Katy Trail Forum

Hello! I am thinking about riding the trail with my special needs daughter. She functions really well though she is certainly not independent. (I'll also say that, in so many ways, she is my bike riding idol. Just loves to go,keeps going, and never complains!)

The only reason I can think NOT to do this is her bicycle. She rides a three speed aluminum beach cruiser with coaster brakes. We've felt that hand brakes and more complex gearing would be a bit too much for her and, overall, not as safe. I know for sure that she can ride thirty miles at a crack without complaint and I am at least somewhat confident that she could ride 50 or more each day. Also, my impression is that, as a rail trail, the trail is pretty darn flat and overall relatively smooth.

So, my big question is whether or not her bike would be okay? Other questions (that I'm sure I can research pretty easily) have to do with frequency of restaurants and/or food shopping, and frequency of camping opportunities. If we do this, we'll want to keep things pretty loose; heading out and getting as far as we get, calling mom to come get us when we finish or need to bail out.

Anyway, thanks for your input!

Such a cool idea! My wife and I saw people riding the trail with exactly the bike you describe. It's pretty flat and pretty smooth. The sections where we had to be on a street were very quiet and calm.

This site and Google Maps can help you find camping spots and food. I did not research camping, so I don't have a feel for it. Food can be a little sparse in certain stretches on certain days of the week, so take something along with you in case you can't find food at the right time.

And, any place that you are planning to stop, check them right now to see if they are still in business and what days they are open, and then check with them the day before you need them. This has been a tough time for small businesses.

If possible, try to use tires that are flat-resistant. The Katy Trail has sharp rocks in places, and sometimes there are thorns that can puncture tires.

For example, Schwalbe makes tires that have a Kevlar belt to reduce punctures. I use them and haven't had a flat in years, even in areas with lots of broken glass..

Also, there are tire liners available that you place inside the tire between the tube and tire. These aren't as effective, but are generally less expensive than kevlar-belted tires.

Using some form of flat protection will help reduce the risk of sometimes tricky repairs.

Paul, you are obviously a great Dad to do this with her! Since she is riding a 3-speed, does she have trouble with hills? If so, consider just doing the trail from New Franklin eastward, where the only hills are the river levees. Also consider her ability to navigate the detour around the Salt Creek bridge, if that has not been repaired by the time of your ride.

Hey, many thanks to each of you for the encouragement and the good advice. Next step....a hard look at the calendar to see when we can make this work! If you see an enthusiastic young lady on a pink beach cruiser (and her geezer dad), give us a wave!

Casey's Pizza is legendary, and word has it that it was invented in little Pilot Grove.

No, not really--but these are the things you think about on a chilly Saturday night when you pitch your tent in the City Park after 62 miles hard riding from Clinton and can't fathom how you thought riding up to Deon's (like, a whole mile away) could be a good idea. If you're down to walking, Casey's is The Bomb.

Seriously though, for those not from around here: Casey's is a gas station and convenience store, but their pizza is really quite delicious. Call in your order, pick it up (and some beer), and you are eating like the Kings of Old, even if a Norther blew in and you're hunched over in an ultralight tent, shivering with every last kCal you can spare. Ask me how I know this. You then will live to ride another day. In the morning, grab a slice or two of their breakfast pizza and it will carry you twenty miles or more, and that with only the most minimal GI distress.

And they have better work gloves than the local Dollar General, while Dollar General has other sundries, like pyjama bottoms in overlarge sizes. Though, if you're down to adding layers against an unexpected frost by giving Dollar General and Casey's your wallet, God help you.

OGK, you had me laughing with this post, which is spot on! Deon's is well worth the extra mile ride, but a Casey's pizza is just what you need sometimes.

I enjoyed my steak at Deon's, but pizza really hits the spot, and gives your body plenty of ready-to-burn calories. Add a delicious beverage, and you are indeed feasting. Eat the pizza, put on all the clothes you brought, wait for the sleepies to take over, and hope that you wake up in the morning. :)

Thanks for putting some fun into the reviews!

