Accommodations along the way
- + Planning on riding Clinton to Machens about the 3rd week in October 2025. Want to do a fairly leisurely trip of 35 to 45 miles per day but I don't want to be tied in to a set schedule. Is it easy t...
Discussion started 08/06/2025 03:07 PM by Pook - 3 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 08/07/2025 04:14 PM)Pook from Dixfield, ME1 on 08/06/2025 03:07 PM
Planning on riding Clinton to Machens about the 3rd week in October 2025. Want to do a fairly leisurely trip of 35 to 45 miles per day but I don't want to be tied in to a set schedule. Is it easy to get accommodations without reservations at that time of year? Thinking motel, abnb, camping.
Anonymous on 08/06/2025 03:19 PM
Peace of mind that you have a place to spend the night can enhance a leisurely trip. Know that MU football game days in Columbia can cause lodging to fill in the outlying area. And fall rides in cool days with colorful trees can bring more people to the trail after sitting out the hot months of July and August.
For me, traveling without reservations creates confusion and stress. It would be nothing but speculation for anyone here to tell you with any reliability that you could always find lodging where you wanted on your leisurely journey.
Mark from Lee's Summit on 08/06/2025 08:03 PM
All of the Oktoberfest events across the state combined with the leaves changing color make your proposed timeframe one of the busiest times of the year. You will probably be okay being flexible around the western part of the state, but I would at least plan out your stops along the eastern half of the Katy Trail.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 08/07/2025 04:14 PM
As a trail lodging owner I'm always sorry when I have to tell last minute folks that all four cabins are already full for that night. Sept. and Oct are especially busy months
Found lost item
- + Hello everyone. I just finished riding the Katy trail yesterday. A young man had passed me between St Charles and Machens. He was kind enough to take my photo ringing the bell and he informed me of hi...
Discussion started 07/27/2025 04:02 PM by Tom - 2 replies (last reply by Tom at 08/07/2025 04:11 PM)Tom from Belleville, IL on 07/27/2025 04:02 PM
Hello everyone. I just finished riding the Katy trail yesterday. A young man had passed me between St Charles and Machens. He was kind enough to take my photo ringing the bell and he informed me of his time and that he had ridden straight through. Unfortunately, he had to shoot off and catch his ride and somehow in the middle of this he left something behind. I would like to return it to him if there is a way to find it. I didn't get his name so I figured I'd drop a line here. If he sees this or someone can identify him for me then confirm 1. What he lost 2. The time he told me it took him to finish. Then I will find a way to get in touch and return it.
Cindy from Fort Worth on 08/04/2025 04:45 PM
Hi Tom,
The timing is off but your description made me think of a young man who rode straight through in a total time of 16:57, ride time of 14:38. But he did this on July 3rd. If this is him, his name is Cooper White. What a feat!
Tom from Belleville, IL on 08/07/2025 04:11 PM
Good job, Cooper!
Wrong date, Cindy.
Might be the youngest to ever do the Katy in a day
- + Hey, I did the Katy on July 3rd 2025 as a 15 year old. I did it in 16 hours 57 minutes elapsed, and 14 hours 38 minutes moving. But I can’t seem to find the place where I put my ride on this website. ...
Discussion started 07/10/2025 10:11 PM by Cooper White - 6 replies (last reply by Jerry at 08/03/2025 12:13 PM)Cooper White on 07/10/2025 10:11 PM
Hey, I did the Katy on July 3rd 2025 as a 15 year old. I did it in 16 hours 57 minutes elapsed, and 14 hours 38 minutes moving. But I can’t seem to find the place where I put my ride on this website. Does anyone else know how?I have proof of ride on Strava but don’t know how to put the link in here.
Thanks! Cooper white.
Ray (webmaster) on 07/11/2025 07:13 AM
Congratulations Cooper! That's an amazing accomplishment - and yes, as far as I know you are the youngest person to have ever done this.
