Katy Trail Forum

The following sections of trail are closed due to flooding or storm damage. The flooded areas will be signed and barricaded. With the exception of the section of trail west of the Rocheport tunnel, there are no available detours around the flooded portions so users should avoid these areas. As flood waters recede, staff and equipment will be on the trail to make repairs and remove storm debris. Additionally, rough areas, minor debris and downed trees can occur at any time on any section of the trail due to weather variations. All users should be alert to these possible conditions and exercise caution when on the trail. Users should never go through flood waters or around fenced off closures. For information about Missouri River levels and how they may impact the Katy Trail, visit http://mostateparks.com/page/58843/potential-flood-locations.

- MM 34-35 – flooding on the trail approx. 5 miles east of St. Charles
- MM 39 – flooding at Frontier Park in St. Charles
- MM 39-55 (Frontier Park in St. Charles to Weldon Spring) – extensive storm damage resulting in many trees across the trail
- MM 56 – flooding on trail on either side of Weldon Spring Trailhead
- MM 61-63 – trail opened to local vehicular traffic because of flooding on roads
- MM 87-97 – flooding on trail starting three miles west of Treloar Trailhead
- MM 110-120 – intermittent flooding on trail from Bluffton to Steedman
- MM 125 – flooding on trail at Mokane
- MM 125-127 – trail opened to vehicular traffic because of flooding on roads
- MM 141 – flooding on trail approx. two miles east of N. Jefferson Trailhead
- MM 143 – flooding on parking lot at N. Jefferson Trailhead
- MM 147 – flooding on trail at Cedar Creek
- MM 155-158 – flooding on trail between Hartsburg and Rte. M
- MM 159 – severe washouts from flash flooding
- MM 160-166 – flooding on trail from west of Easley to the Providence boat access
- MM 168-170 – flood

All, I apologize that my previous post got cut off. Here are additions to the list:

- MM 151 - flooding between Claysville and Hartsburg
- MM 168-170 – flooding near McBaine Trailhead
- MM 179-181 – flooding west of Rocheport tunnel to Davisdale Conservation Area

Local vehicular traffic is being allowed on the following sections due to flooding of local roadways:
- MM 61-63 - west of Matson
- MM 125-127 - at and west of the Mokane Trailhead
- MM 143 - the section of Katy Trail from County Road 391 to east of the N. Jefferson Trailhead

Road closures from flooding that impact the Katy Trail include:
- Hwy. 94 west of Matson Trailhead
- Hwy. 47 near Dutzow Trailhead
- Hwy. 94 between Rt. U and Rt. N in Warren County
- Hwy. 94 west of Bluffton.
- Hwy. 94 at Mokane.
- Hwy. 94 near Rt. PP approximately 1.5 miles west of Mokane
- Oilwell Rd. and the parking lot at N. Jefferson Trailhead.
- Rt. K near McBaine.

Dawn there are 3 large trees across the trail between Clinton and Windsor. One at Edwards and 2 more between Calhoun and about the 151 mile marker.

I'll be starting at Clinton in the am (4 June). Going about 80 miles per day. Any significant detours that I should know about?

Now thats a tough one Al. You'd think someone of authority would let us know stuff like that. Go figure.

Got to thank Dawn for what she is able to provide. If it was me I would reschedule my ride until the trail clears up.

I have to agree with Billy. I hate to discourage anyone from coming to Missouri and enjoying the Katy Trail. But as you can see from Dawn's information above, posted yesterday, a lot of places along the trail and on the trail are flooded. It looks like most of them do not have detours. I'm in Jefferson City and the river is around 30 ft now, flood stage is 23, so we've got water over parking lots, and basically all over low areas. They are calling for rain in the middle of the week. If they were predicting dry weather from now until your trip, you might luck out and by the time you get started the water will have gone down, but at the moment that doen't seem likely. If you have reservations anywhere, I suggest you call those places and see what the owners can tell you about where they are. Check the weather forecast for central MO, and keep checking this forum for other updates from Dawn. And, usually, ignore people posting as anonymous. Most of them are lazy whiny trolls, like the one above.

The gate in the Missouri River Bridge crossing is closed on the north side of the river (the capitol is on the south side of the river). Check with the City of Jefferson to see if it is open.
-Three

I hope the water will recede and repairs are made before the DNR hosted trail ride later this month. Especially with all the effort Dawn has put in to this event...

