Katy Trail Forum

We are hoping to ride Katy the 2nd week of October with another couple. Is that getting too late into fall? What about accommodations? Do we need to reserve in advance or is it ok to show up - especially in October?

October can be a great time to ride the Katy, but at the same time it could turn wet and chilly. If you know your timeline it would be best to make reservations, especially on weekends, some of the towns have limited accommodations available.

2nd week of October can be one of the best times, especially during the week. It's generally a drier month and the air is crisp.

The mornings can be quite chilly, so bring a light windbreaker and gloves. Those will not be needed after you warm up (10 miles or so). You may or may not see the fall colors at that time, since that changes from year-to-year. There will be leaves on the trail nonetheless, so beware of hidden walnuts and pecans.

Always make reservations because it is the courteous thing to do! The B&B owners are flexible if your plans change, but they are trying to run a buisness, and unannounced guests force them to scramble to put out fresh food. We had our plans shift by a day, and all 4 B&B's were happy to adjust their schedules.

Finally, take your time and take lots of pictures. You're from Colorado Springs, but the Katy and the Missouri River basin is an entirely different kind of beauty.

MU football can cause towns several miles away to fill available rooms quickly. Octoberfest in Hermann is every weekend of the month and books early. It could be getting difficult to find a room there now.

I would agree with the advise given above. It is consistent with my experience. I have ridden "end-to-end" a couple times during October and love it but weekends in October can be really busy. I would not take off on the trip without reservations.

I believe the Hartsburg's Pumkin Festival is October 12th and 13th. You can expect a huge crowd in that town that weekend.

We've ridden several times in mid to late October, trying to catch Fall color. Most of the time it is in its prime around the third week or so and usually during the week and not on a weekend when we can go. Halloween has been a good time to ride with most of the trail to yourself amongst the fallen leaves and bare trees with spider webs galore. It can be cool at the end of October, but it's still fun to ride then.

Our weather here has been pretty crazy this year. We rode in Minnesota over the 4th of July to escape the heat and it was actually cooler here than it was up north. August so far has been pretty much like Fall. Cool enough at night to keep the blooms from setting on the tomato plants and to make you think a jacket would feel good on some mornings heading to work. Not a typical August.

We had snow the first of May, and the way this month has been we could have snow by the middle of October. So, is the 2nd week of October getting too late into fall? No, probably not for Fall color. Will it be on the cool side? Maybe. It's about as unpredictable as the recent flooding near Manitou/Colorado Springs.

Weekends in October are VERY busy in Hermann (Oktoberfest). In fact, all of the winery towns (Augusta, Rocheport, etc.) are busy those weekends. But if you ride the Katy Mon-Thu, or even on Friday, you should not have a problem with lodging.

We stayed in the boxcar at the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest in Rocheport on August 16 2013. It was delightful! Our two 12 year old kids loved it, and it was very quiet and comfortable--an excellent stop after a long day's ride. Breakfast materials were plentiful and good (you have to assemble them yourself). We would readily recommend this stop to families with kids and would stay there again ourselves.

I, my wife and our two 12 year olds biked a section of the Katy August 15-17 2013. One of our stops was at Aunt Jody's Farmhouse in Prairie Lick. All four of us stayed in one room (one double plus a set of bunk beds, which the kids loved). I can't say enough positive things about Aunt Jody's. The setting was peaceful, the lodgings were beautiful, comfortable, quiet and clean, our kids really enjoyed it, our host Karla was informative and helpful (including transportation to and from the trail access point), and breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed it enough to plan future Katy Trail trips around a stop at Aunt Jody's.

I'm planning an end-to-end trip starting in Machens. But it looks like there's no easy (or legal) access to the Machens trailhead from the road. Does anyone know how the Machens trailhead is usually accessed? Do cyclists usually skip this section of the trail? If so, is starting in St. Charles a "legit" complete Katy Trail ride?

Maybe Machens trailhead is accessed by bike.

The Machens trailhead is best accessed by someone dropping you off. There is no parking at the trailhead or in Machens. To get to the trailhead, drive south on Machens Road out of Machens. Cross the railroad tracks and immediately turn left (do not continue straight, as the road becomes dirt/mud and it is difficult to turn around). Take the road on the left about 200 feet and the trailhead will be on your right, partially hidden by trees.

I do suggest that you do the St. Charles - Machens ride, because why go 200+ miles and not be able to say you did the WHOLE trail?

The only thing I would add is that Machens Road is very easy to miss. Heading north/east on 94, you'll pass miles and miles of corn and soybean fields, and then Machens Rd is a tiny little road with a few houses on it. These two or three houses apparently are the town of Machens. There is a road sign, but again it's easy to miss.

