Katy Trail Forum

My husband and I are planning a trip in the fall to ride the Katy Trail. What is the peak fall time and the best route to take for scenic riding? Planning a 3 night trip, riding probably 30 miles daily. We are fairly new riders.

Peak fall color is tracked on the MO Department of Conservation website. Roughly around the middle of October....but is difficult to predict because of the many variables. It doesn't usually coincide with my weekend time off. We like the ride between Sedalia and North Jefferson....Portland to Hermann is good too.

We did a fall trip last Oct 16-17. I think we were about a week early for peak, but many factors determine when peak will be. We started in Hartsburg and rode to Boonville, stayed at the High Street Victorian B&B and rode back the next day. About 39 miles each way. A wonderful trip none the less!

Generally the second to third week of October is prime. I took some nice photos around the 15th of October last fall. The section from Sedalia to Boonville, and Rocheport to Jefferson City would be my choice.

My wife and I plan a two day ride in the spring, 75 miles more or less, then shuttle back to starting point. If I'm reading this site correctly, shuttle services are lacking somewhat in the middle third of the trail. We are looking for one of the more scenic stretches, preferably one with good photography potential, but one that also has convenient shuttling. Are we asking too much? Should we just shut up and pedal, it’s all beautiful?

Hi Lee. This is Robin from Katy Bike Rental. Our shop is located in Defiance, Mo but we offer shuttle service along the entire trail. In fact,we are already booking several shuttles in your desired area for Spring. Please feel free to give us a call directly. We would love to help you plan a nice, Spring ride along the trail. We can be reached at 636.987.2673 or 314.578.7300 Thanks & we look forward to hearing from you!

I most enjoy the section between Jefferson City and Rocheport, and Treloar and Bluffton.. I have not ridden the full length in the spring, just fall, so blooming spring flowers and trees could make some difference.

I am single mom who would like to take her kids the full lengh of the trail from Clinton to St Charles. We would like to make this a "roughing" it experience meaning camping and picnics. We would like to go around May - June. My children are in their preteens. Just wanting to get others comments on if this is safe. Thanks

I believe it would be a safe and fun adventure, with appropriate parental supervision. Exercise the usual cautions in towns, at road crossings and along the river, and you should have no problems. I guess the first caution is to understand that it will be quite the undertaking to do the entire trail. Boy Scout motto "BE PREPARED", especially if "roughing it".

As for personal safety or security on the trail and camping at camp grounds, I have never seen any indication that it is not safe. That is my personal experience, others may think differently but I have not heard of any problems at all. I have spent quite a bit of time on the Katy Trail, but of course it is a matter for your comfort level, a concern is certainly understandable.

You have come to the right place to get the information you need to make it a good trip, hopefully others will have some input. Good luck.

The ride should be safe and fun. I would suggest considering the DNR ride in June for first time adventurers.

I think it would be safe if everyone is prepared with a bit of training so that they are attentive to their surroundings including other cyclists, the concept of staying to the right, announcing when they are passing other riders, not panicking and weaving around the trail when other rides approach them from either the front or the rear, etc. Just basic bike handling and courtesy stuff.

I've seen packs of scouts, etc. that were (in my opinion) not prepared to be riding in a setting where they might encounter other folks.

Sounds like a great adventure. Enjoy!!

What the others have said is very good. But I will add that the training is important for a good enjoyable time. Make sure each of you can handle the amount of distance and time per day required - this will require some ride time. Make sure you keep the preteens (you didn't say their ages) in mind in this training period and the ride time.

Make sure you do some planning along the way as to how far you need to go and where you can stay. You will also need to manage supplies, such as food and water both for storage and for needs in riding. This will become evident as you prove yourself for longer distances.

In addition to what the last post says, you'll need to make sure everyone is instructed on proper safe street riding. I doubt you'll be able to carry 5-7 days (the usual time most tourist/neophyte riders are on the trail going from end-to-end) worth of food and water for your group's needs without restocking and the need may come to go off the trail to find those things (and campgrounds), or other needs that might arise on your trip. And since you wouldn't want to leave the preteens unsupervised, they'll need to know how and you'll need to be comfortable that they know.

I suggest the DNR ride as well, if it fits what you have in mind for the time you have in mind. Also, consider looking for fun things for the preteens to do to get/keep them invested in the idea.

Have fun! It should be very safe as long as proper preparations are in place (and those are the same for basically everyone).

If you have any more questions about this, by all means ask!

Oh and I forgot, too. Part of that preparation will be basic bike maintenance. That mostly means learning how to fix flats. Be sure to have that knowledge along with the tools for it when you go.

