Katy Trail Forum

Sorry to spoil anyone's holiday weekend ride plans, but as of Saturday morning 7/2, we have:

- Trail is flooded between Rocheport and New Franklin. Detour instructions posted at both trailheads.

- Trail is flooded between Hartsburg and McBaine. There is no good detour.

- The trail has been opened to local vehicle traffic between miles 162.7 and 163.4 (Coopers landing/Easley area), due to flooding of other roads. Beware of cars.

- Trail is flooded between St Charles and Machens. There is no good detour.

Wish I had better news, but I guess we'll just have to wait it out.

Reminds me of an old Johnny Cash tune: "How high's the water mama? Five feet high and risin'... eight feet high and risin'... ten feet high and risin'..."

Do you think some of these sections will reopen by Tuesday? We're riding from Sedalia to St.Charles beginning July 4th. What do think would be the best alternative plan if no detour available? Shuttle? or just wait it out?

You should be able to make it to McBaine(MM 169) as the road detour at Rocheport is fairly easy. From McBaine, I'm not sure about the trail condition into Hartsburg(MM 154). However, beyond that, you should be able to make it to St. Charles(MM 40) as the flooding in the St. Charles area is east of St. Charles towards Machens.

We rode from Rocheport to JC today. At Wilton, We took S River Rd/River Rd to Bush Landing Rd to get around the flooding and into Hartsburg. It added 1 mile to the ride and the gravel didn't rattle our teeth too much.

Thanks Paul for the detour route into Hartsburg. My sister and I are riding west-east staring 7-6 and are due to ride through that area on 7-8.I'm keeping my fingers crossed there are no more closures. Will we be missing Easerly and the boathedge?

Wilton is East of Easley. I don't know what a boathedge is.

Boathenge is just west of Coopers Landing and Easley. I could be wrong about this, things change, but I believe Friday or Saturday was to be the high water mark for this area.

Ah, boatheNge. Alla Stonehenge. Since the boats are in a line instead of a ring, the first thing that came to mind was the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Just got back from riding JC to the MKT spur into Columbia. There was no water over the trail but it was getting close just east of Wilton. DNR has the trail closed with orange plastic fencing at a few of the crossings but we just went around them. There is a tree down over the trail about 1/2 mile west of Hartsburg. You can portage around it fairly easily.

What are the odds of the trail being open and cleaned up from flood by mid August? We have trip scheduled from Sedalia to St. Charles.

Wrong- St. Charles to Machens is OPEN. There are two small sections that are underwater. If you continue on the levy where the construction fencing blocks the lower route, it is a 3/4 of a mile detour around the black hole. The levy detour takes a bit more effort as it is double track with short thick grass in some sections. I scouted it on July 4th. There is no signs saying you cant use the levy route.

Hey Tony, got any signs on your house saying I can't use the kitchen sink for a urinal? It's not mine and it's not the intended use, but it seems OK by your logic.
http://www.greatrivers.info/DocumentStore/ecd7b9c422494659a1cdfac8e72728aa/PD%20On%20KATY%20Trail%20no%20quick%20fix%20for%20unfinished%20miles%2009.25.05.pdf

My sister and I rode through the Wilton-Hartsburg section at about 9am on Tuesday July 5th. We did go around the closure signs but the trail is completely open between the two trailheads. The water is right at the path's edge just east of Wilton and the ground is pretty damp for about a mile. Other than that, the path is totally fine and the downed tree near Hartsburg has been removed.

I was planning a 3 day ride from Clinton to Hartsburg starting Friday morning. Does anyone know if the section section from New Franklin to Hartsburg has opened up from the flooding. The Mo. State website says the only section closed is at mm 178 to 181.

I rode through the flood between st.charles and machens on Sunday. It was half way up my wheels, but only my feet got wet. Just dodge the floating logs and you're good to go.

The Amtrak guide says long-term parking is free but I wonder if it's wise, say for five days? Any suggestions other than using a motel or B&B?

Of course bad things can happen anywhere, but I don't hesitate to park there and have never had a problem. Then again, I'm not parking a Lexus with $100 bills on the dash and a $2000 laptop on the front seat either.

There's a dead buck by the trail about a mile west of Klondike Park. Looks like it was killed and half-eaten last night. Pretty gross.

Yep, still there, still gross!

