Katy Trail Forum

This spot was extremely hospitable. We camped here just one day and, while the breakfast was fabulous, the hosts were by far the best part. They made our trip. A++ would visit again. ;)



Nick B!

This spot was extremely hospitable. We camped here just one day and, while the breakfast was fabulous, the hosts were by far the best part. They made our trip. A++ would visit again. ;)



Nick B!

Doug is a friend. I have heard from several guests that he is a great cook. He has the luxury of going to the market every day for fresh food. Since he is a cyclist he knows what kind of meals they need. He will ask if there are any diet restrictions and fill you up with a balanced fresh meal. He has fresh veggies from his garden and fresh fruit from the market. He uses real butter and honey. Dig in! He has invited us over today for a special party, it's Honey's Birthday!

Doug is a friend. I have heard from several guests that he is a great cook. He has the luxury of going to the market every day for fresh food. Since he is a cyclist he knows what kind of meals they need. He will ask if there are any diet restrictions and fill you up with a balanced fresh meal. He has fresh veggies from his garden and fresh fruit from the market. He uses real butter and honey. Dig in! He has invited us over today for a special party, it's Honey's Birthday!

We were looking to take the train from Washington to Hermann and ride the Katy trail back. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive B & B or shelter type residence to stay. I remember a bike rider friendly place on this site a few years back, but I don't see it now.

You can do that as a day trip if you take the early train. My issue with your plan is getting back to the Washington Depot. Hwy 47 bridge at Washington is under construction, and Hwy 47 is not really bike friendly to begin with. If you make it an overnight trip consider camping or Rendleman House B&B and Camping at Bluffton has an inexpensive loft room. You might consider Hermann to Jeff City instead.

is there transportation if leave car on east end of trail andtrain or bus to take riders 2 and bikes to west end to ride back

You can leave your car at the train station in Kirkwood and take the Amtrack train to Sedelia. The only way to actually get to the western end start at Clinton then is to either bike there, or hire a shuttle to take you from Sedelia to Clinton (it cost me $50 to do this 5 years ago). Then you will have to hire someone to take you from the end of the trail in St. Charles back to the station. You can bike to the station, and there are directions on how to do it on this site, however, the traffic can be a problem.

Train will cost $10/per bike, regardless of distance traveled on any

of the four (2/day/each way) St. Louis/Kansas City(Sedalia) trains.

Reserve ahead--generally only 4 bikes allowed per train.



We did the shuttle last year and I think it was $30 (for 2), Clinton

to Sedalia. Can't recall the contact, but call the Chamber of Commerce

in Clinton--they have the info.



On the St. Louis end, we got off the Katy at the Page Ave bridge (very

safe crossing, since bike path is separated from traffic), rode to

Earth City (we were staying at Candlewood Suites). Took the Holiday

Inn shuttle to airport (free), the Metrolink to downtown (30 min.),

which drops you at the center of the downtown transportation center

(Metrolink, city buses, Greyhound, Amtrak). Getting to Kirkwood Amrak

requires Metrolink/bus/walk and over an hour.

I and my wife, (68 yrs. old), have ridden the Katy the last two years from Sedalia to St. Louis. This is how we arrange our transportation. Arriving in St. Louis, we check in at the Hampton Inn, (6 blocks from the Amtrak station), leave our bikes, and take my truck to the St. Charles trail head, 1200 Riverfront Drive. Park it there for the week. Just let the city police know. Go to the Ameristar Casino, next door, hop the "SCAT" bus to North Hanley Station, board the Metro Link to downtown to our hotel. Next morning board the 8:30 Amtrak, with our bikes, to Sedalia, arrive about noon and start the return ride. Call this number, 419 733 9456, give email address, and I will send complete 5 day ride schedule.

