Katy Trail Forum

I would like to kayak sections of the Missouri River and ride my bike back to my put-in to pick up my vehicle (with my kayak in tow behind the bike). Can anybody offer suggestions on areas along the katy trail where I can secure my bike beforehand, and have fairly easy access to both the trail and the river? I kayaked from Rocheport to Easley last weekend, and both were right on the trail/river. I'd be interested in any distance, from just a couple of hours to a multiday camping trip.

The river flows west to east so I assume that you would be kayaking in the same direction.



Klondike park's boat launch would be perfect for your starting point because this is where the river, MO-94, and Katy trail meet. Klondike park is located between Augusta and Matson TH. Notice that Klondike park is up on the hill while Klondike park's boat launch is at the bottom away from the park entrance and next to MO-94. If you were heading east on MO-94, don't turn right into the park entrance. Pass the entrance and you will cut thru Katy trail with the boat launch area on your right. From here, you can access Klondike park directly from Katy trail by heading west on Katy trail about 200 yards and hike up a paved driveway(I am guessing the distance). Klondike park is a full camping facility with shower-room and everything a camper wants.



Your possible ending point could be at highway 40/61/I-64 (right undeneath the bridge). Katy trail is about 100 yards from the river, and there is a beaten path leading from the trail to the river. It's between Weldon Spring and Greens Bottom TH. Not sure how you would secure your gears here. Perhaps you could hide and lock them up to some trees.



Your next possible further down ending point could be beneath the Page extension bridge or 364. It's a huge and partially suspension bridge so you could easily spot it from the river. The Katy trail is about 200 yard from the river. There is no beaten path from the trail to the river bank, but this area under the bridge is filled with rock. There is also a nice but long ramp access from Katy trail to one of the most utilized parking lot next to the Page extension brige or 364.



If you pass up on this page extension bridge, your next best spot is probably the St. Charles TH. It's next to the river with huge parking lot. Have a great time!

This sounds interesting! My kayak is collecting dust. Anyways.....



Beware of the 40 bridge suggestion--the County cops just moved into a new

headquarters down the road and I have seen them cracking down on this spot.



There is a boat ramp at the Weldon Springs trailhead (follow the trailhead sign off Hwy

94 south. Instead of turning into the parking lot, continue straight on the gravel road).

Is St. Charles too far? There are several public boat ramps here. Momentum Cycles is

close to the trail. Maybe you could check in with them for suggestions, a ride or place to

secure your bike.

Thanks for the info! I've been pouring over my river and katy trail maps trying to find good river/trail access, but a map doesn't always give you a realistic picture of what to expect. Nothing beats word-of-mouth advice! I've got a list of several places that I want to scout out between Boonville and Mokane, and you guys have given me places to try on the tail end of the trail, so now I just need to find places in-between. There's a stretch of river and trail that run side-by-side between Gore and Bernheimer. These aren't trailheads, but I'm wondering if anybody knows if there is any sort of access to the river along here. Also, I'm looking for any advice on how to attach the kayak behind my bike. I found plans for a pvc cart that straps to the back of the kayak, but I'm trying to figure out how to attach the front of the kayak to my bike in a way that won't drastically impede the maneuverability of the bike. I came across a thing called the "Dumbstick" which is perfect, but I am poor and need to make do with whatever I can rig up. If anybody has seen a dumbstick, do you think a drilled-out pvc pipe would handle the weight (I have a 16-1/2 foot, 65lb kayak)? Of course, the wheeled cart at the back end of the kayak will handle a lot of the weight, but there will still be some weight up at the front. I'd love to hear any kind of advice that you all have to offer, or any other suggestions that you think might work better!

Why would the police cracking down on highway 40 be bad for bicyclists?

There is a Mo. River access point west of Treloar around MM 88 that is very close to Bernheimer. It is easily accessed from the trail as it is right at the HWY. 94 & Katy crossing just west of Treloar. I do not know who maintains it, so that may be a concern.



I have recently been to the new Missouri River Access near Mokane, Mo. It is maintained by the Department of Conservation. It lies off a gravel road just west of Mokane. It has 2 camping spots, but all they have is a fire ring, no table, and no other facilities. Maps are avaliable on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

I just figured out that the Mo. River access point I mention near Treloar is private, and I do not know who to contact there with questions concerning access.

Easley to Jeff City would be about a 20 mile float. The JC access is about 1 1/2 from the trailhead but it's a pretty easy ride.

Fisherman pull of the Hwy just above the Hwy 40 Boone bridge and walk down to the river

and Katy. This is not a parking lot and the police are giving tickets.



