Fifthe Wheel camping along the trail
- + Are there parks near the trail where you can park a fifth wheel camper?
Discussion started 04/26/2011 10:22 AM by GH - 2 replies (last reply by Linda at 04/27/2011 08:44 AM)GH from Maryville, MO on 04/26/2011 10:22 AM
Are there parks near the trail where you can park a fifth wheel camper?
Specialized from Blue Springs, MO on 04/26/2011 10:50 AM
Are you looking for a campsite along the trail? And what part are you wanting to ride on? New Franklin has the Katy Roundhouse Campground that has RV camping. Small, nice campground right on the trail.
Linda from Sedalia on 04/27/2011 08:44 AM
There is RV and tent camping in Sedalia about 1/2 block off the Trail.
Rock Island Trail State Park
- + Just wondering how close this was to being open and when the dedication ceremony would be....
Discussion started 04/26/2011 10:48 AM by Specialized - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/26/2011 11:40 PM)Specialized from Blue Springs, MO on 04/26/2011 10:48 AM
Just wondering how close this was to being open and when the dedication ceremony would be....
Trek from St. Joseph on 04/26/2011 10:05 PM
My question for Ray is, will this site have Rock Island Trail information or will you make an entirely new site for us? If both state park trails are incorporated into this site will the name/domain change?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/26/2011 11:40 PM
Trek, I will definitely include the Rock Island info in this website. Since the trails will be connected and many people will use both trails within the same trip, it will be easier for everyone if all the information is here in one spot. This will still be BikeKatyTrail.com - I think many people will think of Rock Island as a spur of the Katy rather than an entirely separate trail.
I have not heard anything about when Rock Island will open, but am really looking forward to it. They'd better build some big parking lots because I think a LOT of KC-area people will use it.
Sedalia
- + I'm planning on riding the trail in a few weeks and recall getting lost in Sedalia last time I went. The painted arrows on the pavement in town indicating which way to go were very faded and difficul...
Discussion started 04/25/2011 07:25 PM by Steve R. - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/25/2011 09:04 PM)Steve R. from Granite City, IL on 04/25/2011 07:25 PM
I'm planning on riding the trail in a few weeks and recall getting lost in Sedalia last time I went. The painted arrows on the pavement in town indicating which way to go were very faded and difficult to find. Anybody been through Sedalia recently? Is it (hopefully) easy to make your way through town?
Paulie from Knoxville on 04/25/2011 08:36 PM
Same thing happened to me, cost me about 10 minutes, just had to backtrack, no biggie. The route could defintely be better marked.
I stopped outside what appeared to be a laundymat and ask a local for directions. I could'nt believe it when they told me they had never heard of the Katy trail.
Best advice I can give-(traveling east)soon as you pass the old train station, watch that pavement cafefully for arrows. Don't depend on the signs. As you know its not hard to miss a turn.
Good Luck, Paulie
Anonymous on 04/25/2011 09:04 PM
You might click on Sedalia above and look at the map. Simple solutions to simple problems.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Sedalia
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=3988&tonly=1
Katy Trail conditions
- + Wondering what conditions are like on the Katy Trail post-tornado/flooding. I am a little anxious as I have a trip planned starting 5/2 and I'm travelling from NJ on Amtrak.
Discussion started 04/25/2011 10:42 AM by Kelly - 4 replies (last reply by RK at 04/25/2011 03:32 PM)Kelly from NJ on 04/25/2011 10:42 AM
Wondering what conditions are like on the Katy Trail post-tornado/flooding. I am a little anxious as I have a trip planned starting 5/2 and I'm travelling from NJ on Amtrak.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/25/2011 01:47 PM
Missouri Department of Natural Resources maintains a website with current trail conditions on the trail. I would post a link but that seems to cause my posts to be blocked. RIGHT NOW, no problems with flooding, but that could easily change in a week or so. Only closure is around Rocheport due to construction, but a reroute, which really is not that bad, is avaliable using roads in that area.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/25/2011 02:20 PM
Kelly, which direction are you going? I am leaving Clinton on April 30 and plan to be in St. Charles by the evening of May 2. If you want to send your cell phone to ackermannsacre@earthlink.net I can give you an update of the conditions that I come across.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/25/2011 02:27 PM
Here's the DNR link that SteveK mentioned: http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
SteveK you're right, any posts that contain a link have to be reviewed before they go on the forum - it's unbelieveable how much spam I filter out on a daily basis.