You probably should consider a shuttle. By the time you pay for train and premium for taking bike, and especially if you add an extra night in a city hotel it can really kick up the expense. Doug Rendleman of Rendleman B&B and Camping in Bluffton MO specializes in shuttles the length of the trail, or partial lengths that he can work out for you. Check out this service, it may be very competitive, Especially if you have a group. He has a 7 passenger Chevy Suburban that can handle 6-7 guests and bikes. Do the math!

I rode from Defiance to Rocheport on August 18 and 19. I looked at the trail map and there seemed to be places to eat in almost every town. I had a supply of energy bars and I thought I could stop at the local places along the way when I was hungry.

Warning! Warning! Many of those places were out of business and all had limited hours. I went 100 miles the first day with one meal, a piece of room temperature lasagne in Tebbetts. The second day I found only one place, Lucy's at McBane, where I had chicken strips and French fries.

I finished in Rocheport which has five places listed. The Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop was closed on Wednesdays, Abigal's is closed during the afternoon and the General Store Cafe does not keep regular business hours. I had to settle for a Coke from a vending machine.

Many thanks and blessings to the lady at Richard Saunders Inc. who was kind enough to offer me a glass of water at their lovely antique and craft shop.

There are many other comments about places being closed or out of business so I would suggest calling ahead and paying special attention to the listed business hours. Another solution would be to plan time to go off trail to some of the larger cities. Hermann and Jefferson City looked the most promising.

Yeap, plan ahead. I ride on the eastern end of the trail a lot, and I could be wrong, but I am not aware of any business that is listed on this website that is currently completely out of business. However, there are certainly a lot of businesses that have been open at some point in the last five years, that are now shut down.

Yeah, this is rural America, for the most part, off the interstate. A place might even be closed due to sickness or lack of buisness. We always bring tuna packs, crakers, Pop-tarts, sardines, Gaderaide powder, even beer... I'm not against stopping for food and beverage at Augusta or Treloar; I just don't want want to starve because everyone in town went to Aunt Polly's funeral.

You are a little off on your claims of nowhere you eat along the trail. I have done the entire trail, and know there is food in the cites you passed. Augusta has the Brewery, there are two or three restaurants near Treloar. When planning a trip, look at the towns population. That will tell you the likelihood of finding food. It is not as bad as you are making it seem.

Planning ahead is good. Use the plan a ride option above and print out the list of food places along you way. Use the phone numbers to call ahead to make sure they are open, how to get to their business if you are not familiar with the area and what they serve. Keep the list with you along the ride in case you have a change in plans.

Also there is a a trail called the MKT Trail right before McBaine at Hindman Junction. If you

take the MKT into Columbia (approximately 8 miles) it is a college town with a population of

over 100,000 and has many places to eat in downtown Columbia. I agree that many places

have odd hours and best to be prepared ahead of time! I also believe the Thai Kitchen lady

still operates her magic at Harpers Landing..but again different hours.

The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail connects the Katy Trail to Columbia. The name Katy was originated from the initials of the rail line. The MKT. You may find Thai food at Cooper's Landing.

Its Cooper's Landing but yes the Thai Lady is there most days. AND soon you will have The Big Muddy in Hartsburg open (7) seven days a week for food and fun.

When traveling shouldn't you always plan ahead unless you just want to create some personal drama? Have you not ever had to drive to the next town to find a place to eat or sleep? Traveling by bike is a bit different when you are tired and have to ride to the next town for food or lodging, but didn't you know that you were traveling by bike?



Warning! Warning! people with very, very short memories on the trail!!

Because some of the bar-grills and other food outlets keep comparitively odd hours, trail riders might want to carry emergency munch supplies in a small cooler bag.



We might also want to lean on the markets and convenience stores in addition to the cafes. They seem to keep steady hours during the week. But they are not always next to the trail.



Today, I had a nice lunch at the market in Mokane: a ham-salad sandwich, cruncy chips, and a diet cola. Cost: $3.87. I could have added a giant candy bar for desert, too. It's only 1.5 blocks north of the trail. :)

Pilot Grove B&B at 211 Roe Street is for sale.

