Katy Trail Forum

In an effort to improve the Katy Trail and learn more about the people that use the trail, Missouri State Parks is conducting a survey of Katy Trail users starting in June and continuing to this fall. Look for staff and volunteers at various trailheads this weekend asking you to fill out questionnaires about your Katy experience. Your input is very valued and your time and willingness to participate in the survey are much appreciated!

Dawn, here are a few suggestions.
1. Build a canopy over the entire trail for the shade.
2. Drain the river to keep it from flooding.
3. Install cooling fans and vending machines at every mile marker.
4. Are the bugs really necessary?
I am certain other riders can have better suggestions than I. Honestly, you guys to a wonderful job with the trail.

Seriously, is there opportunity for input from those that might not be able to be on the trail when these people are there as well?

Skyguy, your input is always welcome, even if you're unable to participate in the survey. You can email your suggestions to me directly at dawn.fredrickson@dnr.mo.gov. Also, we take note of the comments posted to this forum. :)

Thank you for the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind.

To clarify, though, is there specific questions that the staff and volunteers would be asking at the various trailheads? Or was it just a "do you have any ideas?" kind of venture?

Pave it! The Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Virginia is paved. It's a very nice ride.

Please don't pave any of the trail - this state has paved enough trails.

I agree, don't pave it. Keep it in nature. Once paved and it starts to crumble the ride would be horrible.

We rode the entire trail the week of June 4. We enjoyed our trip and the trail. Conditions in spots were rough due to washouts, but most were well marked with 'rough conditions' signs. It might be helpful to have a trail conditions hotline number we could call to report unmarked hazards. There was one huge hole that was recent and not yet marked. It would be helpful to have water at all trailheads. In the heat it was hard to stay hydrated. Businesses along the way were friendly and helpful.

I saw the survey takers on Saturday and went over. Pretty short, mostly harmless. What's your main purpose for visiting the Katy Trail today? (Bike ride) How long do you plan to stay? (Two hours) Planning to visit any wineries, shops, food establishments? (Nope.) What's your zip code? (Starts with a 6 or something.) How often do you visit? (Try for five times a week.)

They gave me a longer survey form in a postage-paid envelope. I'll probably get it filled out and sent back in.

At least the survey folks were offering water. I didn't need any, as I was just starting the ride.

I'd spoke to some folks from the Natural Resources dept hosting a ride today. The toughest thing that I experience on the trail is educating new riders on the rules of the road. Folks are having a great time on the trail, which is good. However, they often forget the trail is much like any other road. Traveling side-by-side, darting out onto the road or passing unexpectedly on the wrong side can potentially cause accidents. I'd like to see more education to let everyone know how to be safe. Thank you.

I echo the trail education comments. As an example....I have seen some Scout groups that were extremely well prepared for an adventure on the KATY and other Scout groups who had no clue how to ride a bicycle in any kind of a public setting whatsoever.

Thank you for your comment. It's so easy to get lost in the beauty of the trail that folks sometimes just forget they are sharing it with others. If we all look out for each other, everyone will stay safe and have a good time.

Does anyone know if the events as scheduled for Katfish Katy and Cooper's Landing have been cancelled for today?

Need tips on where to sleep. Riding from Augusta to Rocheport in July. Planning on staying the night in Bluffon and Hartsburg but open to other ideas. Looking to do this on a tight budget and packing light. No b/b. Thinking tent or something cheap. Thanks much.

I've utilized options in Hartsburg that are generally cheaper than most B-B options.

The Katy trail hostel is in Tebbetts. It is cheap.

The stops you have listed, Bluffton and Hartsburg are about right for a days ride. At least those stops have worked out well for me in the past. In Bluffton 9 or 10 bucks to camp and reasonable price to for B&B, Hartsburg is about as inexpensive as it gets whether you camp or B&B, a good place to feed the trail/park donation box. Click on the towns above to see what your options are.

How do I get to the Machens trail site by car? I am meeting someone who is didn't on the Katy trail & I'm not sure how to get there. Any help, please.

