Is camping allowed in Clinton at the fair grounds?
- + Does anyone know if camping is allowed at the Henry County Fairgrounds, located directly behind the Clinton Community Center (across the street from the Katy Trail Trailhead). The Katy trail guideboo...
Discussion started 05/28/2012 08:59 AM by John - 6 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/08/2013 09:52 PM)John from Little Silver on 05/28/2012 08:59 AM
Does anyone know if camping is allowed at the Henry County Fairgrounds, located directly behind the Clinton Community Center (across the street from the Katy Trail Trailhead). The Katy trail guidebook list this as a camping option but may be outdated as my copy was printed in 2007.
Bonnie from Kansas City on 05/28/2012 03:57 PM
Good question, I am searching for a camping spot close to the trail head myself! I just sent an email to the chamber of commerce hoping to get a response. There must be some place near the Clinton trail head to camp. I will post on here if I get any response from anyone from Clinton. I know some towns along the trail allow katy riders to camp in their city parks, maybe Clinton will too (hoping).
Gene from Indiana on 05/29/2012 12:15 AM
Go inside the fairgrounds gate at the back of the Community Center and camp there. There is a concrete pad with a cover over it too. Use the swing gate nearby to access the back of the Center. They should let you shower. That's where the Police Dept guided me three years ago to camp near the trailhead. Great people there.
Bonnie from Kansas City on 05/29/2012 09:08 AM
I received an email reply this morning from the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Good news! Here is what she said: There are no camping grounds close to the Katy Trail head but the Clinton
Community Center, across the road from the Trail head, will allow bikers to
camp on the fairgrounds behind the Community Center. You can then use
bathrooms and showers in the Community Center in the morning. Call the
Community Center at 660-885-2181 to let them know you are coming and what
time you will arrive. Also, if you are parking your car, let them know so
they can alert the police to keep an eye on it for you.
John from Little Silver on 05/29/2012 09:43 AM
Bonnie - THANK YOU!!!
Bonnie from Kansas City on 12/28/2012 08:41 AM
I was perusing this site and thought I would update my post from last spring concerning camping in Clinton. I contacted the community center to let them know we were coming, checked in at the desk and they directed us to the fenced in area with shelter house in the back. They also let us use the wonderful shower facility at the center, gave us ice from the ice machine... and the custodian in the morning had a fresh pot of coffee for us! Extremely friendly, and just a couple of blocks from the trail.
Anonymous on 08/08/2013 09:52 PM
there is a RV dealership across from the trailhead. They have a few RV sites with electric, not sure if there is water hookups, You can contact Wilder's RV for info
- + Does anyone know what the old concrete structures/buildings are at the McKittrick trailhead? Been wondering for years... so was hoping maybe someone might know!
Discussion started 08/04/2013 08:30 PM by MAH - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/08/2013 07:47 AM)MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 08/04/2013 08:30 PM
Does anyone know what the old concrete structures/buildings are at the McKittrick trailhead? Been wondering for years... so was hoping maybe someone might know!
steve k from saint louis, mo on 08/05/2013 06:59 PM
Are you referring to the tall, concrete structure with Ivy(or used to have) on it? I believe Rich from Mckittrick B&B called it a grain silo. He was upset that someone cut the ivy in an attempt to kill it last year. I was wondering if the ivy lived as I have not been by there since that was supposedly done.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 08/05/2013 09:07 PM
Thanks Steve. Not sure if we're thinking the same structure though. What I'm thinking of is on the south side of trail, 2 small concrete 1 story structures. Box like with door and window openings and that's about it.
steve k from saint louis, mo on 08/07/2013 09:04 PM
I will have to look at next time I'm there as that does seem like an odd place for a structure. You can look at 1962 photo's of the McKittrick train station by doing a Google search of "Missouri train depots", but it was basically a wooden shack that was demolished since then. However, if it is a structure that had something to do with the old train station, I sure did not see it in that old photo.
Anonymous on 08/08/2013 07:47 AM
A search engine is such a wonderful thing:
At mile marker 100.8 there are two historical landmarks. The grain tower in the picture at Mckittrick station. Someone has killed the vine foliage that for decades has adorned this structure. If anyone knows who the culprit was please comment. Thanks Rich Lauer at the Merck
posted Jun 12 2012 10:16AM - rich lauer, mckittrick
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Trip to or from Columbia
- + My Gf and I are planning a trip either from Weldon Springs to Columbia or vice versa. We would like to do it in two days and stay one night at a bed and breakfast. Has anyone done this trip? We wou...
