Katy Trail Forum

Planning on biking the trail in mid July. We are starting near Sedalia and biking to St.
Charles or Machens. Not sure how long it will take us to complete, Wondering if it is possible to get on the Amtrak back to Sedalia without a reservation or should we reserve a head of time.

Reservation are required with an extra fee per bike. They only allow 4 bikes per train.

Please be aware that the Missouri River basin is flooding... we are coming down next weekend (June 17) to try to beat the waters, which are now hitting us in the Iowa/Missouri area. Boonville, I think, is five days behind us on the flood, and I hope to beat the river for a Thursday/Friday ride. I will write back next Monday about the western river area, Boonville to Huntsdale. Our Steamboat Trace up here in Nebraska is shut down. The water is projected to stay for through the end of August at least. If the river shuts out the trail in MO, we will ride south from Boonville to Clinton, and I will post the shuttle prices. But, anyway, we were going to ride from Sedalia to Hermann and take the Amtrak train back, with advice to reserve with the bike (but the water up here is scary crazy so we know it is going down there). Just google and call Amtrak to make sure about the bike space, and check here for flood updates.

Instead of starting in Sedalia and returning via Amtrak could you take the train first then ride back to Sedalia? Because of the uncertainty of how long it will take you to ride, you have more control of when you're departing than finishing, then you don't have to worry about getting to Sedalia at a certain time to catch the train or taking a chance that there won't be space on it for your bike.

We rode from Sedalia to Hermann this week (6/8 to 6/10) and rode the amtrak back to Sedalia on 6/11. We had 4 bikes with reservations. They allowed another biker to board the train in Hermann without reservations including this bike, so I think it is possible, but I would recommend reservations.

I lost a black handle bar pack with binoculars and camera with great Katy Trail pictures on it. Lost in St Charles on S, Main near the Country Inn. If anyone finds them, please contact me by email at : lars@realtec.com.Thanks

Condolences and prayers for those involved in the Sedalia tornado that occurred today.

As related to the business of the site, I understand some locations on south 65 highway close to the Katy Trail were affected. Does anyone have a report on how this tornado and the resulting clean-up will affect those that will be riding through Sedalia?

Kansas City news reported that the Katy Trail was not affected. No telling if cleanup efforts could impact the trail.

Lodging may be hard to find, as well as meals in restaurants. If you can just ride through, and carry enough water and food to get you to the next stop, you may be fine.

Looks like the tornado came up close to the fairgrounds, moved south of town around S. Limit/Rt. 65 and jumped east to the Brentwood Trailer Park at 32nd. and S. Grand. I believe there may have been 15 hurt in that area. The Governor will be there Fri. May 27.

Sedalia is back on its feet again and the restaurants, grocery stores and deli's are running and open for business. The damage was limited to the southern portion of Sedalia and will not effect Katy Trail riders. We welcome all riders, anytime.

WE were going to be riding through Sedalia in the next day or two. Given the tornado - and the damage - is it permissible to ride through? We don't want to add to any issues they are dealing with and we are not looking to "site see."

As was said in other threads, the storm damage shouldn't have affected the Katy Trail itself. The issues you might have involve finding lodging and restaurant food since there will be an increased number of people due to the cleanup volunteers.

The tornado did not impact the Trail. The storm damage was limited to an area in South Sedalia. There still are rooms available and you will not effect the clean up. Sedalia is open for business and we would love to see all the Katy Trail riders.

I still haven't figured out how to bring more than one water bottle and some fruit with me, and to keep it cold. I don't have any racks on my back and for now am thinking of a backpack, but how uncomfortable will this be and will it slow me down? I'm planning a 40-60 mile ride in the next few days, and would like to have enough on me to not have to buy food or worry about water from point A to B.

I normally use a camelback for my longer rides. If you're at a trailhead with water and yours has gotten warm you can dump it and refill if needed. If you keep your fruit in close to the bladder it'll help keep your fruit cool as long as the water is cool.

Another trick: put ice in your Camelbak. It will eventually melt, and it stays cold.

I apologize if this comment is posted more than once. I tried to post to the original thread but am not sure that it was received.