I was there two weeks ago. Drive to Machens from St Charles. It's on the map. Turn south on Machens Road towards the live railroad tracks., Once you cross them, veer to the left a short distance, the road bends right, and behind the tree line the trailhead will appear. There's no real parking lot. But the trailhead is fine- just like all the others. I hope that helps.

Where you turn south on Machens Road there are about two or three houses. The tracks are about 1/4 mile south. Watch for rail traffic as this BNSF RR crossing is not signaled with flashers or gates. Machens is essentially a junction point on railroad maps for where the MKT RR made connections with the Chicago Burlington & Quincy RR for trackage rights into St Louis.

Any idea where one could leave a vehicle for 4 days near Machens?

Anonymous, best bet is to leave your car in St. Charles and bike back toward Machens before heading west on the trail. What I do is park in Frontier Park in the City of St. Charles. However, you have to call the City of St. Charles police department to give them your automobile info, dates you will be there, etc. I usually tell them that I am parking on the parking lot right behind Country Inn & Suites Hotel in St. Charles as that borders on the trail. That lot could flood during a very severe flood from the Missouri River, so that is something else you may want to keep in mind.

I rode St. Charles to Machens yesterday. Luckily we did not attempt to try to meet the rest of the group by car in Machens. I didn't see a paved road nearby. Until there's more specific information, I'd advise rendevousing in St. Charles rather than wandering around the bottom roads unless you are a local.

Is there any parking at Machens trailhead? We would like to ride to St Charles and back after lunch to Machens.

There is a small parking lot at Black Walnut(MM 30). No real parking at Machens(MM 27), and the other day, I noticed a stopped train blocking the entrance there, so don't count on being picked up there either assuming you can find the right road from Hwy 94.

We ran out of steam on our trip from Hermann to Sedalia and called for a pickup at Pilot Grove on a hot & windy day. The price was right and the service was excellent. Real hospitality and good fun chit-chat on the drive back to our car at the Amtrak station. I highly recommend their service. (Trip date 6/14/2011 Hermann to Sedalia)

There is a lot of uphill grade heading the direction you were headed....especially coming up out of Boonville heading west...and most of the time you are probably going to be heading into the wind. I have had some tough rides along that stretch myself on a couple occasions. Glad you got some good service.

We stopped for lunch and had a good meal at a great price. Location is very convenient if you run through Boonville around meal time.

We had a wonderful time at the School House. The host & hostess are a welcoming and entertaining couple. The room and the house are beautiful, we enjoyed the spectacular French toast breakfast, working on that puzzle, and the comfy beds. I would consider this B&B a destination, not just a place for weary cyclist to rest their bones. We look forward to returning. (Trip date June 14, 2011 trip from Hermann to Sedalia).

We had a great stay at Briar Rose. The host & hostess are super friendly and our room was luxurious. Breakfast was super, and we appreciated the trail pickup & delivery, running us by a bike shop, and pointing out good places for dinner. (stay date 6/13/2011 on trip from Hermann to Sedalia)

It was awesome to see so many folks using the trail today. Everyone was friendly and having a great time. I'd like to provide a few helpful tips on making your ride enjoyable.

1. Please wear a helmet.
2. Pack water to help stay hydrated.
3. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
4. Treat the trail the same as any other road. Traffic runs both ways. Traveling side by side in both lanes can potential cause accidents. Riding single file is your safest option. (I can't tell you how many times I've had to yell "heads up" to oncoming traffic.)
5. When entering the trail, look both ways. If you dart out unexpectedly, you increase the risk of accidents.
6. Do not park on the trail. Pull off to the side if you need to take a break.
7. When traveling in large groups, please be kind to other riders sharing the trail by using only one lane. The trail is narrow in some parts and oncoming traffic may have nowhere to go when you approach.
8. Always remember to pass on the left...just like you do with a car. Call out "passing on the left" when coming up to someone from behind. There are also bells you can attach to the handlebars of your bike that are useful.
9. Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road. When approaching rest areas, pay special attention to oncoming traffic.
10. Slow down when sharing the road for others and be respectful.
11. Don't litter. Whatever you bring on the trail, take it home with you.
12. Have fun! We are lucky to live in an area with gorgeous trails.