Discussion started 07/15/2013 05:32 PM by Jeff - 6 replies (last reply by kc at 08/07/2013 07:31 PM)Jeff from St. Louis on 07/15/2013 05:32 PM
My Gf and I are planning a trip either from Weldon Springs to Columbia or vice versa. We would like to do it in two days and stay one night at a bed and breakfast. Has anyone done this trip? We would prefer to start in Weldon Springs however it seems the B&B would be at a better spot for an overnight break coming from Columbia. They seem to be in Rhineland. Anyone have any recommendations?
Hank on 07/15/2013 09:29 PM
Your lodging options are limited traveling from Weldon Spring to Columbia. If you go Columbia to Weldon Spring you will be more than halfway by Bluffton, Rhineland, McKittrick or Hermann. Lodging at each stop. That would be my recommendation. Better trip heading east.
hobo from trail on 07/16/2013 08:34 AM
Most peeps ride down hill, down river, west to east...Bluffton - Rendleman is a bicycle guy if you care. Rhineland and Hermann areas are cool, but they cater to tourism in general, not keyed into the trail per se. Have fun!
Rich Lauer from Hermann on 07/16/2013 10:15 PM
Mckittrick at mile 100.8 has lodging 100 feet from the trail and touts one of the more reasonable stays on the trail. Hermann is just across the river and offers a splendid architectural experience. Blufton offers good casual company and great cyclist. Check them all out
Tess from OFallon, MO on 08/02/2013 09:22 PM
Not sure if you are familiar with the areas, but Weldon Springs is just a lot and not monitored well. If you are parking a car for two days I suggest Defiance. It's only 3 miles away and right in town. Joey's in McKittick and Doug's in Bluffton are both great places to stay! Enjoy!
Pseudio on 08/03/2013 08:43 AM
Don't you have to wear dosimetry in Weldon Springs?
kc on 08/07/2013 07:31 PM
There is a 3 story public parking garage in Columbia on Third and Cherry at the start of the Columbia Spur. We parked overnight with no problems and is free on the weekends. We have stayed at the Doll House B&B in Rhineland. Amanda is a great hostess having fresh baked cookies and lemonade on our arrival, and cooked a great breakfast the next morning.
lodging
- + A buddy and I plan overnight stays in Boonville and McKittrick. We need two beds in a clean, economical room fairly close to the trail and in which we may keep our bikes. Suggestions requested.
Discussion started 08/02/2013 09:35 PM by GM - 8 replies (last reply by kc at 08/07/2013 07:14 PM)GM from Mtn. Home, AR on 08/02/2013 09:35 PM
A buddy and I plan overnight stays in Boonville and McKittrick. We need two beds in a clean, economical room fairly close to the trail and in which we may keep our bikes. Suggestions requested.
Pseudio on 08/03/2013 06:53 AM
McKittrick has Hermann across the river which has the Harbor Haus B&B right when you cross the bridge on the right. Boonville has the Isle of Capri and Hotel Frederick close to the trail. If you want real economical bring your sleeping bags. Hermann has the city park. No sleeping on the trail.
Rich Lauer from Hermann on 08/03/2013 12:11 PM
If you want to stay the trail; Joey,s is 100 feet from the trail. She has three rooms and most reasonable at $70 per night weekdays and shuttles across the river. Meyers hilltop is also excellent choice right in town. Joey's has become a haven next to the trail unnoticed by
many next to the newly renovated cultural mecca for the area, the Merck. Mckittrick can accommodate in most situations; groups included.
Her phone 314-698-9152
Thanks
Rich Lauer
Trek on 08/03/2013 05:42 PM
The Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn are also near the trail in Boonvile. I'm not sure about the rates, but Comfort Inn is probably less than the Frederick. We've stayed there with bikes in the room and have also left the car there while riding the trail.
sharonbikes from Kansas City on 08/03/2013 08:47 PM
I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express many times and have always had a good experience there. The price is probably a little under $100. There is a spur off the Trail that goes up to the road where the 2 hotels are (there is also a truck stop there). It is not marked as being the spur to get to the hotels, but there is a large wooden sign there - unless you know what it is, it is easy to miss. The casino hotel is right where the Trail comes into Boonville. There is also a new restaurant open in downtown Boonville called the Phoenix which is AWESOME! Highly recommend it! It is on Main Street in Boonville.
Anonymous on 08/03/2013 09:30 PM
Agree with the suggestions above. Would simply add that the ride to Hermann is now very EASY and very SAFE.
I have stayed at the Vinchester Inn in Hermann a couple times. Unless there is a festival of some sort it is the cheapest place to stay in Hermann that I have found. It's basic (as you suggest) but I found it quite satisfactory for my needs.
Trek on 08/04/2013 11:22 AM
The ride to Hermann has been very easy for six years. The bridge opened with the bike lane in July of 2007.