I would say the trail is very safe aside from occasional stray dog that might be in a bad mood..a good squirt from the water bottle usually takes care of that.

You should consider the upcoming DNR ride June 20-24. Very organized and would be a great experience for your family. Last year there was a family that had a set of 6 year old twins and an 8 year old that did the ride.

You might have a friend drop you off at the Clinton trailhead, and then pick you up in St Charles for returning home.

But if you drive yourselves to the trailhead, you might park your vehicle at the Community Center after unloading. It's located about 2-blocks south of the trailhead. It's well-lit, and patrolled. You can leave your basic information at the front desk inside.

You can also shuttle back to Sedalia via the Defiance bike shop if desired?

Sounds like you're planning a great trip that others have done, too, safely. Do use common sense on the trail while enjoying its many sights.

I think safety will be ok at that time of year. My concern would be carrying and planning for the supplies and camping equipment. Suggest a pull behind trailer to carry. When I rode the trail last fall I do not recall seeing very many campgrounds that would have full facilities. Good luck - will be a great experience with proper planning.

I am planning to ride the Katy trail in late March. I have not been able to find much information on the surface of the trail. Are road bikes approprite or do I need a mountain bike? Thank you.

A lot of answers to basic questions can be found under the "Katy Trail Home" link above, then click on the FAQ link.

The Katy is a fine limestone gravel surface. Given that, most bikes work well if the conditions are good. Most I've run into tend to prefer hybrid street tread, but road bikes will work well too as long as you're careful where the trail meets the road.

The only bad thing to be aware about for mountain bike tread is that the gravel can tend to stick in between the grooves and cause problems.

Hope that helps.

I rode it last year the end of March (had my wife and dog as SAG), west to east and it was unseasonanble warm, 60-70's. However most years it's cooler 40-50's, trail surface somewhat softer from the spring thaw, some flooding and branches down. Winds can be 10-20 mile gusts. Also nothing is really open along the trail, toilets and water until early April? I had a hybrid bike with 700x32 Bontager triple case tires and most surfaces were fairly hard except between Clinton and Sedalia. It won't be a problem and if it is, that's part of the fun.

Just make sure your tires are in good condition. Some spots can be a bit rough on tires.

This coming may I will be 60 years old.

I am bikeing short distances this fall and winter to ge ready to do the entire Katy Trail with a friend.

There will be no rush for us.We like to smell the Roses and tour towns

How many miles a day should I plan on? What is the best bike for the trails?

I have 2 diffrent style bikes, mountain bike and a Board walk with no gears and with balloon tires.

We plan to stay at B&B's

I do NOT have strong legs, but I could always bike.I had polio as a kid.

This is a Quest for me, I have a strong heart and it's on my bucket list.

Hello Jack, the mountain bike should do well on the trail. Some people ride mountain bikes, some hybrids and some touring bikes. As for the miles per day, that just depends on how much you are used to riding. It seems that many people plan on about 40 miles a day. That is what I planned my first multi-day trip around and it worked out pretty well. The trail is flat for the most part so it is fairly easy to maintain a steady speed of 9 or 10 miles an hour, again that depends on what you are used to.



You have come to the right place to find out most of what you need to know about riding the Katy Trail. I think others will chime in on your questions. It will be fun, May is a good time to be out on the trail, enjoy yourself.

Just turned 61, did most of trail this year. Avg miles for time to browse et al, I say plan

40-50 a day. Best bike is a hybrid with larger wheels - 700s.

if you need help with shuttle or overnight accomodations call 636-946-0619 and ask for Rhona (Lococo House III)

I am 67, ride a Hybrid, like to start at Clinton late afternoon pedal into Sedalia that evening, Take bike into Motel. Ride from Sedalia to Hartsburg next day,stay in B&B, Hartsburg to Hermann following day and into St Charles next day. Knocking that 40 miles off the first day gives you a ride of little less than 200 for the 3 days which gives you a chance to see and enjoy the trail. Take Train back to Sedalia and bike to Car in Clinton... Never a bad experience on the trail...

Together with the above advice, you'll be okay with your MB. A cyclocross, mountain bike, or hybrid with good tires works well on the trail. Carry an extra tube or two to be sure, and maybe a good boot or spare tire as well. Enjoy.

Thank You all!

I am so excited.

I am planning to start my trip May 23rd 2011.I will be going west to east.

Hope I meet and greet some of you there.

Jack

Try the DNR ride the third week in June. You are treated like ROYALTY. This year will be from west to east, I think. ALWAYS, a GREAT RIDE with REALLY GOOD people.

