Katy Trail Forum

We are planning to take Amtrak to Jefferson City and ride back to St. Charles. Does anyone know if the bridge to the trail is safe to cross on a bike or should we seek some sort of shuttle service.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

We biked the trail several years ago, and you do need a shuttle to go across the bridge. We

did not go into Jeff City; stopped at that point. We started in Booneville and rode west to

Sedailia one day, and east to Rocheport the next. Then drove to Hartsburg and went west one

day, and east the next to Jeff City. After 4 days on that bike, I put my foot down! So that

Friday, we toured Hermann sans bikes! Have Fun! take sun screen, bug spray and extra tire

tubes!

I was there a couple of months ago and there is a bike lane on the

bridge but it is very narrow and scary. I very badly wanted to go to

Jefferson City but declined to go across the bridge. I would suggest a

shuttle somehow unless you are much braver than me.

What a fun night we had in Tebbetts! The accommodations at the Shelter were crude but what could you expect for $5.00 apiece. We wondered what we would encounter and we were pleasantly surprised. Not real clean but it beats camping. The johns and showers worked great and we even got to play a little ping pong. The highlight of our stay in Tebbetts was going next door to Jim's Bar. Jim will cook you up a pizza or burger. We chose the pizza and it hit the spot along with an icy cold beer. The Karaoke started up shortly after we arrived and the place came to life. Jim is full of surprises and helped create a night we won't soon forget. All of the towns folk that we met were friendly. Thanks Jim and friends!

What a fun night we had in Tebbetts! The accommodations at the Shelter were crude but what could you expect for $5.00 apiece. We wondered what we would encounter and we were pleasantly surprised. Not real clean but it beats camping. The johns and showers worked great and we even got to play a little ping pong. The highlight of our stay in Tebbetts was going next door to Jim's Bar. Jim will cook you up a pizza or burger. We chose the pizza and it hit the spot along with an icy cold beer. The Karaoke started up shortly after we arrived and the place came to life. Jim is full of surprises and helped create a night we won't soon forget. All of the towns folk that we met were friendly. Thanks Jim and friends!

Jim's Bar is awesome!!! It was one of the highlights of our trip 3 weeks ago.

Jim's Bar is awesome!!! It was one of the highlights of our trip 3 weeks ago.

We will be in the St Charles - Jefferson City area and would like to take a day or two on the Katy trail. What area of the trail would you suggest that has the most interesting sites/good food/lodging? Thank You!

Based on previous threads (see 20 miles on the trail) many people like the Rocheport to Jefferson City section. The bluffs along the river are beautiful, and there's a couple of spots where you have wonderful views of the river. Cooper's Landing is also very interesting. Also check out comments about Marthasville, and Dutzow and Augusta, re: places to eat. I think if you go on this web site to a particular town you'll be able to see the comments about that area.

I agree. I have ridden the Katy quite a bit, and the area from Jeff City to Rocheport is one of my favorites. Make sure you stop in Hartsburg, hopefully when Dotty's Cafe is open.

I agree! We are just starting to see more of the trail. Jefferson City

to Rochport is nice. We just rode from Herman to Jefferson City. The

scenery is okay. I did like Herman to Defiance!

The afore mentioned area is probably the most scenic section of the trail, but you might also consider the Sedalia to Booneville leg. This part of the trail goes through the Osage Hills (William Quantrill's favorite haunt, and later that of Jesse and Frank James).

The trail and the bluffs from Rocheport to Hartsburg is my favorite part of the trail. Its closeest to the river and the bluffs are fantastic. We also have three spots to stop and eat and drink; The Big Muddy, The Hitching Post and Dottys. Please give us a try. We have two spots mentioned by Lewis and Clark which are great tourist spots.

"We also have three spots to stop and eat and drink; The Big Muddy, The Hitching Post and Dottys."



Michael, which two of these three spots were there when Lewis and Clark came through? Or am I cornfused?

Didn't someone named Dot travel with Lewis and Clark?