There is a new trailhead at Mo Research Park--less than a mile walk down to the trail.

I just want to correct my previous post about the distance from the Katy Trail to the river bank at both locations (40/I-64 bridge and 364/page extension bridge). It's only about 50 yards and not 200 yards.

Saw a group of approximately 30 riders on the Katy Friday morning heading through

Greens Bottom towards Weldon Springs. According to their website (bike&build.org) they

raise money for affordable housing. We didn't get a chance to talk to them (except to find

out they were heading from Virginia Beach to Oregon!), but they were friendly and still

smiling!

We passed this group on the DNR ride last year. They were very friendly. Sounds like a great way to raise money.

My wife and I passed them also near Defiance. We wondered who they were. They all had a friendly greeting as they passed. Nice!!

Is this a shady trail? Are there any group rides?

My husband and I have ridden sections of the trail from Portland to Augusta. There is a combination of tree shaded areas and areas in full sun. I would repeat the advice of others, keep hydrated. I learned this the hard way. Last August, we rode from Marthasville to Augusta without any drinks. There was no water fountain at the Augusta stop. We had to walk our bikes up the hills of Augusta in search of a little country store that sold drinks. I bought a backpack the next day and never bike without water. (The bathroom at the Portland stop was very nasty 6/13.)

Anyone that is cycling near MKT trailhead should make a detour to Columbia to visit their vibrant downtown. Lots of little shops, cafes & restaurants.

On May 4 I was in Columbia and planned on riding the MKT to the KATY trail, but because of flooding the trail wash shut down and blocked off about 6 miles from Columbia. I don't know if it has opened ups since then. There was also a trail in Columbia I tried to ride and it was in terrible shape (Hinkson Creek Trail, I think).

I live in Columbia and it does have a really good trail system and a very interesting downtown area. The MKT trail ends at Flatbranch Park, which is right on the edge of downtown.



This has been a very wet spring, but to the best of my knowledge the trails have been repaired.

Definitely worth the detour! At Hindman Junction (just west of McBaine) which is

approximately 8 or so miles from Rocheport you hook up to the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail

into Columbia. It is about 9 miles to the heart of downtown Columbia to Flatbranch Park.

Many local restaurants with great food. I would highly recommend the Flatbranch Pub and

Brewery for some awesome food! It is a flat easy ride into Columbia.



http://www.flatbranch.com/home.asp

P.S.: That section is open. If it floods in the spring they are very good at getting it back to

normal as quickly as possible....usually within a day or two. It generally takes a lot of rain to

cause problems and that stretch to Columbia is sweet! :)

I'm planning to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles this summer and wanted an idea of how safe the trail is for a woman biking and camping solo.

Tips would also be great appreciated.

Thanks!

sorry--I meant to say "Tips would be greatly appreciated." ;-)

There will be long stretches were you will be riding alone.... If you are the adventurist type... go for it.. Otherwise I would recommend a biking partner.

I'm male and have ridden sections of the trail alone and never felt unsafe. I might have felt different if I were female. I think as a rule the trail is safe. We've met solo women many times on the trail, so I think that its not out of character to travel alone. As you should everywhere.....be cautious and enjoy!

I've had quite a few single female riders stay at my B&B and camping and all discuss having a very positive experience on the trail. Enjoy yourself.

I did an end to end ride solo/female but stayed in B&Bs and motels along the way. I never felt threatened or unsafe as far as humans go. My only problem has been an occasional (very occasional, just 3 times in past 5 years) dog along the way. I carry spray with me just in case. Be aware of your surroundings including watching for occasional dogs or wildlife on the trail and you should be fine. I'm hoping to get a couple of overnight rides in this season where I do camp solo. Let us know how your ride goes! As far as tips....never pass up a chance to fill your water bottles even if you think you don't need to, you may not have cell phone reception in all areas, and don't try and do big miles everyday...make time to just enjoy the ride and scenery and relax on one of the many benches, especially along the river just to sit, watch and listen to the river roll by.

