Current trail conditions
- + We are planning to ride from Sedalia to St Charles on September 9th to the 13th. What is the current condition of the trail? Is there flooding and is the surface possible with touring bikes?
Discussion started 09/03/2018 11:02 AM by Melonhead - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/05/2018 06:41 PM)Melonhead from Muscatine ia on 09/03/2018 11:02 AM
We are planning to ride from Sedalia to St Charles on September 9th to the 13th. What is the current condition of the trail? Is there flooding and is the surface possible with touring bikes?
Dave from Kirkwood on 09/03/2018 12:34 PM
The short, easy answers to your questions are:
Fine, No, Yes
The trail drains well, so it should be in good shape, even with the spotty thunderstorms predicted in the coming week.
There have been many discussions about bike types and tire sizes that you can check on this site (use the search on the homepage), but you should be fine with touring bikes.
Have a great trip.
Allen from Shawnee on 09/03/2018 01:52 PM
I have ridden the trail many times on a touring bicycle with 700X35 tires, never had a problem even in very wet times.
Have a good trip.
Allen
Anonymous from Texas on 10/05/2018 06:41 PM
Hands down ... the most common bikes I saw on the trail were city/gravel/touring bikes. I just ran it with 38x700 and my wife rode on 32x700. I saw maybe 3-4 mtbs and the same number of recumbants. It rained a few nights and by 9am the trail was dry and dusty by 11am.
MO Research Park in Weldon Spring
- + Where are there bathrooms between weldon springs all the way to Augusta. And where are there places to park close to bathrooms. If any.
Discussion started 09/25/2018 03:52 PM by MR - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/05/2018 06:31 PM)MR from St louis on 09/25/2018 03:52 PM
Where are there bathrooms between weldon springs all the way to Augusta. And where are there places to park close to bathrooms. If any.
Dave from Kirkwood on 09/25/2018 08:14 PM
Based on this website and personal memory, there are no bathrooms at the Research Park parking area. Heading west, there is one at the Weldon Spring trailhead (with parking). Next, Defiance has restrooms at the bike shop and restaurants (parking as well). The Matson trailhead has both restrooms and parking. The boat ramp area before you reach Klondike also has both. One final option (before Augusta) is to bike/walk up the hill (using paved path) to Klondike Park, which has restrooms next to the camping area.
Hope that helps.
Anonymous from Texas on 10/05/2018 06:31 PM
I highly recommend picking up a copy of the Katy trail map. It will list all available accomodations ( water, restrooms, camping, etc ) at each trailhead.
Clinton
- + My husband and I were disappointed in the western end of the trail which ended in Clinton. We were looking forward to seeing the western end, expecting something remarkable that celebrated this wonder...
Discussion started 09/12/2018 09:16 PM by mjbg - 8 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/05/2018 06:29 PM)mjbg from Fort Collins, CO on 09/12/2018 09:16 PM
My husband and I were disappointed in the western end of the trail which ended in Clinton. We were looking forward to seeing the western end, expecting something remarkable that celebrated this wonderful trail's western end point. There was the typical train stat6 mi)ion / Katy Trail informational signs which were nice, but the bathroom was dirty, and you could not drink from the water fountain which was filthy. I had expected to fill up my water bottles here, but didn't; returned to Windsor (16 mi) by bike with only 4 ounces of water :( The trail came to an unceremonious end a little bit past the train area,
mjbg from Fort Collins, CO on 09/12/2018 09:19 PM
OOps, sorry for the typos in my previous post; don't know how to correct that which has been posted....
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 09/13/2018 08:41 AM
WHAT? You mean they no longer have the marching band and confetti cannons to great you at the end? I guess it became too cost prohibitive to continue the operation. Also a shame they don’t have any restaurants in town anymore. What’s the world coming to?
OCtandem from OC, CA on 09/13/2018 09:11 AM
We started our trip in Clinton and spent 2 nights there prepping. It's a very short, flat ride on side streets from the nice (but quiet) historic downtown. The Henry County Museum was worth visiting. There are plenty of places to eat and buy supplies in the (not as quaint) business area that is also nearby and easy to get to. We enjoyed the ride to Sedalia and were very glad we didn't skip this part of the trail.
Anonymous on 09/13/2018 11:55 AM
Well...if we would have known you were coming, we would have baked a cake.
Hank on 09/15/2018 02:45 PM
Good thing you all didn't go to Machens. :)
Matt from Lees Summit on 09/18/2018 03:49 PM
I'm just thankful that bathrooms and water fountains exist.
