official "campground". There are towns like Windsor, Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, Marthasville, etc. along the way that permit camping in their city parks. Most have water/facilities available if you count gas stations and so on. You shouldn't have a problem if you use these in conjunction with "official" campgrounds such as the Katy Roundhouse, Steamboat Junction, etc. Use your imagination and you can put it together.

Nope....we haven't camped the trail between Sedalia to St. Chuck, but there are camping opportunities. From Sedalia to New Franklin (40 miles) the Katy Roundhouse campground is right on the trail. It's a nice stop and is clean and quiet.

On to Hartsburg (34 or so) there is a train caboose that you can stay in...make arrangements at Doty's Cafe across the street. And I've seen people camped in the city park here too...they may have been comando camping so you might ask first.

On to Hermann (52) you can camp in the city park. Hermann is always worth the trip for wine and good food.

On to Augusta (34) you can camp at Klondike Park....nice park but haven't camped there.

Don't forget the hostel in Tebbetts....kind of camping there, its shelter anyway. There are also numerous B&B's along the way from quiet country settings that are inexpensive to more pricey with all the extras.

FYI, I was in Klondike Park about a week ago, and they have a big sign up that you need to bring your own firewood (if you want a campfire). They do not sell it there, and apparently, previously they had supplied it for free. In addition, they do not allow you to gather wood from the surrounding woods. They do have a small camp kitchen by the shower house, which is nice feature. The camping sites are nice, even the basic sites had a nice picnic table and fire ring, but having to bring your own wood is a negative for me.

There is camping in Sedalia at the State Fairgrounds. It is just up the road ( roughly 1/4

mile) from the trailhead mile marker 229.9. For more information contact the State

Fairgrounds at 660-827-8150 or www.mostatefair.com

Linda

just a note on the Hermann City Park. It is a nice campground but right next to the main drag through town which is quite loud. Also seems to be the local cruising spot so there were cars drving through by the site at all hours of the night. The campground is quite a ways into town and if you take the main road it is extremely hilly with no shoulder. I would recommend calling the tourist office to find an alternate flatter/less car-filled route.

This is how I biked the entire trail from St. Charles to Clinton last year in 5 days. I pulled a bike trailer with my equipment including a tent. The first night I stayed in Marthasville at the city park. I was the only one camping there. I pitched my tent next to a log cabin and was able to use the showers next to the ball park. Cost: $5. Next day, I rode to Tebbets and stayed at the Turner Hostile. You will want to pay your $5 fee ahead of time. Not a bad place and you are indoors. The next day I rode to New Franklin and I planned on staying at the Katy Roundhouse campground. However, a thunderstorm was moving in, so I rode into Boonevile and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. The campground looked okay though. The next day I rode to Sedalia and stayed at the Fairgrounds. There are also showers there. The cost of that was $7, I believe. Then I rode the rest of the way to Clinton.

I have done this several times New Franklin (katy roundhouse) 1st night Hartsburg city park second night, Tebbets hostel 3rd night, Blufton 4 th night or go 10 miles further and use city park In Herman. Marthasville 5 night, Klondike park 6 th night. No days were over 40 miles.

Just wanted to know if there is any camping allowed along the katty trail anywhere,?,
For longer trips,?,

Has anyone compiled a list of Campsites that allow campfires along the trail?

Has been renamed "The Corner". Hours are Mon-Sat 6A to about 8P, Sunday 7:30A-2P.

It's nice inside. Doesn't seem to be smoking inside. Food was good. Server was nice.

That's good to know about The Corner. I passed by it last week but didn't stop in because when I looked it up on Google, it was still named as Trailside and that it was closed.

We biked the 61/2 miles from Lee's summit to brickyard road. We parked at David Hartman park. The trail was awesome, so was vale tunnel.

Best fried pickles in the world. Great burger and tots, too. Friendly staff - helped us plug in wifey's cell phone charger. There was a guy at the bar who wanted to talk and we sat close to the bar and he told us lots about the trail and the area. We had a great time. Would def visit again.

Bought some small grocery items here. Prices were reasonable, and the staff was nice. They have a wide selection of stuff. A good stop on a fairly abandoned stretch of trail.

Walked through the hostel today. Looks like a great place to stay. The only thing is needs is guests! Next time we will stay here.

I had a burger, and it was good. Wife had a chopped chicken salad, which was really really delicious. So close to the Baymont.

Cheap, easy to find, cool with bikes in the room. Walked to Arris' for dinner. Waffle and biscuits/gravy for breakfast. They had eggs, cereal, yogurt, etc as well. Would def say here again.

Great ice cream, low prices. Been doing it for almost 100 years. You gotta go. Great afternoon treat when you first roll into town.

Myself and some friends are biking the Katy Trail from Herman to Saint Charles. Is this hilly at all? Difficult at all? We're planning on doing the trip in one day.

There is an elevation map at the bottom of the mileage chart page that can be used as a reference. That map indicates a general flat level grade with a very slight downward gravity push heading eastbound (towards St. Charles).

My daughter and I biked the Katy Trail from Rocheport to St. Charles last summer. It's flat. Do look at the elevation chart, but I can tell you from experience, it's flat. I don't do hills. The only hill you may encounter would be over a levee and it might be a 10 yard up hill thing over the levee. Other than that it's flat. That's one of the many things I love about the Katy Trail. It's flat

Flat. Approximately 65 miles. Easy ride. Take sun screen and plenty of water.

It is spelled Katy trail not the Caty trail.

Just curious, is the camping a the hoedown a good idea for out of towners to set up or is it better to go to a local hotel? crazy question.

What is camping a the hoedown?

oh sorry. Peddlers Jamboree Columbia Mo in May