Katy Trail Forum

Is there a safe way to ride into Jefferson City? I only see highway 54 on Google maps - doesn't look bike friendly (or legal?).

there's a bike lane on the bridge, no problem

And isn't there a trail out towards that bridge? I guess the Holts Summit trail (I have a trail marked on my recent map that starts from the Katy and loops around the 54/63 interchange and ends in the suburb of Cedar City - it looks like the streets will take you onto the bridge) they were talking about a year or so ago?

The directions I have here off of my map:
1. South on Katy Rd. from Katy Trail to the Holts Summit Spur or whatever that's called.
2. Follow it southwest to 4th street.
3. 4th street west to Sandstone.
4. South on Sandstone and then you run into the bike bridge over the MO.

Don't know whether it's 100% accurate or not since it wasn't there the last time I was there, but that's what it looks like by my map here.

And another tip for Google maps for kxjohnson or others. Look for the setting under "Traffic" and tick "Bicycling". It will show this spur, the bike bridges, and the Katy Trail. Hope it helps.

Coming from the North Jefferson trailhead, there's a combination of signs and markings on the road that direct you to the bridge. Not an actual trail, but a road route along very lightly travelled streets and through a park. The bridge bike lane is a great river crossing - totally separated from the car traffic, with superb views of the capitol building and the river. Even for someone not planning to stay in Jeff City, I'd still recommend riding across the bridge as a nice side-trip.

From the trailhead, you'll see the KATY Spur off the parking lot, going past the concrete plant. Follow the spur, take a right when it ends, keep going until you turn left to go to the Noren Access. The ramp is easy to ride up (it's wheelchair ready).
It's much simpler than it sounds.

Thanks so much for all the info.

How's the cell phone coverage? Will be riding from Sedalia to St. Charles.

I'm also interested in the answer to this question. I know that the Boonville-Rocheport area is near the Interstate, so it has decent reception. But I will be riding other parts of the trail this year and I have purchased a cell phone / mp3 charger for my bicycle so that I can run GPS and Pandora and still have phone battery if needed.

I have Verizon. Checked signal frequently during my end-to-end ride last summer. I had a phone signal almost the whole time. But I could not get a data signal for almost the entire trail, other than when in the bigger cities (Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville, Jeff City, & St Charles)

Oh oh, sounds like its a good thing that I am riding in Pedalers Jamboree and there will be music provided!! I can only charge one piece of equipment at a time, so the phone has priority over the mp3... but thanks for the info!

I have Tmobile and very spotty coverage most of the trail except in larger cities.

Have Verizon. Covered Clinton to St. Charles in two different trips last year. Had cell phone coverage along with email just about entire time both trips. Wife has AT&T and her coverage was spotty so it varies with carrier.

I have been using the trail a lot these past few days and conditions are perfect. Trail is dry, relatively rut-free. In my opinion, this is one of the best times to be using the Katy. No people, no insects, all the foliage is gone so you get to see the ancient bluffs that lie back from the trail that you ordinarily do not get to see. Also, wildlife viewing opportunities are numerous. Deer are plentiful and the bottoms Northwest of the tunnel in Rocheport are partially flooded and are packed with waterfowl. Lots and lots of ducks of all kinds, and geese, of course. There are several red-tail hawks hanging around and even a couple bald eagles. If you go to the bluffs downstream of Rocheport you will notice that the geese are actually in the bluffs. Doing what you may ask. The Canadas nest in the same spots every year in the little ledges and have been doing so forever I assume (or at least since 1993 when we moved here.) When it starts to warm up, you will see snakes. DO NOT KILL THE SNAKES! They were there, first. You are in their home. Occasionally you will see a copperhead but if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Don't poke them with a stick because they will try to bite you. The other snakes will head the other way, but a copperhead will defend itself. Have fun on the Katy!

Uhhhhhhh.........scratch that. What a difference a day makes.

Today was FANTASTIC out there! Nice and quiet. Birds flitting around looking for seeds. The crunch of your tires in the snow being the loudest sound. Absolutely gorgeous. Makes coming back in by the fire even more fun.

I've never snowbiked, so I can't say for sure, but wouldn't it be difficult to stay upright? Do you have to use a different rig (say for tires)? Wouldn't this cause a degree of wear on the trail if the tires get down into the mud?

Like I said, I don't know for sure, but the only way I'm going to learn is ask.

Not hard to stay up at least in a wet heavy snow like this, I ride with knobby tires, The bridges can be a bit of a challenge and with the snow absorbing some of the footprint you don't even see the tracks once it melts. Your tires cut more groove during or after a rain and don't seem to leave any lasting imprint on the trail. You do have to watch for icy patches and maybe walk the bridges but it is worth it to see the woods like this.

Hows the trail from Jeff City east these days with the snow? Any bike tire tracks or cc blade tracks or even footprints? I'm looking at possibly Apr 2-3 timeframe for a 2 day ride back to St. Charles from Jeff City.

The Katy is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.

Would like to ride from Washington to Jeff City and take train back in one day. Has anyone given that a shot? How early did you leave?

Worst case scenario is returning to Washington after dark. You would not be able to start riding until noon. You absolutely positively do NOT want to ride 47 or the bridge at Washington after dark. Really don't want to ride it during the day for that matter. If you could arrange a late arrival shuttle from Marthasville or Dutzow then not so bad.

