Katy Trail Forum

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.

I was reading comments from 2010 that the bridge is difficult to cross. I was wanting to know if the construction on the bike lane is complete.

According to MODOT's website, it was completed as of April 8, 2011.

Thank you for the response about the bike lane.

The bike/pedestrian addition to the bridge is done and being put to good use. It is very nice and kind of fun!

YES! It is open and the view is incredible and makes getting into Jeff City very easy. From the Katy Trail just follow the "Greenway" into town.

Planing on staying in Rocheport around the first of July. With the river rising and expected to be above flood stage, does anybody know if the Trail in Rocheport could/would be effected.

If the river gauge at Boonville exceeds 27', the trail section between the Rocheport tunnel and the Davisdale Conservation area will be closed. School House B+B Inn and Dormitory guests have a free shuttle service around the detour available in the event that section of the trail is closed. Come on down!

Think we will. Thank you!

My wife & I toke 2 other couples to glens Friday 6-3-11 We ordered food & waited 2hr.& 20min. asking several times what the problem was! when we got the food it was good. After dinner we asked to talk to the manager (Steve Cup) we were told the waitress lost the ticket. and if we were not happy don't tip her As it has not the restaurants fault! We were more disappointed In the lack of management than the wait!

Stopped today in the Dutzow Deli on my way home and had a great lunch. Best onion rings I've had in years, a sandwich called "The naked piggy" that was more than I could eat and I was HUNGRY. The waitress filled my water bottles with a smile and without asking. A beer with my lunch, a gatorade aid to go and it was less than $12. Life is good.

drove by the katy trail along the river at rocheport and although the river was way, way high the trail was still dry along the bluff area.

My friend and I started in Harrisonville, MO, road our bikes to Clintion last Sunday, hopped on the Katy Monday morning and rolled in to Machens Thursday night We went about 65 miles per day.

This was a great trip. We did St. Charles to Clinton last year, but going this direction was far better. The weather was perfect, the people we met were great, the St. Charles to Machens section...well...adventurous.

The trail was in pretty rough shape from Tebbetts west through to Dutzow. There were 100 yard sections with powder lime that wasn't yet rolled, so we had to walk our bikes over it. Lots of washed out sections- like I said- it was rough.

Having ridden the trail a couple times before, we found ourselves being able to observe more this time, and so enjoyed the experience more. Along with that observation ability, we noticed lots of work needed for keeping the Katy in good shape. Bridges were starting to show significant wear, lots of rough patches on the path, etc.

What a treasure the Katy is!

Thanks for an informative report.

No kidding! All these years I thought it was East through to Dutzow from Tebbetts. Maybe they meant from west of Tebbetts, east through to Dutzow. I road from Weldon Springs to McKittrick yesterday and the powder lime sections have been rolled and are fairly well packed, but not level with the rest of the trail surface.

taking the train to sedalia on June 6th then riding back to St. Charles. Any problems on the trail due to flooding, tornado damage, etc. This is my first time riding the whole trail. It is one more event to check off the "bucket list."

Mark
Were getting ready for are 12th. Katy trip,
We get a friend to drive us to Clinton, and do the trail in 4 days,
Send a comment back, if I can give you any info.

We got word yesterday from the Corps of Engineers that the Missouri River around us will be a minimum of 27 feet and a maximum of 35 (if the big rains continue). Our levees are 32 foot. the flood of 1993 was 38 and 1995 was 35 foot. Flooding is already occuring in statres above us.

We are very thankful you consider riding the Katy worthy of your bucket list.

About conditions, the long forecast is much of the mountain snow and river runoff from Canada, Montana and the Dakotas will cause continued flooding in Missouri for all of June. The Missouri DNR website is your best source for trail conditions and as some have said, calling businesses along the trail. Good luck and have a good time.

I just returned from riding the Katy Trail the first 2 wks of May. I lucked out and got very good riding weather and trail conditions. What I have noticed since returning is that the "trail conditions and advisories" link on this website and the Missouri DNR link are updated constantly. I would trust this information and the suggestions. Those involved in providing this accurate information and the timely trail maintenence are to be commended.

Have trip planned from Sedalia to Hermann for June 24-26. All good except for only one bike slot was available when reserved Amtrak tickets. Thought a month in advanced was plenty. Any suggestions on how to get two people and two bikes back to Sedalia? Really wanted to ride train back.