Not a lot of recent review coverage on this place, so here we go. We were really glad the HP was open on Sunday, March 27, else we would have had to cook dehydrated food--and after 110 miles in 2 days we couldn't be bothered. They had a nice IPA on tap if you like beer (we do and did), but quite literally have *only* frozen pizza on offer if you want food. Junk Calories: Check. Plus: They cook it in a convection oven--very fast and Krispy. Minus: Red Barron frozPiz would be a big step up from whatever junk they buy from their wholesaler. But we didn't die, nor even starve, and were ready to ride the next morning. An interesting fellow at the bar had biked before, and we had an engaging convo about the MR340 (the longest continuous river race in the world, held every year, right here in Missouri). Others have mentioned it's smokey at the HitchPo--yes, a little. If you're allergic I guess it could be a deal killer (or worse), but we were just hungry and beer-deprived, and allergic only to not eating Right Now, so it was No Big Deal.

So, on all counts, you are forewarned/forearmed.

Also of note in Hartsburg, early 2022: Globe B&B told me on the phone they do not open 'til May. So if you want something that's not camping, check AirBnB--we found a nice place that ticked the major boxes: Look for Cameron's place. There are not an abundance of places, but there's that one, and they offer part of a secure garage that's perfect for a couple loaded-down touring bikes.

This review is in regards to Doug, at Bluffton Barn. My friends and I biked the Katy Trail recently (2020) and unfortunately, 1 of our friends got injured. No longer able to ride to the next destination, let alone closest rest stop (10+ miles). Stranded, we frantically called every # we had in our emergency notes with no success of help. It was unclear if anyone from Bluffton Barn offered shuttle services but we were to try anyway. Our lucky stars - Doug answered the call and was more than willing to literally drop what he was in the middle of doing to come and pick us up and take us to the next town. 2 passengers, 2 bikes, all of our gear, next destination about 20 miles - he said no problem! We explained where we were on the trail and within 10 minutes he literally pulled his truck up on the trail and helped me get my friend and gear loaded. Being females we were unsure of what to expect and intimated but relieved to have received help. Immediately upon meeting Doug our fears disappeared and finally were able to breath at the thought of getting somewhere comfortable and safe. I can't express how much Doug helped us this day. He was overtly kind, patient, flexible, helpful, understanding, and just overall a genuine nice person. We had great conversations and laughs during transportation and at the end, charged us a measly $30 for everything. I couldn't believe it. I write this review not for a reminder that their are still good people out there but to let others on the KT trail know to have his (the Bluffton Barn's) information on hand, in case anything happens along the way. Doug is a safe and reliable person to call on! My friends and I all agree we will be traveling again soon and will be staying at the Bluffton Barn solely on the interaction we had with Doug. I recommend him and his business to anyone.

Thank you for the kind words! Perfect ending to a great day today.

When planning our KT transit this review from a few months back stuck out to me, and I thought, "We have to meet this guy and buy whatever he's selling!" It just seemed like he was the kind of person anyone'd like to know.

And, wouldn't ya know it...on the day we were to arrive at Bluffton Barn, I called him and the conversation started like this: "Doug, I'm afraid our plans are changing a little...My knee is done, we're 10 miles from your place, and I can't pedal another minute...I think we're going to need one of those famous Doug trail-rescues." "Ha!" says Doug, "The chances of that are somewhere between 100% and definite!" He dropped everything--except that he took a minute to get the potatoes in the oven, thinking ahead--and got right to us. A real kind man who loves people and just takes good care of you.

I will post a full review in the next day or so, as there is a lot to share. But I had to respond to this review that had caught my attention before and reiterate the positive comments about Doug.

We are riding across Missouri from Clinton to St. Charles
What is a good hotel to stay in near the area and close to the trail?
Thank you all for your help with this.

We stayed at the Baymont. It's not as close to the trail as some newer options, but it is close to Central Dairy, where you have to go to get ice cream, and down the street from Arris Bistro, which has good food for dinner.