Cathy, generally I would agree about anonymous postings, however in this case I believe he/she was concerned that Al had missed Dawn's rather extensive coverage of the flood water's effect on the trail. Al might also have been making a joke as Dawn clearly let us all know where the problem areas are, and she did this over the weekend which I would have thought was a day off for her. Thanks Dawn.

Does anyone know if the National Weather service geological prediction service is helpful for predicting trail conditions? The following is a link to river conditions at Jeff city, with a forecast for this weekend.
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lsx&gage=jffm7
My wife and I were planning on biking the east half of the trail this weekend. The website's predictions bode well, but I do not know whether they are trustworthy or if they are indicative of usable trail conditions.

I think the DNR advisories are more accurate and were just updated today: http://mostateparks.com/advisory/60601/flood-and-storm-damage-closures-katy-trail-state-park

We were also planning a trip this weekend and it appears that the river is down but to he trail appears to still be closed various places east of Rocheport which is where we were planning to ride. If anyone has has info that the trails are back open please advise.

Although the Missouri River is going down rapidly, there are several places from McBaine to Hartsburg that are covered with mud or debris. Crews will be working this week and next to make repairs, but expect these sections to remain closed over the weekend. Please don't hesitate to call the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402, for last-minute updates before your trip.

Dawn, you and Ray (webmaster) are great.

Dawn,

Does this mean that the trail is open from Huntsdale West to Sedalia?

Davis,the trail is indeed open from Huntsdale west to Sedalia. There may be a few rough or squishy spots just west of the Rocheport tunnel, but bikes can get through. Enjoy your trip!

just spoke with Trail office and they indicated that trail will remain closed around Hartsburg and Portland area's due to heavy mud on trail. Need heavy equipment brought in to remove. does anyone have anything more details as we were going to ride from Sedalia East to St Charles starting Sat.

Dawn,
I just got home from a two day ride I camped at New Frankiln and rode west to Clifton City on Thursday and then rode to Easley today. The trail was a little rough between Salt Creek and Rocheport but passable. Some debris on the trail at Macbaine but nothing major. Went to the road just west of Easley and turned around.

Flooding from the Missouri River has rapidly receded and several sections of the Katy Trail that were flooded are now open. Trail users will still need to exercise caution because many of the flooded sections may have mud or debris across the trail. Cyclists, in particular, may need to walk their bikes in these areas. Additionally, crews and heavy equipment will be the trail all next week making repairs.

The following sections remain closed due to damage on the trail:
MM 34-35 – approx. 5 miles east of St. Charles.
MM 87-97 – starting three miles west of Treloar Trailhead
MM 115-117 – damage to trail at and west of Portland
MM 122 - severe washout at Auxvasse Creek Bridge west of Steedman
MM 125 - restroom closed at Mokane Trailhead due to flood damage
MM 143 – restroom closed at N. Jefferson Trailhead due to a leak
MM 155-157 – between Hartsburg and Rt. M
MM 169.5 – restroom closed at McBaine Trailhead due to flood damage

Local vehicular traffic is being allowed on the following sections due to flooding of local roadways:
MM 61-63 -- west of Matson
MM 162-163 -- at and west of Easley

I have plsns to start riding the trail on the 17th. Where can I get up-to-date trail conditions? Is this posting the best place? Also are there any sources that may be able to provide suggested detours in rough areas? Thanks!

Jeff, Dawn from MO DNR had done a great job of keeping this thread up to date, but still I would suggest checking DNR's advisories web page for the absolute latest info on flooding and other : http://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010

Dawn is one of the best resources in the Dept of Natural Resources! She works her tail off to keep the Katy pleasant and safe. I got to meet her a couple of years ago when she was coordinating a tram of senior citizens to see the fall colors, many of whom were seeing the Kary for the first time. Thanks for all you do, Dawn.

Two of us rode through from Sedalia to the MKT Trail (229-170) without issue yesterday afternoon. There were a couple of spots requiring us to pass slowly due to washout dips, but the problems on this stretch seem to have been addressed, and there was nothing I would deem as troublesome.