If we all keep these few simple tips in mind, we'll make the trail safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Happy cycling!

Great place you will remember for years. Like staying with your grandmother, if your grandmother greeted you with cold lemonade on a hot day. Ate at place next door (Big Muddy Tavern), which was good.

I lost my wallet somewhere between Jeff City and Herman MO. Please call 505-795-4280 if found. It would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!! Jennie

Cheap $7 tent sites in a very scenic part of the trail. A large, new bath house with warm showers and only 2 miles away from the Augusta Brewery. I can't wait to go back.

I wholeheartedly agree. I love the camp kitchen that is part of the bath house that has a nice sink, running water and a cookstove top with 2 burners and lots of room. A great place to camp!

MY DAUGHTER AND I FREQUENT THE KATY TRAIL AND THE DUTZOW DELI IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS. WE HAVE ENJOYED BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE DELI AND EVERYTHING TASTED GREAT AND THE SERVICE WAS GOOD.

MY DAUGHTER AND I FREQUENT THE KATY TRAIL AND THE DUTZOW DELI IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS. WE HAVE ENJOYED BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE DELI AND EVERYTHING TASTED GREAT AND THE SERVICE WAS GOOD.

I stopped at the Deli & Restaurant today for lunch. I was pretty happy with the sandwich I got and the service was good too!

I stopped at the Deli & Restaurant today for lunch. I was pretty happy with the sandwich I got and the service was good too!

This is a great place to stay coming off the trail in Marthasville. Our host came and picked us up in downtown Marthasville since it is about 4 miles to the cabin. The cabin is a beautiful, modern log home high on a hill overlooking a farming valley. All of the rooms were clean and well appointed, and the guests have access to the entire house. Breakfast the next morning was a great quiche served in a stoneware cup like a small souffle. We also had fruit parfaits and sticky buns. We are considering taking the whole family back and renting the whole cabin.

Monettes Cabin is a true gem! It was perfect for our weekend getaway. Sitting on the porch and relaxing in the hot tub were a nice finish to a day of bike-riding on the Katy Trail. The hosts couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating - they provided robes, snacks, Katy Trail pick-up, and a delicious breakfast. They definitely exceeded all of our expectations! If you stay in Marthasville, check out the pizza shop right off the trail and the ice cream shop in an old train caboose right down the road. We recommend Monette's Cabin to anyone looking for a relaxing, quiet escape.

Just got back riding from Clinton to Machens. Great trip. Trail is in good shape. No closures, some people reported that there were some "washed out" areas, but I did not notice any, but I'm accustomed to riding packed gravel trails like this, so my expectations may be less than if I rode pavement all the time. Some trees have came down on the trail, but it seems that the park is clearing them as quick as they are found. I thought the MO DNR is doing a great job keeping the park maintained and safe, while not spoiling it.

Things to know:

1. The popular KATY trail book is useful for trail knowledge, but unreliable for any food, water, camping information. Period. Bring a couple of meals with you.
2. Water. Real problem east of Boonville area. Between Clinton and around Boonville, the water at the trail-heads is good and dependable. After that, water at the trail heads become less frequent to non-existent. The town signs at the trail-heads shows water is available, but no details to where.

Through bikers we met were having the same problem, and resorted to "begging" for water from the town merchants. It's hot, and you need a lot. You easily find yourself going through a couple of water bottles between towns. If there are public water supplies in these areas, it would be good to identify where they are. ie. Marthasville has a faucet in the city park, etc.

3. We did about 50-miles per day. Stopped at the markers, rode through many of the towns, talked to other riders and park employees. Not rushed, but had full days on the trail.

4. You got to stop at the KATY Depot in Sedalia. The woman there (Linda?) keeps up with the trail conditions from other riders, knows so much about the history, and is just a good person to talk with.

Happy trails, and be sure to stop at the KT Caboose in Marthasville!