Rich Lauer from Hermann on 08/05/2013 05:37 PM
the harbor house has the most reasonable, close to the bridge, housing in Hermann. Frank is a hoot. But you did mention Mckittrick so Meyers; Joey's and the Merck are the best value on the trail.
kc on 08/07/2013 07:14 PM
Isle of Capri Casino has a "play and stay" package for only $99 sunday thru thorsday. With it you get dinner buffet for two (which is great) and $10 in gambling money. I believe the buffet is $20 per person regular price.
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lodging
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Best Value Inn
- + I would not recomend the Best Value Inn in Holts Summit. Although the staff that I encountered were friendly enough, and the facility was clean and comfortable. Getting there is difficult. After a ...
Discussion started 06/10/2012 04:01 PM by Brian - 10 replies (last reply by kc at 08/07/2013 07:06 PM)Brian from Louisville on 06/10/2012 04:01 PM
I would not recomend the Best Value Inn in Holts Summit. Although the staff that I encountered were friendly enough, and the facility was clean and comfortable. Getting there is difficult. After a long day of riding, we encountered a rather daunting hill climb to get to the hotel. I was with a rather inexperienced rider so we walked the entire distance. Many cars flew by honking at us and yelling to get off the road. There were several sections that had a median, but much did not. When riding the KATY again, I plan on staying in Jeff City at a place that offers a shuttle.
Billy from Mokane on 06/11/2012 10:45 AM
If you stay in Hartsburg, short distance from Jefferson City, you can stay at a B&B 50 yards from the trail. I wouldn't do the Holts Summit hill or go into Jeff City, unless I wanted to tour the City.
chris from ILLINOIS on 06/11/2012 12:39 PM
That's interesting, I have had cars honk at me but none have ever yelled at me:). I aggree the climb to Holts Summit is pretty intense, but who ever named that town did not try to hide the fact that it was at the top of a hill. And the best part is costing back to the trail the next morning!
ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 06/11/2012 02:04 PM
Holt's Summit was not a good part of our journey last fall. We called the hotel to say we were running late because my rear derailleur hanger broke on the bridge at the bottom of the hill before the climb up from the trail. The clerk said they were "Just up the hill". To get to the hotel, we had to break the chain and single speed the bike. It's a 5 mile climb (cursing). Tired from the day, and the 5 mile climb, once we got to the hotel we commented to the desk clerk that 5 miles on a bicycle up hill is not "Right off the trail...." To which she replied "You do know that is why they call is a river valley, don't you....." Once you get to the top, there's not much to choose from in terms of food and drink. We ended up taking a taxi into Jeff City--that was another $25 each way. Holt's Summit will NEVER be on my list of places to stay again.
Chris from Centralia on 06/11/2012 05:01 PM
ArkyKenny- you are a "glass half-empty kind of person, arn't you. Sounds to me like you are blaming your bike maintance issues on people that have nothing to do with it. AND, this is a cheep MOTEL not a four star hotel with room service. It doesn't seem to me that you or the OP have real complaint. So please stop whining on here.
Anonymous on 06/11/2012 06:13 PM
Cheap motel or not, if I indicated that I had bike issues and the impression was that the motel was just up the hill, I would be sorely disappointed that I wasn't told that just up the hill was 5 miles away. ArkyKenny has reason to be disgruntled with the staff as it appears they were less than helpfull offering little except smart comments. Thanks for the input AK. Your comments are always helpfully and appreciated.
Anonymous on 06/12/2012 10:43 AM
Doesn't hurt to check the bulletin board at the North Jefferson Trailhead. Certain motels will list their phone number there with free shuttle service and special trail-user rates for staying there.
careyr from Nashville TN on 06/29/2012 02:30 PM
Do you remember the hotels that advertised at the trailhead? I may need one of them.
AB3 from pleasant hill mo on 08/06/2013 08:18 PM
I have not yet climbed the hill. that said Mapmyride shows a cat. 5 rated climb of about one mile.will add to post after 60 mile day finished with cat 5 climb. http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/262223571
Jim from St Thomas on 08/07/2013 08:22 AM
Canterbury Hill Winery is about 1/3 of the way up the climb. Their outdoor patio has a nice view of JC and is a great place to grab a bite to eat and/or a cold beer/glass of wine.
kc on 08/07/2013 07:06 PM
The Baymont Inn in Jeff City is great! Inexpensive yet clean and comfortable with pretty good free breakfast.
Food Stops in Hartsburg
- + I'll be riding through Hartsburg on Labor Day Monday 2013. It looks like none of the restaurants are open on Mondays. Is that true? Will there be anywhere to eat or get food in Hartsburg? Thanks.
Discussion started 08/05/2013 06:39 PM by Charlie - 3 replies (last reply by Charlie at 08/06/2013 05:48 PM)Charlie from St. Louis on 08/05/2013 06:39 PM
I'll be riding through Hartsburg on Labor Day Monday 2013. It looks like none of the restaurants are open on Mondays. Is that true? Will there be anywhere to eat or get food in Hartsburg? Thanks.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/05/2013 08:27 PM
The Hitching Post may be open for pizza and beer, but I would bring food along to be safe.