That said, it would be hard to turn down Katy Trail Cottage right next to the bridge. But I know I'd still have to ride to Central Dairy for ice cream, so...

The Capitol Plaza Hotel is bike friendly and an easy distance to the amenities in the capitol area. We've stayed there and the Katy Trail Cottage...used to be Cliff Manor. Both are close to the river bridge to access the Katy.

Arris Bistro will be closing due to staff shortages from Covid-19. Arris Pizza uptown will remain open.

Not to disparage the bistro but if one of the Arris’ places was going to stay open the downtown location gets my vote!

Try the Globe Hotel B and B in Hartsburg. It's my personal belief that you should use the mom-and-pop facilities rather than big national chains. Thats why it is so hard for businesses to survive along the trail. If you want the experience, use the facilities along the trail or don't complain that there isn't anything on the trail. I don't own a thing along the trail, but you would be helping a deserving local by using their facilities.

Agreed. If you have any flexibility, it would be cool to spend the night in an old town in a historic hotel right on the trail.

I think we should stay at Darrell's house.

I find this rather interesting. I have, will, and do support local businesses when I want that experience. I also support other types of businesses when I want the experience that they offer.

... but you would be helping a deserving local by using their facilities. Staying at the local Mom and Pop does help deserving Mom and Pop. Give them money for using their facilities.

Many deserving locals though, are not business owners and don't have a facility, but instead work for someone else which may be the national chain business. Not all of the deserving locals can work for the typical Mom and Pop business.

Whether you choose to stay at National Chain Hotel or One Off Mom and Pop's B & B, deserving locals benefit from owner Mom to desk clerk Bob.

Due to family circumstances beyond our control the Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg, MO will not be taking guests until further notice (other than those who have already made reservations for this season). This includes camping or inside,
Thank you for the kind words and thoughtfulness posted here on this forum.

My wife and I are riding the trail from Clinton to Machens in May over 5 days. We are hoping to use this website to scout out places of service and food along the way. Are there any spots along the Katy that do not have cell reception in order to access this website? If so, where?

There are very few dead spots anymore. I have Verizon and only ran into a couple of short sections where I didn't have at least one bar of connectivity.

I would suggest starting your ride from Clinton on a Monday. Sedalia and Boonville always have something open. However there are some smaller towns that are closed up on Mondays and Tuesdays. Leaving from Boonville on a Wednesday morning helps with that issue.

I often do the St. Charles to Machens and back a few days before the main tour as a shake down ride. It's a nice 24 miles and makes sure the bikes and riders are set up properly.

I use this site and also Google Maps before we leave home. I usually have plenty to worry about on the trail. BUT many people would say that I over plan. :)

If you search while you are on the trail, make sure to try Google maps, too.

I want to start a multi-day ride near Chesterfield/Daniel Boone bridge.

Is there a place where I could park my car for one or two nights?

Maybe a business or public parking area in Chesterfield that is safe and legal?

This ride could occur anytime between May and October. I'm in the preliminary planning phase right now.

Thanks

This July we will be riding parts of the Katy Traal on the way to LaCrosse. WI. What sections do you recommend for first time riders; most scenic, smoothest ride, best places to stay overnight, etc? There are four of us and are all seniors so we look forward to scenery and great places to stay over or eat. Are sections of the trail paved, or just crshed stone? We are riding street bikes, not fat tire bikes and any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks, Dave

Two of my favorite sections are Defiance to Marthasville with its vineyards and historic small towns all pretty close together. I also would recommend riding around Rocheport (maybe take the spur down to there from Columbia) and around Hermann.

I don't remember any part of the trail being paved, except for a small portion close to St Charles. The rest of it is fine crushed gravel.

How many days do you want to ride the trail?

How far can you ride in a day?

Will you be riding through, or out and back?

Have you ever done a multi-day trip on a trail?

When you say "street bikes" do you mean skinny tire road bikes, or hybrids or cruisers that you ride in your neighborhood?

