Katy Trail Forum

What are the options on catching a train from somewhere in St Louis or Washington, etc. toward somewhere in the west, say Sedalia? Does AMTRAC have a program that allows you to travel with your bike from one city to the next? Price? I want to take my son with me to a point about three days ride (40-60 miles/day) away and do the B&B overnights on the way back to St Charles.

Yes they do. I would call them directly for price and other information. Be sure when you book you tell them how many bikes you are bringing and get confirmation that they have a rack reserved for you.

Look on http://www.amtrak.com. Basically, there is one morning and one evening train in each direction. There is a $10 additional fee per bike. It's best to buy tickets in advance, though if a seat is available you can purchase a ticket from the conductor.

You can find some additional Amtrak info on this page: Riding the Train Along the Katy Trail.

Unless something has changed since last September when my wife and

rode the Katy and utilized Amtrak several times, there are no

"racks". Be sure and reserve well ahead of time, as they allow only

four bikes on each train. They simply stick them at the end of the

car in the last seat or the area for extra luggage. I found the

conductors very friendly and accommodating. Cost for each bike is

$10, regardless of how far you ride the train. You add the bike

reservation to your on-line train ticket purchase by clicking the

"view upgrade options".

My wife and I took the train from St. Charles(Kirkwood station) to Sedalia. I think it was $10 to add the bikes. Very easy to take the bikes on and the conductors were great. I would do it again.



Mike T.

We live out west, so we picked up the train in Washington and rode to Jeff City. Spent the

night in Rhineland then on back to Washington. The Dutzow Deli was a great way to finish

our ride. Only problem is the bridge in Washington. My husband rode across and brought

the car back to Dutzow, but admitted it was a stupid idea. I think next time we would park

in Dutzow and take a cab to the train station across the bridge--then you could finish at

your car. I understand there is a bike shop in town now that gives rides.

My brother and I checked out the East to West train for this May but Amtrak would not accommodate our bike trailers as we are camping the trail. Very disappointed in their response even from supervisors.

My husband and I are riding the trail next month from Clinton to St Charles on a tandem. We are taking the Amtrax train back to Kansas City from St Louis and we are having a terrible time trying to figure out how to get our tandem back. When we went to book our reservation, the Amtrax supervisor told us that we cannot transport our tandem on the train, only regular bikes. At this point we are going to have to ship our bike via Amtrax freight back to Seattle. Has anyone tried to bring a tandem on the train? Are the conductors a little more lenient?

Kristin,



You can skip the train and just rent a pick-up for your trip back to Kansas city. You might even get there faster than the train (and w/ your tandem

I've read the comments about Klondike Park and would like some clarification about where to access it from the trail and how difficult the hill is. We may be renting a cabin there but our trip itinerary requires a pretty long ride the day we will be arriving and we're a little worried about what we'll be facing when we're tired at the end of the day. Not to mention we'll have two pre-teen kids with us as well.



The description on this web site says "Look for the Klondike sign at mile 64.1 by the cement silos, or by the boat ramp around mile 63." Does that mean riding on Hwy 94 to get to the park? The map of the park (see below) shows a separate access directly to Katy Trail but that might be a hiking trail (?). If it's the bike access up to the park, exactly how long and steep is it and is it something we'd need to walk our bikes up if necessary? Thanks in advance. Here are the maps of the park:





http://parks.sccmo.org/parks/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=25



or go to this link and click on "Map of Park" http://parks.sccmo.org/parks/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7

The direct access is paved, it is at MM 64.1, it is steep, though not very long maybe 500' feet. The other access around MM 63 is flatter, though much longer. Neither require you to get out on 94. The cabins are nearest MM64.1, but not sure about check in procedures there as you(or someone) may have to go to the conference center for check in.

FYI, I believe these cabins are "camper cabins", which at a minimum you need to have your own sleeping bag.

FYI, I believe these cabins are "camper cabins", which at a minimum you need to have your own sleeping bag.

Great choice, Klondike Park is beautiful and your party will love it.



The main entrance to the park is located off MO-94, and the park is on top of the hill. The boat ramp is at the bottom of the hill right next to MO-94 away from the main entrance. You can access to the park and the boat ramp directly from Katy Trail because the trail runs right into it. If you are heading from west to east (from Clinton to St. Charles), you will run into the park access on your left. It's right on the trail and is a black, paved, and stiff driveway with a "Klondike Park" sign posted right on the trail. (If you hit the boat ramp on your right from the trail then you have gone too far). It takes about 2 minutes to walk your bike up the park. Good luck if you want to ride up.