Dolores & Virgil (the owners) now run the B&B from their home - about 2 miles from the Pilot Grove trailhead. We were ready to bike the two miles, but Dolores insisted on picking us up. We were grateful for the ride because the 2 miles had a VERY large hill (a challenge for the most experienced cyclist).

Dolores & Virgil are in the right business. They appreciate travelers and have some wonderful stories. We could have spent all night talking with them. We were invited to a hearty dinner, and breakfast was top notch. We were well fed!



Dolores told us that the one grocery store in town (next door to Deon's Bar & Grill) recently closed for good. Your best bet for grocery refill is in Boonville.

Pilot Grove B&B at 211 Roe Street is for sale.

Dolores & Virgil (the owners) now run the B&B from their home - about 2 miles from the Pilot Grove trailhead. We were ready to bike the two miles, but Dolores insisted on picking us up. We were grateful for the ride because the 2 miles had a VERY large hill (a challenge for the most experienced cyclist).

Dolores & Virgil are in the right business. They appreciate travelers and have some wonderful stories. We could have spent all night talking with them. We were invited to a hearty dinner, and breakfast was top notch. We were well fed!



Dolores told us that the one grocery store in town (next door to Deon's Bar & Grill) recently closed for good. Your best bet for grocery refill is in Boonville.

Our stop in Pilot Grove with Dolores and Virgil was the best of our ride. Dolores offers to pick you up in town since their house is off the trail. Take her up on the offer since the road to their house is hilly. We had a wonderful evening meal and more than a complete breakfast the next morning. They really enjoy hearing about where you're from and how your ride is going. We spent a full evening talking about the different riders that have stayed with them over the years. Definitely a must stop.

Our stop in Pilot Grove with Dolores and Virgil was the best of our ride. Dolores offers to pick you up in town since their house is off the trail. Take her up on the offer since the road to their house is hilly. We had a wonderful evening meal and more than a complete breakfast the next morning. They really enjoy hearing about where you're from and how your ride is going. We spent a full evening talking about the different riders that have stayed with them over the years. Definitely a must stop.

We're planning a trip in Oct. What is the best (least traffic & safe) way to go? We did this a couple of years ago and went up to Pere Marquette State Park - did a lot of winding around to get there. Thanks for any help, Jeanne

We rode the trail Clinton to St. Charles, stayed at Lococo House, and had them shuttle us to Alton where we rode to Pere Marquette, then back down to Granite City, crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge and rode to the Arch, all on trails. We originally intended to ride to Machens and then ride to the Grafton Ferry and take it across, but it has been closed down for sometime. Another option would be to ride on to Machens and then ride 94 to the bridge over to Alton (forgetting the hiway, but it has a bike lane). I researched quite a bit and came up with the above options. Hope this helps.

To others reading this, the Grafton ferry is running again. Dredging is all done.

A co-worker of mine was recently attacked and bitten by a dog while walking along the trail in Tebbetts and now she may have to go through the ordeal of the rabies shots. The dog was one of three that belongs to a lady that lives in the house next to the church. She believes it was some kind of a bull dog/terrier mix (not sure about that though). It circled while growling at her several times before jumping up and biting her on the back of the shoulder and leg.



Be careful if passing through there.

The person that got bit should report the incident to whatever policeman is in charge of Tebbetts. That dog should be chained if he bites.

The dog should be euthanized and tested for rabies if the owner can not show an up to date

rabies vaccine.

That's why you should carry pepper spray.

we went thru Tebbetts on July 30 and encountered 3 dogs on the trail. They appeared threatening so we got of the trail and rode the road to get around them. Then at our B&B in Defiance the owner said her previous night's guests were hassled by dogs in Tebbetts. Thus, appears Tebbetts desrves dog caution. We carry a spray dog repellent (equivalent of dog pepper spray) and a small air horn to repel dogs. Got both at a bike shop.

