Katy Trail Forum

My partner and I, both in our early 50s, just completed biking the entire Katy Trail. What a great adventure! We are so very fortunate to have this beautiful and well-maintained trail running across our state, beside the lovely Missouri River and beneath majestic bluffs, through cornfields and mostly-forgotten river and railroad towns. The six full days of riding were harder than I thought, but equally gratifying. We met many kind and friendly people along the way, helped with two "lost" dogs, drank several excellent local beers, and discovered yet again why experiencing nature is the best natural high there is! Though we'll never bike the Katy Trail end-to-end again, we will certainly return to ride our favorite sections and continue to support this tremendous Missouri state asset that is the Katy Trail!

Jammer, my husband and I (both 52yrs) also just completed this week our end to end on the Katy Trail. Our finish point was the Mississippi River in Portage Des Souix. We couldn't agree with you more. We plan on doing it again next year and staying at different B&B to experience all it has to offer. We saw several things to do that we said we would get next time. Everyone that is capable should ride the Katy and experience all that our Missouri has to offer us.

Both of your testimonies have me even more excited about our first west to east journey on the Katy. We, too, are staying at B&Bs along the way. Thanks so much!

JL we went home to Indepenendence following the hwy 94 and 50 retracing where we had been. When so saw people riding that day we were sort of jealous it wasn't us again. After a two day rest we were so ready to attack the trail again. We are already planning a fall 3 day trip.

Congratulations Jammer! Life is not about how many breathes that we take, but what takes our breathe away. trailjournals/DreamWalker

My husband and I are planning a trip to ride on the Katy Trail. We are trying to decide how many miles we can go in a day. How many miles did you ride in a day? We are thinking about fall time. When do your trees start changing color?

Taking six days, they averaged around 40 or so each day. Peak fall color is usually mid October but that can vary by days or weeks depending on the weather conditions.

A couple years ago my wife and I just started cycling and rode the whole trail in a week. It was in the upper 90's all week and we are in our upper 50's. We finished riding pretty early each day and enjoyed the sites around each new destination.

Day 0 – Overnight in Clinton
Day 1 – Sedalia (35.6mi) – Camp MO State Fairgrounds
Day 2 – Boonville (37.2mi) – Hotel Frederick
Day 3 – Easley (29.3mi) – Camp Cooper’s Landing
Day 4 – Tebbetts (31.3mi) – Turner Katy Trail Shelter
Day 5 – Hermann (30.4mi) – Bed & Breakfast
Day 6 – Rest day in Hermann – Bed & Breakfast
Day 7 – Augusta (34.4mi) – Camp Klondike Park
Day 8 – St. Charles (26.9mi) – End of the ride.

I'm planning to ride the trail sometime in the next few weeks with my two boys, ages 6 and 8. I'd like to take them out for two days, staying at a motel for the overnight and returning to the same starting point. I'm looking for advice on what section of trail to ride and where to stay.

Both boys ride two wheelers very well, and they've done ~10 mile rides before just fine, though a bit tired. However, we also have a tandem tagalong bike that really lets us cover miles and lets me haul them when they fade. I'm inclined to go with the tagalong at least this time so that we can cover 30-40 miles per day, since I'm assuming this provides better options (?). But if there's a shorter stretch that suits our needs, that would be great so they can ride solo.

As for accommodations, I'd like to camp at/near wherever we start the night beforehand, then bike to a motel with a pool (they absolutely love swimming at motels) before biking back the following day. The real priority is fun stuff for the boys on and/or off the trail so this doesn't turn into a trail of tears. They're pretty happy being out in the woods just climbing around whatever's there, but they certainly love the arcade as much as the next kid as well.

Any suggestions on where/how to ride the trail? Any input would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

Any thoughts here? I've been looking things over and considering staying at a hotel in Columbia. Does Columbia have kid-friendly activities? Would Rocheport make a good place to camp the night before starting a ride to Columbia?

Im not sure about the trail closure at Rocheport but you could consider Kat Fish Katies in Hartsburg to camp and ride to Boonville. The Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn probably have pools.

The spur through Columbia passes by several parks that kids could run and play inn. Hotel options in Columbia at not right on the trail, but the city busses can take bikes and may be an option to get up to I-70 and Stadium Drive,

The Trip Planner above is a good tool to find specifics along the trail.

I think Trek meant to say Huntsville instead of Hartsburg for Katfish Katy's.

I shoulda known better than that.....thanks!