Posted yesterday about the clear section from Sedallia to Rocheport. Today, we took the Katy Trail from Rocheport to Jefferson City (with a side trip to Columbia on the MKT). There were a few bumpy patches between McBaine and Wilton, but the trail was blocked by a plastic mesh barricade from Wilton to Hartsburg (miles 157.4-155.9). We ignored the blockade and attempted to ride through, observing deep tracks from another cyclist in the only-sometimes-dry mud. This section definitely needs to dry and be cleared to be reasonably passable. We rode some sections in narrow truck tracks, but had to push through mud in others. For these two 45-year-old women carrying 25-pound loads on hybrid bikes with front suspension, it was a dirty and fun adventure, but those two mile took about an hour by the time we scraped enoug mud off the bikes to ride safely. Another couple of dry days ought to give officials the opportunity to open it up, but I'd advise against riding it for now.

Has anyone traveled west from St. Charles to Jeff City today, 11th? I have read the DNR report. Wondering the latest conditions because we are hoping to ride this section June 14-16. Thanks

Met some folks who reported a pretty decent passage from St. Charles to Tebbetts, so it sounds like the eastern section of the trail is good! otherwise, we rode today from Jefferson City to Hermann. Again encountered a few rutted and washed-out (but very passable) areas, most of which were well-marked. One bridge threatened to be closed but the plastic mesh barricade was removed long before us. I wouldn't ride this section on a road bike at this time due to the debris that still needs to be cleared in a few spots, but so many of the problem sections have already been addressed that one can safely cycle if paying attention.

We just completed Rocheport to Jeff City today and the trail is completely open! No barricades, no issues, a few minor rough spots. You can see how high the mud was, but the crews have it totally clear now!! No problems from Clinton to Jeff City! Hopefully we can get all the way to St. Charles now...

Thank you for the update! I also heard from locals that east of Hermann it was passable. See you on the trail!

Things are looking up! Thanks for all the updates on the eastern part of the trail.

My husband and I are planning to ride Rocheport to Hartsburg Monday, June 17...what are the recommended shuttle services from Hartsburg back to Rocheport? Good to hear the trail is open now.

Not a lot of shuttle options in that area that I am aware of. Try Marvin Cotten, Boonville 660-537-0164

Great news! The majority of the trail is open except in a few locations. Staff has worked diligently to remove the mud and storm debris from the trail, and to repair washouts on the trail surface. Trail users will still need to be alert for rough surface in a few areas and the following areas remain closed until repairs are made:

MM 34-35 – mud and storm debris on the trail approx. 5 miles east of St. Charles
MM 87 – severe washouts on trail starting three miles west of Treloar Trailhead
MM 125 – restroom closed Mokane Trailhead, anticipated re-opening by Friday, June 14
MM 169.5 – restroom closed at McBaine Trailhead, anticipated re-opening by Monday, June 17

Race across America started at noon today. Super stuff to follow on line. Solo rider's are trying this year to break the 8 day mark.

So far Strasser, Schoch and Baloh have kept the top 3. Super race to follow, like none other! Can't wait for the teams to start on Saturday.

Noticed that the riders will be coming up HI way 54. Camdenton, Jefferson City and Washington. Time stations or check in points at each of those locations. Estimated time of arrival on web site.

Might get a glimpse of the solo riders in a couple of days and even on the DNR Katy ride next week, along Hwy 94 between JC and Hermann where they take Hwy 19 across. Next week the teams will be hitting those time stations around midweek give or take for the 2 man teams, and likely earlier for the 4 and 8 man teams, even some slower solo riders could be still on that section next week! Those riders are so amazing...and mixed with a bit crazy for the solo and 2 man teams!

A buddy of mine and I are riding the trail from Clinton to Machens Friday the 14 - Monday the 17 and plan to take the train back. My question to you veterans is; Do most people head from Machens to the Kirkwood Amtrak Station? Just need to reserve my ticket and not sure which station is closer to Machens, Kirkwood or Union Station. Thanks guys.

I do not see any listing for bike services/

1. Click the Trip Planner link under the map at the top of this web page.
2. Click the checkboxes for Bike Rental and Bike Parts/Repairs.
3. Click the Build my List button.

This gives you a list of all bike services along the trail (at least those that I know of).

Happy trails!

Thanks to Dotty for the hose! We missed the open hours for your cafe, but thank you so much for the use of your hose to clean the thick mud off of our bikes after riding through a section of the trail that we shouldn't have...

