Tebbetts Trailhead
- + Can I leave a car at the Tebbets, Missouri Trailhead for a couple of days? Is it safe? Is there any place to lock up bikes overnight at the hostel?
Discussion started 03/18/2019 08:59 PM by Nita - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/19/2019 09:04 AM)Nita from Austin on 03/18/2019 08:59 PM
Can I leave a car at the Tebbets, Missouri Trailhead for a couple of days? Is it safe? Is there any place to lock up bikes overnight at the hostel?
Allen from Shaenee, Ks on 03/19/2019 05:54 AM
I have left my car at the Tebbits trailhead overnight without any problem. There is an indoor bike storage room at the Hostel that is locked and secure no problem here either.
This is a small town with very few residents or problems.
Have a good trip
Allen
Anonymous on 03/19/2019 09:04 AM
We too have left our vehicle at the Tebbetts trailhead without incident and would again without worrying about it.
Marthasville to Treloar
- + I took my first ride on the Katy yesterday on the stretch mentioned in the subject line. The condition of the trail was very rough from what I guess to be tractor traffic. My assumption is they drov...
Discussion started 03/17/2019 08:26 PM by Matt - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/19/2019 09:02 AM)Matt from Wentzville on 03/17/2019 08:26 PM
I took my first ride on the Katy yesterday on the stretch mentioned in the subject line. The condition of the trail was very rough from what I guess to be tractor traffic. My assumption is they drove on it when the trail was wet. It was like riding on a washboard for most of the trip. Does anyone know if there is maintenance done to the trail to repair things like that? Thanks!
Anonymous on 03/19/2019 09:02 AM
Yes the DNR maintains the trail.
Eber Haus Inn in Hartsburg
- + The Eber Haus was one of the best experiences we had doing the entire Katy Trail. Sarah and Carl were wonderful and so entertaining. The food was Amazing!! The accommodations were great. We needed a...
Discussion started 11/03/2017 03:00 PM by Maureen - 4 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 03/18/2019 05:21 PM)Maureen from Arizona on 11/03/2017 03:00 PM
The Eber Haus was one of the best experiences we had doing the entire Katy Trail. Sarah and Carl were wonderful and so entertaining. The food was Amazing!! The accommodations were great. We needed a night like this to recover from a long wet couple of days. Perfect! Thank you so much Sarah and Carl!
Sarah from Hartsburg on 11/06/2017 01:51 PM
You all were our pleasure to serve! Best! Sarah n Carl
John R Hibbing from Lincoln, NE on 03/18/2019 01:36 PM
Hello--
We were hoping to book two rooms on June 7. Do you have any available? We have heard good things about your establishment. My email is jhibbing@unl.edu. Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
John Hibbing
Anonymous on 03/18/2019 01:59 PM
They may find you here....and maybe not.
It maybe best to contact directly to make your lodging reservations instead of the shotgun approach on an open forum.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/18/2019 05:21 PM
I'm sorry to say that Eber Haus will be closing on May 10. We'll be sad to see them go.
There are other lodging options in Hartsburg and other nearby towns. As mentioned above, you'll have better results if you contact the inns directly.
Good luck and happy trails.
how to search this forum
- + I am having trouble searching this forum. When I click search and type in a question I get directed to a Google search with lots of choices but when I click on one of them it takes me back to the foru...
Discussion started 03/16/2019 10:53 PM by Mary Ann Rigas - 2 replies (last reply by Mary Ann Rigas at 03/17/2019 11:20 PM)Mary Ann Rigas from Coudersport PA on 03/16/2019 10:53 PM
I am having trouble searching this forum. When I click search and type in a question I get directed to a Google search with lots of choices but when I click on one of them it takes me back to the forum but just to the most recent post not the one I searched for. Thank you.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/17/2019 07:15 AM
Thank you for pointing that out! It's now fixed.
This was caused by a difference in the forum page web addresses, after recent upgrades to the website. Google still has lots of links in the old format; I made a change to automatically convert to the new format when you click a link.
Happy trails!
Mary Ann Rigas from Coudersport PA on 03/17/2019 11:20 PM
Thank you! It is working now.
