Katy Trail Forum

How do you make reservations. When I call the number listed it indicates that the person has not set up their voice mail? Weather permitting we are doing to ride the trail this Friday from Rochport and would like to stay in Hartsburg.

I just kept calling until Bill answered the phone.

I have been trying to reach the Caboose also by the number listed here but says that the phone is not set up. How do you confirm your reservations?

Is this place open anymore? I can't find that anyone has been here since last year.

Just heard from them on Facebook. They are indeed open!

The Claysville Store is open on Saturdays and Sundays, best food and folks on the entire trail. Their phone number is under Mark Hooibrink, not the store. They are really nice folks.

I am planning on riding from Clinton to Columbia this weekend June 1-2. Can anybody comment on the condition of the trail. I will be on slightly wider road tires?

I rode the trail last week on 700 x 32 Gatorskin Hardshells. The width was perfect for the few soggy and unpacked surface conditions that I encountered, the PSI superior to similar tires on the market,and the hardshell reliability couldn't be surpassed.

I ride the same tires mentioned with good results...and no flats...depending on the bike I'm on width of the tires ranges from 28-32.

Some flooding as noted in other posts..but it looks to me like that is east of your planned ride.

Enjoy.

Thanks for the quick response. I have 700X25 Gatorskins on right now. I'll swap them out with some 700X28 tires.

Did you make it from Boonville to Columbia, Raq this weekend?

We wanted to alert you to several areas of the trail that are flooded or will be flooded sometime this weekend. For more information or for updates on Katy Trail flooding, visit the trail's advisory webpage at http://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010.

The National Weather Service is projecting the Missouri River to reach 29.5' at the Boonville gauge on Saturday, June 1. Water is over the trail west of the Rocheport tunnel (mileposts 178.9 to 181.5), between Hartsburg and Route M (mileposts 153.6 to 157.9), and will likely be over the trail between Bonne Femme Creek and Providence River Access (mileposts 161.8 to 165.5). The Katy Trail is closed in these sections. Additionally, the section of trail between mileposts 162.5 to 163.5 (Cooper's Landing to Easley near Route N) has been opened to vehicular traffic due to flooding on Smith Hatchery Road.

The Missouri River is also projected to crest at 33.5' at the St. Charles gauge on Monday, June 3. Areas of the Katy that will be closed this weekend on the east end of the trail include milepost 34, at Fontier Park and on both sides of Weldon Spring Trailhead. Flash flooding can also occur on any section of trail. Trail users should use caution and never go through flood water.

The jefferson city spur/katy connect is closed due to flooding at or near the 63 underpass . Looked like they were building up a levy across the spur to protect fields. I did see some cyclists detour on 54 hwy to the first exit ramp at north Jeff city

See my post on a comprehensive list of closed sections on the trail. Thanks.

We have a trip planned for the 7th and 8th for Rochport and east. Will these sections probably still be flooded and/or closed?

Davis, it depends on how much more rain we get between now and your trip, and how quickly the flood waters recede. There have been more areas added to the flooding list since I first made my post. For a comprehensive list, visit http://mostateparks.com/advisory/60601/flood-and-storm-damage-closures-katy-trail-state-park.

Once the flood waters recede, staff will be out on the trail cleaning up storm debris and making repairs, so the sections may still be closed even if no longer flooded. Your best bet is to check the above webpage or call the Katy Trail State Park Office before your trip -- 573-449-7402.

We stayed in Hermann last year for a couple nights and rode the Katy Trail for the first time and loved it. So we're coming back this year, riding a couple days, visiting the kid in St. Louis for a couple days, then riding the Illinois Tunnel Trail for a day.

As far as the Katy Trail, better to go east-west or west-east? I am looking at a place to stay in Rocheport and then one in Marthasville. Since we will only spend 2 days on the trail, I wanted it to be scenic. Last year we rode McKittrick to Peers and back the first day, then Rhineland to Steedman and back the next day. Suggestions would be appreciated.