My co-worker that was bit by the dog in Tebbetts reported this morning that the dog has been permanently removed from this earth.



Sunday I met a couple riding recumbent trikes at about mile marker 135 that seemed extremely concerned about the dog that lives in the white house near there. I see that dog all the time and he has never attacked me, he just likes to bark and chase you a little sometimes. I usually just growl "bad dog" or brake hard and he returns home. However, if I was sitting low to the ground on a trike, I'd probably carry some spray to discourage him from chasing me.

REPORT THIS TO THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION ASAP!



I had a run in with some dogs by Huntsdale. I unloaded some pepper spray on them and

immediately called the Missouri Department of Conservation. They responded to the

complaint immediately, and went to the landowner regarding the incident. I received a call

less than 24 hours later from the Conservation Agent who told me the dogs will be kept

away from the trail and I haven't seen them since. Dangerous/Rabid dogs need to be

dealt with quickly to avoid others getting hurt as well. I would also consider consulting an

attorney regarding the incident to cover your medical costs. That will get the landowners

attention very quickly to be responsible pet owners.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL! That attorney you consult could be Dangerous and Rabid!

My daughter and I visited Cafe Bella for lunch on August 22nd, 2009. The hill getting to the cafe is a challenge, but the food and service were well worth the climb (and yes...it's uphill ALL THE WAY to the restaurant). My daughter and I both had just the salad for a brief lunch. The food was well-prepared and tasted wonderful. The server was busy handling a restaurant full of patrons, but was still very attentive and polite. She even offered to refill our water bottles! We'll be back!

My daughter and I visited Cafe Bella for lunch on August 22nd, 2009. The hill getting to the cafe is a challenge, but the food and service were well worth the climb (and yes...it's uphill ALL THE WAY to the restaurant). My daughter and I both had just the salad for a brief lunch. The food was well-prepared and tasted wonderful. The server was busy handling a restaurant full of patrons, but was still very attentive and polite. She even offered to refill our water bottles! We'll be back!

I was wondering about how long it would take to bike the Katy Trail Clinton to St. Charles? I know that this will be different for everyone but I would like to plan a trip and was just curious.

If I'm well prepared and motivated (and I'm a slug), then 3 days.



If I'm not so well prepared, 5 days.



I think that 5 days is more enjoyable than 3 days.

It may depend on how much you want see along the way. 3 days is not a lot of time for sightseeing or long stops to enjoy some of the things along the trail. I have done the trail in 3 days but may have enjoyed it more if I have made it a 5 day trip. 3 days didn't a lot of time for picture taking.

I rode the first of June 2009. I took 4 days to ride from Clinton to St.Charles. I had plenty of time to take pictures along the way.

we just did Clinton to St Charles the last week of July. We averaged 42 miles per day and thus took 6 days ( we are 61 years old). It was an easy ride and gave plenty of time to enjoy the people, towns, food, beer and beauty. We started early in the day and were off the trail by 1pm as heat is a factor. The trail can be done quicker but we enjoyed an easy pace to take in the fun of the towns and sights along the way. Very relaxing. This was our first Katy trip but won't be the last. It was our best ride yet !!! Enjoy!!!

My wife and I rode from Clinton to St. Charles the during the first week of August 2009. We left out of Clinton at 1:30p on Monday and arrived in St. Charles at noon on Friday. We pulled a kiddy trailer with about 50 pounds of camping, bike repair stuff (thankfully unused), food snacks, and extra clothes. We also took lots of pictures, viewed lots of wildlife, enjoyed the history along the trail & at the trailheads, experienced the local friendliness of each town. It was our vacation so we didn't rush or race but enjoyed our time together......

5 days is a reasonable estimation and what the DNR allows for their annual trip in June of each year. You can then vary the mileage according to where you want to stop and what your interests are.