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts
- + Is the turner hotel open yet,? I was hoping to use it around marc20
Discussion started 03/15/2019 11:13 AM by JMB - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 03/15/2019 04:30 PM)JMB from Ok on 03/15/2019 11:13 AM
Is the turner hotel open yet,? I was hoping to use it around marc20
JMB from Ok on 03/15/2019 12:41 PM
I meant hostel
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/15/2019 04:30 PM
The shelter is open. Probably be turning the heat up over the weekend.
Walking the Katy trail
- + I'm just curious. Do many people just walk the Katy Trail other that bike it? I noticed some of the distances between camp grounds could be a stretch for a person on foot. Also, Just how safe would it...
Discussion started 03/13/2019 02:23 PM by Sterling - 5 replies (last reply by Michael at 03/15/2019 04:08 PM)Sterling from Kansas City, Missouri on 03/13/2019 02:23 PM
I'm just curious. Do many people just walk the Katy Trail other that bike it? I noticed some of the distances between camp grounds could be a stretch for a person on foot. Also, Just how safe would it be to do it? Sorry I am a newbie at this stuff. Thanks!
Allen from Shawnee on 03/13/2019 03:20 PM
I met a man last fall that backpacked the whole trail, I think he said his longest day was a little over 20 miles. He was a writer who publishes in backpacking magazine sometimes. He was very impressed with the hike and wrote a few posts on this forum, all were very positive, I don’t remember his last name but his first name was Michael. I have spent many days on the trail over a period of 15 or so years and have never had an experience where I felt unsafe. I have thru biked the trail so many times I have lost count, always camping.
If you decide to do it, this website provides a wealth of information.
Have a good time,
Allen
Anonymous on 03/13/2019 03:23 PM
Lots of people use the Katy to walk instead of biking. It is very common to meet walkers on the trail especially near the trailheads. Some are thru walkers too. Check out Katy Trail Trip Reports on the Home page. There is a hiker icon next to those trip reports by hikers. The biggest issue I've seen with people walking are those who are in the middle of the trail oblivious that anyone else is around. Then it can be difficult with bikes on both sides or to gain there attention if they are listening to music without being able to hear what is around them. Yes, the Katy is safe in my opinion.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/13/2019 04:20 PM
I've had 2 different instances of gentlemen 70ish from out of state who stayed at the cabins and hiking entire trail. A group of ladies I shuttled some and had stay who over time hiked it in sections. Said they'll be back to hike new Rock Island. All really enjoyed the experience
Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 03/14/2019 10:35 AM
Many people walk the trail, especially in the off season. Locals who regularly walk their favorite sections have been a great source of advice on where to stay and eat, and have given me stories of the history of the trail. Just remember to call out "on your left" or something similar before you pass walkers (and their dogs) so you don't startle them. Yes, the Katy is very safe.
Michael from Camdenton, Mo on 03/15/2019 04:08 PM
I walked the entire trail from Clinton to Machens!... best 16 days I ever spent. I incourage anyone wanting to hike the entire trail to do it it’s safe and the people are amazing!!!????
Scooter riding on Katy Trail?
- + Does anyone know if 2 wheeled scooters are allowed on the Katy trail? I know push scooters might be allowed but does anyone know if electric or gas powered scooters can be run on the trail?
I wa...
Discussion started 05/19/2006 01:11 PM by Bob - 6 replies (last reply by Marna at 03/13/2019 07:45 AM)Bob from St. Charles on 05/19/2006 01:11 PM
Does anyone know if 2 wheeled scooters are allowed on the Katy trail? I know push scooters might be allowed but does anyone know if electric or gas powered scooters can be run on the trail?
I was wondering if they can be used on the extension between Creve Coeur Lake and St. Charles as well.
Bob
sbikes from kansas city on 05/19/2006 02:56 PM
No. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Trail unless they are for persons with disabilities.
See below from the DNR website:
Permitted Uses
Katy Trail State Park has been designed specifically for bicyclists and hikers. The majority of the trail is accessible to persons with disabilities. Segments of the trail that exceed a 5-percent grade or a 2-percent cross slope are indicated on the map. All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed. No hunting or discharging of firearms is allowed. All state park rules apply and are posted at trailheads. The trail is open only during daylight hours. HORSES ARE PERMITTED ONLY ON THE WESTERN SECTION FROM THE STATE FAIRGROUNDS IN SEDALIA TO CALHOUN.
Bob from St. Charles on 05/19/2006 03:12 PM
Thanks for the follow-up.
