Katy Trail Forum

Hello All - Wife and I are planning a week long trip on the Katy Trail Mid October for our Honeymoon to do some Biking, Hiking and Fishing. Going to mix it up with some Camping and staying at some Bed and Breakfasts along the way. We will be starting our adventure at Boonville and head to St. Charles taking our time soaking in all the nature, culture and history of each small town along the trail.



I went out and got the book "Katy Trail Guidebook" from "Brett Dufur" - book has some great information and talks about places to visit. I read most of the posts from this site and would still like to hear some more suggestions and places not to pass up from others and what their experiences where like. Don’t forget to include the areas and places the Wife and I should avoid as well please. I know all the planning and preparation in the world will not prevent every bad experience but the more information and from different sources will help. I'm keeping an eye on the weather and it looks like Avg.high temps are low 70s mid 60s and lows mid 40s. I have lived in KC, MO for 23 years and know no matter what weather website forecasts the weather it can and will change in the blink of an eye.



Thanks in advance for all the feed back and if your out on the trail same time we are! Look forward bumping into you.

One item in nature to see for sure is the over 300 year old Champion Burr Oak just east of Huntsdale. The first asphalt road you come to going east after Huntsdale is Burr Oak Rd., look to the south, (your right) you can't miss it. Ride the very short distance down to it, maybe 100 or so yards, it is really something to see, especially up close.



Sounds like a fun trip you have planned, that is the way to do it, take it all in. Congratulations in advance, enjoy your trip.

Burr Oak is really neat. Eat at Cooper's Landing and take photos at Boat Henge. Plan to spend the night and a day in Jefferson City. Book your room with a hotel or B & B that will shuttle you across the bridge (Cliff House B & B, Rose Briar B & B, and maybe Truman Hotel, Doubletree or Hotel DeVille) and spend a day in Jefferson City. The Capitol is awesome, be sure and see the Benton Murals in the House or Representatives (or maybe Senate) Lounge, see Lincoln University's Soldiers Memorial Plaza and schedule a tour of the old prison (MSP, see the Convention and Visitor's Website). You'll enjoy The Mission. Elsewhere, don't miss Jim's Bar and Grill in Tebbetts, there's a cool huge boulder (I forget the name) right along the traia between Mokane and Bluffton. If you end up spending the night in the Bluffton area Pendleton's B & B will provide a once in a lifetime experience (Doug's cooking and stories are very special.) The rooms are not a five star experience but the food and company are. The Little House in Marthasville is quite nice also. Enjoy!!!

I hope you allow some time in St Charles MO ---- it has a charming MAIN ST. ------ side walk cafe, museums,art galleries, retaurants and B&Bs ----- we also have shuttle service ----call Rhona for details 636-946-0619

Cathy, it is the Rendleman Home B&B in Bluffton. Lets give credit where credit is due. I've heard nothing but good things about Doug.

The big rock is between Mokane and Portland. It stands straight up and has flood marks on

the east side half way up from previous years.



I'll be on the trail starting sept 27th.

My husband and I just finished a 7-day ride on the trail from Clinton to St. Charles and it was wonderful. We highly recommend the Hotel Frederick in Boonville--luxurious rooms at a reasonable price, especially on Sunday nights. Meyers' Hilltop Farm in McKittrick is absolutely charming and Maggie is a top-notch cook. Both she and her husband, Eldon, are as welcoming as the cozy Victorian decor. In Hermann, try the Hermannhoff Winery and talk with Billy, resident wine expert and raconteur extraordinaire. Another elegant B & B with a killer breakfast is Apple Gate Inn in Augusta. Although a bit pricier than other places we stayed, we were treated to a huge suite with a jacuzzi tub and a private balcony overlooking the trail. In St. Charles, you must stay at Lococo House, run by Rhona and Leo, two of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. They treated us like family and offer a shuttle service in addition to a huge breakfast and Rhona's homemade "Goosefeathers" dessert. Have a fabulous ride and savor every moment! Jan and Jeff

Less then 2 weeks till Wife and I hit the Trail. Looking forward spending time out doors and in the fresh air!

There are many excellent places to stay and/or eat along the trail. The Hotel Bothwell and Ivory Grill in Sedalia. Glenn's Cafe and Hotel Frederick in Booneville. The General Store and Abigails in Rocheport. The Peers Store in Peers and the Augusta Brewery in Augusta are just a few. Avoid the Rendelman House in

Bluffton at all costs; nice stories are one thing but filthy accommodations are another.

The food at Dotty's in Hartsburg is great anytime of the day! Sorry you will miss the Pumpkin Festival. I agree Augusta is great little town to stop at. They make great sandwiches in Dutzow.

How are the tree's doing on the Katy Trail? Have they started turning colors yet? Only 6 more days and the Wife and I will be on the Trail. Thank you all for the comments and suggestions.

Going to be on the Katy this weekend also.....my guess is they are about like they are in Kansas City....it's usually a north to south progression. The Katy is predominately east of KC. There was very little Fall color on the RRVT trail west and north of Des Moines this past weekend.

