Katy Trail Forum

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Machens

joe T on 03/19/2007 12:03 AM

has anyone actually ever rode from st. charles to machens??

Arkie on 03/19/2007 09:34 AM

I rode the whole trail last October from Clinton to Machens. The portion from St. Charles to Clinton is very pleasant and I would recommend it. As soon as you leave St. Charles the trail stays along the top of the levee and is not graveled, but you can find the tread easily. After a couple of miles you pick up the "traditional" trail and it is an easy ride on into Machens. The only trouble is that it is not easy to find the Machens trailhead. I rode on into Machens and then backtracked to Walnut Grove to catch my ride.

Phi from Hazelwood, Mo on 11/26/2008 11:35 AM

I rode it several times last year, 2007. As the other comment states, upon going north from St. Charles the trail get pretty primative. It is not much more than a dirt wagon trail, but once you get past that, maybe 1 and 1/2 to 2 miles, you hook back up with good groomed gravel trail again. The scenery is interesting, farmland, crops, small towns, and some active railroad tracks toward the Machens end.

Cody from Glen Carbon on 02/13/2009 09:03 AM

I rode from Jeff City to Alton, IL last year. The trail ends at Machens, and I mean ENDS. You have to ride along the side of some railroad tracks to find a country road in order to get to Alton. But if you just want to ride to the end of the trail and turn around, it would be a fine ride.

Sara from St Charles on 07/04/2009 09:15 AM

I just rode north of St Charles yesterday and agree with the "not much more than a dirt wagon trail" -would like to clarify that it's more mileage than stated here. My CatEye speed/odometer said it was 2.9 miles between the full crushed-limestone stretches. My hybrid handled it fine though, since the dirt was very dry. We were surprised at how easy it was actually, and no bug bites! (rode it mid-day)

Donna from Troy on 07/11/2009 08:37 PM

Your post encourages me, Sara. We tried to walk the grassy trail beyond the gravel but felt like it was longer than the previously posted 1-2 miles. By road we ran out of luck, or should i say ran into private property and protective puppies. I'll try again by bike as i really want to complete the trail from Clinton to Machens in Sept.

Mike from St. Charles on 07/23/2009 09:39 AM

I rode from St. Charles to Machens for the first time yesterday. Overall a nice ride although I never saw anybody else after the paved trail ends. As Sara commented, it's about 3 miles although it seemed like it took forever. I rode a hardtail mountain bike and wouldn't recommend a road bike to try it. Again as Sara stated, a hybrid would be fine. There was some patches of grass thigh high but nothing impassible. Pretty visible line to ride for most of it on the levee. Lots of corn fields and farmland to look at although the highlight would be the field of large sunflowers about 100 yards from the Machens trailhead. Can't wait till this 12 mile stretch becomes connected and traveled by more people.

Bill from Alton on 07/25/2009 09:25 PM

So has the stretch from St. Chuck to Machens officially been completed/renovated by the MO

Dept. of Natural Resources? If not, any idea when this will happen?

Mike from St. Charles on 07/27/2009 04:55 AM

Nope not yet. Still just shy of 3 miles unpaved before the limestone trail picks up again. Have no idea on status of DNR project.

Donna from Troy on 08/15/2009 07:57 PM

Thanks for your posts, Mike & Sara. Because of you two, my son & I finally braved the mysterious trail to Machens and felt triumphant when we arrived at the depot. Luckily we didn't see the big dogs near the quarry, but we totally underestimated the 90+ degrees, the sun, and the time it took to span the unpaved section. We learned a lot today for our full ride in Sept, especially that you CAN get to Machens from St Chuck!

David in St. Louis from St. Louis on 08/16/2009 07:52 PM

Just out of curiousity, is one permitted to ride from St. Charles to Machens? I was told that this was not currently allowed. Based on the comments here, it seems as though this is not the case.

Donna from Troy on 08/23/2009 05:04 PM

Good question - i considered it a time or two, but there was no indication anywhere along the trail that riding wasn't permitted. The only 'no trespassing' signs i saw were posted on the private property adjacent to the trail.

stevo from saint louis on 08/23/2009 08:29 PM

I would think that if you would ask DNR they would say no as the minimum standard for a Katy Trail bike trail is a 8' Wide Gravel Path.