Bob
Randy from O'fallon on 03/06/2019 07:28 AM
How about a buying permit for a 49cc/50cc for night time riding on the Katy trail ? (After dark until daylight).
NOTHING BIGGER than a 50cc. randy1960@live.com
Anonymous on 03/06/2019 12:38 PM
How much do you want for one?
Rex McCall from Springfield, MO on 03/08/2019 08:58 AM
According to the park website, only electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles are allowed (no more than 20 mph). Also, those with disabilities may use electric golf carts and Segways. Gas-powered vehicles are not allowed.
Marna from Boonville on 03/13/2019 07:45 AM
If you are talking about Kick Scooters, YES! Katy is a great place to take a Scooter on.
Trail conditions
- + What condition is the trail in? 3/10/19 wanting to do a short out and back but concerned the trail will be soft do to the recent rains. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Drifter
Discussion started 03/10/2019 12:44 PM by Drifter - 4 replies (last reply by Doug at 03/11/2019 08:57 PM)Drifter from Eldon on 03/10/2019 12:44 PM
What condition is the trail in? 3/10/19 wanting to do a short out and back but concerned the trail will be soft do to the recent rains. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Drifter
Anonymous on 03/10/2019 02:03 PM
I'd guess its frozen.
Doug from Bluffton on 03/10/2019 02:52 PM
It's not frozen. West of me is soft in several places but rideable on wide tires east is much better but still has soft spots of 100 yards or so. This is for 15 miles either side of Bluffton and probably the same for other sections along the river. Might be more firm when you get away from the bottoms
Doug from Bluffton on 03/10/2019 05:27 PM
There are two large trees down blocking the trail about MM 107. Not hard to get around them on hwy 94
Doug from Bluffton on 03/11/2019 08:57 PM
They cleared those trees today
3-Day Ride
- + I do not have enough time to ride the entire trail during the first week of May. We can probably manage 35 miles per day on our bikes loaded as they will be for camping, and given our physical condit...
Discussion started 03/09/2019 09:55 PM by Don Phelps - 3 replies (last reply by Trigirl262 at 03/10/2019 10:49 AM)Don Phelps from Tullaoma, TN on 03/09/2019 09:55 PM
I do not have enough time to ride the entire trail during the first week of May. We can probably manage 35 miles per day on our bikes loaded as they will be for camping, and given our physical conditioning. What 100 mile section of the KATY would be the most picturesque and interesting for two oldsters in our 70's?
Bryan from Austin Texas on 03/10/2019 01:11 AM
I suggest Boonville to Hermann/McKittrick. In 2017 we rode from Lee's Summit to Pleasant Hill to pick pick up the Rock Island trail and from there to Windsor on day 1. We then rode to Boonville on day 2, Jefferson City (with side trip to Columbia) on day 3, Hermann on day 4, and St Charles on day 5. I was a great trip. There are plenty of rest stops and towns along the way each day.
James Gang from Kearney, MO on 03/10/2019 05:55 AM
We rode Sedalia to Jefferson City in 3 days and was very comfortable. A lot of the Trail is shaded and is along the scenic Missouri River with beautiful bluffs. Probably could have done more but was our first time and not sure how we would do.
Trigirl262 from Memphis on 03/10/2019 10:49 AM
Our first time riding the Katy Trail this past October, we rode 140 miles over 4 days from St. Charles to Rhineland, We averaged about 35 miles a day and it was manageable was for the four of us. You could start in St. Charles and bike to Hermann. We all loved the route from the views, path, and it was never crowded. Since we enjoyed the ride so much, in early April we are doing another section of about 100 miles over 3 days from Hermann to Jefferson City, and then ride west for another 30 miles or so, then back to Jefferson City. Enjoy!
Lee's Summit
- + I'm taking the Amtrak west to start my trip doing the Katy Trail. Can I get off the train in Lee's Summit? Thanks
Discussion started 03/06/2019 10:11 AM by NANOOK - 3 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor at 03/10/2019 08:55 AM)NANOOK from Wildwood on 03/06/2019 10:11 AM
I'm taking the Amtrak west to start my trip doing the Katy Trail. Can I get off the train in Lee's Summit? Thanks
NANOOK from Wildwood on 03/06/2019 10:11 AM
I'm taking the Amtrak west to start my trip doing the Katy Trail. Can I get off the train in Lee's Summit? Thanks
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/06/2019 10:45 AM
You can get off the train in Lee's Summit. You can either take roads or get a ride the distance to Pleasant Hill trailhead of the Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail, if that's your plan.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/06/2019 10:45 AM
You can get off the train in Lee's Summit. You can either take roads or get a ride the distance to Pleasant Hill trailhead of the Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail, if that's your plan.