Charlie from St. Louis on 08/06/2013 05:44 PM
Thank you! Not sure how I missed that. I called to verify they'd be open on the holiday, and they will be. You're right though...some onboard food is probably a good idea just in case.
Charlie from St. Louis on 08/06/2013 05:48 PM
Now I remember why I discounted The Hitching Post--Yelp says it's closed. I guess that's outdated.
tire size and shuttles
- + I'm sure this has been answered before but I don't have time to read all the comments so: 1) What is the best tire size to put on a mountain bike/hybrid for the Katy Trail?2) Are there problems findin...
Discussion started 08/05/2013 11:20 PM by BK - 2 replies (last reply by Brian L. at 08/06/2013 07:11 AM)BK on 08/05/2013 11:20 PM
I'm sure this has been answered before but I don't have time to read all the comments so:
1) What is the best tire size to put on a mountain bike/hybrid for the Katy Trail?
2) Are there problems finding shuttles on Sundays in the McKittrick area back to Boonville area?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 08/06/2013 12:14 AM
All tire sizes from about 32c - 42c are appropriate for the trail. Probably best to arrange your shuttle before hand, use the Trip Planner link above to get the list of possible shuttle services and start calling.
Brian L. from Wichita on 08/06/2013 07:11 AM
From the home page, click FAQ, then you'll see a tire-size topic: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/faq.aspx#tires -- it points to a long (but kind of old) article giving you more details than you might ever want: http://www.bikekatytrail.com/tires.aspx
Bike shops along the Katy
- + Besides St. Charles and Rocheport, are there others close to the trail? The one in Defiance I think does not do repairs/install tubes...
Discussion started 06/24/2013 03:00 PM by Mack ARA Freeman - 4 replies (last reply by Trek at 08/05/2013 04:35 PM)Mack ARA Freeman from South County St. Louis on 06/24/2013 03:00 PM
Besides St. Charles and Rocheport, are there others close to the trail? The one in Defiance I think does not do repairs/install tubes...
steve k from sain louis, mo on 06/24/2013 06:14 PM
There is the Cycle Depot in Jefferson City, which is really not that far off the Katy and they do repairs. I had them true a wheel and replace some broken spokes one time while biking the Katy. They did this while I ate lunch at the café next door. This site list other bike repair shops in Boonville and Sedalia so there are other options also.
Hank on 06/24/2013 08:24 PM
Ride Rest N Go in Hermann is what you might call "quirky" but he has helped me out a couple times and if he can help you, he will. He's almost always open and if he's not just knock loudly or call and if he's around he'll come help.
Tess from OFallon, MO on 08/02/2013 09:35 PM
The Defiance bike shop does do repairs and they are great people. He's opening along location in Augusta
Trek on 08/05/2013 04:35 PM
Columbia has a few and is pretty close to the trail. We had a cassette side spoke replaced on the tandem at Klunks a couple of Saturdays ago. It was near closing time but they got us right in and back on the trail without delay.
KATY trail ride Clinton to Machens
- + My daughter and I just completed the KATY trail from Clinton to Machens in 5 days July 31-Aug 4). We started in Clinton and stayed in Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, McKittrick, and Defiance along the way. ...
Discussion started 08/04/2013 09:50 PM - 1 reply (last reply by Pseudio at 08/05/2013 09:14 AM)Anonymous from St. Louis County, Missouri on 08/04/2013 09:50 PM
My daughter and I just completed the KATY trail from Clinton to Machens in 5 days July 31-Aug 4). We started in Clinton and stayed in Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, McKittrick, and Defiance along the way. We were extremely impressed with our stays at Polly's B&B in Pilot Grove and Joey's Birdhouse B&B in McKittrick. Polly of Polly;s B&B made us a generous hot breakfast and gave us fruit and snacks for the next day's ride, and the washer/dryer sure came in handy. Joey of Joey's Birdhouse B&B made us a wonderful Morrocan dinner (advance request) and provided more than enough for us to make ourselves a delicious, filling hot breakfast in the kitchenette. Got lucky and only had 1 flat between us which a friendly rider fixed for us in no time (thank you Molly!). We had an excellent dinner in Hartsburg at the Hartsburg Grand to balance out all the bar food we had. Had a delicious lunch at the Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles before riding the last leg to Machens. Despite the trail information indicating there is no parking lot or trail access at Machens, it is only 50 yes down a gravel road from the end of Machens Road of Highway 94 just east of Portage Des Souix.
Pseudio on 08/05/2013 09:14 AM
Anon, did you or your group gain weight or lose weight overall during the ride?