Some of the softer wood trees are just beginning to turn. A maple in our back yard has a bit of color.

This was our first trip to the Katy Trail. We left our car in Hermann and Mick shuttled us up to Booneville. We ended our trip at Hermann at the Grapevine Guest Suite. The private suite was perfect. It was very charming and Micks homemade Apple bread was totally awesome. We loved Hermann and thanks to Mick's hospitality we had a wonderful anniversay trip. We hated to leave and we are already planning our trip back.

This was our first trip to the Katy Trail. The second leg of our trip ended with Ravena at the Lazy Brush Ranch B&B. It is only 1 1/2 miles from the trail, but when Ravena offers to pick you up I would accept. It is a long steep hill. Ravena was very welcoming and breakfast was great. We hated to leave and we are already planning our trip back.

We stopped here for lunch just after one of our party discovered he had a broken spoke on his rear wheel. We were greeted by a gentleman who was cutting weeds(sorry I didn't catch his name but he worked for Augusta Brewing Co). He noticed us inspecting the broken spoke and offered to take the wheel to the nearest bike shop (Defiance I think) while we enjoyed our lunch. He restored our faith in the human race! The food was great and they have the best root beer in the free world! (The IPA is also quite good)

We stopped here for lunch just after one of our party discovered he had a broken spoke on his rear wheel. We were greeted by a gentleman who was cutting weeds(sorry I didn't catch his name but he worked for Augusta Brewing Co). He noticed us inspecting the broken spoke and offered to take the wheel to the nearest bike shop (Defiance I think) while we enjoyed our lunch. He restored our faith in the human race! The food was great and they have the best root beer in the free world! (The IPA is also quite good)

I would say that "quite good" in an under statement for Augusta's IPA. It is best I have ever had. But, it was after 2-3 hours of riding and it is freshly made on draft. But that place is great even if you only drank water and have the summer sausage & cheese tray!

I would say that "quite good" in an under statement for Augusta's IPA. It is best I have ever had. But, it was after 2-3 hours of riding and it is freshly made on draft. But that place is great even if you only drank water and have the summer sausage & cheese tray!

Any suggestions for breakfast in Sedelia?

You can try Eddie's which is roughly 7 blocks off the trail and the Katy Trail Cafe which is right on the trail heading Southeast through Sedalia. I have never eaten breakfast at either, but I have heard very good comments about the big breakfast at Eddie's

This place is an excellent value! As usual it was very clean and the staff was very helpful!

This place is an excellent value! As usual it was very clean and the staff was very helpful!

Our night at the Peers Store was a highlight of the trip! Barb took excellent care of us. The bathroom is a little antiquated but everything was very clean. The rooms were spotless and the beds were perfect. It made for a nice evening after our ride to just open all the windows, pour a drink, and listen to the town go to sleep. In the morning we shared coffee and conversation with the locals along with s couple of Barb's famous breakfast sandwiches. The Peers Store will certainly be a part of our future trips across the Katy!

Lost Camera - Needs medication :)

Please help me recover my brand new Canon camera that I lost between Augusta and St.

Charles on Monday ,October 5th. It has all my pictures on it from the trip, you can turn it to

any of the places that we stayed (they are on the camera with a pic of us with the date

stamp) Please return it if you have found it.

I'll include a reward! $100.00

Yes, it's true. I just found the ideal biker bar. Terry and Kathy's Restaurant in Defiance, MO

is next to the trail head. Bicyclists coming off the trail or passing through can stop during

the day for food and refreshments. The motorcyclists stop at night for food and

entertainment. What more can I say.

Has anyone been able to reach the campground by phone? Been trying and only get busy signal. Do they have RV elec/water hookups? Tried to reserve in Bluffton and Hermann, but they're booked for next weekend. River's Edge appears to be next closest site for where we are hoping to bike the trail. Would hate to show up Sat. morning and find them booked solid also! Help!

Has anyone been able to reach the campground by phone? Been trying and only get busy signal. Do they have RV elec/water hookups? Tried to reserve in Bluffton and Hermann, but they're booked for next weekend. River's Edge appears to be next closest site for where we are hoping to bike the trail. Would hate to show up Sat. morning and find them booked solid also! Help!

They are having problems with their phone. They do have spots available, 7 tent 7 RV with hook ups. Try Melody on cell. 573 220 8620

They are having problems with their phone. They do have spots available, 7 tent 7 RV with hook ups. Try Melody on cell. 573 220 8620

Thanks so much for the information Doug!! I called and left a message.

Thanks so much for the information Doug!! I called and left a message.

The people that own the campground live straight west of there. A friend and I camped

there last Tuesday (9/28) and there was a fifth wheel camper there that had been there for a

worker. Better have food for breakfast as there's not much on the trail in that area. The new

owners of the Riverfront Bar and Grill have made improvements but don't open until 11 AM.

Luckily we had snacks as we rode back to St Charles. Tent fee is $10.