I am female and did my first end-to-end solo trip two years ago. I wanted to camp, but since I had never ridden over 10 miles at one time prior to my trip, I decided to opt for B&B's to make my load lighter. I will pass along what I learned. First, pack light. I threw everything for the entire week in a small dry bag and bungeed it to my bike rack. Bring minimal snacks and restock as you ride through towns. Second, listen to your body. Actually, ignore your body and DRINK LOTS OF GATORADE (or electrolyte replacement drink of choice). Even when you don't feel thirsty, drink. My first two days were brutal because it was 104 degrees and I didn't drink enough. I took an unplanned layover in Boonville because I was afraid I was having a heat stroke. I started the next day with a new hydration plan that worked wonders for me. I filled my camelbak with a weak solution of gatorade and drank small sips CONSTANTLY until I reached St.Charles. That slow, steady intake of gatorade had me flying down the trail in 100+ degree weather with not a care in the world. Pack the powdered stuff and you can just dump it in your camelbak when you fill up with water. Third, be aware of your surroundings. I had one experience where the trail runs along hwy 94 where a motorist had some bizarre behaviors that concerned me. I had phone numbers for the sheriffs department of every county along the trail that I got somewhere on this website...I'd recommend any solo female to have them handy on the trail. I didn't have to use it, but it put my mind at ease just to have them. You will find that as you ride the trail, you will develop your own little community. The people you meet will keep an eye out for you...and they'll tell people THEY meet to do watch out for you as well. The Katy Trail has an absolutely amazing community of riders that will take you under their wing. If nothing else, you'll have a newfound faith in humanity by the end of your trip. Enjoy the ride!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips. I was planning to pack light as if going on a backpacking trip and the above comments confirmed that this is the best way to go. Also, I feel more at ease about taking the trip solo. Perhaps I'll have the honor to meet a few of you out there.

MAH, I'd be happy to update you all on how I do.

GC,

Are you still out there hiking?

ME and my mom were considering biking the trail from St. Louis to Clinton. Is it safe for a

mother and a son to ride it and camp outside? Is it hard to bike while carrying supplies such

as a tent, clothes and some water and snacks? Is it better to camp outside or to stay in

motels along the way? How long does it take to do a round trip?

If you stay in designated campgrounds, B&Bs or motels you are as safe as this world gets. The amount of gear you carry has a huge bearing on the difficulty of the ride. Don't try to carry enough snacks etc. to do the whole trip, just what will get you comfortably to the next stop or store. Unless you are avid campers and experienced cyclists it is far easier to stay in B&Bs. It drastically reduces your load and makes for more relaxed riding, but that is a very subjective choice. As to time, how much are you training for this ride? I wouldn't try to do more in a day than double what you do in a two hour training ride. If you ride 20 miles in a two hour training ride with no gear three times a week or more, for more than 4 weeks, then top your days on the trail at 40. You'll have to adjust that some to fit the towns but even 40 miles day after day with gear is a ride for most people without a lot of experience and even for some WITH a lot of experience. And 4 weeks of training is NOT a lot of experience. But definitely do it! You'll be surprised what you feel like AFTER you accomplish a trip like this. Enjoy your ride.

For your first end-to-end on the Katy, I'd suggest staying in b&b's. Keep your load as light as possible. When I did my trip, I packed one change of clothes to wear every evening, and washed out my riding clothes in the shower every other night. Don't pack too much food. I brought beef jerky and fruit snacks, and I also kept a granola bar with me every day in case there was no place open for supper in the town I was staying in that night. I restocked as needed as I rode through towns. Your number one priority is to stay hydrated. I drank only water my first two days (and not much of it) and I felt terrible. My third day I switched to gatorade and drank constantly, and I felt like a million bucks. Gatorade replaces the electrolytes you lose when you sweat, so it keeps you balanced....water doesn't. I never was a big Camelbak fan until I took my trip, but I'd highly suggest you and your mother purchase a couple because they allow you to drink a lot more consistently than you would with a water bottle.

As far as length of time, I allowed myself six days one-way from Clinton to St. Charles since I wasn't in very good shape and I wanted time to explore the towns. I could have very easily finished in five, though. It seemed to me that it was a very slow and steady uphill ride from Clinton all the way to Boonville, so if you do a round trip, I wouldn't try to do your longest day on that stretch of trail. Once I reached Boonville, it was easy as pie the rest of the way to St. Charles. For your first time, I'd suggest 10 days for a round trip. If you are in decent shape, you can do it faster than that, but since it's your first time you'll have a little extra time built in for sightseeing and resting your sore butt!

Food shouldn't be an issue if you're biking. Utilize some of the existing eating establishments. There are some gaps where you won't see many but it cuts down on the amount of food you need to carry. Also try freezer bag cooking. It's light, easy, and good. Just do a web search on freezer bag cooking, you'll find some great sites. Camping is the way to go but this, like riding, takes practice. Pack all you think you'll need and then go for a long ride. You'll be amazed at what you think isn't worth carrying.

Anyone have any pros or cons on where to stay in Clinton? We are wanting to head out at first light so we would like to be close to the trail.

The Hampton Inn is a nice place and is just a quick ride from the TH.

