Katy Trail Forum

How safe is this trail for a single woman to ride alone? I am middle aged, not too young and I would plan on camping. Any info would be helpful. I would probably be doing this in October. Thank you.

The second full weekend in October is our Pumpkin Festival with 55,000 people milling around. Camping would be difficult unless you make arrangements with a local like myself. I believe Hermann also has an Octoberfest so bone up on the little towns. Let my wife and I know when you are coming thru.

Yes. it's safe. 64yrs. There are issues just like any where else: homeless, theft, etc. I used Airbnb, hotels, hostels best. Did not want to worry. cost vs peace of mind.
Just choose your camping spot wisely. campground vs isolated spot or choose an area with people and other women. Trust your gut. Same as you would traveling anywhere else. Met some ladies on the shuttle out and we loosely checked in each night to see that we were safe. Rode with a Garmin mini inreach just to be safe and in an emergency for the SOS button. You'll be fine. You have to have precautions anywhere you travel.

Hi all, looking to do a two day full KT/Rock Island trip. Conditioning will not be the problem, but curious where folks would suggest stopping? Wife will have car so debating having her grab me and staying in Columbia for the night in a hotel. Is that a decent halfway point? What are must stop POIs? Any experienced KT riders that have advice is always welcome. Doing trip in mid-Sept.

I’ve done it. If you make your overnight in Jefferson City you’ll only have a little over 100 miles to do the second day. Lots of lodging/dining options in JC too.

Hi.

My wife and I have made Columbia our base for KATY excursions. There's a spur from the KATY into town (8ish miles) at McBaine, MO. (Hindman Junction). We've stayed at VRBO cottage which is cyclist friendly--bike storage on the locked front porch and very close to Columbia's attractions. (Yöpollö's cottage)

Hope this helps.

We have heard that Katy, just west of Portland, was closed back in April for repair. Is that still the case?
If so, would you detour on MO 94 or take CR 468 & 469 to the north?
Appreciate thoughts.
John.

This map produced by the state parks shows areas of concern along the trail.

I don't *see* anything listed near Portland.

You might have to copy and paste this link:

https://mostateparks.com/page/84206/katy-trail-state-park-advisory-map

Thank you so much, Brad! Very helpful.

It was fine yesterday. It’s been rebuilt nicely with a metal fence on the bluff side where rocks had fallen and a reinforcement wall on the other. Rode from Hermann to Jeff City and it was all good with no detours.

Do not plan on coming through Marthasville on Wednesday, cuz he is closed that day. This is a must stop on the trail. Lunch, ice cream, drinks, ice cream for lunch, camping, showers, they have it all. Such a great little stop that everyone should plan on stopping by while on the trail.

You forgot to mention the highway that runs right by the place with trucks using their jake brakes as they come down the hill. Campground may be good, sleeping is challenging. Also, there are plenty of places in Marthasville to eat.

Great guys here! Had a flat and they rescued us!
Very nice people and reasonablely priced as well!

quiet little campsite just up the hill from the trailhead. Melody, the owner, was great with communication and getting us set up for the night.

Shower/bath house was quaint, but clean and 100% serviceable. Let the hot water run a bit before you turn on the cold water, but nice to have a shower while on the trail

Holhauzer's is a little bar 'n grill just up the hill from the sites, and filled all the needs of eats and drinks. They do still smoke in there, but it was just Ally the bartender, and she was not smoking while she made our food and served us.

Not a five star resort, but it was perfect for what we needed on this trip.

Directly off the trail. Clean shower house and bathroom. Very quiet and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Highly recommend. The brewery is directly across the trail, if that is your kinda thing, but check the times they are open. Not open on the Tuesday we stayed there.

We were disappointed that we never could spot the petroglyphs, even though we looked for quite awhile on our way to Rocheport from Huntsdale. We didn't get a chance to look them on our way back since we had to take refuge in the front of the cave from a terrible thunderstorm with hail and lightening! I realize you're not supposed to go in the cave, and hope the owner would forgive us under the circumstances.

