Katy Trail Forum

I'm trying to plan a 6 day ride with stays in B & B's or hotels near the trail. I'm having a hard time figuring out the Jefferson City stop. Is the city easy to bike in? I prefer no street riding. Every place near there is booked for the dates in September but a couple of hotels.Help!

Jeff City is considered a hilly city. MY limited exposure there is that it is not much of a joy to ride within the city limits. Lot of controlled intersections and vehicle traffic. Once out on the trail, it's very different, obviously.

We've stayed at the Capitol Plaza hotel several times. It's any easy ride from the trail and is bike friendly.

Like Bill said, Jeff City can be hilly and/or busy if you venture very far into it.

However, you will not experience much of this if you stay within a few blocks of the river. The Jeff City webpage at https://bikekatytrail.com/jefferson-city.aspx lists a few B&Bs and hotels that are all easy to reach.

Getting to Jeff City, from the N. Jefferson trailhead, is not hard. You'll ride maybe a mile and a half to the river, then up a series of ramps to get to the bridge level. Riding across the bridge, you're rewarded with great views of the river and the capitol building. The bike portion of the bridge is totally safe and separated from car traffic.

I've found the streets between the bridge and the state capitol to be very easy to navigate and usually really quiet. Most of the buildings around there are state agencies, so the traffic only picks up when state workers are heading into the office or leaving for the day.

Jefferson City is like any other small town, traffic? sure morning, noon, late afternoon work traffic. Use google maps set to bicycle to get directions on how to use the bike/pedestrian bridge over the Missouri and to get around in Jeff. Google maps has an advantage over Apple Maps in that it shows more restaurants,hotels and B&Bs there are many once you cross the river. Just avoid the main highways and Missouri Blvd which are high traffic areas. Google maps will show you how to get to get where you want to go on side streets. Hills? Of course, the secret is to ride east/west directions as much as you can to avoid the up and down hill rides. You will see the exceptions to this general rule.

I’ll just add to Rays post, Google maps set on bicycle mode is a great tool to use to get around in Jefferson City and find hotels, restaurants, and B&Bs.

Prison Brews is a kinda cool place to dine. Craft beers. Great burgers/fries. Ice cream? Central Dairy, of course. But only get one scoop. They are HUGE!

http://katytrailcottage.com/ ... Katy Trail Cottage is about as close as you can get. From there you can walk or bike on sidewalks for a few blocks to restaurants. If you are willing to ride a few blocks then Central Dairy Ice Cream is well worth the adventure.

I really appreciate all the responses. Google maps set on bicycle is a so helpful getting around - new places especially. I went ahead and booked at the Capitol Plaza, Katy Cottage was booked. Thanks for explaining the city and how to navigate it.
Looking forward to our September ride. I may post again. You guys are the best!

All the above comments give excellent advice. And you chose well to go with the Capital Plaza, wonderful hotel, you will be able to get there without much stress. I lived in Jefferson City and know what's what there. Biking over the Missouri River on the safe bike/pedestrian section of the bridge is a wonderful experience, especially seeing the capitol building from that vantage point.

Once you check into the hotel, consider taking a Lift or Uber to the Central Eastside (corner of Ash and High St): O'Donoghues Steaks and Seafood, Prison Brews, The Mission (a cool bar with live local music, open mike night every Wednesday) and JQ's on High.

You might consider adding a day to your trip to spend in Jefferson City so that you can tour the Capitol building, enjoy their lovely downtown and everyone's favorite, ice cream at Central Dairy. If you can fit it in somehow, add a tour of the Missouri State Prison (MSP), Missouri's historic prison site, opened before the Alamo (I'm not kidding, book a tour and you'll hear all about it!).

I forgot to mention that back in the day (2017 and before) when I lived in Jefferson City, they used to joke about the "traffic jams" in the city core: 7:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm when state employees started and ended their work days. So avoid biking during those times and you'll be fine. But like someone else mentioned, stay off Missouri Blvd, stick to getting from the trail to the Capital Plaza and then back to the trail. You can bike to the places I mentioned above (Prison Brews, etc.) but if it were me I'd just Uber to avoid the hills, or biking back to the hotel after enjoying the night life.