This place is not the place to go. They sort of have a monopoly, being one of the only two places to eat after 6:00 pm. Steeply overpriced meals with small portions. We came to eat here, because of some grossly inaccurate reviews of Ashley's Rose. Fortunately, we could not allow ourselves to go through with eating at the brewery, went to Ashley's Rose Cafe despite some bad reviews and had our minds blown. Ashley's Rose Cafe was delicious, absolutely scrumptious burgers at incredibly reasonable prices. Fresh ingredients! If we ever stop by Augusta again, we will, without a doubt, eat at Ashley's Rose. NOT the Augusta Brewery.

This place is not the place to go. They sort of have a monopoly, being one of the only two places to eat after 6:00 pm. Steeply overpriced meals with small portions. We came to eat here, because of some grossly inaccurate reviews of Ashley's Rose. Fortunately, we could not allow ourselves to go through with eating at the brewery, went to Ashley's Rose Cafe despite some bad reviews and had our minds blown. Ashley's Rose Cafe was delicious, absolutely scrumptious burgers at incredibly reasonable prices. Fresh ingredients! If we ever stop by Augusta again, we will, without a doubt, eat at Ashley's Rose. NOT the Augusta Brewery.

I have been to the Katy several times over the years. My favorite thing is riding and enjoying the trail. My SECOND favorite is stopping at Augusta Brewing Co. after 30-40 miles on the trail. If you are a McDonalds eater or a sodie-pop drinker, you may not like this place. (by "sodie-pop I mean Bud Lite). I really can't comment on the food though, I have only had chips & salsa which was great!

I have been to the Katy several times over the years. My favorite thing is riding and enjoying the trail. My SECOND favorite is stopping at Augusta Brewing Co. after 30-40 miles on the trail. If you are a McDonalds eater or a sodie-pop drinker, you may not like this place. (by "sodie-pop I mean Bud Lite). I really can't comment on the food though, I have only had chips & salsa which was great!

I'm planning to ride to the start of the DNR ride from St. Charles. My plan is to leave Friday afternoon and get to Clinton at mid-day on Sunday. Anyone else planning anything similar?

Any 2009 comments about Coopers Landing? I have about six couples biking and want to camp in that area as it seems to be the only camp area on the trail and river. I want to make sure it has decent restrooms and showers for the woman. Some comments made it sound rather noisey at night. Any comments would be appreciated.

Cooper's Landing is a unique place. It is right on the river and the view and breeze is wonderful. The Tai food os great, so have some, but if you are looking for showers - not there. There is a port-a-potty, but that's about it. I think if you are there on the weekend it may be noisier. We stopped on our way through last Sept. and even though the Tai place wasn't officially open, she made us a great meal. The store was open and they have a nice selection of food and other things you might need. Everyone was very friendly, but it was kind of "dead" when we were there - which was a Monday afternoon. If you go to the Interactive Katy Trail you will be able to see wehre there are campgrounds wdith real restrooms.

Interesting. The website for Coopers landing says "A Restroom with shower and laundry are available inside the store during store hours. For your further convenience, there are 3 outdoor port-a-potties and water hydrants available 24 hours a day."

Is it possible Frog lady missed the shoewers in the store?

Interesting. The website for Coopers landing says "A Restroom with shower and laundry are available inside the store during store hours. For your further convenience, there are 3 outdoor port-a-potties and water hydrants available 24 hours a day."

Is it possible Frog lady missed the showers in the store?

Unless it has changed in the last couple years, there is a shower. It is in the indoor bathroom in the store area.



I've camped there several times and used the shower. Noise was allowed until 10 (or 10:30?) and then it was quiet.



Good food and great views.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 2, 2009 — Work is under way on the Rock Island Trail-Katy Connector between Windsor and Pleasant Hill. In an effort to ensure that the public is kept aware of the progress, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is inviting the general public to information meetings in June about the trail and the planned construction.



The schedule for the meetings follows:



June 10, 7 to 9 p.m. Windsor Senior Center, 201 S. Main, Windsor

June 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Pleasant Hill High School, 1 Rooster Way, Pleasant Hill

June 12, 7 to 9 p.m. Hallar Building, 101 W. Third St., Holden



Staff from the Department of Natural Resources and the design contractor, CDG Engineering, will be available to provide information on the current status and long range plans for the trail and discuss various issues that may be of interest to the public.



The Rock Island Trail-Katy Connector is a 46-mile hiking and bicycling trail that the Department is building alongside the Rock Island Railroad corridor from Windsor to Pleasant Hill. The trail will connect to Katy Trail State Park at Windsor and provide a trail access into the Kansas City area.