Trek, in answer to your question, the $47.5 million in improvements includes bridge/culvert repair and replacement, repairing sloughs, and recrowning/resurfacing the trail.

Specifically, in regards to bridges and culverts, there are over 1,000 on the trail, many of which date to the original MKT railroad and are either in need of repair or replacement. We've begun repairing or replacing the most critical onces, such as the Moniteau Creek bridge in Rocheport, which was re-opened this May. Another example is the Taylor Branch culvert project near Pilot Grove, that was repaired last year. The Little Femme Osage bridge near Weldon Spring is slated to be replaced this year, as well. There are myriad other culverts that are too small that need to be replaced with larger culverts. The recent washouts in the Rhineland area provide an example of what happens when culverts are too small to accommodate the influx of storm water and are bypassed or overtopped by the water, causing the trail surface to be washed away.

In addition to bridges and culverts, there are areas of trail along the Missouri River or other rivers/streams that are experiencing major sloughing from the force of water scouring away the edges of the trail. Some of these areas will require engineered fixes that will be pretty costly.

Lastly, much of the 240-mile trail corridor is in need of resurfacing and recrowning. There are several sections of the trail that haven't been resurfaced since they were constructed 20 years ago. Recrowning the trail is critical to ensuring that water sheets off the trail to minimize washouts. Resurfacing the trail will assist in preventing vegetation from growing in the trail surface. Both will require several thousand tons of base rock and surface material which, as you can imagine, can be costly

I really appreciate the question and interest in state park funding. I hope the above explanation helps. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have other questions or comments: dawn.fredrickson@dnr.mo.gov. Thanks!

Thanks Dawn. How many of these projects are critical to the existence of the trail though? And what is the cost of those?

It appears that some of the work that you mentioned may lead to major expense if it is not corrected. Is it all in this category or is some of it in the category of want and not really need?

Again, good questions, but hard to answer. Recrowning/resurfacing the trail is probably not critical in all sections right at the moment but will eventually reach the stage where it does become critical. Those areas that still have the original surface from 20 years ago definitely are in need of recrowning/resurfacing. Recrowning/resurfacing would probably account for about 25% of the total estimated cost. Bridge/culvert repair and replacement is a little more problematic. Some areas need to be addressed soon and, as I mentioned, we've begun addressing those that are most critical. Others can probably wait. But, as you mentioned, sometimes deferring repairs leads to greater expense in the long run. This would account for the bulk of the cost esimate. Additionally, there are several major sloughs that are going to require substantial retention structures, which account for about 15% of the cost estimate. This doesn't account for the cost of any flood repairs we may have if Mo. River reaches predicted flood stages this summer. But, I don't want to make it sound like all doom and gloom. We're able to keep plugging away at all the needed improvements because of the outstanding support we receive from Missouri citizens and Katy users!

What is the reason for the trail being closed from MM103 to MM107 as noted on the park website? If so when will it be re-opened?

This section of trail is now open. The advisory was removed from the Katy Trail website on 6/6/11. The area was closed while crews repaired some fairly significant damage from flash flooding that happened the latter part of May. The surface in this section may still be rough in places, so use caution if you're going to be in the area. Thanks.

what is the trial like from sedalia to boonville

Sedalia to Boonville- There seems to be more shade on this section of the trail, and there is just a little up hill and down hill unlike the rest of the trail, no big deal though. I enjoy this section for it's "out in the wilds" feel, as I have said before, meaning that it is more wooded with fewer homes and farms, that are noticable.

You want to be sure to carry plenty of water, no water at Clifton City. There is a store to the left and up the hill from the trail in Beaman, last chance for water and snacks until Pilot Grove. Several bridges, creeks, ditches and river, a few cuts through the hills and a tunnel, nice scenery. My favorite section of the trail for it's diversity. It's a nice ride.

The Air Force base is just west of Sedalia.....I've seen the Stealth bomber while riding this section. Several Amish north of Clifton City also. As Darrel said, it is quite diverse and worth the trip to ride this section.

OK, I'm going to risk my pride here. Go to www.bethehistory.com click on the 100 years from now page and at the bottom of that page you will see a video of the new pedestrian/bicycle path over the Missouri River. This was my first attempt at making a video. It is a bit goofy. I created the website to learn how to create a website. If you can find the typo on the video you will win a prize.