If you want a great treat to eat, right across from the Capital is Arris' Pizza. Best pizza and Greek food around. Every time I go back to MO I eat there and get a few pizzas for the road. When riding the Katy I stop in Jeff City and take the loop to Columbia and go to Arris' 1020 Green Meadows in Columbia.

Just had to say the comments about this place are spot on. We were biking to trail as a family and decided to spend 2 nights in Boonville for some rest. This place was amazing. My wife was taking pictures of stuff she wanted to see at our house! We loved the bike repair tools in the garage. My son spent about 2 hours tuning his bike up.

Question about a possible park or point of interest between Rhineland and maybe Jeff City? Last year while riding along this section I vaguely remember some kind of park that you could reach by riding up a steep hill which was along the trail on the north side or you could take a side trail of some sort. At the time I was too tired to investigate. I'll be riding this section again in September so want to put it on my to-do list to check out. Sorry, not a lot of information to go on but if anybody might know where I am talking about, please let me know. Thanks

Maybe you mean between Jefferson City and Rocheport? There is eagles bluff west of Hartsburg which is a steep hike up to an overlook of the wet lands and the MKT trail near McBaine that takes you into Columbia MO.

I can’t think of anything like what you described between Rhineland and Jefferson City.

Maybe Klondike Park?

I thought about Klondike Park but that was closer to Augusta, but yeah, let’s throw that in for possibilities.

Klondike is what I was thinking, also. It certainly fits the description. But it's 60 miles east of Rhineland. That's not even close.

There is a spur immediately east of the North Jefferson Trailhead that goes in the direction of Holts Summit and you may be able to get to the Cantebury Hill Winery. I just checked Google Maps and it's the John Sweet Spur Trail. But I'm not aware of it connecting to a park. It's right after you go under Hwy 54.

There's also the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows near Rhineland. I don't recall if it is easy to get to by bike. But in 2009 I biked the Katy Trail with my daughter and my husband was our support. At one point we loaded the bikes on the car and went to check out the shrine. It was very interesting. It's actually in Starkenburg. You would take the Katy Trail to hwy P before Rhineland and then take Hwy P to the Shrine. I don't know if it's easy to bike on Hwy P. I think there's actually a pilgramage maybe in the fall to the Shrine, and the people walk on the Katy Trail. I've seen that and it also was very interesting. No one in hairshirts, or beating themselves with chains, nothing like that. But a large group of religious people, some with children, walking a very long distance on the trail to the church. I think they camp along the way.

I hope you find what you're looking for.

I’m fairly certain you mean Eagle Bluffs Overlook Trail. It’s between Jeff City and Columbia, has a trail leading down to the Katy, and there’s a wood sign on the Katy side. If you search for this on google maps it will appear the conservation area is further north, but it does stretch to the Katy. Open the link and scroll through the pictures, the next to last picture shows the sign which might jar your memory. The Klondike park others mentioned is way outside your search area, but does fit part of your description. It would be worth going to. I regret missing it because pictures I later saw looked very nice….i think there are a few ways into that particular park….one steep, one not.

Might be the overlook at GrandBluffs Conservation Area at Bluffton.

While we are naming everything we can think of, I also thought of Le Bourgeois Winery, up a steep side trail near Rocheport.

As mentioned, Eagle Bluffs is pretty cool. A few miles east of McBaine. Park your bike at the bottom and walk up a bunch of steps to get to a boardwalk and a viewing platform with a nice view.

Ok Guys......Give me so props here! My suggestion is the only one that fits the OP's description! We can all name great places to stop all my the Katy! ??

From the Missouri Department of Conservation website:

"The Eagle Bluffs Overlook is closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions. The trail is open, but the boardwalk and overlook platform is closed.
Notice
The Missouri River parking lot on Eagle Bluffs will be closed for construction in that location. It will reopen when the construction is complete (expected in the fall of 2025)"

Can I park my vehicle overnight at Weldon Springs trailhead

From the website:

Extended Parking
If leaving a vehicle for an extended period of time at one of the trailheads or parking lots, contact the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402 and provide staff with the vehicle make, model and license plate number as well as contact information. Also include length of stay.