The opportunity for this trail became available when access to the Rock Island Railroad corridor became part of the settlement between the state and AmerenUE for the Taum Sauk Reservoir breach that damaged Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The settlement provided the Department with a perpetual trail license to build alongside the railroad and funds to plan and construct the trail.



The first five miles of the trail beginning in Pleasant Hill and going east is expected to be completed within 12-18 months.

A group of us would like to do a section of the KATY trail and wine touring. Have to do it early August due to school, etc. Is this recommended, or will it be too hot/humid? Also, can you suggest the best section to ride for 2-3 days, riding roughly 30 miles/day, in order to visit the wineries too?

Hydration is the key....yes it's hot in August, but it's not unbearable.



Hermann is a good spot to ride out and backs from early in the morning or late evening. Then hit the wineries in the heat of the day. Augusta is within riding distance also.



The Rivers Edge Restaurant in Fredericksburg (south west of Hermann) is worth the trip with a ferry ride across the Gasconade River. No winery there, but plenty of good food.

Has anyone heard of the Isle of Capri in Booneville giving out free drinks to bikers?

If you go inside the Casino, there is a soft drink and coffee self serve station and usually free popcorn. Well it is free if you resist playing the machines;-)

I did the section from Sedalia to Jefferson City 10 years ago. This fall, Sept-Oct I plan to ride the section from St Charles to Jefferson City and back. I don't have to start or end at either place. Where is the best place to camp and park my car and leave it for a couple of days. I'll be using my road bike with a trailer on the back and plan to complete this section in about 2-1/2 days. Then I want to complete the section from Sedalia to Clinton and back figuring about 2/3rds of day. Where's a good place to park? I'd appreciate your input. Thank you.

Does Catherine Bleish sell her photo's?

Hello,

I plan to ride the Katy Trail for four days with four of my friends.

They can only handle about 35 miles per day.

We would like to start in Rocheport and ride east for two days, turn around, and ride back.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Campsites look pretty scarce in that area from what I can see.

If you don't mind cutting your milage back a little you could ride to Hartsburg the first day and camp at the park and then ride to Tebbetts the second day and stay in the shelter. The first day would be around 25 miles and the second day would be around 20 miles.

Started a ride in Treloar just waiting for cheeseburgers that I had heard so much about when we returned. Got to Case and all of a sudden it started pouring! By the time we got back we were mud from head to toe. We had met another couple on the trail who suggested we ask the people in the bar if we could eat outside on the picnic table. When we went in to ask they were so nice and welcoming. Told us to come on in (mud literally dripping off of us) and get dry. Had FANTASTIC cheeseburgers and wonderful hospitality! Will definitly plan another trip to Treloar. It is also one of the prettiest parts of the trail that I have seen so far.

I had dinner here with three friends. We originally weren't going to visit here, due to the bad reviews on this site, however, the augusta brewery was much too overpriced for the small portion sizes and limited menu. ALL 4 OF US WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED by our meals at Ashley's Rose. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was delicious. We had the burgers, chicken sandwich and fried chicken, and satisfied with all. We were very happy to have gone despite the bad reviews. Don't be dissuaded from coming here, trust me, the brewery is not worth it at all.

I had dinner here with three friends. We originally weren't going to visit here, due to the bad reviews on this site, however, the augusta brewery was much too overpriced for the small portion sizes and limited menu. ALL 4 OF US WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED by our meals at Ashley's Rose. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was delicious. We had the burgers, chicken sandwich and fried chicken, and satisfied with all. We were very happy to have gone despite the bad reviews. Don't be dissuaded from coming here, trust me, the brewery is not worth it at all.

We made this our final town to stop at on our trip from st. charles, through augusta. We went to the Augusta winery based on a review off this site. I want to affirm everything good about it. The ladies that ran the place were exceptional. We rolled in right before close and they still let us taste. On top of that, we had no idea the only place to get groceries closed at 6:00 in augusta, and they were so helpful and hospitable while we continually came back after hours asking questions of where we could get food. They even went out of their way to make a sale after their store and register was closed. A+++++++

We made this our final town to stop at on our trip from st. charles, through augusta. We went to the Augusta winery based on a review off this site. I want to affirm everything good about it. The ladies that ran the place were exceptional. We rolled in right before close and they still let us taste. On top of that, we had no idea the only place to get groceries closed at 6:00 in augusta, and they were so helpful and hospitable while we continually came back after hours asking questions of where we could get food. They even went out of their way to make a sale after their store and register was closed. A+++++++

Stopped by the Daniel Boone home. It was wonderful! Better than expected, but be weary of the ride. Its an extra 4-6 miles of rolling hills to get there. It was worth the while, and Joe is the man!