Thanks for your suggestions, John. Bill, they are road bikes, I guess. Not racing skinny tires but not fat tires, either. Three of us have road bikes and one electric. We are heading to LaCrosse to ride the Sparta-Elroy Trails and will be staying one night at several places along the way. We'll do an out and back from a hotoel or location near the trail each time. We ride from 20 to 30 miles easily a day.

The Great River, LaCrosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and the 400 Trails make for some great riding. We've ridden there several years ago and really enjoyed the tranquil scenery.

Gotcha, Dave G, thanks for narrowing down the possibilities.

John made good suggestions. Staying in Hartsburg and riding over the bridge to Jefferson City and back could also be a fun day. If you like ice cream, Central Dairy in Jeff City is a fun place.

Be ready to repair a flat. I doubt you will get one, but it does happen.

This July we will be riding parts of the Katy Traal on the way to LaCrosse. WI. What sections do you recommend for first time riders; most scenic, smoothest ride, best places to stay overnight, etc? There are four of us and are all seniors so we look forward to scenery and great places to stay over or eat. Are sections of the trail paved, or just crshed stone? We are riding street bikes, not fat tire bikes and any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks, Dave

[Update] Problem solved, we have a ride. Thank you to Jodi and company at Bike Stop Cafe!

[Original Post]
My son and I are starting at Clinton on Saturday, to Machens on Wednesday (3/30). We need a transfer of 2 people + 2 bikes to Amtrak at Kirkwood where we'll catch the ride home to Warrensburg. I've reached out to a couple of the usual companies that do shuttles and tours, and, crickets--I can't get a communication back.

Additional suggestions? Or, anyone able to transfer us? More than happy to compensate generously. We'd need a pickup at/near the Machens trailhead at 3PM, Wednesday 3/30.

The cost to stay at the Turner Shelter is going up to $10 this year. I believe this is the first increase since 2000 and is necessary to at least break even on the cost of running the shelter. Also, while reservations aren’t required and the key will still be on the utility pole like always, it would be helpful if you could let the office know if you plan to stay at the shelter. Again, it’s not required but helps us plan when to restock things like paper towels, toilet paper etc. Hoping everyone has a great biking season!

Sorry, forgot to add the contact information for the shelter.

https://www.conservemo.org/contact-us.html

thats still a good deal for 10 bucks

Howdy, thinking of doing a slow jaunt on the RIT this June. Did Katy a few Julys ago, so I know it will be hot. I am thinking of starting on the Katy in Clinton, camping in Windsor, and then doing RIT to Pleasant Hill and then going back. Is there actually a place to stay in Chilhowee? I saw a post from back in 2020 and called the number but noone answered. Thanks for any advice!

Chilhowee has two campsites across from the City Park that are free for tent campers. No water. There is a vault toilet at the Rock Island Trail trailhead. And water available from The Corner Store one block north of the campsites.

I believe if you contact the Hometown Convenience Store in Chilhowee they can help you. Otherwise give me a shout and I'm happy to get ahold of someone over there.

there is a campground in the middle of town stayed there first week of nov. palce for tent and make a campfire

We are two women looking for simple overnight lodging near Rocheport in early April. We would want two beds and a bathroom and that is all we need. Any suggestions of reasonable accommodations?

Maybe the Dormitory at the SchoolHouse B&B would work for you. We’ve stayed there several times and found it to be very adequate for a simple stay.

If you can’t find a suitable place in Rocheport, we’d be happy to host you at our new loft just right down the trail! https://www.airbnb.com/h/liftspanloftboonville

Is overnight parking still available at the Katy Trail trailhead in the old town area in St. Charles? Has anyone had any problems with overnight parking in that area?

I rode my bike for 80-ish miles on the KATY over this past weekend, and found the overall condition to be as bad as I've ever ridden on. Disclaimer - this is probably the earliest in the year that I've been on the trail for any considerable miles. Particularly in the area west of Dutzow, the trail was almost "silted" over with mud, as opposed to the normal crushed stone.

With considerable ruts, tractor tire imprints, and a combination of human and hoof prints deeply impressed into the trail surface, it got my mind thinking about what the normally expected trail grooming practices are.