I'd search for Machens MO on Google maps. Be aware of which streets lead to Portage des Sioux. Assuming you're headed north/east on 94, start looking for Machens Rd on the right just after the roads that lead to Portage des Sioux on the left.

Like Don said, you'll need to get dropped off there, since there is no parking. After you cross the railroad tracks, the lonely little gravel road heading to the left will take you right there.

A sign says "No Katy Trail Access" but I think they're just trying to prevent people from parking there. My wife dropped off my son and me there for our latest ride and it worked just fine.

I rode out there a couple weeks ago and there was a train parked on the tracks at Machens Road. So I don't think I'll have anyone drive back there for fear a train would come by, stop, and pin their car back there (I didn't see any alternate route out). I appreciate the notes and I'll try to start from Machens as planned. Thanks.

I need some input on a good place to stay in Jefferson City. It needs to be located a safe distance to the Katy Trail

The Capital Plaza and Cliff Manor B&B are a short ride from the southern end of the river bridge and are close to the Capital grounds, restaurants, ice cream, etc.

We stayed here last Sept. in our camper while biking on the trail and you can't beat the price. There was electric if you needed it, bathrooms/showers, and it was nice and quiet. We plan to visit again this Sept. and look forward to it.

We stayed here last Sept. in our camper while biking on the trail and you can't beat the price. There was electric if you needed it, bathrooms/showers, and it was nice and quiet. We plan to visit again this Sept. and look forward to it.

How big was your camper. Would a 30' travel trailer be out of the question?

How big was your camper. Would a 30' travel trailer be out of the question?

We rode the Katy trail today from Augusta to Marthasville and back. We ate at Philly's Pizza before starting the return trip. The hubs had an Italian Sub and I had the Chicken Club. Both were FANTASTIC and a good bargain too. The pizzas they were delivering to nearby tables looked DELISH! We might have to try one of those the next time we're there. Highly recommend this restaurant!

Would like to ride our bikes from St. Charles to Webster Groves MO. after a few days on the Katy Trail to nephews house, he does not have a pickup to haul our tandems. Best route avoiding as much major traffic as possible.

Here's a web page with directions from the Kirkwood Amtrak to the Katy Trail in St Charles: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.aspx

Several options are offered; just reverse the directions to get from the trail to the Kirkwood train station.

Then from the Kirkwood station, head east on Essex (the street that the station is located on) for a block and a half to Taylor. Turn left (north) on Taylor, then two blocks to Adams. Turn right (east) on Adams. Proceed on Adams - it will become Lockwood Ave. After about a mile on Lockwood, you'll be in Webster Groves. Lockwood cuts over to the left a little bit at Sappington Road, at the far edge of the golf course - just take the quick left and right again around the churches.

That may all sound confusing, but it will make sense if you follow along on a map.

You might also want to go to maps.google.com, plug in Frontier Park in St Charles as your start, the Webster Groves address as destination, and click the little bike icon to get bike directions. I tried this and it looks like a reasonable route for cycling. A few busy streets but that's unavoidable.

Enjoy Webster Groves. It's a great area there's an excellent bike shop (Hub Bike Shop on Lockwood in downtown Webster) if you need anything for your tandem.

I ride in this area almost daily. I would not recommend riding up Marine from Creve Coeur Lake, big hill with no shoulder. I would also question riding on Fee Fee and Bennington roads, I live in this area and I don't ride on them.
The route I would choose would involve taking the Page Ave Bridge from the Katy Trail. Cross over the Missouri River and at the first fork in the trail stay left and go through the tunnel. Eventually you will come to a roundabout, continue straight through, do not turn left or right. You should be heading south past the Lake House and Mallard Lake. The bike path will come to an end at a side walk and some apartments. The road adjacent the this is Creve Coeur Mill Rd, head south on Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Turn left onto Old Farm Dr which turns into Bookbinder Dr, Turn right on Greenbough Dr, Turn left on Burlewood Dr, Turn right onto Amiot Dr, Turn right onto Marine Ave, turns into Westport Plaza Dr, turns into Craig Rd. Turn left onto Villa Dorado Dr. Turn right onto Schuetz Rd, turns into Baur Blvd. Turn right onto N Warson Rd until you get to Old Warson Rd. From hear you are pretty close, should be able to figure it out.