Will our community have a greater appreiation for this great river now that we can safely cross it, and look down at the currents below?

appreciation not appreiation., lol! what do I win?

ooooohhhhhh nooooooo!!!! There's more than one typo!

David from Kansas you have won the right to say you can spell better than I. can. Now get your Kansas butt on your bike, cross that bridge to Jefferson City and spend some of your green Kansas dollars in one of the most beautiful capital cities in the country.

That bridge is about the most wonderful thing I've seen in a long time. A million thanks to those who wanted make it a reality.

Thanks for going to my web site.

OK - pedestrian not pedtrian - been there, did that. And you please do not say "butt." And what makes you think my Kansas dollars sre green? You have not heard Gov. Brownback lately? He wants us private citizens to spend them here in Kansas making tourist sites rather than making any state supported bike trails. Go figure?

There is another pedestrian/bike bridge over the Missouri on the Page Extension entering St. Charles. It is a nice ride connecting the Katy and Creve Couer Lake

Thanks so much for the video! We are planning a trip and I didn't know anything about the new bridge...it's been a few years since we've been east of Columbia, MO, and plan to this year. It's great to see a video of it. How is it with all the flooding of the Missouri?

Thanks for the video. I haven't been to Jefferson City for a while and haven't seen this "bridge". Very interesting. Although I wouldn't want my brakes to fail going down that thing.

Has anyone camped recently at Portland or Steedman? Are there shower facilities at either location?

Portland is a small town (pop-87) and the campground is above the trailhead. The bathroom/shower is a square small building at the campground and fairly decent. Fee for camping is $10. The restaurant has new owners is open until 9 PM, I think. May I suggest you have snacks with your gear for the morning because nothing is open.
I stayed there in Oct 09 and Sept 10. Would camp again.

This is an excerpt from an article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on June 2, 2011:

"State parks are in a pinch. Summer is high time in Missouri's state parks. But another legislative session has passed in Jefferson City with little action on a growing problem for our renowned system of state parks and historic sites. Our parks are saddled with a mounting backlog of more than $200 million in critically needed infrastructure improvements and rehabilitation projects, from aging water and electrical systems to cabins and bridges in need of repair.

State parks are what Missouri does best. On five occasions our parks have been ranked as one of the top four systems in the nation. Our parks are known for geological diversity, superb natural and cultural resources and sound management. Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared state parks and historic sites to be among America's most endangered historic places, citing Missouri's state parks as a prime example.

The historic Katy Trail needs $47.5 million in improvements to the trail surface, stressed bridges and aging culverts.

Our leaders know the value of our parks. Gov. Jay Nixon has launched innovative initiatives, including the State Parks Youth Corps and the Children in Nature Challenge, to provide educational opportunities and jobs for young Missourians in our parks. But we also need to educate our state legislators about the unique financing structure and capital improvement needs in our state park system and call on them to tackle the rehabilitation projects before our parks slip further into disrepair."

Dawn....can you shed some light on this? Where exactly does DNR fall 47.5 million short on the Katy?

Perhaps it's time to charge a user fee, like the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Iowa. That trail charges a $2 fee per day and also sells annual passes for a nominal fee. I see nothing wrong with the people who most directly benefit from the trail paying a small fee for its use. I mean I have to buy a fishing permit to fish. What do other forum bloggers think?

Usage fees aren't great. It just encourages people not to use the Katy trail on a spur of a moment and such. Thus the popularity of the trail would decrease and so would support. The income wouldn't be that significant anyway.

BTW, the Raccoon River Valley trail is inferior compared to the High Trestle trail in Iowa that doesn't require a usage fee. The most significant difference is that the gravel road crossings are concreted with the High Trestle trail while on the Raccoon River Valley trail you hit huge loose gravel piled up from re-scraping the gravel roads. Not good. It's still nice to have the Raccoon River Valley trail but I don't think that the usage fees are the solution to funding issues.

User fees aren't bad. They usually don't cover the entire cost for the services used, but it would be helpful in keeping the trail an attractive location. Prairie Spirit in Kansas has a fee. I've ridden it, and the RRVT and High Trestle. All fun trails. My memories of the trails aren't about the fees but about the great experiences of riding the countryside. I've ridden the KATY both directions from Clinton to St. Charles. What a great experience.