Hi do you guys pick up from MCI AIRPORT TO SEDALAI. What is the total cost for one adult?

Hi do you guys pick up from MCI AIRPORT TO SEDALAI. What is the total cost for one adult?

WOW!!! After 4 days on the trail and three nights camping the Apple Gate Inn was perfect - although it would have been perfect under any circumstances!!! Lynn is the absolute perfect hostess, the facilities are great - especially the Jacuzzi suite, breakfast was excellent. We will go back!!

WOW!!! After 4 days on the trail and three nights camping the Apple Gate Inn was perfect - although it would have been perfect under any circumstances!!! Lynn is the absolute perfect hostess, the facilities are great - especially the Jacuzzi suite, breakfast was excellent. We will go back!!

We stayed at the campground on August 3rd, 2009. There were only two other spots in use on that Monday night. Clean showers/restrooms and fairly close to most campsites. The actual location is a short ride north from the trail. We were in the main camping section on the north side of the big auditorium.

We stayed at the campground on August 3rd, 2009. There were only two other spots in use on that Monday night. Clean showers/restrooms and fairly close to most campsites. The actual location is a short ride north from the trail. We were in the main camping section on the north side of the big auditorium.

We stopped at the Trailside August 4th, 2009 for supper on our way to Huntsdale to camp. Our experience was one of great food, good conversation with those working, and a moment of relaxing after a long day on the bike. Will stop here again when riding through.

We stopped at the Trailside August 4th, 2009 for supper on our way to Huntsdale to camp. Our experience was one of great food, good conversation with those working, and a moment of relaxing after a long day on the bike. Will stop here again when riding through.

We camped at Katfish Katy's Tuesday August 2, 2009. Great place to camp with great showers/restrooms. Lots of sites to chose from - all a nice walk to the showers. A thankful and much needed cup of coffee in the morning to start our day back on the trail. Easy to locate as you ride into Huntsdale...

We camped at Katfish Katy's Tuesday August 2, 2009. Great place to camp with great showers/restrooms. Lots of sites to chose from - all a nice walk to the showers. A thankful and much needed cup of coffee in the morning to start our day back on the trail. Easy to locate as you ride into Huntsdale...

Awesome Fish sandwich - great fried mushrooms, and great converstaion with local folks. Highly recommended!!!

Awesome Fish sandwich - great fried mushrooms, and great converstaion with local folks. Highly recommended!!!

We camped @ Rivers Edge on Wednesday August 5 2009. A new shower house was a welcomed relief after a long days ride. Our camp site was perfect - along withr the local town dog who guarded our tent all night long we had the campgrounds to ourselves. Located next to the trail.

We camped @ Rivers Edge on Wednesday August 5 2009. A new shower house was a welcomed relief after a long days ride. Our camp site was perfect - along withr the local town dog who guarded our tent all night long we had the campgrounds to ourselves. Located next to the trail.

The B&B was sold to Augusta Wine Country Inn.

The B&B was sold to Augusta Wine Country Inn.

Stayed at Katy Roundhouse on Monday, August 17, 2009. Very nice for tent camping. Picnic table, fire ring at each site. Arrived after huge rain storm but ground had soaked up all the water and tent site was fine. Clean. Great shower house and bathroom. Given proximity to woods and wooded nature of site thought upon arrival there would be lots of bugs but fear ungrounded. Good spot. Recommended.