The people that own the campground live straight west of there. A friend and I camped

there last Tuesday (9/28) and there was a fifth wheel camper there that had been there for a

worker. Better have food for breakfast as there's not much on the trail in that area. The new

owners of the Riverfront Bar and Grill have made improvements but don't open until 11 AM.

Luckily we had snacks as we rode back to St Charles. Tent fee is $10.

We are riding this weekend from Rocheport to Easley and back. Any suggestions on good places for lunch? Any to avoid? Thanks!

I've had the Thai food at Coopers Landing 3 times now and each time it was very good and really hit the spot. I think on weekends, Mr. Cooper may also be grilling (not sure). Can get your drinks at Mr. Cooper's store, Thai at the cook trailer next to him and sit and watch the river go by! Here's a link to his site. Not sure when last updated, so might be a good idea to call to be sure what food is avail. http://www.cooperslanding.net/food.htm

If you leave early enough, you'll get back to Rocheport in time to savor Abigails. Otherwise, the Thai Cafe at Coopers Landing (near Easley) gets great reviews on this site. Also, Lucy's at McBaine puts out great burgers when open.

I hope our timing works for us to ride, clean up, and get to Abigail's for dinner. Thanks for the suggestions!

we have biked from McBane to Augusta and only saw 1 Katy tshirt in Augusta -the wrong size - also looking for a hat pin - thanks for any idea

going from McBane west - friday

If you are going to Sedalia, the Sedalia Trailhead-Depot may have something for you. Not sure about tee shirts there, but you can get them here.

You may also try the Department of Natural Resources online at: http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/index.html

This link will also take you directly to some KT trail stuff



http://www.mostateparks.com/shop/ktmerch.htm

And don't miss our fabulous KT shirts with maps on the back as well as "KT" decals and patches. If you're out on the trail again, I know the bike shop in Defiance has some nice shirts too.

We have an online store for the Katy Depot. I keep a good supply of shirts on hand and we've even designed our own 20th anniversary shirts for this year. Our line is mugs, specialty Katy Trail Blend Coffee, pins, patches, shirts, postcards, metal signs, tattoos and more. The web site is www.katydepotsedalia.com

When do they turn off the water at the Trailheads with water?

Around the first of November and then back on around the first of April.

It's always off at the Mokane Market.

Hi! I'm planning to camp here in mid-September on a Friday night. Tried calling but no answer. Apparently no e-mail either, or website. Do I need a reservation for a Friday night? Thanks for any info ~~ tailwinds ~~



kate

Hi! I'm planning to camp here in mid-September on a Friday night. Tried calling but no answer. Apparently no e-mail either, or website. Do I need a reservation for a Friday night? Thanks for any info ~~ tailwinds ~~



kate

I would try the nearby Steamboat Junction Campground listed under Bluffton, MO at this site, which will give you a little less primitive camping experience(if you get my drift) than the campground in Portland.

I would try the nearby Steamboat Junction Campground listed under Bluffton, MO at this site, which will give you a little less primitive camping experience(if you get my drift) than the campground in Portland.

I stayed there one night last October. It was great. You'll be up above the trail. The

people that own the campground live about 100 yards +/- straight west of the campground.

The fee was $10. Set your tent up and they'll come to collect. The bathroom is great with hot

showers in it. If you need food, the River's Edge Bar and Grill is up the hill if they are open.

You enter from the side door. Portland isn't too big and the Missouri River is just down the

hill. There is a trail toilet next to the trail. The campground is up from there about 100 feet

with multi levels. I'll be on the trail I hope in late September.

I stayed there one night last October. It was great. You'll be up above the trail. The

people that own the campground live about 100 yards +/- straight west of the campground.

The fee was $10. Set your tent up and they'll come to collect. The bathroom is great with hot

showers in it. If you need food, the River's Edge Bar and Grill is up the hill if they are open.

You enter from the side door. Portland isn't too big and the Missouri River is just down the

hill. There is a trail toilet next to the trail. The campground is up from there about 100 feet

with multi levels. I'll be on the trail I hope in late September.

Has anyone been able to reach the campground by phone? Been trying and only get busy signal. Do they have RV elec/water hookups? Tried to reserve in Bluffton and Hermann, but they're booked for next weekend. River's Edge appears to be next closest site for where we are hoping to bike the trail. Would hate to show up Sat. morning and find them booked solid also! Help!

Has anyone been able to reach the campground by phone? Been trying and only get busy signal. Do they have RV elec/water hookups? Tried to reserve in Bluffton and Hermann, but they're booked for next weekend. River's Edge appears to be next closest site for where we are hoping to bike the trail. Would hate to show up Sat. morning and find them booked solid also! Help!

This was our first trip to the Katy Trail. We began our trip with Penny at the Garden Gate B&B. It was a short distance from the trail and it was a great stay. Penny was very welcoming and the house was full of charm. The food was out of this world !!! We hated to leave and we are already planning our trip back.

Due to popular demand I have made arrangements to have extra rooms in the Rhineland area available for October. If you have already talked to me and I told you I was full....or, you still need October rooms...contact me me! See rendlemanhome.com for contact information. PS the weather is great and so is the trail....thanks!