We check the DNR's page for changes a couple times a day, and post any trail advisories on the home page, but it's advisable to keep an eye on the DNR webpage if you're getting close to your trail trip.
Also watch this forum; people are really good about posting flood alerts here when it does happen.
Good luck, stay dry.
RK from St Louis on 04/25/2011 03:32 PM
I was on the KATY yesterday between Dutzow and Klondike and it was clear. No debris - No flooding
New building in Marthasville
- + Anyone know what that new building that is currently being built in Marthasville is for? It is the one replacing the pavilion just west of the Katy Trail parking lot trailhead. I always assumed that...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 06:33 PM by SteveK - 1 reply (last reply by Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator at 04/25/2011 09:36 AM)SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 06:33 PM
Anyone know what that new building that is currently being built in Marthasville is for? It is the one replacing the pavilion just west of the Katy Trail parking lot trailhead. I always assumed that this was park or city property, but I guess it isn't.
Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 04/25/2011 09:36 AM
The community of Marthasville received a grant to restore the historic MKT depot, which is being relocated to the trailhead at Marthasville. The original location of the depot was just west of the trailhead near the grain elevators. The trailhead is managed by Missouri State Parks, and the depot is managed by Marthasville.
Trail Terrain
- + I am a fairly new biker and I am recovering from foot surgery. I would like to ride part of trail but need to ride on flatter ground, gently rolling hills are ok too. What is the terrain like, espec...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 08:34 PM by icpjv - 1 reply (last reply by Skyguy9999 at 04/25/2011 12:56 AM)icpjv on 04/24/2011 08:34 PM
I am a fairly new biker and I am recovering from foot surgery. I would like to ride part of trail but need to ride on flatter ground, gently rolling hills are ok too. What is the terrain like, especially around the Hermann area? Thanks.
Skyguy9999 on 04/25/2011 12:56 AM
The Katy is an old railroad bed, so you won't find any sudden hills or the like. Basically all flat. If your foot is a concern, I'd be careful around where the trail crosses the roads/highways, but other than that you should be good.
April-May whacky weather?
- + Just wondering with the neverending string of storms if April 29-May 2 might be a bad time to camp/ride. I've been in IA a few years now so I'm getting used to tornadoes but where do you find shelter...
Discussion started 04/24/2011 07:21 AM by CJ5w4WD - 2 replies (last reply by SteveK at 04/24/2011 10:43 PM)CJ5w4WD from Wandering the Midwest on 04/24/2011 07:21 AM
Just wondering with the neverending string of storms if April 29-May 2 might be a bad time to camp/ride. I've been in IA a few years now so I'm getting used to tornadoes but where do you find shelter on the Katy? Earthquakes are so much easier to plan for ;)
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 04:43 PM
If I was camping any time of the year, I would make sure I had the number of the various shuttle services along the trail if you need to get out of the weather for the night. There is a shelter(hostel) in Tebbetts, and some of the city parks have pavilions you can utilize. On the east end of the trail, Klondike Park(MM64), Marthasville, Hermann, Rhineland, Mokane all have pavilions that you can temporarily use. I would not count on being able to camp under them though.
SteveK from saint louis, MO on 04/24/2011 10:43 PM
You also should probably check the Missouri River levels before you leave for your trip as it looks like parts of the trail could be flooded soon if we get the rain that is predicted in the next few days.