Please email me the Strava link and any other details that you think are relevant, at contact@trailhub.com and I'll get you added to the Single Day Riders page at https://bikekatytrail.com/one-day.aspx
Again, congrats!
sean r from wright city on 07/17/2025 10:31 PM
good job man, very impressive
MR from Hartsburg on 07/20/2025 03:47 PM
What's the point; it's not a racetrack. Slow down and enjoy the scenery which you obviously missed in your haste.
Kev on 07/20/2025 04:24 PM
He's 15. He has lots of time left to do it again another way if he wants to.
Jim from St. Thomas on 07/20/2025 04:24 PM
I think the point is that he set a very difficult goal and accomplished it.
I'm sure most of us of a certain age have complained about young
Not getting out and doing stuff. This young man got out and did something.
Good for him.
There is no "correct" way to enjoy the Katy......you enjoy your way and let others
enjoy it their way.
Jerry from Fort Worth on 08/03/2025 12:13 PM
Way to go Cooper! Great job. I have done the whole trail a few times but I was touring each time. Fastest I did it was 3 days. I am thinking about trying it in one day next year when I am 74. I'll be riding my WAW velomobile the next time. You can go to velomobileworld.com to see what velomobiles look like. 3 wheels with a complete CF shell. They are very aerodynamic, fast, and comfortable.
Where to stay in or near Jefferson city
- + I'm trying to plan a 6 day ride with stays in B & B's or hotels near the trail. I'm having a hard time figuring out the Jefferson City stop. Is the city easy to bike in? I prefer no street riding. Eve...
Discussion started 07/22/2025 02:40 PM by Linda/OH - 11 replies (last reply by Jerry at 07/31/2025 02:24 PM)Linda/OH from Ohio on 07/22/2025 02:40 PM
I'm trying to plan a 6 day ride with stays in B & B's or hotels near the trail. I'm having a hard time figuring out the Jefferson City stop. Is the city easy to bike in? I prefer no street riding. Every place near there is booked for the dates in September but a couple of hotels.Help!
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/22/2025 02:50 PM
Jeff City is considered a hilly city. MY limited exposure there is that it is not much of a joy to ride within the city limits. Lot of controlled intersections and vehicle traffic. Once out on the trail, it's very different, obviously.
Anonymous on 07/22/2025 02:54 PM
We've stayed at the Capitol Plaza hotel several times. It's any easy ride from the trail and is bike friendly.
Ray (webmaster) on 07/22/2025 03:26 PM
Like Bill said, Jeff City can be hilly and/or busy if you venture very far into it.
However, you will not experience much of this if you stay within a few blocks of the river. The Jeff City webpage at https://bikekatytrail.com/jefferson-city.aspx lists a few B&Bs and hotels that are all easy to reach.
Getting to Jeff City, from the N. Jefferson trailhead, is not hard. You'll ride maybe a mile and a half to the river, then up a series of ramps to get to the bridge level. Riding across the bridge, you're rewarded with great views of the river and the capitol building. The bike portion of the bridge is totally safe and separated from car traffic.
I've found the streets between the bridge and the state capitol to be very easy to navigate and usually really quiet. Most of the buildings around there are state agencies, so the traffic only picks up when state workers are heading into the office or leaving for the day.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 07/22/2025 03:30 PM
Jefferson City is like any other small town, traffic? sure morning, noon, late afternoon work traffic. Use google maps set to bicycle to get directions on how to use the bike/pedestrian bridge over the Missouri and to get around in Jeff. Google maps has an advantage over Apple Maps in that it shows more restaurants,hotels and B&Bs there are many once you cross the river. Just avoid the main highways and Missouri Blvd which are high traffic areas. Google maps will show you how to get to get where you want to go on side streets. Hills? Of course, the secret is to ride east/west directions as much as you can to avoid the up and down hill rides. You will see the exceptions to this general rule.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 07/22/2025 03:35 PM
I’ll just add to Rays post, Google maps set on bicycle mode is a great tool to use to get around in Jefferson City and find hotels, restaurants, and B&Bs.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/22/2025 04:38 PM
Prison Brews is a kinda cool place to dine. Craft beers. Great burgers/fries. Ice cream? Central Dairy, of course. But only get one scoop. They are HUGE!