There are several shuttles companies on this website that will provide you a service anywhere on the trail. Give them a try for a quote

You may have found trouble on that Amtrak bike reservation since the annual ride is June 19-24 from Clinton to St Charles. Maybe some folks are spending extra time over the weekend too? Does Hermann Ride, Rest & Go Bicycle Shop do shuttling?

this place was great. the food was good, the prices were right and the family that runs it were super friendly. definitely worth stopping in for some food before getting back on the trail.

this was a great little town. true, there isnt a 24 hour grocery or a shopping mall but if you are looking for that, stop off in jeff city before pushing on to tebbetts. the hostel was great. for 5 bucks you get a roof over your head, a hot shower, a microwave and even a bike work shop to do some repairs to your weary ride. jim at jims bar across the street from the hostel was awesome. his bar/store is only open a few days a week but he works in his shop behind the bar and if you find him, chances are he will open up and sell you some beer or something to eat. when we were there some severe weather rolled through, jim was nice enough to check on us and when things got rough, he even let us take shelter in his basement. definitely worth stopping in and having a ice cold beer at jims. love this place!

We stayed at 5 different B&B's along the trail and while they all had great points, we would have to say Cliff Manor was one of the highlights of the trip. The home is beautiful with a rich history. Our host was very professional, taking care of our every need. The suite was outstanding, the bed was extremely comfortable, and the breakfast was great in both presentation and taste. We loved the egg blossoms and the scones.

Have a reservation in Sept. with them. Thanks for the info. Can't wait.

GREAT place to stay! Defiance has the friendliest people and also a super bike shop. Norm is a wonderful host at The Parsons House. We had a lot of trouble on the trail to Defiance from St. Charles, but Norm made us feel right at home. The accomodations were outstanding, we raided the fridge before Norm got there and he later shared a bottle of wine with us. The room was very comfortable and well appointed, and the home has a great history. We would definately stay here again.

We failed to mention the breakfast! Ruby came in early and fixed one of Norm's old family recipes. Fabulous.

We were really surprised to find such a complete bike shop in this small town. They had a great inventory. I was riding a 1983 Trek down the trail and needed a new tire. 27 inch tires are not that common today, but they had one and installed it promptly. We also updated our racks and panniers before we got back on the trail. Great bike shop!

This past weekend I rode with my boyfriend from Hartsburg to Rocheport. I have only been on my bike a few times in the past couple of years and was worried that 25 miles each day would do me in. I am not going to say it was a piece of cake but I was able to ride both days the whole way. You might say"who cares"? Good point, but I just wanted to tell anyone that was apprehensive that it is very doable and well worth the extra effort. Beautiful scenery and we stayed at a charming b&b right on the trail. Loved it.

Lots of people care. Especially those wondering if they could do it. No telling how many others your positive input will give the boost they need to get out and try. Thanks for your post and glad you enjoyed yourself!

Hey thats awesome. My wife has wanted to do some riding on the trail but hasnt felt very confident doing it because she hasnt ridden much either. Its great to hear your story... thanks!

Congratulations on your first ride. I am gettting ready to do my second ride on the Katy Trail from Sat. June 4th to the 6th. Sedalia to St.Charles. I am curious what part of the trail you rode last weekend and how the road conditions were since all of the storms we have had.

We've ridden the Katy for several years. Most of our rides are under 40 miles, although we've ridden many more in a days trip. The shorter rides are more peaceful and fun when we have the time to enjoy the trail. The part that you rode is a favorite of ours.

It's great to know someone new is trying the trail. I've been pleasantly surprised that 20-30 miles was not too hard on me.

I like the trail from Tebbets to Blufton. It's wooded, has some views of the river and standing rock.

I was planning on riding the full length of the trail in late June, and I'm worried about flooding. I've never been on the trail before so I'm not aware how low it can go to the Missouri River.

Any advice? Comments? Thx!

My wife and I are planning a 2-day trip from Boonville to Hartsburg and back. What's the safest place to park our car overnight in Boonville?

I've left my car at the trailhead on out and backs to Sedalia several times and all was well. I've also left it in the Comfort Inn parking lot in Boonville (and other places too) several times. I always ask at the desk and have never been refused to leave the car on their lot. It's a short ride from the Comfort Inn to the trail in Boonville.