You must call and rent cabins ($65 per day) in advance because they won't take your reservation onsite. Cabin is listed as sleeping up to 8 persons with grill, benches and cover. No water/stove in cabin. Primitive campsite (w/ grill) and basic campsite (w/ grill, benches + cover) are $7 and $10 per day respectively. They can be reserved or you can pay as fist come first server basis if available. Self-service Envelopes & instruction are posted next to the main office outside. I believe kitchen & shower rooms are located somewhere in the park also. I wouldn't try to get to the park from MO-94 on my bike.

Two questions--How tough is the incline/where exactly is it?

And what is the deal on the right-hand cut-off to Boonville which cuts out some of the uphill terrain. Is that cutoff clearly marked??

Search "elevation" on this site to view an elevation chart. It's old rail bed....it's not a tough incline or the train couldn't have made it back in the day. However, basically there is an incline to Pilot Grove and downhill to Boonville.



A cut off to Boonville which cuts out uphill terrain??? That would be news to me.

Leon,



Just ride the trail and enjoy.. You won't even know you are on an incline the whole trail..

From Clifton City to Pilot Grove, there is a gradual constant incline that many people would

consider challenging. If you're riding w/ younger children, be prepared to rest along the

way. From Pilot Grove to Boonville, there is a gradual constant decline that is a welcome

relief!

I may be wrong but it seemed uphill both ways!

My daughter biked from Clinton to N. Jefferson last Sept. We rode hybrid bikes with a trailer pulled behind. We had WAY too much stuff with us and so this part of the ride was somewhat difficult. Next time we are taking only one trailer, so we can switch off, and we will have only the bare necessities. We rode from Windsor to Boonville that day, so that may have had something to do with it. I think it would have been much easier without trailers. Also, the Boonville "cutoff" is very well marked - you can't miss it - it goes to the right of the casino and up over a bridge.

My daughter and I biked from Clinton to N. Jefferson last Sept. We rode hybrid bikes with a trailer pulled behind. We had WAY too much stuff with us and so this part of the ride was somewhat difficult. Next time we are taking only one trailer, so we can switch off, and we will have only the bare necessities. We rode from Windsor to Boonville that day, so that may have had something to do with it. I think it would have been much easier without trailers. Also, the Boonville "cutoff" is very well marked - you can't miss it - it goes to the right of the casino and up over a bridge.

I'm not sure if we'll stop through Tebbetts next time. The whole town was closed down when we got there. The shelter was terrible. The heater was broken, there were dead and live flies everywhere...we were just waiting for the sun to rise so that we could get out of there. Jim was so kind. He opened up his shop for us (even though he's closed on Mondays) and made us a burger. He then played jokes on us and got us to sing karaoke with him. It was the highlight of the night.

You probably caught the shelter after it sat idle and unused all winter. Nonetheless, it could use some upkeep and repairs, hopefully soon.

I stopped by the shelter today since I eat at some of the cafes near the trail when I'm in that area. The gormet dinner in downtown Rocheport was fabulous!



Anyway,the shelter could in fact use more cleaning. The coffee pots and microwave were dirty. The dead flys were there as mentioned. However, the furnace worked fine. It has to be turned on at the thermostat, then turned off again there when leaving. The fridge was clean. The toilet paper supply was more than ample. The hot water was great!



Also, somebody has worked on the shelter this past year. The plastic shower stalls looked almost new, with curtains. A roll of linoleum there appears ready to be laid on the floor. Many of the light bulbs throughout the shelter have been replaced, some with the energy-saving screw-in fluorescent ones. Additionally, the downstairs now has a large coffee table to compliment the big thick floor rugs there.



I'll stay there again this summer. :)

I give the shelter 5 stars on its worse day. You have to look at it for what it is, it should never be comapired to a motel or B&B. A few years back, I was trying to make it back to St Charles from a round trip to Sedalia. I got caught in an late afternoon storm and had to spend the night in a tolit. By morning, it was in the low 30's, miserable. A few hours later, I got to the shelter and after a hot shower and hot food, I felt 100% better. An hour latter, I was on the trail again.



Sitting on the upper deck on a summer evening after a long day on the trail, with a cup of coffee, or beer, or cigar, or Snicker Bar, is heard to beat!

How can anyone complain about a shelter that costs only $5 a night, yet provides showers, bike repair facilities, microwave, fridge, and a warm place to sleep? If you want better accomodations, shell out the money for a B&B.

Is it possible to be picked up in Boonville? We will be biking tomorow from Sedalia to Boonville and will need transportation to come back in the afternoon.

Is it possible to be picked up in Boonville? We will be biking tomorow from Sedalia to Boonville and will need transportation to come back in the afternoon.

It may be best to directly contact the shuttle service and ask them about it.....probably no one here gonna act on their behalf and give you a lift.