Mark from Lee's Summit on 07/22/2025 08:48 PM
http://katytrailcottage.com/ ... Katy Trail Cottage is about as close as you can get. From there you can walk or bike on sidewalks for a few blocks to restaurants. If you are willing to ride a few blocks then Central Dairy Ice Cream is well worth the adventure.
Linda/OH from Ohio on 07/23/2025 05:33 PM
I really appreciate all the responses. Google maps set on bicycle is a so helpful getting around - new places especially. I went ahead and booked at the Capitol Plaza, Katy Cottage was booked. Thanks for explaining the city and how to navigate it.
Looking forward to our September ride. I may post again. You guys are the best!
Cathy from Churchill, PA on 07/26/2025 02:25 AM
All the above comments give excellent advice. And you chose well to go with the Capital Plaza, wonderful hotel, you will be able to get there without much stress. I lived in Jefferson City and know what's what there. Biking over the Missouri River on the safe bike/pedestrian section of the bridge is a wonderful experience, especially seeing the capitol building from that vantage point.
Once you check into the hotel, consider taking a Lift or Uber to the Central Eastside (corner of Ash and High St): O'Donoghues Steaks and Seafood, Prison Brews, The Mission (a cool bar with live local music, open mike night every Wednesday) and JQ's on High.
You might consider adding a day to your trip to spend in Jefferson City so that you can tour the Capitol building, enjoy their lovely downtown and everyone's favorite, ice cream at Central Dairy. If you can fit it in somehow, add a tour of the Missouri State Prison (MSP), Missouri's historic prison site, opened before the Alamo (I'm not kidding, book a tour and you'll hear all about it!).
Cathy from Churchill, PA on 07/26/2025 02:31 AM
I forgot to mention that back in the day (2017 and before) when I lived in Jefferson City, they used to joke about the "traffic jams" in the city core: 7:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm when state employees started and ended their work days. So avoid biking during those times and you'll be fine. But like someone else mentioned, stay off Missouri Blvd, stick to getting from the trail to the Capital Plaza and then back to the trail. You can bike to the places I mentioned above (Prison Brews, etc.) but if it were me I'd just Uber to avoid the hills, or biking back to the hotel after enjoying the night life.
Jerry from Fort Worth on 07/31/2025 02:24 PM
If you want a great treat to eat, right across from the Capital is Arris' Pizza. Best pizza and Greek food around. Every time I go back to MO I eat there and get a few pizzas for the road. When riding the Katy I stop in Jeff City and take the loop to Columbia and go to Arris' 1020 Green Meadows in Columbia.
Katy Retreat in Boonville
- + Just had to say the comments about this place are spot on. We were biking to trail as a family and decided to spend 2 nights in Boonville for some rest. This place was amazing. My wife was taking pict...
Discussion started 07/26/2025 07:32 PM by Doug & Sarah & Family - 0 repliesDoug & Sarah & Family from Manitowoc, WI on 07/26/2025 07:32 PM
Just had to say the comments about this place are spot on. We were biking to trail as a family and decided to spend 2 nights in Boonville for some rest. This place was amazing. My wife was taking pictures of stuff she wanted to see at our house! We loved the bike repair tools in the garage. My son spent about 2 hours tuning his bike up.
Parking
- + Can I park my vehicle overnight at Weldon Springs trailhead
Discussion started 07/22/2025 07:26 AM by Litz - 5 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 07/24/2025 07:29 AM)Litz from Jackson on 07/22/2025 07:26 AM
Can I park my vehicle overnight at Weldon Springs trailhead
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/22/2025 07:37 AM
From the website:
Extended Parking
If leaving a vehicle for an extended period of time at one of the trailheads or parking lots, contact the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402 and provide staff with the vehicle make, model and license plate number as well as contact information. Also include length of stay.
Marna from Boonville on 07/22/2025 08:35 AM
Personally, I would NOT leave the 'length of stay' on my vehicle. Why let people know how long the vehicle will be 'unattended'.