The previous property/easement issues between DNR and the Levee District have been settled from Machens to St. Charles. I would presume DNR is making the lease payments despite not having built the trail there as the Levee District would surely be upset if anyone was going through there without those agreements in effect.

I do recall riding on the trail west of Treloar several years ago before it was officially open, and they(DNR) had signage up to stay out of there despite the fact that much of the trail was built. I presume that was an easement issue, which I really was not aware of at that time.

Harry Jackson jr. from St. Louis, Mo. on 08/31/2009 03:29 PM

Thanks a million for your comments. I write "Trail of the Week" for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch daily. I was about to take a look at the St. Charles to Machens extension. Maybe I should wait.

But while I'm here. Do you folks have any favorite hiking or biking trails within 50 or so miles of St. Louis that I might examine. I test out all of the trails I write about, so I'll get to see new places, too.

Email me at harry.jackson@post-dispatch.com.

Thanx again.

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Field (Green Ridge)

Paul Marlin from Quincy, Il on 09/19/2004 09:36 PM

I was counting on the Field Restaurant for breakfast at about 9:00am on Tuesday 9/14; but it was closed with a for sale sign on it.

I felt sorry for the spit and wittle crowd. They had to congregate in the town park with coffee from Casey's.

Paul Marlin from Quincy, Il on 09/19/2004 09:36 PM

Anonymous on 08/07/2006 02:51 PM

Caseys has the best coffee in town,just stop by my store sometime and see for yourself.You'll keep coming back for more.

Lendell-Manager

Anonymous on 08/07/2006 02:51 PM

Caseys has the best coffee in town,just stop by my store sometime and see for yourself.You'll keep coming back for more.

Lendell-Manager

Al gordon from Sedalia, Mo. on 10/07/2007 03:42 PM

Burf's Bar & Grill is open now for Breakfast & lunch 7 days a week. For Dinner everyday except Sunday. Across the street from Caseys. Good food at reasonable prices.

Al gordon from Sedalia, Mo. on 10/07/2007 03:42 PM

Burf's Bar & Grill is open now for Breakfast & lunch 7 days a week. For Dinner everyday except Sunday. Across the street from Caseys. Good food at reasonable prices.

Paul Marlin from Quincy, IL on 11/03/2008 03:41 PM

In my 2004 post I meant no disrespect to Casey's coffee; just that I hate to see small town cafes and bar and grills go out of business. I'm glad to see it reopened.

Paul Marlin from Quincy, IL on 11/03/2008 03:41 PM

In my 2004 post I meant no disrespect to Casey's coffee; just that I hate to see small town cafes and bar and grills go out of business. I'm glad to see it reopened.

Paul Marlin from Quincy, IL on 11/03/2008 03:41 PM

In my 2004 post I meant no disrespect to Casey's coffee; just that I hate to see small town cafes and bar and grills go out of business. I'm glad to see it reopened.

Paul Marlin from Quincy, IL on 11/03/2008 03:41 PM

In my 2004 post I meant no disrespect to Casey's coffee; just that I hate to see small town cafes and bar and grills go out of business. I'm glad to see it reopened.

Donna H from Alhambra, Il on 08/17/2009 05:43 PM

Is the bar and grill in Green Ridge open now? We were trying to plan a ride from Clinton to Sedalia on 9/5 and couldn't tell if there was a place to stop in Green Ridge or not?? Thanks for any info!

Donna H from Alhambra, Il on 08/17/2009 05:43 PM

Is the bar and grill in Green Ridge open now? We were trying to plan a ride from Clinton to Sedalia on 9/5 and couldn't tell if there was a place to stop in Green Ridge or not?? Thanks for any info!

Terry Smith from Sedalia on 08/31/2009 02:49 PM

To Donna H...I know Burf's bar & grill is open although I have never been inside. I believe they are closed Monday's and Tuesday's but should be open on Sat 9/5.