Thanks for the update and advice. It is very useful. Congratulations on a good ride. Glad you enjoyed it. Can't wait to get back over to the KATY. Thanks again.

Ditto, good report. Linda has some really good looking katy trail shirts.

Tonight my friend and I were riding from Hwy.370 to Machens. When riding back, a red car full of teens came traveling down the trail at a fast pace. Last week my daughter and I were riding the same trail and the same thing happened only it was a young guy in a white car. Someone is going to be seriously hurt soon unless they are caught. Please be careful everyone.

Good news http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/19/2961795/katy-trail-getting-closer-to-kc.html

Looking for feedback. We are planning a 3 day trip and are taking the train from Sedalia to Hermann and riding back to Sedalia. I am worried about day 1, we get to Hermann at noon and planned to ride 43 miles to N Jefferson. I am riding with my wife and age 14 daughter who are beginner level bike riders. Is it reasonable to make this distance before dark?

Thanks!

It depends when you are planning for this trip. The one thing I didn't realize on my trip was that with the tree canopy "dark" can come about an hour or two before actual sundown. So fudge down a bit when you find out the projected sundown time.

Your wife and daughter will need to train a little anyway to handle the proposed distances. Keep in mind the actual distance will be a little farther than 43 miles in getting to the trail and getting from N Jefferson to any food/camping/hotel/motels you have in mind there.

That said, starting in Hermann at noon and hitting N Jefferson at about 5 or 6pm shouldn't be too much of a stretch, given time to rest and sight-see, etc.

Sky guy makes some good points. Also, if you are doing your trip from now until it stops being hot, think twice about biking from noon until 4 pm. I see you are in AUstin so you know what heat is like. It's no cake walk in Missouri either.

If I were pinning this trip for myself during summer I would only go 20 or so miles the first day just to get on the trail, then start bright and early the second day.

Good luck.

Keep in mind the trailheads along that stretch don't have water. You'll need to stock-up first or stop at the bar-grills in Rhineland, Portland, Steedman, or Mokane, or at the campgrounds/B&B in Bluffton for it. Mokane also has a daytime market for bottled water.

Tebbetts (13-miles east of N Jefferson) has a hostel shelter with running water, showers, fridge, air conditioning, and roof. It's kind of a dump, but it could be a good place to cool down if need be. Its front-door key is kept outside on a utility pole. Tebbetts also has a daytime convenience store just west of town. 43-miles could be a big bite for new riders if it's hot.

Like Skyguy says, start real early the next day and ride while it's fairly cool. You can make up a lot of miles and time then. Enjoy and be careful.

I have no personal experience with the train, but I have heard that you can plan on it running behind schedule due to the fact they share the tracks.

With regard to JD's suggestion concerning water. I always carry 2 LARGE water bottles filled to the brim at the start. (I drink very diluted juice or gatorade if available. The juice trick may help sustain your riders. I know that it helps me tremendously to maintain energy.) Still, I may have to refill. Point being, one small water bottle per rider empties out quickly. Of course, you may be very well aware of this. Just a thought.

You might want to take the train from Hermann to Sedalia and bike back to Hermann. Also if you are planning your trip within the next few weeks, be alert to the river levels since they are going to release water up north and are predicting flooding in certain areas along the trail from around Rocheport through Bluffton. Also, the DNR Katy Trail Ride (hundreds of bikes) starts at Clinton June 20th and goes to St Charles on June 24th.

I agree with all the above. Remember that riding on pea gravel/chat takes more energy than riding on pavement. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Pace yourself and you will be fine.

Riding from early afternoon to North Jefferson is feasible before dark, even with tree cover. However, for beginning level bike riders, this may be a difficut ride starting in the afternoon, especially if you want to go at an enjoyable pace. I rode the trail yesterday, and specically noted that this section was in the poorest condtion due to a lot of debris, branches, larger stones, and uneven surfaces.

The convenience store on west side of Tebbets has closed.

We just completed a 3 day trip from Sedalia to Hermann on June 8-10 and we had a beginner in our group. We ride very leisurely. We left Jefferson City around 10 AM and got into Hermann around 4.