It was DOG not dot. The two spots were: BULLS ROCK, south of town, easy to see from the river but not the trail. You can see them from a boat or by going to Native Stone Winery on Hwy 179. We also have the location where YORK was documented to have swam ashore to gather watercress for the explorers supper. The state sign is across the river and downstream from the Hartsburg Access. Bulls Rock had a native American symbol painted on the rock, a manitou, or devil, to warn enemies away. At any rate Hartsburg has many spots to visit or paint.

CAUTION ... My bike rack was stolen off my car while parked at Cooper's Town. We needed a rack to transport our bikes back to Nebraska after finishing up in St. Charles. Fortunately, I was able to replace it at the Bike shop in Hermann. Bill was very helpful and reasonable. But I was not a happy camper and not interested in returning to Cooper's Town.

Down on the river at Cooper's Landing camp ground?

I'm sorry to hear that. The only 2 places I would leave my car overnight along the Katy are Clinton's Rec center and St. Charles. If you notify their police dept, they will keep an eye out for your car. That said, bad things do happen even in the nicest part of town.

In the past with a trunk mounted rack, I'd often take it off and put it in the trunk when I'd left the car for any length of time in a place that I was not familiar with. Simple move to keep someone from either taking the whole rack or cutting a strap, etc.



With a hitch mount now, the rack is always locked on with a pin lock and the rubber straps are always in the vehicle. It's too easy for someone to help theirself to the tie-down straps, leaving me wondering what to do at the end of a ride.



I've never had an issue with anyone bothering my vehicle, but I always leave it at a DNR Trailhead or the motel/B&B that we're staying at.

Good food and she opened earlier than posted on the door sign - a bonus for us cause we had a long day ahead of us.

Good food and she opened earlier than posted on the door sign - a bonus for us cause we had a long day ahead of us.

My favorite place to eat on the trail. Dotty is a sweet heart...

My favorite place to eat on the trail. Dotty is a sweet heart...

Has anyone crossed the US 63 bridge at Jeff City to get to/from the Katy Trail since they started working on the bridge this summer? Is bicycling across the bridge still an option?

My wife and I crossed the bridge riding our tandem on August 11th. The side going into Jeff City didn't have a bike lane or much shoulder and traffic was a 'little' scary but we made it. A couple of locals told us at the N. Jeff City trailhead that locals are used to seeing bikes on the bridge.



The side coming out of Jeff City has a blocked off walking/biking lane which we used to leave. It was being worked on or at least had signs but we didn't see any workers at the time.



Also, I'm not sure if you can get to the bike/walk lane from the South/West side of trail but it would be the safest way into the city. Good Luck.

First off, I have to admit I would not have tried biking over the Jefferson City Missouri River bridge before they started the construction. I drive over the bridge a couple of times a week and I would not recommend trying to bike over it during the construction. The bridge going out of Jefferson City is more narrow due to the construction. The other bridge going into Jefferson City has a couple of exits that sneak up on you. Hopefully this construction project will end on time, and then we'll have the attached bike/pedestrian bridge, that will be safe and offer views of the river and capitol.

We had just completed our first day of our five day journey on the Katy Trail and this was our first B&B on the trip. It was comfortable, clean and provided an abundant continental breakfast in the morning. Maxine and Pete are delightful hosts and we felt very welcome and accommodated. Thanks, also, for the surrey ride. I know you probably can't do that for everybody but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great start to our trip!

We had just completed our first day of our five day journey on the Katy Trail and this was our first B&B on the trip. It was comfortable, clean and provided an abundant continental breakfast in the morning. Maxine and Pete are delightful hosts and we felt very welcome and accommodated. Thanks, also, for the surrey ride. I know you probably can't do that for everybody but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great start to our trip!

The "coolest" place we stayed on the trail. I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old toddlers. We were all thrilled to be sleeping in a "train." The room was clean and comfortable, the deck was awesome for chatting with old friends, and Bill was a great host. I won't hesitate to stay here again on any trip to central MO. Thanks Bill!

The "coolest" place we stayed on the trail. I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old toddlers. We were all thrilled to be sleeping in a "train." The room was clean and comfortable, the deck was awesome for chatting with old friends, and Bill was a great host. I won't hesitate to stay here again on any trip to central MO. Thanks Bill!

