Katy Trail Forum

My husband and I are planning a fall trip on/to the Katy trail. In order to minimize logistics, hassle, and plan a toddler-friendly trip, we plan to stay in the same location for three nights and do two days of riding, one to the west and back, one to the east and back. We're considering Rocheport or Augusta as our "home base." We're looking for some nice scenery on the trail surrounding, and a couple dinner options near our lodging. Any other suggestions? We don't plan to go too far during the days- maybe 25 miles round trip. So a concentration of trail favorites is a plus. We're first timers so I'm open to any suggestions and ideas from folks who know the trail and what each area has to offer. Thanks in advance!

I would think Rocheport is your better option. Boonville and the Mo River crossing to the west, pretty stretch along the river to the east. Big Oak Tree to the east. Good dining in Rocheport. Augusta is nice though the scenery and sights in the nearby vicinity don't compare to Rocheport IMO. Haven fun.

I know the trail from Boonville to Mokane. Rocheport east to Huntsdale is the prettiest (IMHO). Lots of caves with cliffs on one side and the MO River on the other side. 12.5 miles west gets you to New Franklin, 12.5 east gets you to Providence. Most food options are in Rocheport with best overnight options. Can't speak to the Augusta option...

I have had the pleasure of riding Clinton-St. Charles on multiple occasions...In my opinion, the prettiest stretch of the KATY is the 25 miles between Rocheport and Hartsburg. That's just my opinion.

Thanks for the opinions! We are definitely leaning towards Rocheport as it is also a much shorter drive. I'm open to any other towns that we might look into, so keep the suggestions coming if you've got 'em!

I like the Rendleman Home at mile mark 111. You could ride west one day and see the river and the bluffs and Standing Rock and then east one day through open farm fields and tree shaded trail sections to Historic Hermann. Lots to see and do there along with restaurants but I would eat at Dougs at least one night of your stay. Both he and his dogs are kid friendly and he can cook. He also can give you lots of info on the area and help set up your rides.

Best areas on the KT are Boonville to Jeff City and Hermann to Defiance by all experienced recommendations. Best food, B&Bs, wineries and scenery by far.

Rocheport, hands down. We raised two sons on the Katy Trail with daytrips starting in Rocheport; cliffs, caves, a railroad tunnel, river views, Burr Oak, etc. etc. I would suggest that on day two you drive the short trip the McBaine Trail Head and ride 10 miles up the MKT Spur to downtown Columbia for pizza(and cold brews) at Flat Branch Brewpub ... and a splash in the city park playground/fountain on your way back.

Well, I've booked our Boxcar at Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport and we are looking forward to it. The fountain in Columbia sure sounds good... but probably not in early October :) -- however our girl never met a playground she didn't like and I like the idea of checking out another area-- so we will check out the spur side trip for sure. Thanks for the idea, Brad!

My wife and I recently spent two nights at the Lindenhoff B andB. Debbie and Bill were gracious hosts. They made useful suggestions about area wineries and restaurants for dinner. Bill provided directions to St. Louis attractions. Our room was comfortable and nicely furnished. Our two breakfasts were delicious and substantial. A bottle of wine was provided each evening, and we enjoyed it on the patio. Soft drinks, cookies, and breads were also available during the afternoon and evening. We would not hesitate to return to the Lindenhoff, and recommend it without reservation.

What a wonderful Katy Trail destination! Elegant, charming ... but biker friendly. A cozy, fun atmosphere paired with a delicious menu offering a variety of appetizers, soup, salads, sandwiches, wraps and full romantic dinners. Friendly staff ... an impressive selection of wines and cold beers ... desserts ... and a pet-friendly front patio seating area will make this a frequent Katy Trail ride destination for my wife (and dachshund) and me all season long.

Is the campground open the first two weeks of October? Also, how convenient is the campground to area restaurants? Thanks.

From the St. Charles County Parks brochure for Klondike Park,-- Six cabins, 41 campsites and shower house open April- November.

Can't help you with available restaurants, maybe a Bing search for Augusta Missouri will get the info you need.

Augusta is 2.5 miles from Klondike on the Katy and has good food options. Remember the trail closes at sunset and October the nights are shorter so you'll want to get to town for food fairly early. I know some people will ride the trail after dark but apart from being illegal I just don't recommend it. Not safe, not fun.