Thanks for the input. It does look like starting from Huntsdale (or maybe even Hartsburg! -- I like the sound of the caboose!) would work for going to Columbia.

My only concern is activities for the boys. The trip planner is great for figuring out amenities, but I'm a little uncertain what stretches of the trail would best suit a couple of little guys. I do like the sound of the playgrounds on the Columbia spur. Are there other things on this or other parts of the trail that would also be worth checking out? Things to climb in/on? Places to swim?

Thanks!

There is a lot to see from Huntsdale to Rocheport....Petroglyphs on the cliff above, a cave, an old ammunition bunker, etc. When my three were young they liked to swim, play on the playground, and all that too. But, every trip wasn't conducive to playgrounds and video games at a hotel somewhere. We hiked, fished, camped and biked alot and learned to enjoy just being out in the great outdoors. Teach them to love and learn about nature. Have them hunt for "clues." Clues that a rabbit has been on the trail, clues that a snake has crossed, clues that there are flowers in bloom nearby, and so on. Yes, there are "other things worth checking out."

Back on the site over a year later and stumbled upon this thread, so figured it was worth an update. Did a few miles around Huntsdale and stayed at Katfish Katy's, then took the boys up to Columbia and stayed there. It was a perfect mix of fun on and off the trail. After the 20 miles or so on the bike made it difficult for such little guys to enjoy much more, wandering around campus in Columbia (especially the insect museum) was a big hit.

And sorry to say it: thanks but not thanks for the patronizing comments about video games and hotels.

Is Jim's Bar in Tebbetts open? Anyone been there recently? Anyone have a phone number? We're planning to come through Sunday. Thanks.

It is closed. Someone is renovating the building.

Doug,
Maggie & I want to thank you for one of the most pleasant nights we spent on our recent KATY ride. We truly appreciated you hospitality & your generosity in sharing your fresh beans & coffee with us. And your place is a wonderful place to stay. Again, thank you so much for a great night & we will certainly be back the next time we do a long ride.

Maggie & David

Thanks Dave! As much as I love having the Katy for my backyard to ride in, it is the company I have like you, that really makes it great to be here. Maybe I'll see you this fall when the pears are in!

My wife and I will be riding from Rocheport to Hermann and would like to camp out along the trail. Any suggestions on safe, clean camping facilities that include showers?

The Turner Hostel at Tebbetts. Click on the town and you will see it.

Last month I stayed at Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale, Tebbetts Shelter, Rivers Edge in Portland, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin, and Klondike Park in Augusta. All had hot showers and reasonable price. I have not stayed at Coopers Landing in Easley, but they have showers also.

Does anyone know the cost and the types of setups for lite tent camping in pilot Grove city park?

Trip is in a few weeks,

Thanks

Pilot Grove allows you to camp in their park free. Just call the sheriff. The # is listed at the trailhead.

The city park is on the south side of town, 100 off the trail. There is nothing the matter with it, but accomodations are sparse--as in grass field, covered pavillion, and not much else. There is quite a bit of traffic/people in an out of the area too--not good for me becasue I like to pitch a tent under a big oak tree, and that was just not available that I saw. If you camp there on a weekend, there is a chance you will have to deal with a boy scout group--Good and bad--it meant noisy adults (not kids) but free hot breakfast my last time there. It's close to a Casey's general store, and a bar/cafe in Pilot Grove. I've stayed there, and would stay there again, but my preference is stopping at a nearby farm house and asking to pitch my tent in their yard.

My wife and I just finished a Clinton to JC stretch. First rate experience throughout. Thanks to Ray or whoever runs this website, an excellent resource that pointed us toward numerous great services. Will be posting more, but in a nutshell I found the following through this site and ALL were spot-on: Davidson Transportation, USA Inn, Wagon Wheel in Windsor, Deon's Bar and Grill in Pilot Grove, Abigail's, Dotties in Hartsburg. Awesome experience!

Man.......Deon's, Dotty's and Abigail's. You did experience the full spectrum. That's what makes the Katy great.

Yes, great point. Deon's, Abigail's and Dottie's literally have NOTHING in common except the trail. And each was great for what it was. Would return to any in a minute.

Awesome. With the complaining that sometimes takes place on this board, I love this post. Can't wait to go end-to-end this weekend.

Thanks again for the post.

Thanks for the compliments Hank - glad the website was useful to you. Much of the value of the website comes from folks like you who come back and share your experiences on the forum - we all appreciate hearing from you.