I would not recommend staying here. I had a heck of a time getting the reservation in the first place, back and forth with phone calls and emails. I planned a head and reserved for our August trip in April. 3 weeks before our trip she calls and asked for my email address and proceeded with all the questions we had already discussed in email. She was so very confused. Then we show up, late, which I had warned her about - I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old twins - and the place was empty. She didn't answer either phone number and the house was locked up! I even called her Realtor (the place is for sale) trying to get a hold of her. At that point it was after 7, I had two hungry toddlers and a hungry, disappointed husband. Finally her husband just happens to drive by (as we were preparing to ride another 11 miles to Boonville - after 64 already that day) and shows us where the key is hidden. Apparently this information was in an email ... but wait, she didn't have my email according to her phone call.

The bathroom is shared (just so you know) and it was HOT upstairs, most rooms are upstairs, even with window ACs. Breakfast was not enough. I had to eat a cliff bar at the trail head. The stairs are steep and carpeted as well. Dangerous!

I'd say skip it and arrange your trip to stay somewhere else. I'll never stay here again.

I would not recommend staying here. I had a heck of a time getting the reservation in the first place, back and forth with phone calls and emails. I planned a head and reserved for our August trip in April. 3 weeks before our trip she calls and asked for my email address and proceeded with all the questions we had already discussed in email. She was so very confused. Then we show up, late, which I had warned her about - I rode the trail with my husband and 2 year old twins - and the place was empty. She didn't answer either phone number and the house was locked up! I even called her Realtor (the place is for sale) trying to get a hold of her. At that point it was after 7, I had two hungry toddlers and a hungry, disappointed husband. Finally her husband just happens to drive by (as we were preparing to ride another 11 miles to Boonville - after 64 already that day) and shows us where the key is hidden. Apparently this information was in an email ... but wait, she didn't have my email according to her phone call.

The bathroom is shared (just so you know) and it was HOT upstairs, most rooms are upstairs, even with window ACs. Breakfast was not enough. I had to eat a cliff bar at the trail head. The stairs are steep and carpeted as well. Dangerous!

I'd say skip it and arrange your trip to stay somewhere else. I'll never stay here again.

Planning a two day ride mid September from Tebbetts to St. Charles. Anything I should watch for?

Signs of Fall.

I am interested in doing an illustrated KATY Trail book, with pen/ink and watercolor. What are your favorite spots along the trail and why?

I'll be working on this for the next year, so please keep in touch!

gg

My favorite stretch is Dutzow to Trelore! God worked overtime on this part! Make sure to stop in at the Peers store and say "hi" to Barb (owner).

We have been riding this area weekly for most of the summer and have noticed there are two individuals who also appear to ride this stretch regularly; these individuals also tend to ride at somewhat a fast pace. They overtake and pass other riders they fail to call out of their intentions to pass. This has happened to us 2 times in the last month and both of times they have caused us problems which could have been serious. They ride on,(which is probably best.) I wanted to warn others about these two (a couple) and hope that maybe they may read this(?) and understand that this kind of behavior can cause problems for others and possibly serious touble. And it is just downright rude. Please remember to call out when overtaking others on the trail and do so far enough in advance as not to startle others and possibly causing an accident which we all know can be devastating if not fatal. Thanks.

Good advice. It is equally prudent to be aware of your surrounds also. Just because you are in the middle of nowhere, don't assume that you are the only one around and that no one will meet or pass you. Keep your ears open, allow room to pass, use a mirror, and know you whats behind as well as ahead of you.



We almost wrecked a few years ago with a man and a dog and we did announce our approach well in advance. His reply was that he didn't have enough warning, to which I replied to a large degree his prior warning was his knowledge that he was on a public trail that was meant for others and not just him and his dog.

I agree that you should be aware of your surroundings and have your ears open. I have called out to others that fail to hear because they have their MP3 playing in their ears and even the wind can be a factor in being able to hear. It is still the responsibility of the person passing to announce their intentions.