Here is a tip to be prepared for less than surgical cleanliness on bike trips. Take a few wet wipes and fold them into a small size and stick them in a heavy duty ziploc bag. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal. Stick the packet you've created in your bike bag.
You now have a way to clean a toilet seat or water fountain when you come across one. A couple of wet wipes take up just about zero space, weigh virtually nothing, and come in handy on occasion.
Anonymous on 09/18/2018 06:04 PM
Good idea. Or just buy a 20 pack of antibacterial Wet Ones and put it in your bike bag.
Anonymous from Texas on 10/05/2018 06:29 PM
Just finished the trail last week. Rode it from St Charles to Clinton. My feeling is that the Katy trail is a state park and most state parks are short on funds. I actually heard that there was an option to end the trail in the square in Clinton but it got shot down because of cost. Dunno.. I think the trail brings business and the square can use the business. If you want to see how nicely a trial can be then go visit the GAP and see how Cumberland and Pittsburg welcome their rails 2 trails riders and hikers. However, the trailheads on the GAP are no where near as nice as the Katy. Had a super time. Appreciate what you find on the trail ... great people and wonderful towns. Wonderful time!
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Clinton
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=9300&tonly=1
best route coming from Clinton into Sedalia?
- + Tomorrow (Friday) I’ll be riding East from Clinton into Sedalia. With the relatively more recent “detour” route that’s been posted about, what’s the most efficient and less vehicle-trafficked way into...
Discussion started 10/04/2018 11:43 AM by M. G. - 1 reply (last reply by Karl E Brand at 10/05/2018 06:24 AM)M. G. from Fayetteville on 10/04/2018 11:43 AM
Tomorrow (Friday) I’ll be riding East from Clinton into Sedalia. With the relatively more recent “detour” route that’s been posted about, what’s the most efficient and less vehicle-trafficked way into Sedalia where hotels are located? I’ll have a small terrier in a rear rack basket; although the dog is secured, I try not to ride too close to cars. Speaking of pets, can anyone recommend any pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs in Sedalia that are easy to ride to from the trail with this in mind?
Thank you for any help!
Karl E Brand from Missouri City on 10/05/2018 06:24 AM
If you are eastbound into Sedalia, then there is no detour to concern you. The detour route is for those who travel eastbound from Sedalia. It is a non-issue; it is well marked, and traffic is light. We love staying at the Bothwell, and we ride the short distance to the square from the depot on 5th Street. Traffic is very light, but when traveling on public roadways, I always use a very visible headlamp and tail lamp.
Cover - Bridges/Caves
- + Hi! I am a local photographer and have 3 family and two engagement sessions I have planned to be taken by the Katy Trail between St. Charles and Weldon Springs this Saturday/Sunday. But it looks lik...
Discussion started 10/04/2018 08:13 PM by Emily Kappesser - 0 repliesEmily Kappesser from St. Louis on 10/04/2018 08:13 PM
Hi! I am a local photographer and have 3 family and two engagement sessions I have planned to be taken by the Katy Trail between St. Charles and Weldon Springs this Saturday/Sunday. But it looks like it may rain all weekend. Do you know of any beautiful covered natural or man-made (bridges preferably) close to the area as a backup plan? Fall family portraits - ideally my families would love some of the change of color in their photos. I would love to hear any suggestions you may have in case it rains. Thank you so much!
Website is back
- + I apologize to anyone who was trying to reach BikeKatyTrail.com between last night and this morning. I had to switch to a new web server on very short notice, which took a while to get set up and sta...
Discussion started 10/03/2018 09:11 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 3 replies (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 10/03/2018 05:07 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 10/03/2018 09:11 AM
I apologize to anyone who was trying to reach BikeKatyTrail.com between last night and this morning.
I had to switch to a new web server on very short notice, which took a while to get set up and stabilized.
It's all pretty much back to normal now, although you may see an occasional missing image. If you subscribe to the Forum Alert emails, it may take a day or two for those emails to get back up and running (but the forum itself is working fine).
If you come across anything else that's not working right, please feel free to drop me a note at contact @ bikekatytrail.com
Again, sorry for the inconvenience, thanks for your patience, and happy trails.
Anonymous on 10/03/2018 11:14 AM
Fantastic! I thought we'd been hit with a virus!
Thank you Ray. This website is a very valuable tool. I don't know how many people I've referred this site too over the years. I've wished many times as we prepare for a trip that our destination had such a site to refer to.
For all that you've done, and all that you do for the biking community....Thank You!
Sarah Eber from Hartsburg on 10/03/2018 11:37 AM
Thanks Ray! You are awesome!