Anonymous on 07/22/2025 10:11 AM
So they know how long they need to keep an eye on your car??
Jim from St. Thomas on 07/23/2025 06:08 PM
They are not asking you to leave the length of stay on your vehicle. They want you to provide to the person you contact.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 07/24/2025 07:29 AM
Marna, about a month ago I was trying to get a good video of the bikes in your yard, and I veered off the trail and crashed! I waved at the house in case anyone was watching. :)
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Parking
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=14215&tonly=1
best 60 miles on the Katy
- + Thinking of riding the Katy for 60 miles/2 days in October. What is the most scenic section with decent accomodations?
Discussion started 07/20/2025 05:39 PM by Doug - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 07/24/2025 07:17 AM)Doug from Golden, CO on 07/20/2025 05:39 PM
Thinking of riding the Katy for 60 miles/2 days in October. What is the most scenic section with decent accomodations?
Anonymous on 07/21/2025 03:20 PM
Rocheport to Hermann pretty well cuts it.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 07/24/2025 07:17 AM
Yup. Get on at Rocheport, and ride east as far as you like.
Claysville Store in Hartsburg
- +
Sadly Mark Hooibrink, owner of the Claysville Store died in accident involving a farm implement. This a great loss to us all but especially his wife Laura and kids. This was a must visit place on the...
Discussion started 07/20/2025 03:55 PM by MR - 0 repliesMR from Hartsburg on 07/20/2025 03:55 PM
Sadly Mark Hooibrink, owner of the Claysville Store died in accident involving a farm implement. This a great loss to us all but especially his wife Laura and kids. This was a must visit place on the trail with an outstanding family operating it. Our prayers to the family.
Riding Katy Trail on a Recumbent Trike
- + I am thinking about riding the Katy Trail next year. I ride a Catrike Villager recumbent trike. I have the stock 20” wheels and tires on it. Will I be able to ride the trail with those tires?
Discussion started 07/13/2025 04:20 PM by Rodney L. Norris - 3 replies (last reply by trikerrv at 07/16/2025 11:13 AM)Rodney L. Norris from Manito on 07/13/2025 04:20 PM
I am thinking about riding the Katy Trail next year. I ride a Catrike Villager recumbent trike. I have the stock 20” wheels and tires on it. Will I be able to ride the trail with those tires?
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/13/2025 04:57 PM
Sure. See similar trikes all the time.
trikerrv from Monroe City on 07/14/2025 03:35 PM
I have ridden the trail on my recumbent trike while pulling a one man camper..
I have 20" wheels on front
700c on back..
And my camper has 16" wheels..
If you want to watch a video go to
https://youtu.be/Cwgj-PeAG2k?si=M30DUFE8dyXk3Cl5
trikerrv from Monroe City on 07/16/2025 11:13 AM
You have to clip and paste to google chrome and then it works...
https://youtu.be/Cwgj-PeAG2k?si=AtiH1hdPxMIOnpYA
Katy-Rock Junction in Windsor
- + Love this place, after a day of riding its paradise. Cabins are clean and cool. The showers are clean and refreshing. Charlie is a great guy to chat with.
Discussion started 07/07/2025 10:55 AM by Dan - 1 reply (last reply by Charlie W. at 07/12/2025 06:05 PM)Dan from Lathrop MO on 07/07/2025 10:55 AM
Love this place, after a day of riding its paradise. Cabins are clean and cool. The showers are clean and refreshing. Charlie is a great guy to chat with.
Charlie W. from Katy Rock Junction in Windsor on 07/12/2025 06:05 PM
A big “Thank you” Dan to you and Dawn for your kind words and being such good company on multiple visits! We are looking forward to your return soon!
Happy Trails!
Katy-Rock Junction in Windsor
- + Excellent place to stay when biking the Trail.
My daughter and I camped here on May 18th, on our eastbound ride, after a long day on the rock island trail. We stayed in our tents, but I'm sure the c...
Discussion started 05/25/2025 07:06 AM by Jeff & Bella - 1 reply (last reply by Charlie W. at 07/12/2025 05:59 PM)Jeff & Bella from Pittsburgh on 05/25/2025 07:06 AM
Excellent place to stay when biking the Trail.