I agree.....but, all the announcing in the world doesn't do much good when the oblivian in front of you moves to right and lets his dog move to the left stretching the clothes line across the trail in front of you.



Hopefully the mystery riders will learn before they cause a crash.

I'm looking for a shuttle from Warrensburg to Clinton. Any ideas?

Try this link on the home page Share a SHUTTLE RIDE.

My wife and I are planning a 3-4 day ride between Mokane and St Charles the last week of Sept but I see there is a Touring Cyclist ride planned (no interest to us) for that same week. Does this consist of a large group of riders? Will we have trouble getting B&B reservations? Anything we should know about that event? Thanks for any input.

Why not contact The Touring Cyclist Co and ask them? Who would know more about their event than them?

we have accomodations for cyclists and we are three blocks from the trail ---- we also shuttle ----- call 636-946-0619 for more info

I don't know that their group would prevent you from finding reservations, however that is a very busy time of year and I would advise you get your rooms reserved soon or you might find some locations, if not several, unavailable.

Absolutely wonderful for riders during the week, it is the only place around that has food! Stayed here and late June, 2010 and couldn't have asked for more. There was no one there but we just called the number on the pamphlet and she was more than happy to help with all of our questions. The campsites are actually way in the back, and that is where the bugs are bad. There were only two of us though, so we set up our tent right behind the snack stand and didn't have a problem with the bugs. There is only a port-a-potty, which I didn't use, but the shower was extremely clean. If you are looking for a hot meal, the bed and breakfast (left at the road right before steamboat junction if you are heading east) has pizza's for $10.

Absolutely wonderful for riders during the week, it is the only place around that has food! Stayed here and late June, 2010 and couldn't have asked for more. There was no one there but we just called the number on the pamphlet and she was more than happy to help with all of our questions. The campsites are actually way in the back, and that is where the bugs are bad. There were only two of us though, so we set up our tent right behind the snack stand and didn't have a problem with the bugs. There is only a port-a-potty, which I didn't use, but the shower was extremely clean. If you are looking for a hot meal, the bed and breakfast (left at the road right before steamboat junction if you are heading east) has pizza's for $10.

You say "The place around the corner has pizza for $10"....your talking about the Rendleman Home B&B and Camping in Bluffton..on Hwy 94 just up from the trail when you cross Hwy 94...If you make a reservation ahead they also serve dinner and breakfast (killer hot meals) for both campers and B&B guests.

You say "The place around the corner has pizza for $10"....your talking about the Rendleman Home B&B and Camping in Bluffton..on Hwy 94 just up from the trail when you cross Hwy 94...If you make a reservation ahead they also serve dinner and breakfast (killer hot meals) for both campers and B&B guests.

Stayed here on June 27th, 2010 during a storm and had to sleep in the pavillion. There is very little grassy area to camp on because of the lack of distinction between the park and personal yards. Since it was bad weather we shared the pavillion with a group of boyscouts with 3 large tents, plus our 2-person popup. It was a tight squeeze, but nothing too bad!

Stayed here on June 27th, 2010 during a storm and had to sleep in the pavillion. There is very little grassy area to camp on because of the lack of distinction between the park and personal yards. Since it was bad weather we shared the pavillion with a group of boyscouts with 3 large tents, plus our 2-person popup. It was a tight squeeze, but nothing too bad!

Volunteer Park is our small park and it is pretty obvious where the lines are around the gazebo. We also have a Legion Ball Park south of town (2-3 blocks) where 100 people can camp. Since we don't charge for camping in Volunteer Park one should be happy with the accomodations. Please contact Mayor Doug Lammers at hartsburgdoug@yahoo.com. I also read here in the Forum that Dotty's and Gary Caldwell help travelers in need (check previous entrys). We hope you enjoyed your time in our little town.

Volunteer Park is our small park and it is pretty obvious where the lines are around the gazebo. We also have a Legion Ball Park south of town (2-3 blocks) where 100 people can camp. Since we don't charge for camping in Volunteer Park one should be happy with the accomodations. Please contact Mayor Doug Lammers at hartsburgdoug@yahoo.com. I also read here in the Forum that Dotty's and Gary Caldwell help travelers in need (check previous entrys). We hope you enjoyed your time in our little town.