Jerry Whittle from BELLEVILLE on 10/03/2018 05:07 PM
I was a little worried last night. Thanks for keeping this great resource up and running.
Sedalia to Clinton and back
- + My husband and I have been riding the trail from Sedalia back to St Louis for the last 10 years. We only have two days this year and I thought riding from Sedalia to Clinton and back would be nice si...
Discussion started 09/25/2018 10:14 AM by Kaka Caliente - 6 replies (last reply by Jody at 10/03/2018 04:42 PM)Kaka Caliente from Bloomington, IN on 09/25/2018 10:14 AM
My husband and I have been riding the trail from Sedalia back to St Louis for the last 10 years. We only have two days this year and I thought riding from Sedalia to Clinton and back would be nice since we've never biked that direction. Is it a worthy ride? Or do we just choose a favorite section East of Sedalia and ride that? (I love riding along the river).
We don't need a marching band to greet us in Clinton, but I do prefer forested areas to farmland which is how things start in Sedalia.
Thanks for your help!
Allen from Shawnee on 09/25/2018 11:54 AM
I know I will probably get flamed for this but here goes anyway. Having ridden the whole trail many times this is my least favorite part of the trail. There is quit a bit of open area on this section, Windsor is a nice stop but not much else that interests me on this section. When I have limited time I usually look east of Booneville.
Have a nice trip,
Allen
Anonymous on 09/25/2018 01:47 PM
I have not ridden that portion of the trail and have no plans to. I have ridden the rest of the trail numerous times.
If you want to say that you've ridden it, by all mean ride it.
Having driven that area and knowing there is little there other than farmland, there is no draw in that for me. I can see farmland around home everyday. I cannot see massive bluffs along the river. As always, I opt for Sedalia east.
PTM from St. Louis on 09/25/2018 02:29 PM
I would agree with the others.
If you need to "check the box", do it that stretch and log it in the history books.
If you desire a more enjoyable stretch, keep huffing and puffing up the hill Sedalia to Booneville (or do our favorite stretch and head just east of Rocheport to Easley).
Clinton - Sedalia is pretty open and flat and not very interesting.
Don't shoot me either, I am a BIG fan of the KT but if you have limited time, i would not spend it on that stretch. Be safe.
Kaka Caliente from Bloomington,IN on 09/25/2018 07:36 PM
Hi Allen, Anonymous and PTM!
Thanks for your advice. I had a feeling that was the case but needed confirmation. We'll drive to Jeff City, hop on the train and go to Sedalia then pedal back to Jeff City. I'll get to revisit some of my most favorite places on the trail.
Happy Trails,
Tyler
Hank on 09/29/2018 07:41 PM
I agree the Clinton to Sedalia section is not as scenic as other sections, but I also find it quite pleasant and enjoyable. It has a different (some may say less desirable) character than the rest of the trail, but I find it quite nice in its own right. Windsor is a great town in the middle of it.
Having said this I do agree that Amtrak to Sedalia and then ride back to Jeff City cannot be beat.
Jody from Columba on 10/03/2018 04:42 PM
There is always the Rock Island Trail that hooks up in Windsor. You could ride to Windsor and then do a portion of the Rock Island.
Hiking entire trail
- + I plan on hiking the entire trail this winter. Looking at camping options there is no way to cover the distance between each campground/campsites. What are my options besides motels. Also will most th...
Discussion started 09/30/2018 01:17 PM by Garrett B - 2 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 10/01/2018 08:22 AM)Garrett B from Springfield on 09/30/2018 01:17 PM
I plan on hiking the entire trail this winter. Looking at camping options there is no way to cover the distance between each campground/campsites. What are my options besides motels. Also will most things on trail be closed in winter month?
Anonymous on 09/30/2018 06:21 PM
Bed and Breakfast are options if you don't like motels.
The trailhead restrooms close November 1. There may be other limitations with small town businesses. It's probably best to call ahead to see what is open for sure.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 10/01/2018 08:22 AM
Happy to help around Windsor and surrounding area by shuttling, as I have for others. Some have used Windsor as a base and then hiked sections. Camping at both beautiful Farrington Park and now Katy-Rock Junction which also has sleeping cabins. Give a shout for ideas if you'd like 660-351-0905. Enjoy your hike!
Bike Stop Cafe shuttle
- + Jodi shuttled us from St. Charles to Clinton. Nice van, bikes inside. Very prompt for pick up, and 3.5 hours to destination.