Personally, I would NOT leave the 'length of stay' on my vehicle. Why let people know how long the vehicle will be 'unattended'.

So they know how long they need to keep an eye on your car??

They are not asking you to leave the length of stay on your vehicle. They want you to provide to the person you contact.

Marna, about a month ago I was trying to get a good video of the bikes in your yard, and I veered off the trail and crashed! I waved at the house in case anyone was watching. :)

Thinking of riding the Katy for 60 miles/2 days in October. What is the most scenic section with decent accomodations?

Rocheport to Hermann pretty well cuts it.

Yup. Get on at Rocheport, and ride east as far as you like.

Sadly Mark Hooibrink, owner of the Claysville Store died in accident involving a farm implement. This a great loss to us all but especially his wife Laura and kids. This was a must visit place on the trail with an outstanding family operating it. Our prayers to the family.

I am thinking about riding the Katy Trail next year. I ride a Catrike Villager recumbent trike. I have the stock 20” wheels and tires on it. Will I be able to ride the trail with those tires?

Sure. See similar trikes all the time.

I have ridden the trail on my recumbent trike while pulling a one man camper..
I have 20" wheels on front
700c on back..
And my camper has 16" wheels..
If you want to watch a video go to
https://youtu.be/Cwgj-PeAG2k?si=M30DUFE8dyXk3Cl5

You have to clip and paste to google chrome and then it works...

https://youtu.be/Cwgj-PeAG2k?si=AtiH1hdPxMIOnpYA

Love this place, after a day of riding its paradise. Cabins are clean and cool. The showers are clean and refreshing. Charlie is a great guy to chat with.

A big “Thank you” Dan to you and Dawn for your kind words and being such good company on multiple visits! We are looking forward to your return soon!
Happy Trails!

Excellent place to stay when biking the Trail.

My daughter and I camped here on May 18th, on our eastbound ride, after a long day on the rock island trail. We stayed in our tents, but I'm sure the cabins are perfect.

Charlie and Stacey are excellent hosts and their place is fantastic - they have thought of everything you might need for a comfortable stay. The location is perfect.

Charlie took the time to answer all our questions and made us feel totally welcome. You can tell he really enjoys helping people have a great experience.

I would definitely book a stay here if you have the chance.

Thank you, Jeff, for the kind words! It was so cool to have you and Bella stay with us and see you two sharing the adventure of the Katy and Rock Island trails. Thanks for including Windsor and our camp in your ride. Happy Trails!

Schoolhouse B&B was just the ticket. Prose room was llsrge and had a built in spa, which was very nice post-ride in hot weather. The breakfast was well worth staying for( served at 9:00). Peaceful and easy to enjoy. Coffee is provided in the hall, games books movies etc are on demand. We did not use the TV. Comfortable temp even though I’m unsure we had access to thermostat. Would recommend this place!

My husband and I stayed to Joey's Birdhouse recently. It's literally right off the trail and about 2 - 2 1/2 miles from Herman. Joey was a great host and cooks a very yummy breakfast. Great place and we plan to come back on Katy Trail trips through McKittrick.

I am seeing more and more motorbikes on the Katy. This morning a Suron went by me doing 30mph. It's a motorcycle, no pedals.

A week ago, I saw someone on a powered tricycle pulling a big trailer with a oversized cooler on it. I hope it wasn't full of beer.

So called "E" bikes with throttles are really motorbikes and should be treated just like gasoline powered motorbikes. They will kill you just as dead.

I've travelled thousands of miles on the KATY and never encountered one. Where was it that you saw one?

Frontier Park in St Charles City

Oh, okay. Why am I not surprised. That stretch from the boat ramp at Olive Street all the way to just past The Family Arena, has to be the worst stretch in St. Charles county, if not the entire trail. I hope it's nice when the contractors are done with it. They still have a lot to do.

The bridge replacement west of Tebbetts is complete and the trail is open.

Great! And I bet it's really nice. DNR always does great work on the trail.