How long would it take from Jeff to Wash. going about 12 mp ? Good place camp close to Wash? I mite planing tripe soon.
river clean up coming soon.

Letz sea. milez times 12 mp.
wud bea bout 3 four that tripe

Im glad to see everyone planning their rides. I am looking forward to seeing you all again, it has been a long winter:) Im planning some new specials, soups, salads, and breakfasts, hope to see you soon! Check us out on facebook too!

I've heard there was a study showing the economic impact of the Katy Trail on the local small businesses along the trail. Has anyone read this or know where I can get a copy? Please email me below.



Thanks in advance.



Kevin



kjbarb@gmail.com

Some data from an older study is here: http://mobikefed.org/2004/09/katy-trail-statistics.php

Here's info about a recent study: http://mobikefed.org/2013/03/katy-trail-186-million-annual-economic-impact-according-new-missouri-state-parks-study

wondering if there are any other recreation riders out there who would be interested in forming an informal once a week or so riding group. I usually ride during the week and like to do about 25-30 miles. Usually do an out & back but maybe with a group could figure out a shuttle system.

I would be interested on the trail and/or around Jefferson City east.

I am hoping someone can provide me with some shuttle advice. I will be driving down from Ontario Canada and plan on parking in St Charles. I am looking to shuttle/amtrac to Clinton and ride back to St Charles over 3 or 4 days.Not sure what month yet but either May or September due to other planned trips. Thanks for any advice,

You will love the trail! We have made trips out from Colorado many times just to enjoy this gem. We had one poor shuttle experience and one good one. Once we rode the train from Sedalia to Washington and then rode from there to St. Charles and back to Sedalia. Last year we stayed at Lococo House in St. Charles and had a great night and breakfast. Since they are now shuttling, we'll be using them when we ride in May. Nice folks, great stay, so I bet the shuttle will be good too! Good luck and enjoy!

I too have been pleased with my stay and shuttle service from Lococo House. (Used them June, 2012) Best wishes with your ride.

And no...I'm not connected to the establishment in any way other than as a satisfied customer.

Going to be riding the trial next week starting at St. Charles and going to KC. What do you think? Weather? Conditions?

There's a winter storm expected for the weekend (tonight through Monday morning_, the forecasters are saying about a 6-8" accumulation. I'm sure it will vary depending on the location and time, but personally I wouldn't bother.

I lived in O Fallon 12 years ago and loved the Katy trail. I swore I would ride the whole trail over the course of time. Unfortunately a job transfer took me to Chicago before I could do it. I am planning a trip back in late April. I have only experienced st. Charles to Augusta and for sentimental reasons am planning to ride it again. My question is whether it is more scenic past Augusta. My wife and can do 40 miles a day round trip. Any recommendations? PS if you are ever offered to move from Missouri to Chicago, don't do it! I miss MO.

Just got off the trail in Rocheport. Trail conditions are perfect. We had lots of trees on the trail due to the recent snow but the DNR cleaned 'em right up. The geese are pairing up and nesting in the bluffs outside Rocheport. Saw the first butterfly of the year, today. Also, there are more than a couple of bald eagles here, by Rocheport.

Best news I have heard all day. Thanks foe the report

I was on the trail today between Jeff City and Claysville and it was in great shape. There were a lot of others out. I counted over 20 cars in the lot. However you don't notice a crowd on the trail because they go different directions and spread out. It was a great afternoon out there.

It was a great day to ride Friday. It's amazing how fast the trail dried out after all the snow we had. Just a heads up for those planning to ride next week, the local forecast (Jefferson City) calls for rain changing to snow Sunday and all next week temps in the range of 30-50. Guess we just have to pay the piper for Friday.

Just road from Sedalia to Boonsville.


The trail is a little soft but I am averaging 12mph. That may also be because I realized after the ride my tires were only inflated to 45psi and the wind was over 15mph from the north. I mostly felt the softness when going uphill. 

By the way I am running 700x35 and am fully loaded. 

Luke, glad to hear from you! You running your Crosscheck? Post voluminous reports please!

Luke, glad to hear you made it and are enjoying a good ride. Looks like weather may become an issue as the week goes on. Hope the best for ya.

Hi everyone, I have read several comments on the message boards about the parking at the N Jefferson trailhead being a bit dangerous. Most of these comments are several years old. Does anyone know if this is still true? I would like to leave my car overnight in the parking lot but am a bit concerned about the safety. Thank you in advance for your comments.

I'm don't know about the current situation at the North Jefferson trailhead, but I have not and would not leave my car there. I have several times though, parked overnight at Hartsburg and Tebbets without any problem. If I had to leave the car near Jefferson City, I'd try to leave it in the lot at one of hotel downtown.

Although this trailhead is near a highway overpass, it can only be accessed via a dark curvy path from a larger road one-mile or so further south. This situation make the trailhead remote, especially at night. Last time I was there it was not well lit neither.

It is well-suited for daytime parking, but I wouldn't leave a vehicle there overnight.

Agree with the comments above. I personally would not leave my car there overnight. Too remote. Too dark.

Thank you for your comments and suggestions.