My daughter and I camped here on May 18th, on our eastbound ride, after a long day on the rock island trail. We stayed in our tents, but I'm sure the cabins are perfect.
Charlie and Stacey are excellent hosts and their place is fantastic - they have thought of everything you might need for a comfortable stay. The location is perfect.
Charlie took the time to answer all our questions and made us feel totally welcome. You can tell he really enjoys helping people have a great experience.
I would definitely book a stay here if you have the chance.
Charlie W. from Katy Rock Junction in Windsor on 07/12/2025 05:59 PM
Thank you, Jeff, for the kind words! It was so cool to have you and Bella stay with us and see you two sharing the adventure of the Katy and Rock Island trails. Thanks for including Windsor and our camp in your ride. Happy Trails!
School House B&B in Rocheport
- + Schoolhouse B&B was just the ticket. Prose room was llsrge and had a built in spa, which was very nice post-ride in hot weather. The breakfast was well worth staying for( served at 9:00). Peaceful and...
Discussion started 07/10/2025 05:19 PM by Karen - 0 repliesKaren from Papillon on 07/10/2025 05:19 PM
Schoolhouse B&B was just the ticket. Prose room was llsrge and had a built in spa, which was very nice post-ride in hot weather. The breakfast was well worth staying for( served at 9:00). Peaceful and easy to enjoy. Coffee is provided in the hall, games books movies etc are on demand. We did not use the TV. Comfortable temp even though I’m unsure we had access to thermostat. Would recommend this place!
Joey's Bird House B&B in McKittrick
- + My husband and I stayed to Joey's Birdhouse recently. It's literally right off the trail and about 2 - 2 1/2 miles from Herman. Joey was a great host and cooks a very yummy breakfast. Great place an...
Discussion started 07/09/2025 03:30 PM by Kimberly E - 0 repliesKimberly E from Columbia, MO on 07/09/2025 03:30 PM
My husband and I stayed to Joey's Birdhouse recently. It's literally right off the trail and about 2 - 2 1/2 miles from Herman. Joey was a great host and cooks a very yummy breakfast. Great place and we plan to come back on Katy Trail trips through McKittrick.
Motorized vehicles on the Katy
- + I am seeing more and more motorbikes on the Katy. This morning a Suron went by me doing 30mph. It's a motorcycle, no pedals.
A week ago, I saw someone on a powered tricycle pulling a big trailer with...
Discussion started 07/08/2025 01:34 PM by Ray - 3 replies (last reply by Bill R. at 07/08/2025 06:16 PM)Ray from St Charles County on 07/08/2025 01:34 PM
I am seeing more and more motorbikes on the Katy. This morning a Suron went by me doing 30mph. It's a motorcycle, no pedals.
A week ago, I saw someone on a powered tricycle pulling a big trailer with a oversized cooler on it. I hope it wasn't full of beer.
So called "E" bikes with throttles are really motorbikes and should be treated just like gasoline powered motorbikes. They will kill you just as dead.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/08/2025 03:40 PM
I've travelled thousands of miles on the KATY and never encountered one. Where was it that you saw one?
Ray from St Charles County on 07/08/2025 05:56 PM
Frontier Park in St Charles City
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/08/2025 06:16 PM
Oh, okay. Why am I not surprised. That stretch from the boat ramp at Olive Street all the way to just past The Family Arena, has to be the worst stretch in St. Charles county, if not the entire trail. I hope it's nice when the contractors are done with it. They still have a lot to do.
Bridge Replacement West of Tebbetts
- + The bridge replacement west of Tebbetts is complete and the trail is open.
Discussion started 07/08/2025 04:44 PM by Jim - 1 reply (last reply by Bill R. at 07/08/2025 06:04 PM)Jim from St. Thomas on 07/08/2025 04:44 PM
The bridge replacement west of Tebbetts is complete and the trail is open.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 07/08/2025 06:04 PM
Great! And I bet it's really nice. DNR always does great work on the trail.