Discussion started 10/01/2018 06:34 AM by AEL - 0 repliesAEL from Upstate NY on 10/01/2018 06:34 AM
Jodi shuttled us from St. Charles to Clinton. Nice van, bikes inside. Very prompt for pick up, and 3.5 hours to destination.
Victorie’s Place Jefferson City
- + Victoria was great. Picked us up at trailhead in her Prius due to high heat. Customized breakfast, provided laundry facilities. The Riverside suite room was great an has a nice view.
Discussion started 10/01/2018 06:31 AM by AEL - 0 repliesAEL from Upstate NY on 10/01/2018 06:31 AM
Victoria was great. Picked us up at trailhead in her Prius due to high heat. Customized breakfast, provided laundry facilities. The Riverside suite room was great an has a nice view.
Doll House
- + Great B&B cookies and lots of treats, best breakfast on trail. Also will customize time and menu items. Ken and Melissa really do it right.
Discussion started 10/01/2018 06:27 AM by AEL - 0 repliesAEL from Upstate NY on 10/01/2018 06:27 AM
Great B&B cookies and lots of treats, best breakfast on trail. Also will customize time and menu items. Ken and Melissa really do it right.
Country Inn & Suites
- + Great place to base your Katy Trail ride from. Very accommodating and biker friendly.
Discussion started 10/01/2018 06:23 AM by AEL - 0 repliesAEL from Upstate NY on 10/01/2018 06:23 AM
Great place to base your Katy Trail ride from. Very accommodating and biker friendly.
share-a-ride.aspx
- + We are looking to share a shuttle ride from St Charles to Clinton on the 14th or 15th of October.
Discussion started 07/18/2018 07:51 AM by JJA - 2 replies (last reply by Justin Mullins at 09/30/2018 06:25 PM)JJA from Iowa on 07/18/2018 07:51 AM
We are looking to share a shuttle ride from St Charles to Clinton on the 14th or 15th of October.
Todd White on 08/09/2018 09:20 AM
Todd here from KATY Bike Rental & Shuttle... I just posted 2 options for you... a 1pm shuttle to Clinton on 10/14 and a 7:30am shuttle on 10/15 to Clinton. Cost is $80per person. Call me at 314 578-7300 to get on the calendar. PS... I am working on a second departure or 10/15 that hasn't been locked down yet so more dates & times coming soon.
Justin Mullins from Atlanta, GA on 09/30/2018 06:25 PM
We're planning on heading towards Clinton on the 14th. Me and my wife are down to share a shuttle.
- + Myself and 5 friends are cycling the Katy both ways in early October.How are the current trail conditions? Good I hope!Ken
Discussion started 09/23/2018 09:27 AM by Ken P. - 5 replies (last reply by Ken P. at 09/30/2018 01:29 PM)Ken P. from Winnipeg MB Canada on 09/23/2018 09:27 AM
Myself and 5 friends are cycling the Katy both ways in early October.
How are the current trail conditions? Good I hope!
Ken
Doug from Bluffton on 09/23/2018 12:55 PM
Way better than good! It was fantastic out there today. Hopefully you will be getting fall color when you get here.
PTM from St. Louis on 09/24/2018 01:05 PM
Biked Sedalia to STL 09/21-23/18 and trail conditions were perfect. Nice packed aisles to ride on.
Corky on 09/26/2018 07:56 AM
The trail is always in great shape. Even after a rain in a short period of time the trail adsorbs the moisture. Will be soft to ride but still good shape. A heads-up, Starting Monday Oct. 8th the BigBAM on the KATY will start in Clinton and run thru Friday and end in Saint Charles. Here's the link: https://www.bikekaty.com/
Safe travels
Anonymous on 09/27/2018 06:46 AM
That's funny.
The trail is always in great shape.
Except for when its in good shape, a short period of time after a rain.
Right after a rain, it's probably in not so good shape.
No worries though. The trail is always in great shape.
Ken P. from Winnipeg MB Canada on 09/30/2018 01:29 PM
Thanks all for your comments.
Hope to maybe see some of you on the trail.
6 Canucks, 2 on Bike Fridays, one pulling a Bob trailer!
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Lost! White shoe
- + Hello! I lost a white shoe in between Windsor and New Franklin. The brand of the shoe is feiyue. If found please call me 206-(seven)69-7772
Discussion started 09/29/2018 10:26 AM by Sean Williams - 2 replies (last reply by Sean Williams at 09/30/2018 06:11 AM)Sean Williams from Seattle on 09/29/2018 10:26 AM
Hello! I lost a white shoe in between Windsor and New Franklin. The brand of the shoe is feiyue. If found please call me 206-(seven)69-7772
Anonymous on 09/29/2018 05:29 PM
Probably more cost effective to buy a new pair than to ship one to Seattle.