We were disappointed that we never could spot the petroglyphs, even though we looked for quite awhile on our way to Rocheport from Huntsdale. We didn't get a chance to look them on our way back since we had to take refuge in the front of the cave from a terrible thunderstorm with hail and lightening! I realize you're not supposed to go in the cave, and hope the owner would forgive us under the circumstances.

As you stand across the trail from the Lewis and Clark Cave....the petroglyphs can be seen 40 to 50 feet above the cave and just to your left. There is a rock ledge just below them that birds often perch on.



View the photo in the about Huntsdale part of this website to get a good idea of what to look for.

As you stand across the trail from the Lewis and Clark Cave....the petroglyphs can be seen 40 to 50 feet above the cave and just to your left. There is a rock ledge just below them that birds often perch on.



View the photo in the about Huntsdale part of this website to get a good idea of what to look for.

The petroglyphs are very faint but are red...above the cave to the left!

The petroglyphs are very faint but are red...above the cave to the left!

The two remaining pictographs are fairly small. Look just above the rough-looking layers of rock. Also, just above these layers is a large hollow that is shaped like a miniature amphitheater or an upside down smile. Follow that curved ridge down to its left edge just above the rough rock layers.



Wish something could be done to preserve them better. But they're on private property.

The two remaining pictographs are fairly small. Look just above the rough-looking layers of rock. Also, just above these layers is a large hollow that is shaped like a miniature amphitheater or an upside down smile. Follow that curved ridge down to its left edge just above the rough rock layers.



Wish something could be done to preserve them better. But they're on private property.

On June 7th, 1804, the Lewis & Clarks Corp of Discovery traveling up the Missouri River noticed the "Curious Paintings" on a rock bluff along with the "red and green flint" reflection coming from there. There were several petroglyphs there then.

They landed there to check it out. They reported that the Indians had taken large amounts of flint from that spot. Also, they found a nest of rattle snakes from which they killed three big ones. Then, they left.

On June 7th, 1804, the Lewis & Clarks Corp of Discovery traveling up the Missouri River noticed the "Curious Paintings" on a rock bluff along with the "red and green flint" reflection coming from there. There were several petroglyphs there then.

They landed there to check it out. They reported that the Indians had taken large amounts of flint from that spot. Also, they found a nest of rattle snakes from which they killed three big ones. Then, they left.

Modern day petroglyphs is called graffiti

Modern day petroglyphs is called graffiti

Hi All, I ride with a mini pump, but how do other folks deal with keeping tires inflated to good psi each morning? Stop at bike shops along the way? do trailheads have bike air pumps? Thank you

IMO checking tire pressure daily let’s air out daily. You have to eventually replace that air. Tires can operate at a variety of pressures and be fine. Some people “obsess” about what the right number is for psi. I suggest checking it on day one prior to hitting the trail and then just feeling the tire in the morning…if it feels firm/similar to day one, you’re good. I don’t recall seeing tire pumps at the state park trailheads. Hopefully you’re familiar with on trail tire/flat repairs and you could consider getting a CO2 cartridge type inflator to save space if desired. Happy trails!

What size tires? Something like 700x32s probably can go two or three days between inflation checks. Something thin like 700x23s aren't ideal for the Katy. If riding on them, I would get a larger pump like a Topeak Mountain Morph pump. A few of the trailheads have pumps.

Riding on 38’s. Went tubeless with plugs since Im getting older and the heavier tires getting harder to change. Thanks!

Last summer the trail had pumps spaced out along the length at random intervals. Some of the pumps were not working and when I needed one it was not there. I ended up going with co2 and new tubes after failed attempts to patch the flat failed. Some pretty remote areas that you don’t want to have a flat without a reliable way to fix it. I had a small sharp object in my tire tread that was causing flats when the tire was inflated that was difficult to find.

My son rode with me on the GAP/C&O and used a hand pump. His pump had survived Atlanta to Seattle the previous summer and died on the C&O ride.