It is usually pretty obvious to residents where things are, but to the outsider it is often the case that things are not so obvious. Venture outside of Hartsburg and become lost or disoriented and I'm sure a local would be more than happy to point out that you missed what was pretty obvious.

It is usually pretty obvious to residents where things are, but to the outsider it is often the case that things are not so obvious. Venture outside of Hartsburg and become lost or disoriented and I'm sure a local would be more than happy to point out that you missed what was pretty obvious.

Since posting my questions about dogs, I was able to talk with the owner of Jim's Bar & Grill in Tebbetts. He said (1) the dogs were hauled off by Rangers some months ago. If anyone has a problem dogs, report it and they will be taken care of. So apparently dogs are no longer a problem; (2) He lives close to his Bar & Grill and is usually around. If he's not in the Bar & Grill, give him a call at 573-295-6100 and he will come over and fix something for you to eat. If you call in advance, he'll make a note of the day you are supposed to be there and put it on his calendar. However, you still may need to call him when you arrive.

We went through Tebbetts on July 4th weekend and did encounter a very aggressive dog just on the west side of town. As long as we kept riding....he kept coming at us like he was going to tear us apart. Perhaps he has since been taken care of.

Are dogs still a problem west of Tebbetts? I will be hiking through that area on 9/15/10.

What's the best way to get to Holts Summit from the N Jeff trailhead? Isn't there a spur now from the trail? Anyone ridden it, know how far it is, terrain, etc?

Thanks!

Unless you have a rich aunt who is going to leave you some money why fight the hugh hill to get to Holt Summit? Nothing there. Stay in Hartsburg or Jeff City.

The spur is just east of the North Jefferson trailhead right after you pass under Highway 54. It's a short segment that connects you to South Summit Drive that goes over Highway 54 up the hill and on into Holts Summit. You can see the hill from the trail head. The bike path accross the Missouri River bridge may be closed due to the work being done on the new bike path extension to the bridge so if you go that route you may want to call for a ride into Jefferson City or stay in Hartsburg which is only 10 miles west of North Jefferson.

Quote- "Why fight the huge hill...?"



Well if for one thing, it is fun riding back down the next morning. The last time we stayed at a motel in Holts Summit, I averaged 47 MPH untill I got to the trail.



How we got there from the trail? We just climbed up the concrete bank under the overpass with the loaded biked (one a recumbent), and lifted them over the gaurd rail. Then road up on the wide shoulder.

Camped here at the end of June this year. It was a week night, and there were 5 or 6 ball games that night with kids running around everywhere but the concessions were very convenient. We camped on the actual ball field, you can camp across the street at the park with the small log cabin but there are no facilities over there. There were only 2 of us, and we camped for free. The man turned off the lights for us immediately following the games. But we were then woken up by sprinklers at 5am, after we were encouraged to sleep on the field (the area outside of the fence is pretty rocky). You may want to ask about that before setting up camp here!

Camped here at the end of June this year. It was a week night, and there were 5 or 6 ball games that night with kids running around everywhere but the concessions were very convenient. We camped on the actual ball field, you can camp across the street at the park with the small log cabin but there are no facilities over there. There were only 2 of us, and we camped for free. The man turned off the lights for us immediately following the games. But we were then woken up by sprinklers at 5am, after we were encouraged to sleep on the field (the area outside of the fence is pretty rocky). You may want to ask about that before setting up camp here!

My wife believes that she dropped her sunglasses case on the trail somewhere between Claysville and Hartsburg. It is a Serfas Brand case, black in color and has her regular glasses inside. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My wife informed me that a maintenance worker found her glasses case while mowing along the trail. Thank you very much...

My friend and I stayed here for our "girl's getaway". Very nice and great location to walk to the local town and shops. Very centrally located. Clean and had everything we needed. We plan on coming back (in a little cooler weather) with several friends and rent out the adjoining room. Thanks Schoolhouse B & B!