The other hurdle we face is food, as we eat a plant-strong diet (i.e. vegan) and so kitchen facilities are important. Eating out is challenging, so we usually just fend for ourselves from the grocery store. If anyone knows of restaurants along the trail that have options besides an iceberg lettuce salad with a carrot and cherry tomato, we will be forever in your debt! :-)

McKittrick Mercantile will be the food oasis you are looking for. They will be happy to see you.

In 2009 my daughter and I biked from Rochebport to St.Charles with my husband as support in the car. In Rocheport we stayed at the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest. Another trip we stayed at the School House B & B. Both are great. The Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest is selfserve breakfast, it's stocked with all you need. The School House B & B has a fantastic breakfast. The owners went out of their way to help us with a tire problem. They are great. I would expect that if you biked to where you can park your bike and hike up the bluff to Les Bouchois Winery, which is not far from Rocheport on the Katy, you should get a quality meal. Check their menu on-line. In Marthasville we stayed at the Little House. We loved it, you have the whole house. Again it is self serve breakfast. You have access to the kitchen. Perhaps you could ask the owner if you'd have access to pots to prepare your evening meal. If you could find a place on the route with a grocery store where you could buy some fresh vegetables, you could fix your own evening meal. I think it's Washington where the bridge over the river is not bike friendly (that's an understatement). So don't plan on biking to Washington. Now, if you stayed at the Rendleman B & B at Bluffton, Doug Rendleman will prepare a great evening meal for you. My daughter was a vegetarian at the time and he did a great job of preparing food she could eat. His B & B is not a high end hoity toity place, but spending an evening with Doug is priceless. And again, you get an evening meal and breakfast. Have a great trip.

The Tunnel Hill Trail is quite diverse, from the cypress-tupelo swamp on the southern end to the forest north of Vienna and Tunnel Hill. Breeden trestle is the longest of many and has some good views over the tree tops.

When we went there a few years back, we cut south of Hermann to St. Genevieve and rode the MODOT ferry across the Mississippi and on to Vienna.

Meat eaters here, so can't offer any Vegan advice.

Boonville is a decent alternative to staying in Rocheport. The Hotel Frederick is an early 1900's hotel that has been nicely renovated and is affordable with often a discount for Katy riders. Glen's Cafe is a nice place to eat and is in the hotel. It's a short (12 mile or so) drive from there to Rocheport.

You might check out Abigails for vegan food in Rocheport. It's a bit upscale in dining choice. The General Store is good for sandwich type food. Both are downtown Rocheport....similar to the old downtown in Omaha, as you will see. The ride along the bluffs east of Rocheport is one of the most scenic along the trail....tunnel/ammunitions bunker/petroglyphs/stately bluffs/river/etc.

Les Bourgeois winery is on top of the bluff northeast of Rocheport. Their bistro is a good dining choice which may offer vegan fare. It and the A-frame have great view of the Missouri River valley from the bluff top.

Hi Michele,
Thank you Hank, yes the McKittrick Farmers Mercantile is now carrying organic and natural snacks, with vegan options as well as prepared food in the kitchen. If you come by during the week call, we're probably still around and will open the door for you, =have a nice trip.

This is Maggie at the Concord Hill Bed and Breakfast in Marthasville, at the Peers stop on the Katy Trail. We are very accommodating with any special diets including Vegan and Gluten free. We also serve dinner if booked in advance. Check us out!

Thank you everyone for your very detailed descriptions of the trail, sights, lodging and food! We will make note of everything, and are looking forward to our trip. Now, if the weather would just cooperate!

I'm riding from Clinton to St. Charles starting June 9th. I've been watching the river levels on the dnr.mo.gov site and I see that a few areas are above flood level. Wondering if it's causing any trail problems yet ?

There are a couple of flood related issues posted on mostateparks.com/advisories for the Katy Trail.

Mostateparks usually has the most current trail news. Dawn with the DNR usually posts here though when there are major issues. A lot can happen between now and June 9 though.