There aren't really bike shops along the way. Take your own pump. I have some kind of Crank Brothers one that can handle road or mtb tires, and it wasn't too expensive. Learn to use it before you get a flat in the rain...

Good info to have Bill.....didn't know all the bike shops on the Katy had closed.

When did that happen?

If you know of locations, please share, and help out the OP.

Have a look at the Towns & Services between Machens and Clinton for the bike shop symbol if you're curious. I don't need to copy and paste here when there is a list on this site.

There have been bike shops dotted along the Katy for years and years. I'd be very surprised to know for a fact today there are none.

You can find some bike shops on or near the Katy Trail. Here's a list of bike shops and bike rentals, from the Trip Planner:

https://bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx?scid=59&ecid=11&rt=0&rtid=1&svcs=|6|5|

If you are looking at the Towns & Services page, or the pages for specific towns, look for the little circle icon with a bike, to indicate bike shops. The icon with a bike and dollar sign indicates bike rental.

If you find that any of these shops are out of business, or if there are any new ones not listed, please let me know.

Happy trails!

Also, make sure you take a presta adapter. Then you could just air up at a gas station.

I just did a Clinton-St. Charles ride just before Memorial Day, avoid the PedJammers, and didn't hit my tires at all for air. 700x38 with liners. If you are inflating everyday, there are valve or leaking or sealing problems unless you go from real hot to cool quite often.

Did anyone notice that our beloved Mo Farm Bureau got the $70 million dollars pulled for development of this trail?

As Paul Harvey would have said, "Now for the rest of the story."

From MO Bike Fed article May 27, 2023:

AND WHAT WENT WRONG
The short and simple answer is: Senate Appropriations Chair Lincoln Hough of Springfield.

Both in 2022 and 2023, Senator Lincoln Hough of Springfield has been the key opponent of Rock Island Trail funding. In 2022, Hough was vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee and had the ear of the committee chair. In 2023, Hough was named chair of the committee, where is voice is even stronger.

Hough is personal friends with members of the key family who opposes development of Rock Island Trail State Park, and members of the family have made campaign contributions to Hough's campaign committee. If you search the July 15, 2022 "Friends Of Lincoln Hough campaign committee contributions report (local copy), it is pretty clear exactly who the family is.

THE GOOD NEWS: OPPOSITION FROM A FEW WEALTHY, POWERFUL INDIVIDUALS IS UNFORTUNATE, BUT HAVING LITTLE LONG-TERM AFFECT ON ROCK ISLAND TRAIL PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT

The good news is, the Rock Island Trail corridor is still owned by State Parks and that will not be changing any time soon.
The dynamic that is going on right now is that a few very wealthy and influential property owners along the corridor are throwing their weight around by giving significant contributions to key budget leaders and hiring lobbyists to throw a monkey wrench into progress for the trail whenever they can.

And the Missouri Farm Bureau - which earlier on opposed the trail but was keeping a low profile about it - has gained new leadership that has recently become far more active in their opposition to the trail.

Hello,

I tried to google to find this story and nothing was found and nothing on the Missouri Farm Bureau site.

Thanks!

The article is on the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation website.

mobikefed.org

In the news...

27 May 2023: Rock Island Trail: What happened in Jefferson City this legislative session - What was lost, what was gained, what's next?

Unfortunately big money $$$$$$$$$$$$$ now controls everything in Missouri.
The poor and politicals out of office have no say, or chance of ever being heard.

Yep....look at the money Ted Jones invested in the Katy Trail!

Does anyone know the politics of the Hoffmans from Augusta? They bought the two bike stores and now are Kickstands. I would think pro-Rock Island trail politicians would be a good source for soliciting campaign donations from them since their businesses are benefitting somewhat from the KT now.