Bryan from Austin Texas on 03/10/2019 08:19 AM
The Amtrak does stop at Lee's Summit. In 2017 we started in Lee's Summit and returned via Amtrak at Kirkwood station. There is a fairly easy 17 or so mile rode route from Pleasant Hill to Lee's Summit.
Bryan from Austin Texas on 03/10/2019 08:19 AM
The Amtrak does stop at Lee's Summit. In 2017 we started in Lee's Summit and returned via Amtrak at Kirkwood station. There is a fairly easy 17 or so mile rode route from Pleasant Hill to Lee's Summit.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/10/2019 08:55 AM
I forgot I had saved this route from a friend in Lee's Summit. He's ridden it many times and feels the best way.
Take the 13.6 mile route through Greenwood Missouri. BUT stay south on Allendale Rd. Follow that road till 175th St. It will change names a few times. Turn left or East on 175th. That will take you straight to Pleasant Hill. Cross the tracks and turn right onto the trail. That will take you to Pleasant Hill and on your way East to Windsor.
Hope this helps and you have a great trip!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/10/2019 08:55 AM
I forgot I had saved this route from a friend in Lee's Summit. He's ridden it many times and feels the best way.
Take the 13.6 mile route through Greenwood Missouri. BUT stay south on Allendale Rd. Follow that road till 175th St. It will change names a few times. Turn left or East on 175th. That will take you straight to Pleasant Hill. Cross the tracks and turn right onto the trail. That will take you to Pleasant Hill and on your way East to Windsor.
Hope this helps and you have a great trip!
Tornado risk in mid-May?
- + Hi all! This might be a weird / paranoid question, but I'm thinking of cycling the entire Katy and Rock Island trails in mid to late May. I grew up in the Kansas City area, but I've been out of tornad...
Discussion started 03/07/2019 12:00 PM by NCW - 6 replies (last reply by Kathleen at 03/09/2019 04:45 PM)NCW from I live in Denver but I'm from Lenexa, KS on 03/07/2019 12:00 PM
Hi all! This might be a weird / paranoid question, but I'm thinking of cycling the entire Katy and Rock Island trails in mid to late May. I grew up in the Kansas City area, but I've been out of tornado alley for more than 20 years now, and so I've forgotten about how much of a risk they pose. Will there potentially be tons of storms and/or tornados during this time period? Would May be a good month to ride or would it be better to wait until autumn?
Anonymous on 03/07/2019 01:04 PM
We all don't just stay in the basement in May. Most of us are normal functioning human beings and only take cover if there is a weather event that mandates doing so. Portable weather radios are nice to take along during times of inclement weather.
Allen from Shawnee on 03/07/2019 03:39 PM
Severe weather events just usually last a few hours. I don’t believe I would make or change plans based on likely hood of this. There is cell service on almost all of the Katy so weather info is readily s ailable.
Allen from Shawnee on 03/07/2019 03:43 PM
Sorry available. Seems to me no way to edit a post.
NCW from I live in Denver but I'm from Lenexa, KS on 03/08/2019 08:14 AM
Thanks, Allen! I didn't know if there was cell service, so this helps.
Anonymous - having grown up in KC I'm well aware that people don't hide in basements all spring and summer, I was just wondering what people would think about doing this in May and whether or not it made sense to wait.
Thanks again!
John Hutchins from Pacific on 03/09/2019 05:42 AM
I've ridden the entire trail in May twice with no weather problems. But, being retired I have the opportunity to watch the weather forecast and go when a window of good weather is forecast. If you have to pick a date certain in advance you have a good chance of getting rained on in May, but tornadoes are pretty rare.
I am considering riding the trail for a few days again this May as a shake out for a longer trip.
Kathleen from Oolitic on 03/09/2019 04:45 PM
My dad and I rode end to end at the end of May beginning of June last year. We were lucky and didn't have a bad weather during the day, except for extreme heat. We also had cell reception the entire trip. I just checked the weather every morning before we hit the trail. Have a great trip!!