Places to stay in October
- + Any suggestions for reasonably priced B and B's or small hotels in Sedalia, New Franklin, Portland , Marhtasville or St. Charles? We will be riding in the middle of October 2011. Thanks!
Discussion started 04/17/2011 12:19 PM by Mary - 10 replies (last reply by Anon at 04/24/2011 06:28 PM)Mary from Langley, wa on 04/17/2011 12:19 PM
Any suggestions for reasonably priced B and B's or small hotels in Sedalia, New Franklin, Portland , Marhtasville or St. Charles? We will be riding in the middle of October 2011. Thanks!
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/17/2011 05:39 PM
Mary, I would start your planning by using the links above. Mileage Chart, Towns & Services, and Trip Planner. Many of the small towns along the KATY do not have hotels or B&B's. You will have to adjust your daily mileage accordingly.
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/17/2011 06:35 PM
We have two B & Bs in Hartsburg that are reasonable, staffed by 2 great ladies, Jeanette and Catherine. Click on Hartsburg and it will give you the facts and numbers for both.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/17/2011 08:41 PM
I've stayed at:
Hotel Bothwell-Sedalia
Frederick Hotel-Boonville
High Street Victorian B&B-Boonville
KATY Trail Bed & Bikefest-Rocheport
Hartsburg Inn-Hartsburg
Globe Hotel-Hartsburg
Turner KATY Trail Shelter-Tebbetts
Cambell Haus B&B-Hermann
Enjoyed a fine experience at each of them.
Cathy from Jefferson City on 04/17/2011 10:46 PM
In Marthasville, I stayed at the Little House B & B. There were 3 of us, myself, husband and 25 year old daughter and it was perfect for us. She provided what you needed for a very nice continental breakfast, as well as some homemade coffee cake. I'd go back there in a nano second. Enjoy your ride!
maxine from sedalia on 04/18/2011 04:28 PM
I have rooms for rent in my home. We are located near the trail in Sedalia. We provide clean rooms at an affordable rate. Call for more information. Thank you. Maxine's rooms for rent. 660 826 9351
Will from St. Peters on 04/21/2011 08:51 AM
I have stayed at the Hostel in Tebbetts - just make sure you have food, there were no establishments open. If you have a guide book, I suggest calling ahead - businesses kind of come and go along the trail, and with the current economic climate it may be worse.
For $5 it was a deal, hot shower, etc. The town just East I believe Mokane, has a local store that made a great breakfast.
gene from Indiana on 04/22/2011 11:52 PM
Portland has a sign for a population of 86. The campground is just above the trailhead. No B&B that I know of. The restaurant is under new management and fairly good. I would be taking snacks with you to eat in the morning as some places don't have restaurants that open early. Staying at B&B is a good idea.
Rhona+Lococo from St Charles mo on 04/23/2011 01:55 PM
check out Lococo House II&III, Bed & Breakfast, 3 blocks from the trail, hot tub for tired parts, fresh baked goods , full breakfast and a reasonable price of 85.00 plus tax (for two)
Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/24/2011 04:19 PM
The second weekend in October, in Hartsburg, you will encounter 55,000 people attending our 20th annual Pumpkin Festival. Stop in and have a good time.
Anon on 04/24/2011 06:28 PM
October is a busy time on the Katy. Many come for the festivals, wineries, and fall colors. Might want to book ahead.
Informal End to 2011 KTY Ride at Portage des Sioux
- + I know St. Charles is the place to be and the traditional end to a long hot week of riding, with all the fantastic businesses, eateries, hotels and historic sites. But for those of you who will not ha...
Discussion started 04/22/2011 05:22 AM by Don - 0 repliesDon from Plainfield, IL on 04/22/2011 05:22 AM
I know St. Charles is the place to be and the traditional end to a long hot week of riding, with all the fantastic businesses, eateries, hotels and historic sites. But for those of you who will not have enough even to Machens why not push a little further to Portage (assuming it doesn't have any flooding alerts). It has a great deal of river history too. Kind of like RAGBRAI with at least one river for a front tire dip. It would be approximately 16 miles more (total 231 miles). You could take a long break in St. Charles and push a little bit more since it is a shorter last day distance. Any takers and we always welcome the "anonymous" people too?