I am looking to go on a short ride (7-20ish, not really sure how much we can handle) and was wondering what to bring, if anything, on the trip? I was thinking of a little backpack with water, granola bars, and sun screen. Is it necessary to bring water or are there spots along the way? Random Question...are there any spots to swim along the path...preferably around Rocheport?

Bring sunscreen and water for sure. Depending on where you are riding you may be able to buy lunch, but it's always good to have a snack with you.

There are water fountains at most of the trailheads, but you really need to carry water with you. You'll understand when you have a breakdown 4 miles from the trailhead and have to walk back.

The river is high, so I wouldn't plan to get in the water.

You might want a small bottle of Gatorade, too, if it is hot. You need to keep electrolytes replaced as well as water. I would choose bars that have some good protein in them -- I like Clif bars. Bring your cell phone (although tower can be spotty), a couple spare tubes and a tire pump (I carry a CO2 pump with CO2 cartridges -- fairly inexpensive and easy to carry), your camera, sunscreen, and some money for treats along the way!. Also, use this site to help plan your trip -- find out where there will be water, food, etc along your route. No place to swim along the Trail -- the river is up and flooding and fast, dangerous water.

Have fun!

A tip for those of you looking for new clothing. Always buy extra loose because most things will last several seasons. During that time they will shrink, and you won't. It almost never works the other way around.

Heh -- so true, so true. ;-)

At the end of May/beginning of June, I made a trip from Dutzow to Clinton and back to Dutzow. I made a video of my trip, which can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96WZ4K1lTkQ
Some of the riding video is a little bouncy, but you get a feel for the trip and the trail from it all, I hope.

Good job. Neat watching the interface with your dad. Memory that you two will have forever.

Thanks Rona and Leo for wonderful accomodations and great conversation. Everything was lovely and just what we needed after riding the trail. I wish we had more time to enjoy the place before they shuttled us back to our vehicle but we will definitely be visiting again1

My family and I (mom, dad, 14-year old son, 9 year old daughter) are looking for a bike trip for over Thanksgiving week. What would biking the trail be like in late November be like? Would businesses and campgrounds be open? Would the weather be awful? Just trying to find out a realistic expectation for the Katy Trail. Should we make the trip at this time? Or should we plan to bike the trail during another season?

Susie, if you go to the home page of this site I believe there is a FAQ section that has a question about the best time to bike the trail. I went to a link on there to the average temperature and it looked like in Nov. the average is 44 degress. For me, that's a bit on the cool side for a bike ride. Living in Central Missouri I can tell you that at Thanksgiving is might be ok, or it might be wet and miserable, cold, yukky, unpleasant. Also, I believe DNR turns off the water at the trailheads and locks the bathrooms at the end of the season. I could not find where the date for that is given, but if I recall it is 11/1. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I think most businesses will be shut down for the season at Thanksgiving.

If it were me, with my two kids (who are grown now, but I have vivid nightmares I mean memories of their teen years) I would not try biking the Katy Trail at Thanksgiving with them.

Find out when DNR turns off the water, etc. Also, I believe that October is a beautiful time of year with the fall colors. There are pleasant temperatures in October. I suspect most of the businesses are still operating during that period.

I do hope you can scheduled a ride on the Katy trail with your kids. They will remember it for the rest of their lives.

Missouri weather is generally cold in late November. As it was said, the average is about 44 degrees, that goes higher and goes lower. On the day I went in that month, the low temperature was about 38 with a high of about 50, and that was one of the better days. I didn't have to be as bundled up that day as I would have some others, but cold weather riding is still something that needs getting used to and will be a stressor on those that aren't used to it.

There's also the potential of cold rain, snow, and ice. Indeed, the state facilities will not be available (they close Nov 1. and open Apr 1) and most of the seasonal businesses will be closed as well.

Then if you're from the Austin in Texas, remember that plants tend to go dormant (as well as a lot of the wild life) when the temperatures get around freezing for a good while, so you will see a lot different Katy trail in November than you would see in the warmer months. I have a picture that is roughly equivalent to the one on the front page (same general location) that looks much different for the differences in plants and the general effect cold has on things.

For planning a time, you would probably have luck considering what you are willing to see, what your goals are for the trip, and what the group (overall) is willing to endure. I definitely recommend going sometime, though.

