Katy Trail Forum

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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-

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-

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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...:)

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

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.