Augusta in October is awesome, the wineries are hopping and the countryside is resplendent.

The Missouri River Bluffs Asociation (MRBA) made up of member merchants in 5 counties (Boone, Cole, Callaway, Moniteau and Osage) have just brought up a new website listing member merchants; many along the MKT Trail. Please access it by entering MoRiverBluffs.org. We think the data contained will help bikers and day trippers.

I forgot to say that membership is $50.00 and with that you get a picture and contact info. We are non-chain stores that are pooling our money to improve business. All business in the 5 counties are listed with minimal data and are not members until they are accepted into the group. Then more info is supplied on the web site. Contact 573-657-9581 for more data or membership.

My Grandfather died from an accident while working on a KATY train near Moberly in the 1930's. Would you have any records and or pictures or written reports of this accident?
His last name is HOLLEY
My mother grew up in New Franklin and Booneville

We are coffee snobs and wanted to know if there are any expresso coffee shops in the Rocheport area.

That's the edge of wine country there.

You might try the Rocheport General Store. They advertise coffee and espresso, as well as wonderful food and live music.

Rocheport General Store
202 Central
Rocheport, MO 65279
(573) 698-2282
www.rocheportgeneralstore.com

Just off the trail near the depot there is a great little coffee place run by coffee snobs in Rocheport. They make each cup by hand with 7 different beans to choose from. Check it out!

Next to the Katy Trail near the Depot enjoy a cup of coffee made to your taste before you mount up and hit the Trail.

I can see why cyclist like the katy. I was droped off at 11:30 and made it to St. Charles by 4. I took some pictures and even had some nice breaks. So fare the towns dont look like they are set up for hikers. I will live. Post moor tomorrow.

Not Bavaria, Mein z.

I lived in Bavaria for 6 years, and absolutely LOVED it! Even thought about and looked into staying over there permanantly. I am thankful that the KT is not Bavaria; at my current age and fitness level, I need the flatness of KT over the beautiful hills of Bavaria.

Now, If there were some great Bavarian style places to stay, eat and drink (true Bavarian beer, not that downstream stuff made locally), that would be nice.

27 miles today. Wlaked past a few area that I could have/should have camped. It was only at 7:45 PM that a b&b person point out where it was leagle. I owe her a big thanks. Short day tomarrow befor another big day. Cool and cloudy all day
Some sprinkels. Ok day though.

18 miles in the rain. Camping tonight. Hot lunch and hot dinner so another night in a ten is fine. 18 miles is when I called it quites. I saw a few bikers today due to a event that was going on. They were curtous to and I to them. Good day for having it raining. My legs may be coming back.

Figs, I just returned from Bavaria and around Frankfurt from a 3 week business trip. Cold snowy winter up until a few weeks ago. Spring has sprung with the biergartens going strong. I met 3 gentlemen who biked over the Alps in 4 days and they are not young by far, mid 50's. I'll stick with the midwest too but KT could have some better beer and food. I agree.

In the summer of 86, while a young 23 year old soldier, a group of 3 of us rode our bikes from Augsburg, Germany to Insbruck, Austria. We intended to ride round trip, but it was more than we had anticipated, so we loaded the bikes onto a train for the trip home and enjoyed soft seats and good beer.

16 miles to day. Had black lab keep me company for 14. He had no tags but a blue collor. Very friendly. If its you dog he is going to make it to clinton before me.

24 miles. It was a wam day. I sarted with three leaters of water and needed one more. Hit town over haeted and in need of water very badly. I did get some great pic today.

Be careful out there. Tues & Wed are supposed to be even hotter - mid 80's. Cooler again by Thurs.

Good luck!

Z, looks like you made it thru the dry section east of Jeff city? Now as Ray said its getting warmer so you need to be hiking but filling up at most watering holes, trailheads and even private businesses, even if you have water left. Stay hydrated and safe and have a great time.

I made it to jeff-city. I did better on water. Hike into town for food. The truman confrance center has katy trail rates for hike/bikers. Plus pick up snd drop off at trail head. So I am fed, things are hand eashed as I am. Lol I am loving a bed for a night.