Sean Williams from Seattle on 09/30/2018 06:11 AM
Just to clarify, Seattle is my hometown, I’m biking across the country. Currently on the Katy going east
- + In only have 2 days to ride, what part of the trail would you advise?
Discussion started 09/27/2018 08:23 PM by john fischer - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/28/2018 06:58 AM)john fischer from antioch on 09/27/2018 08:23 PM
In only have 2 days to ride, what part of the trail would you advise?
Anonymous on 09/28/2018 06:58 AM
Two day out and back? In IMO, North Jefferson to Boonville and back. Otherwise North Jefferson to Sedalia.
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Victoria's Place in Jefferson City
- + Great place to stay and VERY easy to get to from the bridge. Victoria is a great host who provides a great breakfast to start the day. Paddy Malone's Irish pub is a short walk. Beautiful mansion wi...
Discussion started 09/27/2018 06:45 PM by Bob Melton - 0 repliesBob Melton from Oklahoma City on 09/27/2018 06:45 PM
Great place to stay and VERY easy to get to from the bridge. Victoria is a great host who provides a great breakfast to start the day. Paddy Malone's Irish pub is a short walk. Beautiful mansion with great views of the Missouri River and the Capitol.
Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport
- + Visited the Meriwether Cafe for dinner and breakfast during our overnight at Rochport. Breakfast was especially good with locally sourced ingredients. This is a popular place for local cyclists on a...
Discussion started 09/27/2018 06:32 PM by Bob Melton - 0 repliesBob Melton from Oklahoma City on 09/27/2018 06:32 PM
Visited the Meriwether Cafe for dinner and breakfast during our overnight at Rochport. Breakfast was especially good with locally sourced ingredients. This is a popular place for local cyclists on a Saturday morning. Great patio space right on the trail.
Doll House B&B in Rhineland
- + Stayed at the Doll House in late September. Great hosts with a great home offering great rooms. Bring a book and set aside time to relax on the patio.
Discussion started 09/27/2018 06:21 PM by Bob Melton - 0 repliesBob Melton from Oklahoma City on 09/27/2018 06:21 PM
Stayed at the Doll House in late September. Great hosts with a great home offering great rooms. Bring a book and set aside time to relax on the patio.
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
- + A great stop for lunch on a Sunday (not much else is open within 20 miles). My wife ordered the fish sandwich, I had the hamburger, and we shared a generous portion of tater tots. There was but a si...
Discussion started 09/27/2018 05:49 PM by Bob Melton - 0 repliesBob Melton from Oklahoma City on 09/27/2018 05:49 PM
A great stop for lunch on a Sunday (not much else is open within 20 miles). My wife ordered the fish sandwich, I had the hamburger, and we shared a generous portion of tater tots. There was but a single employee behind the bar to take orders and cook, but she managed all of it in good fashion even as 15 cyclists and a number of locals came in during the hour we were there. Yes, there was a bit of smoke, but the place is worth it. A good place to visit.
Steamboat Junction Campground in Bluffton
- + Do they allow campfires?
Discussion started 09/25/2018 01:51 PM - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/25/2018 05:47 PM)Anonymous on 09/25/2018 01:51 PM
Do they allow campfires?
Anonymous on 09/25/2018 05:47 PM
Yes
Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest in Rocheport
- + Stayed in the Katy View room. The house is right next to the trail. Kitchen was great to have available. We bought food at a grocery store in the morning, so we appreciate having a place to cook. ...
Discussion started 09/25/2018 05:27 PM by JoAnn - 0 repliesJoAnn from Oregon on 09/25/2018 05:27 PM
Stayed in the Katy View room. The house is right next to the trail. Kitchen was great to have available. We bought food at a grocery store in the morning, so we appreciate having a place to cook. Since we eat a whole plant based diet most of the provisions were not useful to us, but we enjoyed the fruit. Highly recommend!
katy-trail-map.aspx
- + Has anyone ever tried transport with Uber along the trail? How is that excess working?Thanks
Discussion started 09/24/2018 02:40 PM by Heike - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/24/2018 05:22 PM)Heike from Cleveland,OH on 09/24/2018 02:40 PM
Has anyone ever tried transport with Uber along the trail? How is that excess working?
Thanks
Anonymous on 09/24/2018 05:22 PM
Is there an excess of Uber drivers along the trail? I hadn’t heard.