Charity Run for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. My friend, Matt

Rees, Bob(jogging stroller) and I finished our run across Missouri

(including the whole Katy Trail) at the arch on Saturday, July 25

(2:30 pm). We started our run on Sunday, July 19th at Klapmeyer Park

(State Line Rd)in Kansas City. The journey was hard with a few 50+

mile days. Due to swelling and an allergic reaction with the lime on

trail I had to take a day off (and only ran 250 miles across Missouri

and 155 miles of the Katy Trail. I stopped at N. Jefferson and

continued running with Matt at Dutzow). Meanwhile, my friend, Matt,

never quit and was able to run the whole way. We finished the Katy

Trail in St. Charles Friday night at 9:43pm to hoots and hollers of

Matt's family. His time for completing the whole Katy Trail trail

starting Monday morning at exactly 10:30am until Friday evening at

9:43:25pm was 107 hrs, 13 minutes and 25 seconds. I imagine this is a

record for crossing the whole Katy Trail on foot. I am writing a

report which I will post later. Our itinerary: Day 1: KC to Urich

(State Line Rd to Hwy 150 to Hwy 71 to Hwy 7); day 2: Urich to

trailhead of Katy Trail in Clinton and to Sedalia (hwy 65-stayed at

Best Western); day 3: Sedalia to Rocheport (stayed at School House B&B

dormitory); day 4: Rocheport to N. Jefferson, friend from Taos, Mo,

picked us up to stay at his place; Day 5: (only Matt) N. Jefferson to

mile marker88 @ Bernheimer(stayed with friend); day 6: Bernheimer to

St. Charles for Matt (I started at Dutzow), stayed at Quality Inn. Day

6: Katy Trail @ Page ext bridge to arch!

some pictures of the journey:

http://picasaweb.google.com/David.Stores/RunAcrossMissouri2009# If

you want to support our charity, make check out to: SFBRHS/Missouri

Crossing and send to Missouri Crossing, 1000 Borgia Drive, Washington,

MO 63090

Congratulations!

Website lists them as no longer in business.

Website lists them as no longer in business.

The website for Ester's states that it is closed for business.

The website for Ester's states that it is closed for business.

has anyone stayed at eloyse's bed and breakfast in booneville?

cant find a website for them or any comments on the katy trail website

we are making reservations for our ride in september but cant get any info on this place

has anyone stayed at eloyse's bed and breakfast in booneville?

cant find a website for them or any comments on the katy trail website

we are making reservations for our ride in september but cant get any info on this place

Please visit http://www.goboonville.com for a complete listing of all lodging available in Boonville.

Please visit http://www.goboonville.com for a complete listing of all lodging available in Boonville.

Be advised...If you are staying in a cabin they do not provide linens or pillows. We missed that and hardly slept that night. Other than that miscalculation it was very nice.

Be advised...If you are staying in a cabin they do not provide linens or pillows. We missed that and hardly slept that night. Other than that miscalculation it was very nice.

Great short technical singletrack with fun obstacles like teeter-totters, drops, wooden skinnies, and wooden berms. The camping is great for tenters.

Great short technical singletrack with fun obstacles like teeter-totters, drops, wooden skinnies, and wooden berms. The camping is great for tenters.

Great food, great service, great location. The onion rings were especially good. This was a great stopping point on the trail.

Great food, great service, great location. The onion rings were especially good. This was a great stopping point on the trail.

Best quesadilla I've ever had! I do agree with the previous comments about the lady though - she must never be happy! So, not a friendly place, but a nice stop from the bike ride and awesome food.

Best quesadilla I've ever had! I do agree with the previous comments about the lady though - she must never be happy! So, not a friendly place, but a nice stop from the bike ride and awesome food.

Good/fun place to eat! Big portions.

Good/fun place to eat! Big portions.

GREAT food!!!! Great experience!

GREAT food!!!! Great experience!

Since this was such a cool July, we decided to do a mini trip to bike the Katy Trail. We stayed in Boonville (Hotel Fredrick) and rode to Rocheport one day and Pilot Grove the next. What a great little getaway! We don't ride bikes all that much so it turned out to be somewhat of a challenge (long ride), but do-able. We definitely recommend bug spray for stops, Abigail's for lunch in Rocheport, and Becky's for lunch in Pilot Grove. We even went to the Pilot Grove pool! Glenn's Cafe was great in the Hotel. Relaxing vacation with some exercise!