BTW, I've never been checked by any authorities regarding whether I'd paid. As long as the fees are listed, and opportunity for payment is given, it just gives one more source of revenue to preserve a great experience. And, like all state governments, as long as there is accountability for the use of the funds, people will pay the nominal charges. Since I'm from out of state, it seems right that I should pay something for use of a resource funded by others. These trails are a wonderful addition to our Midwestern experience. A great investment in my opinion.

Agree it would discourage short rides around the metro areas. When I ride the complete trail, there are days that I may see as little as 10 riders. Don't think the revenue would be enough to offset the cost of collecting it. On the other hand I would be glad to pay whatever it takes to keep the trail open and in repair.

We've ridden several trails that have the little user fee boxes and it's worth the ride to pony up a small fee. In my opinion though, as a Missouri resident and tax payer I've already paid to enter any of the MO State Parks. The Katy being a state park is like all the others that I use to picnic or hike in. I don't like the idea of having to pay again just to hike a trail for a few hours. I've turned around at out of state parks because I didn't feel like I should have to pay a fee just to drive through and check it out for a few minutes.

The RRVT charges $10 for an annual pass (children under 18 ride free), perfect for multiple short rides. My point is that if additional funding is required above and beyond what is already provided by Mo. taxpayers, perhaps those who receive the most benefit could pay for it in the form of user fees.

I stayed here last week on a there-and-back-again Katy Trail trip. It was a very comfortable and economical night. The hotel is not fancy, but it's clean and cared for. The people who run it are friendly, and it was the cheapest night of the trip. I would stay here again.

I have had the same experience at this motel on two different occasions and will stay here again!

Also have stayed here on multiple occasions over the past 4 or so years. Agree with previous posters. Just what a biker needs...reasonably priced, clean, hot showers, and friendly owners. The breakfast isn't much, but for the price is just enough to get you started along with hot coffee! Another plus is pizza just a short walk away.

New bike / pedestrian Missouri River Bridge crossway is now open so it is no longer taking your life into your hands to cross the bridge. The view is incredible, just follow the "Greenway" into town now.

Thanks for an informative bike trail report.

Can you safely ride from the trail to the Amtrak station in Jefferson City? Is there a map online?

There may be a map - but the directions are easy. From the train tracks head south (only way you can go) on Jefferson St. Go to first light. The Governor's Garden (behind Governor's Mansion) is on your left, statues of Lewis and Clark are on your right. You'll see Capitol on right. Head towards it on I believe E. Capitol Ave. <(although at this point it may be called .W. Capitol or East Main). Just follow the street around the north of the Capitol. The first street to your right is W. Main. Turn there. Follow it to the bridge, it is probably a total distance of about a mile from the train station to the bridge.

Suggestions on getting from the Kanas City Airport to Trailhead?

Thought I would share this photo blog post of our Katy Trail Ride that goes from end to end.

http://www.houghfamilyblog.com/?p=3938

Here's a slide show of the same trip...

http://animoto.com/play/6jJv1rB1yd41vze62W1kxQ

Great photos! I enjoyed all of them. I live in Jefferson City and thought the pictures you took there were wonderful.

Let me just say that Paddy Malone's in Jeff City has the greatest burger ever invented, cooked, and consumed! It was a 1/2 pound burger, deep fried in beer batter (with real bacon in the batter)!!! We stayed at the Cliff Manor after going over the sweet new bridge....ate at Paddy's that night.

My Dad and I stayed here for a second time while traveling the Katy Trail. This is, by far, the best B&B along the trail. The dormitory is comfortable and beautifully restored, and makes for a perfect oasis along the trail. Mike & Lisa have gone above-and-beyond for us, taking care of special needs we had. We will stay here, for sure, again.

I stayed here on one of my nights of a week-long Katy Trail trip, and it was, by far, my favorite place. It was beautiful restored, elegant, and comfortable. My meal at Glenn's Cafe was delicious. Everyone was friendly, and my bike was very securely stored in the basement. You pay a little more for a night here, but you get what you pay for. I can't wait to stay here again.