I often joke it snows in MO on Thanksgiving but not Xmas. Don't let that discourage you. We regularly ride into Oct. However, as with all Katy trips plan well. After a long days ride, there's nothing worse than a closed restaurant or a few stops to find a hotel.

You also might check weather.com for avg temps and winds for that time of year and make sure that fits your comfort level.

A very friendly place. We were fortunate to catch a nice live band too.

Awesome - A friendly place in Rocheport sounds great. I will definitely give it a try next time. (In several trips through Rocheport, I have not found the Trailside Cafe to be particularly friendly.)

Was there on June 14 and ordered the new KATY jersey. Got it the other day - Nice, very Nice! Exceeded all expectations!
Thanks so much for your efforts!

Thank you so much for your comments. We really tried hard on the new Katy Trail jerseys this year. We used all the original Katy Railroad colors, put in the panel with the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame and added the Machens extension. It is pretty popular item right and selling daily.

Sound great. Are they available on-line or via mail order?

Got mine in yellow from Linda. I just called her and gave her my credit card and mailing info. It arrived in the mail sooner that I thought. Really like it.

You can go to www.sedaliakatydepot.com click on the on-line store or call 660-826-2932 either way will work.

We stayed at the Yates House solely because they had the last room in town. Personally, I'm not into B&Bs. However, I must give them credit for their hospitality and out of this world breakfast.

Abigails is a wonderfully quaint restaurant with exceptional food! It offers a very relaxed, yet intriguing environment, due to the unique menu. The owners are very down to earth, hard workers, and casual in appearance. Yes, there are times serivce can be slow, but if you want a memorable meal that leaves you with the desire to return time and time again, then Abigails is the place for you! Be sure to make reservations or you may very well not get in! Seating is limited and you will see customers in bike gear, shorts, gowns, jeans and the such regardless of the hour of day. Go and enjoy!

Abigails is a wonderfully quaint restaurant with exceptional food! It offers a very relaxed, yet intriguing environment, due to the unique menu. The owners are very down to earth, hard workers, and casual in appearance. Yes, there are times serivce can be slow, but if you want a memorable meal that leaves you with the desire to return time and time again, then Abigails is the place for you! Be sure to make reservations or you may very well not get in! Seating is limited and you will see customers in bike gear, shorts, gowns, jeans and the such regardless of the hour of day. Go and enjoy!

We had a wonderful time as well. The absolute best day of our lives.

We had a wonderful time as well. The absolute best day of our lives.

> We had a wonderful time as well. The absolute best day of our lives.

> - posted 3/26/2010 7:19:55 PM by Abigail



Good one. :-D

> We had a wonderful time as well. The absolute best day of our lives.

> - posted 3/26/2010 7:19:55 PM by Abigail



Good one. :-D

Had a fine lunch at Abigails in Rocheport with a friend on a three day cycling trip. Efficient staff, outstanding food, plentiful fresh bread and butter, extensive by-the-glass wine list, and a casual but refined ambience. I had a warm potato salad with onions, mushrooms, goat cheese, and balsamic - very good flavors and a generous portion. The prices are fair for what you get (excellent food in a very nice restaurant) but I wouldn't call it "cheap." Hey, you get what you pay for. At the end of the meal I had my water bottles on the table thinking of a way to ask the busy waitress to fill them for me when she casually walked by, picked them up, didn't say a word, and returned a minute or so later with them full of ice and water. A mind-reading waitress - there's a concept! Highly recommended, but expect a wait if you show up right at lunch time (it's worth the wait though). I'd go again in a heartbeat.

Had a fine lunch at Abigails in Rocheport with a friend on a three day cycling trip. Efficient staff, outstanding food, plentiful fresh bread and butter, extensive by-the-glass wine list, and a casual but refined ambience. I had a warm potato salad with onions, mushrooms, goat cheese, and balsamic - very good flavors and a generous portion. The prices are fair for what you get (excellent food in a very nice restaurant) but I wouldn't call it "cheap." Hey, you get what you pay for. At the end of the meal I had my water bottles on the table thinking of a way to ask the busy waitress to fill them for me when she casually walked by, picked them up, didn't say a word, and returned a minute or so later with them full of ice and water. A mind-reading waitress - there's a concept! Highly recommended, but expect a wait if you show up right at lunch time (it's worth the wait though). I'd go again in a heartbeat.