Does the State of MO use heavy rollers, or graders, or some other technology to smooth out the surface? Do they add more rock and then smooth it down?

Any information about how and when the trail is groomed would be appreciated.

We rode in April of 2019, which seems to be well before the season really kicks off. At that time of year the state seemed to still be trying to finish major maintenance items, and had not done any grooming. We encountered what you have described. 98% of the trail was perfect. Even most of the rain-soaked sections were ok. But a little bit of it was like pudding. :) We also ran across stretches of tractor and atv-tire-induced washboard. Worst, to me, was some sections that had been repaired with larger sharper rock, which I was concerned would cut a tire.

Your post and others got me to wondering what the best practice would be. Apparently the freeze and thaw every year causes the softness you found. Maybe light grading and then a roller? Or a vibrating roller, even? Followed by filling low spots?

Sorry for rambling. To answer your question, I do not know. ;)

Staying at Maxine and Pete's lovely home was such fun. They were so welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I arrived after a very wet and messy day on the Katy Trail and was greeted by Maxine, Pete, Maggie, and 2 friendly donkeys. Maxine brought out rags and water to help me get my bike cleaned off -- so incredibly helpful. I was a muddy mess! I was treated like family and Pete got out the atlas to help me plot a route for the next day to avoid the mud. I was in good hands. I'll definitely return the next time I ride the trail. Thank you, Maxine, Pete and Maggie!

When will the DNR announce if they are going to try to host the Katy ride for 2022?

Pretty sure that I saw today that it isn't happening.

Nothing for 2022 on the DNR website.

I received the following in an email on Friday, 14 February 2022:

Past participants of the Katy Trail Ride, you all have been like a ride family for both the Missouri State Parks Foundation and Missouri State Parks.

We wanted to let you know that Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Parks Foundation will not be hosting a Katy Trail Ride in 2022 and we are currently evaluating future rides. We are fortunate to have many partners that offer rides and other activities on the Katy Trail and we encourage you to participate in those in 2022. You can view those events online here: https://mostateparks.com/page/57941/special-events. Please check back as we enter the spring and summer months for recreational opportunities along the Katy Trail, such as Tuesdays on the Trail and the Fall Color Tours.


Thanks,
Katy Trail Ride Team

I've been asked a few times recently about whether MO State Parks will be sponsoring a Katy Trail Ride this year, so I am bumping this discussion to the top of the forum. Sadly it looks like they will not be doing it this year.

Where can I find up-to-date information on closures and detours? I'm new to the BikeKatyTrail website and don't see it. Thanks!

This site doesn't like links, so I had to break it up a bit.

If you go to this page and then click Advisories on the right, you will see the official list.

https colon slash slash
mostateparks
dot
com
/park/

katy-trail-state-park

I am hearing about a bridge out or trail damage between Boonville and Hartsburg. Can anyone speak to what the current situation is with trail condition as of Feb 21, 2022. Are there reasonable detours to deal with any trail outages along that section.

I think you're talking about the Salt Creek bridge east of Rocheport. Do a search for Rocheport and bridge, and you'll find info.

Summary
Bridge is out, no super solid date on completion, but they do seem to be working on it.
If the water is low, you can wade the creek at the little road crossing.
Riding highway 40 is ugly.
There are probably viable road detours around highway 40 though.

I own A Sweet Expression and we have been at our current location for 13 years.During the winter we are opened 12 to 5. The rest of the year 12 to 6. During the Farmers Market, we are open 1 to 6 on Saturdays. We are closed Sundays and Monday's. Please correct this misinformation. We are NOT PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Gthank you. 816-405-7704

Thank you for the heads-up Debbie. Not sure where we got that information, but I have you set back to OPEN now.
Thanks again for passing along this info!

Is there an fkt for the round trip?

Rivers Edge Campground at Portland, MO will be opening a little early this year due to Ameren UE outage. We will be open for business March 15th,2022. We still have shower/bathroom with full RV hookups and tent camping.573-590-9159 or 573-676-3540 for reservations. Hope to see you there!

Melody