Terry Smith from Sedalia on 08/31/2009 02:49 PM

To Donna H...I know Burf's bar & grill is open although I have never been inside. I believe they are closed Monday's and Tuesday's but should be open on Sat 9/5.

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Day trip w/ kids

R S from Overland Park on 08/30/2009 10:32 AM

We are new to the area and thought it would be fun over Labor Day weekend to do the Katy. Kids ages are 15 and 2 11 yr olds...what section should we choose? Thanks in advance for any tips!

Trek on 08/30/2009 04:34 PM

Rocheport area has the most kid appeal. The tunnel is just on the west side of town as well as a boardwalk and lookout just before you get to the tunnel. East of town are some nice bluffs along the river....also a cave, ammunitions bunker and petroglyphs on the bluff.

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Abigails (Rocheport)

RBass from Meadville,Mo on 08/30/2009 01:40 PM

Fantastic Food--one of our favorite places.Been going for over 10 years, since it was down by the trail head. Menu varies , so it is always new, but quality is always good. We have never had anything but great service ---I can only guess that some that have commented expect phoney overly sweet service-

RBass from Meadville,Mo on 08/30/2009 01:40 PM

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Abigails (Rocheport)

K. from Merriam, KS on 08/29/2009 11:06 PM

Great food. Best salad I've ever had (wild rice pancake atop mixed greens with brie, walnuts, dried cranberries...). Service was quick and prices were good. Didn't go for conversation with the staff/owners, so I didn't think they were rude at all.

K. from Merriam, KS on 08/29/2009 11:06 PM

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1st weekend trip

CateS from St Charles on 08/27/2009 03:50 AM

We are planning our first weekend trip on the katy trail and want to take it easy the first time out. Thinking about McBaine to Boonville. Anybody have any suggestions? Where is the most scenic parts of the trail?

ChrisJ from Centralia, IL on 08/27/2009 07:27 AM

I think you picked right. You'll get a varity: bluffs, river, trees, towns, tunnel, forest preserve.

Trek on 08/27/2009 08:35 AM

There's a lot to see around the Rocheport area. Plan time to take in the cave, bluffs, tunnel, etc. and the buzz around the trailhead and bike shop. The winery/bistro is a nice stop and has a good view also.

If you are spending the night in Boonville there are several nice B&B’s. The Hotel Frederick gives a discount to Katy riders. The downtown area has several good places to eat also.

Raleigh from Wooldridge on 08/28/2009 03:59 PM

McBaine to Rocheport is a beautiful part of the Katy Trail. The Missouri River is beautiful and you ride along the bluff. There are many eagles and other large birds, hawks, etc., along the river which are fascinating. There is a cave east of Rocheport, not a deep one, but fun for the children to look in, and Rocheport is a quaint little town to bike around in to see the old houses. Great trip for first time out and take along a picnic lunch! As true in other comments, make sure you take ample supply of water and snacks, food, fruit etc as not always a place that is open to stop. Have fun!PS...I just read your inquiry again and McBaine to Boonville would be a long trip if children were going. Check the map for mileage...:)

CateS from St Charles on 08/29/2009 09:09 PM

Thanks for your comments! I'm looking forward to it.

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Rendleman Home B&B (Bluffton)

Nick B. from Norman, OK on 08/13/2009 09:43 AM

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!

Nick B. from Norman, OK on 08/13/2009 09:43 AM

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!

Anonymous from Hermann on 08/29/2009 12:46 PM

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!

Anonymous from Hermann on 08/29/2009 12:46 PM

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B & B Hermann

tnathe from st louis on 08/22/2009 11:50 AM

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.

Anonymous from Hermann on 08/29/2009 12:21 PM

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.

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train info

local597 from chicago on 08/24/2009 08:31 PM

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

troy ratliff from jonesboro, ar on 08/25/2009 09:01 AM

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.

DICK GABRIEL from MARIETTA, GA on 08/28/2009 06:12 PM

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.

Jerry Schmackers from Maria Stein, Ohio on 08/28/2009 08:22 PM

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.

Anonymous on 08/29/2009 12:14 PM

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!

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