We were fortunate to eat dinner at Abigails because of a last minute cancellation right before we called. The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

We were fortunate to eat dinner at Abigails because of a last minute cancellation right before we called. The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

This has to be the best deal on the trail. At the present time, the B&B is rented out. However, Dolores takes guests to their house just south of town.



She invited me to have dessert with her and her husband Virgil. I had an enjoyable evening just chatting about a variety of things with them. The house was immaculate and very comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic. Again, this has to be the best deal on the trail.

This has to be the best deal on the trail. At the present time, the B&B is rented out. However, Dolores takes guests to their house just south of town.



She invited me to have dessert with her and her husband Virgil. I had an enjoyable evening just chatting about a variety of things with them. The house was immaculate and very comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic. Again, this has to be the best deal on the trail.

Wade, I appreciate your kind comments. The Pilot Grove B&B at 211 Roe is again open as of September, 2009. The B&B was rented to a local lady remodeling her home.

Wade, I appreciate your kind comments. The Pilot Grove B&B at 211 Roe is again open as of September, 2009. The B&B was rented to a local lady remodeling her home.

Ours stay with Dolores was delightful. As we arrived, Dolores just happened to drive up before we had a chance to call her. She was coming by to make sure the house was cool enough. The lady is a blessing and a gem for her guest. She made sure we had everything we needed and her breakfast was more than enough.It was something you would get from grandma's house. She even offered to take us to a firework display that a family of Pilot Grove was having the night of our stay. What host would try to make their guest feel like they belong to the community? Dolores for sure. The house is comfortable but not a 4 star hotel. If you want that then peddle to Boonville. But for want we paid and what we received it was an excellent deal. We plan to stay there again next year. Also the locals are very friendly. We had several conversations with the locals at Deon's Bar and Grill. Small town life is amazing.

Ours stay with Dolores was delightful. As we arrived, Dolores just happened to drive up before we had a chance to call her. She was coming by to make sure the house was cool enough. The lady is a blessing and a gem for her guest. She made sure we had everything we needed and her breakfast was more than enough.It was something you would get from grandma's house. She even offered to take us to a firework display that a family of Pilot Grove was having the night of our stay. What host would try to make their guest feel like they belong to the community? Dolores for sure. The house is comfortable but not a 4 star hotel. If you want that then peddle to Boonville. But for want we paid and what we received it was an excellent deal. We plan to stay there again next year. Also the locals are very friendly. We had several conversations with the locals at Deon's Bar and Grill. Small town life is amazing.

Are there any RV sites at Copper's Landing? Thanks!

Meant 'Cooper's' Landing - my finger slipped - sorry!

Yes, We parked our motorhome there for 5 days as we rode the trail. Had full hookups, just not sewer I think? Came back to it safe and sound. It is very close to the river though, so you might check out flooding conditions.

Went through Tebbets in Aug of 2010. Jim came by and opened up for us. He saved me and my sister from a long hungry night. He is the best. I hear he is retiring this year. It makes me so sad to loose this place. I will never forget him. We were so grateful for his hospitality. Thank God for Jim.

We stopped at Lucy's first on July 13th, 2009. We got there at 3 pm,

only to find, heartbreakingly, that the restaurant opened at 7:30 am

and closed at 2:30 pm. We learned our first lesson about the trail--

check the hours ahead of time of any restaurants that you are

depending on to be open. Take nothing for granted. When we came back

the next day, we got there around 11:30. We ordered cheeseburgers,

fries, fried green beans, and a Philly cheesesteak. Bearing in mind

our mantra of the trail food (that is, set expectations low and allow

yourself to be pleasantly surprised), we found all of the food to be

delicious. The staff seemed somewhat annoyed at our presence, they

were out of a number of things on the menu (we weren't able to get the

vegetable of the day, the fruit of the day, or the mac-n-cheese

bites), and we would have appreciated some less greasy menu options.

All in all, though, Lucy's is a pretty good place to stop along the

trail. Just remember the mantra.

My expectations are never this low! YUK says it all!

If you're not having fun, lower your standards. Besides, it's entirely possible that you are not really worth as much as you think.

Ate there couple of weeks ago. It was fine. It is a bar in the middle of no where. You can always eat next door.