I am going to be riding just two days over this next weekend and my group is trying to find the best place to camp for one night. We have literally no experience on the trail and figured we would drive to the campsite first and ride half a day out and then back. Camp for the night and then do the same going the other direction the next day. We are coming from the kc area and dont want to spend half a day in the car getting to the trail so we were considering starting in Sedalia. The farthest I think any of us would really want to go in the car would be boonville and that would be a stretch. For those who have camped out on this side of the state, what are some recommended sites? I have heard the state fairgrounds are not that nice (bathrooms are deplorable according to coworker). Any help would be appreciated.

Your best bet would be to cross the river and stay at the Katy Roundhouse campground in New Franklin. Even at that you should call and get reservations. There are about a 1000 riders in the Pedaler's Jamboree riding from Columbia to Boonville this weekend.

To all those thinking about riding this Memorial Day weekend, note that it is going to be HOT. Projecting 96 on Saturday and Sunday. Take lots of water!

Hi Mike! You can camp at Pilot Grove city park that is free. Just call the sheriff's # listed at the trail head.

Joe's Bird House is a delightful B&B, right on the Katy Trail and only a mile or two from Hermann. We enjoyed hearing all the birds singing, right outside our door. We also enjoyed a delicious meal, prepared by Joey, next door at the McKittrick Farmers Mercantile. Joey is a great cook and a wonderful host. Thanks!

Joey and Rich have a great place. I mentioned to Joey that it had everything that I needed in the fridge to make my OWN breakfast. Something very unique to find on the trail, and I LOVED it! The room was really nice. Comfortable queen bed, (even though I had a very nice nap in the reclining chair). Small town friendly people and resonable pricing for the Katy make this a great find! Good Luck on the new venture, and thanks!

On our Katy trip next week we're going to be staying in Washington one night. How bad is riding across the Rt. 47 bridge from the trail over to Washington going to be?

I would not recommend it at all. It is an old fashioned bridge with no shoulder or bike lane and traffic travels at 60 mph. We were in Washington in April, and had several seasoned road riders with us and NO ONE wanted to ride across the bridge. Call your hotel or B&B and see if they will bike you upo at the trail head.

Sorry - there's a typo in there! Meant to say, pick you up at the trail head!

I agree....its not worth the risk of riding over that bridge.

I kind of disagree. I say "kind of," meaning it's best to get a ride if you can. However I've done it and it's really not that bad. The key is to go with a partner and ride side by side taking up the full lane. Hold your ground!Yes the car behind you will have to go 15 mph or so but too bad, you have a right to be out there! I would NEVER do it by myself or single file, no way. But my wife and I were going to do it just this past weekend. Best idea is wait for a car with a bike rack on it then wave it down and butt in front. Chances are they'll be fine to "escort" you. Enjoy Washmo! If you like beer then you MUST go to the Bier Deck.

Harry, upon second thought my plan assumes you are riding Augusta Bottom Road. If you are trying to ride Highway 47 from Dutzow then I would say no. The highway is not friendly even if the bridge is manageable. Augusta Bottom Road is OK but currently is a real dusty mess, you could literally be full of dust if you rode it during a busy period. So yes I would say if at all possible pay someone for a ride. If you are having no luck at getting a ride then email me at hankfranklin92(at)yahoo.com and maybe we can help you out.

We ended up getting shuttled by Revolution Cycle in Washington. Good service and reasonable price.

Thanks to Alex from Revolution Cycles in Washington for excellent shuttle service to/from the Super 8 in Washington. Price was reasonable for shuttling four riders, bikes, and other gear. Went to their store after being dropped off and it's worth a visit.

Our cycling group, Granny Gear Cycling, spent Saturday at the Red Brick Inn. Gary and Corrine are the ultimate Hosts! The B&B is incredible, the food and hospitality are even better! We will stay here again! Thanks for a fantastic visit!!!

Today I was enjoying a Fat Tire beer, one of my favorites. They have a promotion where people send in stories about Fat Tire, and they print the stories on the beer labels. I spotted this story on my bottle today:

"3 'mature' ladies, 3 days, and a 225 mile bike trail... the conquering of which is to be commemorated with a butt-bike tattoo. Alas the artist needs a design. So, we belly up to the nearest bar, order 3 Fat Tires, drink 'em and take the labels back to the artist, who creates 3 beautiful renditions of the Fat Tire bicycle - left, center, and right posteriors. - Linda, Diane, and Susan of Missouri"

So, it's pretty easy to guess what bike trail they were on. Linda, Diane, and Susan, if you're out there, we'd love to hear more of your Katy Trail story. But please do NOT send any photos!