Welcome to Jefferson City Mr. Z! I would try and talk you into spending an extra day here, but it looks like rain is in the forecast for Thurs. and beyond, so I suspect you will want to get back on the trail and make whatever progress you can before bad weather hits. But, if you end up in Jefferson City tomorrow or beyond, I suggest the following: See the Capitol! They do tours hourly (maybe every 30 minutes, from about 9 am to 4 pm daily. The art in the building is fantastic, be sure to see the Thomas Hart Benton Mural in one of the lounges (Senate or House of Reps, I never remember which). With legislation in session the Capitol is somewhat disfunctional, and interesting at the same time. The statues of Lewis and Clark are close by the Capitol, so you could walk and see those. There is an exhibit at Jefferson Landing, again, walking distance from the Capitol, I haven't been yet, but it may be worthwhile. our downtown is quaint, you may enjoy walking on High St. and enjoying it, again walking distance from the Capitol. And be sure to have ice cream at Central Dairy. They close at 5, so get in before then. I don't know what your budget is, but since you are on foot, it will require a cab from the Truman Hotel to the Capitol complex.

Glad to hear your journey is going ok so far.

Thanks dor the info but I did leave this morning. I did gat some good pic's of the capital building. I mad around 28 miles to huntsdale to day. Consumed more than 4 litters of fluids to day and still not a nough. I am sunburned. Even the funny little hat I were did little from the reflextion off tje trail its self. Plane on walk rain or sine to get ahead of flood possibly. Night .

In Boonville. 20 or so miles in rain, some frezing, but mostly over cast skys. Got a room so hiked two miles to supper8. I stop and shoped at wally world too. Yahoo to be a cosumer again. I will be done monday or tuesday if my feet jold up. The katy is a hard surface.

It is a short day, I will be in pilot grove to night. In three days I should have the whole trail behind me. So? How about this crazy weather?

You will be covering my favorite section of the trail tomorrow. Downhill too from Pilot Grove. I love to imagine the old steam engines going throughout that rural country. Also, be sure to see old downtown Sedalia. It's only a few blocks west of the old train station: It looks like a Hollywood movie set from the 1920s.

Sorry about this weather. It is crummy, even for MO. We do get cool weather in May once in a whil, but not as much and more or less continuous like this year, with a few patches of decent weather. I'm enjoying your updates Mr. Z, and glad to know you are plowing ahead.

34 miles left. I am going to do it in two days and enjoy it. Wimping out and got a hotel for to night.

Good stuff Mr. Z...

Bitter sweet last night in the katy this trip. Thank, but the weather just made my trip more exciting. I hope to arive in clinton around 3. I had hoped to have tahen more photos but got caught up in the milige each day. I do have some good shots. Oh. The four bickers that I met at the high point congrates. The three that were complaining about thins go and nurce your selves back to helth. You did it.

That it. I have finished the trail. 12 days to walk 238 miles.

Congrats Mr,Z! You have conquered the Katy in something less than ideal conditions, unless you like hiking and camping in the cold and rain. Thanks for the reports, its been interesting to read.

Like Darrell said, congratulations. I too have enjoyed your reports. And others who are considering hiking the Katy Trail will have access to them on this forum. Basically, I don't know how you did it with the bad weather. And don't be a stranger Mr. Z, get back on this forum once in awhile and let us know how you are doing.

Very cool. CONGRATULATIONS MR. Z!!

Congrats Mr Z! It seems I just missed you. I rode the Clinton end of the trail yesterday. I talked to a rider that said he had met you on the trail, so you are famous now! I hope you take away many positive memories. I liked your reports along the way. Next time, bike it, and I'll ride with you!

Any way I could chat with Mr. Z? I'm trying to plan a thru hike to begin in a couple of weeks, (and it's proving harder than I thought--ok, i'm getting scared); I'm impressed Mr. Z did it on a light budget, and camped as much as he did!! Wow!! At any rate, THANK YOU!!

I have an email you can send questions to or my facebook. with face book a chat is possible. Masterzelenka@netscape.net or mrz coachz on facebook.

We are riding West to East and will need to rent a van in St Charles to drive back to KC. Amtrak will not work as I am pulling a BOB trailer and they will not allow it on train. So need something close to trail head. Thanks for suggestions.

Google shows a couple of rentals not far from Frontier Park in St. Charles.