My friends and I stayed at Briggs Pond bb on Saturday. We loved it! Very clean and relaxing. Daria made a fantastic breakfast!I highly recommend Briggs!

Hubby and I ate there on Friday afternoon. Very good! The food was excellent, portions just right and good value for the money. Owner was very nice and made sure we had everything we needed. As an aside...in the past I have eaten BBQ on long rides and it sat like a rock in my stomach...glad we decided to give this a try. We did 55 miles and it fueled us quite well with no problems! Definitely will be back.

If you're talking about the BBQ place behind the bike rental shop, my girlfriend and I ate there last month... I was wonderful... Great food at a great price. Didn't leave there hungry.

Yep, that's where we were talking about, Rocheport Bike and BBQ. sorry for any confusion.

It can't get any better than this folks! Beautiful accomodations and stocked with everything one would need. My partner and I stayed in the attic room. The place is delightful and stocked with lots of breakfast food and drinks. Oh, and clean as a whistle! It is steps off the trail. Do yourselves a favor after a long ride and stay here. Abigail's for dinner too. Awesome!

Pondering the slim choices for lunch and drinks during a Katy Trail ride through Boonville, we stumbled upon the newly-opened Phoenix Public House & Eatery. Great building; great atmosphere; great location; great menu; great food! Definitely a Boonville destination for Katy Trail riders.

Good to know!

What would riding along the road through Rocheport look like? For those of you more familiar with the area would this be an option?

Hwy 94 is the road option. We have done it a few times due to flooding. Not much of a shoulder, fast trucks, and not flat.

Hwy 94 has it's western end at Jefferson City. If you are thinking of riding From Booneville the old U.S. 40 route passes just north of Rocheport and you can then take BB into Rocheport to get back on the Katy. If the trail is open it would be my choice. Traffic on 40 can be fast and there is not a lot of extra room. It can be ridden but......

Thanks, we are just hoping the trail is open by Monday.

Thanks Doug, yes it is Hwy 40 not 94 at Rocheport.

As of today, Thursday, June 6th, the trail WEST of the Rocheport Tunnel is open again. Trail between Rocheport and McBaine is open (did not flood) and MKT spur trail into Columbia is also open.

Good news. Thanks for the update.

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm riding Columbia to Boonville today June 8th and will report back.

I was wondering how many days it takes to bike the Katy trail round trip from Machens to Clinton and back. I need to know how much time to take off work. New to this, so hopefully I don't die!

Only you can answer that question. What is the longest you have ridden on the Katy in one day so far? Take 476 miles and divide that by how many miles you can ride in a day. There are a few that can do it in 2 days, but most will take closer to 2 weeks.

I have never rode the Katy trail before and am very new to cycling... I am wanting to work towards riding the entire Katy trail in the fall.

My friend and I did it last summer (out and back from Machens to Clinton) and did it in 9 days. She was not used to riding many miles and did fine. We averaged about 11mph overall.

Go out and ride the trail for a few miles. See how you feel afterwards. Go farther next time until you know how far you are comfortable going.

It's all pretty flat, except for some parts out west, so you'll be pedaling all day. Do you want to do 30 miles? 50? 70 miles a day? You get to decide, as MidSouth suggested.

When my wife and I started out we tried a couple overnight trips before we decided to bite off the whole trail. Our first trip on the Katy was from Hartsburg to Rocheport, spent the night and returned the next day, 25 miles each way. Easy enough, but decided on about 40 miles per day for our first complete crossing. We were in our late fifties when we started.

I have been riding quite a while and overall put in about 5000 miles a year.

With that background...7 days RT.
Clinton-Boonville
Boonville-Rhineland
Rhineland-St. Charles
St.Charles-Machens and back (kind of a rest/recovery day)
St. Charles-Rhineland
Rhineland-Boonville
Boonville-Clinton
Not counting the St. Charles-Machens day...63-90/day. Doesn't leave lots of time for taking pictures and smelling flowers.

If you want to do that...I think the recommendation above of about 40 (maybe 50) a day makes a lot more sense.

However you do it - ENJOY!

I'd suggest you allow 7-8 days. I rode from Clinton to Machens in 3 days. You may want to plan to do 60-65 miles/day.

What is the condition right now of the trail between these 2 points? I wouold like to ride it tomorrow.