This was posted today on mostateparks.com/advisories:
The trail is temporarily closed west of Rocheport from MM 179 to MM 181.5 due to flooding. Detour instructions are posted the Rocheport and New Franklin trailheads, as well as at the gates blocking the flooded area. While following the detour, trail users may experience the following: travel over city streets and highways; motor vehicles traveling at high speeds; uneven or loose gravel on road surfaces; and narrow roads and lanes
We are planning ride on Tuesday & Wednesday in that area may have to rethink route. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for flooding to reseed?

It all depends on how much rain we get. Not only in Missouri, but any where upstream along the Missouri River. Locally, we are under flash flod warnings. Those can affect the trial when water runs off the hills along the trail during a storm and washes out sections of the trail. We just had a major storm move through this morning, so I suspect there will be several wash outs in this area.

I really think by June 9 things will calm down. Hopefully. For June 2-3 however it is a bit iffy. Forecasts are for the river to drop fairly quickly. This website here can be very helpful. http://water.weather.gov//ahps2/forecasts.php?wfo=lsx

Treloar Bar & Grill is NOW OPEN!!! We are just down the block from the old bar. Closed every Monday and closed every Tuesday til 4:00. For information call 636-932-4220!!!

Trelaor Bar & Grill is NOW OPEN!!!! The "Treloar Grill, Inc." closed down in July. Treloar Bar & Grill has now opened and moved down the block and is run by John n Lisa Ketterer. Good food and cold beverages!! Bikers and bicycler's welcome!!! We are closed every Monday (all day) and don't open on Tuesday's til 4:00 p.m. Call 636-932-4220 for more information!!

Isn't there a eating place at a caboose on the trail near Marthasvile?

I remember coming upon a caboose around that area. Before or after ??? Very friendly and great food. Was a perfect stop.

Yes, it is on the western edge of town right before you enter the tunnel that goes under Hwy 47. You really cannot miss it. They may have their liquor license by now if you care to imbibe.

KT Caboose was not open on May 26 when I was by there.

I want to bike from St. Charles to Clinton. Can I leave my car for a week at the suggested St. Charles parking area? If so, do I need to notify the local police that the car will be there, pay a parking fee, etc.?

I just spoke to the St Charles Police Dept about this - the officer said that it is NOT necessary to notify anyone before parking on the lot for an extended period. He said that the lot is patrolled frequently, but just be sure to lock the car. Parking is always free at all the Katy Trail trailhead parking lots. If you want to clarify anything with the St Charles Police Department, their non-emergency number is 636-949-3300.

It is probably better to park in the parking lot/garage of the Ameristar casino which is maybe 1.5 miles down the trail. VERY SAFE. They patrol tons and it is well lit and always active. I do it often for my runs on the Katy and they never have a problem. If you felt obligated you could always give them a few dollars at the slot machine

We are planning an overnight bike ride. Does anyone know if we can leave our vehicle overnight at Weldon Springs?

The official word that I've heard, is that overnight parking is fine at any of the trailheads. In the past there had been some vandalism problems at N Jefferson, but that was quite a while ago. I've never heard of any problems at Weldon Spring. Use your judgement and of course common sense stuff like not leaving valuables in the car.

I would check with DNR. I know that for the portion in mid-Missouri I was specifically told by

the Park superintendent of that stretch that overnight parking was prohibited. I was helping

out with the DNR ride and needed to leave my car overnight and was told I could not legally

leave it at the trailhead. But, it may be different for the Eastern end of the trail as that part is

managed by a different park superintendent. And, I have been told there have been some

recent vandalism problems at N. Jefferson, but I don't have any first hand knowledge on this.

My advice (from personal experience) is to definitely let the local police know if you're leaving your car at a trailhead for a week.

I called the city of St. Charles PD. I was told overnight parking (or longer) is available and the best place to park is at the lot SE of the Trailhead Brewery, near Boonslick/Riverside (OR Main?). They said that lot is patroled more frequently. I called today, 08-25-07.

The above post is mine: we parked overnight at the lot just Southeast of Trailhead Brewery. This is the lot across the tracks. We had no problem and noted several other vehicles parked overnight also.

I see most of the questions and posts on this page are a few years old but I want to know as of June 2013, where is a good place to leave a vehicle overnight and/or three or four days safely?
Thanks,