Just wanting to confirm if anyone has been through Medford and that the water fountain is working ? Coming through and planning to refill there before camping in Chilhowee and just wanting to double-check water is available. Thank you

I sometimes park at the Woodson trailhead and walk the Rock Island trail from Woodson to E. 63rd street and return. I am aware of the distance markers, but some are missing. I can't locate the "7" mile marker or the "6" mile marker.

I sometimes walk from my home, down Irwin to the trail and walk toward 350 highway and notice the difference in trail toppings which range from unimproved to concrete and wondered why the difference.

This is a good trailhead. Almost exactly 4 miles north to the entrance to the Jackson County Sports complex, and almost exactly 4 miles south to the 98th Street trailhead. Be careful crossing Woodson just south of the parking lot; sight lines on Woodson Road for cars are limited and there is no stop/yield sign for the road.

Is it recommended that a tent site is booked for the month of October?

You need to contact Beyond the Trail directly.

This is a forum for people who use the trail. Businesses may not see your request.

Phone # and website:

2880 S Missouri 94
636-484-0059
https://beyondthetrailrvpark.com/

Found a gem of a place to stay in New Franklin right off the trail. This Website shows a Booneville address, but when you click the link it show the correct address in New Franklin. Just blocks from the trailhead. Super cute home with lots of space. It is 3 miles outside of Booneville. I recommend eating in Booneville and then riding on. It takes 3 miles off your ride the next day! Very affordable and SUPER kind host. No wifi—but it was great to unwind and unplug… cut 3 miles off our long day to Jefferson City AND be so close to the trail!

the Lindenhoff is a great stay and a wonderful B&B. Kathy welcomed us with a smile and an offer to use the hose to clean our bikes (dusty and dirty from the days trail dust and rain). She took time to show us items about the room and the B&B, including a wonderful hot tub--which we really enjoyed. The "extras" like patio eating/visiting area, shed for bike safe-keeping, mints in the room, robes for lounging, and wonderful breakfast, etc. made this B&B a great place to re-charge after riding on the trail. I highly recommend this B&B.--Doug

Any good updates on the Rock Island Trail? Seems kind of quiet.

kctv 5 had a news story of a confermed trail cam footage of a black bear near pleasant hill mo they showed the rock island trail.

I would hope that all bike riders would bouycott anything from farm bureau.

The good news about the Rock Island Trail is mostly around Kansas City: funds have been approved reduce the 8 mile "Greenwood Gap" to about a 4 mile gap. Jackson County is trying to buy right of way at the north end of the gap and that should fill in about 3 miles to near 150 Hwy. in Greenwood and Pleasant Hill will be extending their MoPAC trail section about 1 mile north to Pleasant Hill Lake. I would expect another 2 1/2 years for those new trail sections to be open for riders.

Another recent announcement involves a new bike/ped bridge in Pleasant Hill that will allow riders to go over the other active railroad tracks in town instead of having to ride the 1/2 mile on the highway shoulder in town. That will be a significant bridge to design and build, and that project is funded by the Ted and Pat Jones Foundation (the same family that funded the development of the Katy Trail many decades ago).

The bad news about the cross-state section of the Rock Island Trail involves members of the Missouri Senate not wanting to spend any state funds on new state park infrastructure while existing state parks are under-funded and need significant maintenance already. There are significant politics involved, but the disagreements are complicated enough that Missouri actually rejected and gave back $2.7 million in federal funds that could only be used for the Rock Island Trail.

Check out this link if you want to learn more about the politics behind the cross-state section of the Rock Island Trail: https://mobikefed.org/2023/05/rock-island-trail-what-happened-jefferson-city-legislative-session

Currently it looks like only short segments of the Rock Island Trail inside rural town city limits will be allowed to be developed as a trail over the next couple of years (Owensville, Belle, Eldon, and Versailles have funding for these short in town segments).

The politics are bad enough right now, that this restrictive statement was actually written into the state budget this year: "No funds shall be used for the maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration, and repair of the Missouri Rock Island Trail Corridor that runs from Windsor to Beaufort, Missouri on private land in which the trail runs through or outside of any city, town, or village limits".