John, I was at CC Lake yesterday (via the Katy and Page Bridge) and gave some thought to running down to Chesterfield but didn't have a good route. Would you have a suggestion for getting to Chesterfield? I thought about 141 but after 30 some miles on the Katy the whir of traffic didn't appeal. I was a little unsure of Olive north of 40 also. The main goal is to find a route to 109-100 from CC Lake. Would Clayton Rd be good from 141 to 109? Thanks.
Ultimately I'd like to find a good loop route from Washington to CC Lake and back to Washington. I will not ride Highway T so my best idea at the moment is 100 west to Fox Creek Rd, then to Allenton - Pacific - Villa Ridge -Washington. I've ridden this route and it's pretty good. A few problem spots in Pacific but no big deal.

Just to clarify, my big loop idea: Once across the bridge at Washington, hit the Katy and take it to Page Bridge and CC Lake. Question is how to get back to Washington via roads from CC Lake.

Hank, sorry for the delay in response, have not looked back here in a few weeks.
I have ridden on the new 141, but it is not my choice road. 141 has a wide shoulder but as you get close to 40 it has a lot of traffic. The section that I rode was closer to Creve Coeur Lake and while I felt safe, I also felt out of place(as if I were riding along the interstate).
option 1
Olive is a good choice, it has a dedicated bike lane(narrow in a few places) and is posted with many share the road signs. I would take River Valley Drive off the connector between the page bridge and Creve Coeur Lake heading South. Coming from the bridge you will make a right at the first fork in the path just before the tunnel. When you get to the road make a right and you will be heading south on River Valley Dr. When you come to a 3 way stop, make a left which is still River valley Dr. If you go straight you will be on Hog Hollow which gets you to your destination faster, but one of those hills I will only ride down and not up (to many cars and no shoulder). River Valley will take you to Olive at which point you make a right. Take Olive to Chesterfield Parkway(right) to Wild Horse Creek (Right) to Ossenfort (Right).
option 2
Take River Valley Drive to (left) STL Waterworks to (Left) Olive to (Right) Fernveiw which turns into Bellerive Estates Dr. to (Left) Mason Manor to right on Mason Road. Mason zig zags a bit, after you cross 40 make a right on Mason Ridge and then a right on Clayton. Clayton can have a little bit of traffic, but it is marked for bikes.
Hope this helps,
John P

Missed a road on option 2, after STL Waterworks,right on Creve Coeur Mill then left on Olive.

Katy newbie, Want to go from Boonville to Columbia, is this run that bad for a newbie? I have been training. Should we be able to do this in 4 hours or so? Will be on a mountain bike

It is a great ride. Lots of newbies do it every year during the Pedalers' Jamboree. I would allow a little more time to stop now and then to take in the sites and maybe lunch in Rocheport.

I did this very ride this past Memorial Day weekend as part of Pedaler's Jamoboree. It's right at 30 miles and a great ride. It might take you more than 4 hours, but only because you will have stopped at a photo op or something fun.

I was treated like a member of the family! The only disappointment I had was that their B&B is not in town, but located about 2 miles outside of town. It's Dolores' and Virgil's private home. The Stenger's were more than gracious even asking if I wanted to share dinner with them. I parked my motorcycle in their shop and was shown to my room with a bathroom just across the hall. I was stopping in Pilot Grove for family research as my ancestors helped to establish it and farmed the area. Dolores not only told me the locations of the local cemetery's but drove me there. She also introduced me to the local funeral director who manages the sites. She had spoken to the PG Historical Society about my trip, but I was unable to fit in a visit. Virgil talked to me about farming and family and after a while, I'm sure our ancestors knew each other. All-in-all, the Stenger's were very gracious and accommodating, and my stay was comfortable. It was like visiting family.

Stayed with Delores and Virgil in mid June and had the same experience. Just like family. We will plan our next Katy trail ride with an overnight with the Stenger's. I would recommend folks not to shy away from the experience of staying with them at their farm.

For Jeff A in discovery Bay, CA.
Dear Jeff - Just curious - My family also is from Pilot Grove - WAY back. My family name is BABBITT and ECKERLE. Would you by chance be related to either of the families?

Hi JBrown. Nope. Neither Babbitt or Eckerle show up in the tree. My main family is Meredith, Kirkman, Shoemaker, and Woolledge on this side.

My friend and I got into deep conversation, biking along the trail, and before we knew it, we were caught in the dark! Eventually we passed by Mcittrick and saw people outside some store. We pulled off the ask about any nearby camping options. They let us camp on their property, gave us a full dinner (leftovers from a wedding earlier that day), and served us breakfast in the morning. Thanks so much for the amazing food, the hospitality, and the laughs (Joey might as well be a standup comic). We were amazingly lucky to chance upon this place

I 'am telling you, your not going to meet nicer folks than those along the trail. Sometimes one of us might be a little grumpy from getting up on the wrong side of bed, but we are simple people who will give you the shirts off our backs if your in need.