St Louis bike Club
- + I read in the St Louis paper yesterday that a bike club is being formed in downtown St Louis. It read like you could stay there, or get a shower or a meal etc. And next door they hope to have a bike s...
Discussion started 04/21/2011 07:00 PM by Michael Rodemeyer - 1 reply (last reply by Terry at 04/21/2011 10:16 PM)Michael Rodemeyer from Hartsburg, Missouri on 04/21/2011 07:00 PM
I read in the St Louis paper yesterday that a bike club is being formed in downtown St Louis. It read like you could stay there, or get a shower or a meal etc. And next door they hope to have a bike shop. Evidently they would charge a small fee or more if you choose to join for the year. Does anyone know more about this?
Terry from Festus on 04/21/2011 10:16 PM
Check with trailnet.org.
Machens Extension
- + Does anyone know the status of the Machens Extension? A friend and I are running the Katy Trail the first week of May, and we will be starting in Machens, but didn't know if it would be passable for ...
Discussion started 03/25/2011 11:17 AM by Rick - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/21/2011 09:39 PM)Rick from Independence on 03/25/2011 11:17 AM
Does anyone know the status of the Machens Extension? A friend and I are running the Katy Trail the first week of May, and we will be starting in Machens, but didn't know if it would be passable for our support bicyclist with a trailer, or if we should have him meet us in St Charles.
Anonymous on 03/30/2011 07:20 PM
Ribbon cutting on the section from Machens to St Charles is scheduled for Apr 2nd, 2011. The trail should be in fine condition for your May run unless there is very high flooding at that time (part of the trail is on a levee).
http://mobikefed.org/content/new-section-katy-trail-opens-between-st-charles-machens-ribbon-cutting-april-2nd
Don from Plainfield, IL on 04/03/2011 04:07 PM
Will the Katy Ride this June now be extended to Machens for the end this year?
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/03/2011 04:48 PM
I'm sure all the logistics, arrangements, and reservations are complete for this years DNR ride. It ends in St. Charles on day 5. I would think that you could ride the St. Charles to Machens section before or after the official ride.
denncycle on 04/04/2011 07:06 AM
Rick, as of at least 4/3/2011, Machens to St. Charles was completed——crushed limestone just like the rest of the trail. The limestone might be a bit looser than older areas, but it's a good riding surface.
Anonymous on 04/21/2011 09:39 PM
I doubt they will start/end the annual ride in Machens. There is not much there.
trail advice...
- + whats the best way to get from st charles to st louis. ive heard its dangerous and am considering taking a shuttle. im planning on riding the katy mid may, taking the train from chicago to sedalia, ri...
Discussion started 04/20/2011 07:16 AM by kurt - 5 replies (last reply by RK at 04/21/2011 02:27 PM)kurt from naperville il on 04/20/2011 07:16 AM
whats the best way to get from st charles to st louis. ive heard its dangerous and am considering taking a shuttle. im planning on riding the katy mid may, taking the train from chicago to sedalia, riding west to clinton and then east to st charles. also, is clinton the true start/end of the trail or has a extension been built? thanks for the help. kurt
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/20/2011 10:12 AM
To me, it would be worthwhile to get a shuttle to St. Louis or Kirkwood, I am not that comfortable riding on city streets. Probably cost about $30. The trail currently ends at Clinton on the western side.
RK from St Louis on 04/20/2011 03:50 PM
You can get to St Louis by taking the Page Ave extension. Access is right off the Katy trail. Once across the Missouri River there are multiple ways to get to St Louis. It just depends on where in St Louis you want to go. I liver in the city and ride all the time. Its safe
kurt on 04/20/2011 06:14 PM
thanks...i need to get to the train station in st louis and have never been there...i want to ride as far as possible but dont want to get lost or end up in a bad neighborhood and mapquest can only tell me so much...