I agree with checking out the DNR ride. It would be a good way to feel the trail out and then the next year go it alone! I've done both ways (alone and DNR) and each have a lot to offer.

Good thing re the DNR ride...they carry all your gear (great if you're camping), provide breakfast and supper, sag support every 10-12 miles, and if for some reason you've goofed off too long or you don't feel like the full days' ride, they'll load you and your bike up and take you into camp. It's a bit more expensive if you do the B&B/motel as you pay for your own lodging and the shuttle from the DNR camp to your lodging. We've always met many interesting people whether doing it alone or with the DNR. Here's the link from this past year's ride if you're interested http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/2010ride.htm

How ever you decide...you will have a blast. Just don't plan too many miles for each day....build in enough goof off time to make it fun.

We would love to have you stay with us in Sedalia. Happy biking. Maxine "Maxine's Rooms for Rent".

The suggested 40 plus-or-minus miles a day of actual riding could be about right for vacationers on the trail. Enjoy.

I will be 65 in May and am also a first timer !
The DNR Ride in June 2011 is well organized and would be a good choice; sign up is next week. That is what I am planning. My bike will be a
mountain bike that I inherited from my son who
lives in Oklahoma City. It has less than 20 miles on it; he left it here when he moved to your town.
A good piece of reading material is The Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Doufer - lots of great options.

I am 61, rode the trail this past November, East to West (West to East is much better). Rode it in three days, which with head winds all three days made it kind of tough. Next time I will do the West to East version, and allow 4 - 5 days. Rode a hybrid bike, and it worked great. If one of your riding days will be Monday, some of the restaurants/bars will be closed, so plan accordingly. If you train by riding a few 25 - 40 mile rides ahead of time you should do fine.

This is an excellent site. Are there others referencing the Kansas and Texas extensions? Also, can any history be researched relevant to personnel during the pre and post WWII.

what is policy regarding gravesites along trail??

Don't dig them up???

Leave them alone???? HUMMMMM....you aren't supposed to make any new ones either, right???

You must mark the gravesite by planting the riders bike (minimum depth to the front and rear axles) and placing the riders helmet (if wearing one at the time of demise) either straped to the handle bars or seat. Before leaving, sing the "Wheels on the Bike go Round and Round" (sung to the tune of the childrens song with similar title) and provide a proper departing salute.

"Here lies the body of our Dear Sister Sadie.
She was done in while traveling the KATY. It wasn't the ride that laid her low, it was a darned ol' flat tire that made her go!"

Given that the State Park boundaries are only for the Trail, so 6-8 feet wide or so (making it the narrowest State Park in Missouri), any gravesite along the Trail would have to be on private property.

Highly recommended! I have stayed at Loutre Lane once in July 2008, again in Sept 2010. The next time I bike the Katy I will stay there again. It is in a laid-back, small-town, farming-community-type setting, in a quiet, peaceful, charming little subdivision up on the bluffs overlooking Rocheport, just the right distance away from the trail. I like the fact that it’s an actual residence---makes it more genuine. The house is roomy enough and laid out in such a way that there is just the right amount of “distance” between hostess and guest. It’s also nice and clean and tastefully furnished. I feel very relaxed there. Luci is a top-notch hostess, accommodating, and pleasant. I’m a fanatic about breakfasts, and her breakfasts are great. I had eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, toast, jam, coffee---but I think she’ll make pretty much whatever you want. By the way, “Loutre” means “otter” in French!

I guess on a clear day, you can see forever.

Kurt, I think Mr. Anonymous is alluding to the fact that Rocheport is around 75 miles from Rhineland. I'm assuming you meant to say it overlooks Rhineland or maybe Hermann on a clear day.

Dang! Yes, I meant to say Rhineland, not Rocheport. That's not the first time I've done that. For some reason, I confuse those names. I do the same with "Tebbetts" and "Treloar".

Ray, would you mind sending me an e-mail? I work at the Jefferson Ctiy Convention & Visitors Bureau and we are trying to become more involved with the Katy Trail now that there will be access to Jefferson City from the trail.

Thanks,
Daniel Helton

Although I really do understand the nature of this, wanting to become more involved in the Katy Trail for your group....over the past several years many of us have made our own access to Jefferson City from the trail by riding the bridge as it was on our bikes. Many, many others have accessed Jefferson City via their private vehicle, motel, and bed and breakfast shuttle.

Your involvement and the ability to very safely cross the river will surely be of greater benefit to Katy travelers as well as the local merchants in Jeff City.