I lost my car keys on the Katy Trail today between Freidens Road and the little creek / bridge before you cross under highway 70. PLEASE if you have any info, email me... I had a moment on those keys... Thank you.

You had a moment on those keys....what does that mean!? Will that help someone recognize them as yours?

Moment = Memento, no doubt. Good luck, Caroline!

Fantastic place to stay! We used Rocheport as our base for two days on the KATY trail. Every single thing was thought of at the School House Dorm. Easy in and out, place for our bikes to be safely stored, very clean room and bathroom. Breakfast provided. Perfect.

Thank you for your feedback on our Dormitory House! We designed this property with cyclist needs in mind. Some people are confused by the name and think it is a 'hostel' or 'bunkhouse' where one is staying with strangers, but it is NOT. There are 2 PRIVATE guest rooms, each with PRIVATE bath. The rooms are set up with bunkbeds and a foldout bed so they can accommodate cyclist guests who want to save money by staying in the same room, but may not want to share a bed.

My daughter and I are planning on biking the trail next weekend. A week ago, we thought we'd be making new plans as the trail was blocked every 20 miles or so, but today's report only lists possible blockage outside St Charles. Can anyone confirm this?

Trail conditions start to end.

Our group is riding from the train station at Warrensburg down to the trail at Clinton. Anyone ridden this and can tell me about the hwy. conditions, safety, etc.? We are riding early on a Sunday morning. Thanks

After reading other comments about this last year I used Central Cab they shuttled me for around $40.00

A group of us are thinking of riding theKaty in early May. I see that May is typically the rainiest month in MO. Other than being prepared w appropriate gear for wet weather, what do you do in case of a thunder storm? There seem to be long stretches with nothing along the trail. Are tornadoes a problem in May? Thanks for any input.

What do you do anywhere else in case of a thunderstorm? What do you normally do during the threat of a tornado or hurricane? Stay inside? Watch the weather and plan outdoor activities accordingly? Seek shelter at a nearby house if necessary? Stay at the trailhead or in a building in town if it's raining? Good question though. I don't know how to come in out of the rain, what should I do?

Things to make a rainy day on a bike less miserable: 1) Shower cap over your helmet, 2) Wear a trash bag as a raincoat, 3) Fenders, 4) Plastic bags over your socks and under your shoes, 5) Irish Whiskey.

Revolution Cycle in Washington does all repairs. They will do come out and do trail side repairs as long as they are not major. Revolution also transports over the bridge going into Washington. See the earlier comment. Their phone number is;636-390-9999. Great shop, quality repairs.

Anon are you talking to yourself again? Arky has it correct.. but can I take a dip in the river too, but with a rope? You guys are funny.

I am looking to ride from Columbia to Saint Louis as cheap as possible. What is the minimum I could spend? I have a tent and everything.

A lot would depend on how many miles you plan to ride in a day, which would determine how many nights you will need lodging. For me it would be 2 1/2 days and camping 2 nights, in Portland and Klondike Park for $10 a night. Food would be between $25-$75 a day depending on what you like to eat, bar & grill vs. restaurants. Use the Trip Planner link above to find the camping areas within your daily mileage expectations.

Ditto MidSouth's recommendations. If you carry your food, you have a little more weight, but don't have to dine out. All you'll need to worry about is water. If you carry all your food, and don't patronize any of the fine establishments that rely on the KATY, you could do it for $25.

There is no book of minimums. The very least amount that you could spend would be zero.

Trail mix + powdered Gatorade + tuna fish and crackers + hammock = free. Can't say I'd want to do it that way.......but I could.

I was staying at a B&B in Augusta with my wife. We were walking around before going lunch and spotted Halcyon spa. We stopped in and made an appointment for a couples massage for the next day and we also shopped a little while we were in there. they had a great selection of organic foods and drinks and teas and they even sold clothes! the whole place just had a really nice warm feeling to the ambiance. The next day we came in for our massages and they were wonderful. Kara my therapist found knots in my back in places i didn't even know about. My wife didn't want to leave. Kathy the owner also told us that she opens her spa to any katy trail travelers who need a quick shower after biking in the hot sun or what have you. It was a great experience and we'll be going back regularly for massages, that's for sure.

Some buddies and I are planning a short ride on the KT (probably Hermann to Rocheport) in mid-November. Do any of the camping facilities have running water (showers, toilets) or hook-ups for an RV in November? Thanks!

Would be best to call the three that I can think of that have room for RV's, not sure if they have hook-ups; Coopers Landing, Katfish Katy's, & Katy Roundhouse. The water will most likely be turned off at the trailheads also.