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/20/2011 09:09 PM
Here is a link to directions for getting from the KATY to the Kirkwood Amtrak station:
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.aspx
RK from St Louis on 04/21/2011 02:27 PM
If you can use the Kirkwood Amtrak station that is approx 25 miles riding. You will be on some pretty busy streets and there are quite a few turns. I routed it on veloroutes and it looks like eleven streets. Its all suburban riding. It's almost the same number of miles to ride to the downtown Amtak station but you will be going through some neighborhoods that might make some people uncomfortable. I've ridden them without incident. Its a simpler route with less streets and turns. Basically you'd just come in over Olive.
Driving Instructions
- + Anybody have driving instructions from trailhead to trailhead, or know where to find them, from Clinton to Matchens (west to east)? I know there's GPS locations for each trailhead on this site, but I...
Discussion started 04/21/2011 08:53 AM by Bill H. - 1 reply (last reply by MidSouth at 04/21/2011 11:44 AM)Bill H. on 04/21/2011 08:53 AM
Anybody have driving instructions from trailhead to trailhead, or know where to find them, from Clinton to Matchens (west to east)? I know there's GPS locations for each trailhead on this site, but I'm simply looking for "old-fashioned" driving instructions. Thanks for any help.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/21/2011 11:44 AM
You can use Google Maps to do it. Find the Clinton trailhead on the map, then right click and select "directions from here". Next, find Machens on the map, right click and select "directions to here".
Camping on the trail
- + I'm planning to ride from Machens to Clinton and back again in Mid June. I plan to tow my pup in a trialer. Do I need to make reservations for camping? I would rather see how far I get each day but...
Discussion started 04/21/2011 08:59 AM by Carol - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/21/2011 10:42 AM)Carol from Xenia, Ohio on 04/21/2011 08:59 AM
I'm planning to ride from Machens to Clinton and back again in Mid June. I plan to tow my pup in a trialer. Do I need to make reservations for camping? I would rather see how far I get each day but worry about finding the campgrounds full. Also, will I be turned away because of the dog?
Anonymous on 04/21/2011 10:17 AM
Carol, use the trip planner at the top of this page, that should help. I've seen people using kid haulers for their dog. Most have their dog inside on a leash. Missouri is a long way from Xenia, don't want the little fellow getting loose!
Ray (webmaster) on 04/21/2011 10:42 AM
I would echo the previous post - you may want to pull up a list of campgrounds and call them in advance, just to be sure about the dog.
You're using a trailer, but this topic gives me an excuse to pull out some great photos that I came across several years ago of a rack-mounted dog carrier. The dog looks nervous but they said he loves it:
dog carrier Hope you and your dog both have a great time on the trail.
Bike Type
- + Looking for a route for my road bike only, is there such a section on this trail. I can not have lose gravel or dirt, only paved. Thanks in advance.
Discussion started 04/17/2011 04:56 PM by JAK - 3 replies (last reply by ibikeslow at 04/20/2011 07:46 PM)JAK on 04/17/2011 04:56 PM
Looking for a route for my road bike only, is there such a section on this trail. I can not have lose gravel or dirt, only paved. Thanks in advance.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 04/17/2011 05:15 PM
The KATY Trail is not paved.
Chris J from Centralia, IL on 04/17/2011 06:17 PM
Many people ride the trail with road bikes, but MO 94 runs along the trail from Jeff City east. I have seen a lot of roadies on it. Just local traffic on it.
ibikeslow on 04/20/2011 07:46 PM
There are no paved sections on the trail, but we ride our road bikes with skinny tires 96% of the time with no problems. You do have to watch for washouts & when it gets really dry the trail bed cracks are wide enough to catch you wheel.