My friend and I stayed here for our "girl's getaway". Very nice and great location to walk to the local town and shops. Very centrally located. Clean and had everything we needed. We plan on coming back (in a little cooler weather) with several friends and rent out the adjoining room. Thanks Schoolhouse B & B!

My friend and I spent a weekend in Rocheport for a "girls getaway". We heard great reviews for Abigails. We were afraid we weren't going to be able to get in because everyone stressed reservations. We called ahead and were able to get in w/in an hour. It was so worth it. Our food was excellent and the service was too. Most of the water tastes terrible in Rocheport but the water they served was refreshing! The only downfall is Abigails sets the bar so high you will probably be disappointed when eating at the "other" restauraunt in town. I know we were! :) Thanks Abigails for making our Girls Getaway that much more enjoyable!

My friend and I spent a weekend in Rocheport for a "girls getaway". We heard great reviews for Abigails. We were afraid we weren't going to be able to get in because everyone stressed reservations. We called ahead and were able to get in w/in an hour. It was so worth it. Our food was excellent and the service was too. Most of the water tastes terrible in Rocheport but the water they served was refreshing! The only downfall is Abigails sets the bar so high you will probably be disappointed when eating at the "other" restauraunt in town. I know we were! :) Thanks Abigails for making our Girls Getaway that much more enjoyable!

My wife, a friend and I arrived Tuesday afternoon in Tebbetts and planned to stay in the Shelter that evening. We couldn't find the key and called the help number listed on the trail info sheet. While waiting for a call back from the help line, we went to the soda vending machine across the street when a man came outside and offered to open the shelter. After unlocking the door, the man (Jim) said that he had cold beer, pizza and karaoke tonight. We got cleaned up and went Jim's Bar and had a great time. The shelter was a little rustic but was the right place at the right time for the right price. I would stay there again - anytime.



Jim's Bar is open (according to his sign) 5 days - closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Last Sept. when my daughter and I bike the trail we stayed at the Katy Hostel Shelter. It was great - if you stay there remember to clean up after yourself for the next people - anyway, we went over to Jim's that afternoon and evening. He fixed us some supper and then invited us to stay and "jam" with the locals. It was so much fun. He has a Karaoke machine and has any song you could ever want. We sang, played his washtub bass, etc. and just generally had a great time. He is a hoot! I hope he is still open when we go through this Sept. as we will definitely stop.

Last Sept. my daughter and I stayed at Klondike Park on a bike trip from St. Charles to Columbia. It was an awesome park - nice tent sites and clean bathrooms - reasonable prices. From the park we were able to bike about 1 or 2 miles to Augusta to eat dinner at a restaurant in an old blue house not too far from the trail. The meal was wonderful and we enjoyed the ride. One note, we turned off for the park at the first sign for it. If you stay on the trail and go a little farther, you will find a very steep path up to the park. It is still easier to walk your bike up the path than to take the long, long way around like we did to begin with.

Oh, yea, the restaurant was Cafe Bella. It was a pretty steep climb up to the restaurant, but well worth it. The food was great and reasonably priced.

June 22, 2010- On our way to Hartsburg from Rhineland, we stopped in at Tebbetts Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel for a rest. We found they had water and a freezer with ice to fill your water bottles. That was a welcome surprise as the heat of the day pretty well melted all of our frozen water bottles. We had a nice chat with a gentleman who was part of the Katy Trail 10th annual organized ride. He needed a break from the heat and elected to stay in a Hotel in Jefferson City instead of camping with the group at MoKane. He was quite interesting to talk to as he told us of all his overseas bicycling adventures.

June 22, 2010- On our way to Hartsburg from Rhineland, we stopped in at Tebbetts Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel for a rest. We found they had water and a freezer with ice to fill your water bottles. That was a welcome surprise as the heat of the day pretty well melted all of our frozen water bottles. We had a nice chat with a gentleman who was part of the Katy Trail 10th annual organized ride. He needed a break from the heat and elected to stay in a Hotel in Jefferson City instead of camping with the group at MoKane. He was quite interesting to talk to as he told us of all his overseas bicycling adventures.