It may be best to directly contact the shuttle service and ask them about it.....probably no one here gonna act on their behalf and give you a lift.

Right on Trek. People this has been covered before! If you want to know what service a business can provide then contact THEM! Asking here makes as much sense as walking down the street shouting at windows to find out if the laundry is open. Call the business. They will be more than willing and able to give you accurate answers to your questions about them.

Right on Trek. People this has been covered before! If you want to know what service a business can provide then contact THEM! Asking here makes as much sense as walking down the street shouting at windows to find out if the laundry is open. Call the business. They will be more than willing and able to give you accurate answers to your questions about them.

Hay Guys do you think Juro might have just wanted the phone number of a local shuttle service and being from another state, not having that info available to them.

Hay Guys do you think Juro might have just wanted the phone number of a local shuttle service and being from another state, not having that info available to them.

Ahhhhhhh, How about clicking on "Plan a Ride" in the above menu bar, and picking the shuttle box as one of the plan options?

Ahhhhhhh, How about clicking on "Plan a Ride" in the above menu bar, and picking the shuttle box as one of the plan options?

Jeeeezzzz, I thought people who used the Katy Trail were nice?? How about helping the guy out instead of taking his head off. Some of us are new to this, you snobs.

Jeeeezzzz, I thought people who used the Katy Trail were nice?? How about helping the guy out instead of taking his head off. Some of us are new to this, you snobs.

Snobs? There are several resources available on this website to plan a trip down the Katy Trail. From the home page, there is a purple-colored bar running across the page horizontally, with several options:

1. The second one is "Towns & Services." Click on that option, and scroll down to "Boonville." Click on the word "Boonville" and there is a company listed with the telephone number.

2. From the previous page, the third option on the purple-colored bar is "Plan a Trip." This really is a great way to find everything someone would need to bike/hike the Katy Trail.



Though I would never discourage anyone from posting to the forum, I am not sure why you replied to a conversation from October 16th (last reply was October 20th) of last year. A point worth noting is that you are the only one who has resorted to name calling. Please think about what you write before you click on the green "Submit Comment" button.



Good luck on your ride.

Snobs? There are several resources available on this website to plan a trip down the Katy Trail. From the home page, there is a purple-colored bar running across the page horizontally, with several options:

1. The second one is "Towns & Services." Click on that option, and scroll down to "Boonville." Click on the word "Boonville" and there is a company listed with the telephone number.

2. From the previous page, the third option on the purple-colored bar is "Plan a Trip." This really is a great way to find everything someone would need to bike/hike the Katy Trail.



Though I would never discourage anyone from posting to the forum, I am not sure why you replied to a conversation from October 16th (last reply was October 20th) of last year. A point worth noting is that you are the only one who has resorted to name calling. Please think about what you write before you click on the green "Submit Comment" button.



Good luck on your ride.

Yea....gotta love it when an old thread is dug up just for sake of flame throwing. Isn't letting someone know how to get accurate information helping them out?

Yea....gotta love it when an old thread is dug up just for sake of flame throwing. Isn't letting someone know how to get accurate information helping them out?

The Clinton to Sedalia stretch doesn't have too much going for it in the way of scenery. It's a lot easier to start at Sedalia, where the train can take you, instead of figuring out how to get to/from Clinton. If you do go through, consider going back to Sedalia (35 miles) to get the train to KC instead of biking there on the roads (70 miles).

I disagree with Ann I enjoyed the trail from Sedalia to Clinton.

Last Sept. my daughter and I biked the Katy Trail and we stayed at the "Bed and Bikefest" Bed and Breakfst. It was very nice. We never actually saw the owner, but a lady across the street took our money for us and showed us where we could store our bikes. The place was clean, quaint, and very relaxing. It did have a hot tub, but we didn't notice it until we were leaving the next day. A nice place to stay if you want something special (we had been camping and were ready for a real bed).

To continue with your positve review theme I would like to comment on the Dorms at School House. It is the perfect place to stay if you have a platonic relationship with your riding partner. Always clean, comfortable, and well stocked!

We walked through Clifton "City", MO yesterday (4-15-09) and it is one of the most

depressing, disheveld, untidy villages we have ever seen. Piles of litter alongside the trail,

etc. The residents should be ashamed. And the circular barn and graveyard described in

the Katy guide was nowhere to be seen. We continued to enjoy our walk as soon as Clifton

"City" disappeared behind us. Reg Edwards

One of the things that makes the trail interesting to me (besides the varied scenery and wildlife) is the different ways-of-life encountered along the trail. Some of the ones I've noticed include farmers (big & small); hill-types; fishermen; river-rogues; next-to-the-river dwellings; back-woods and/or redneck types; "Deliverance-movie" types; small-villagers; banjo-and-clogger types, winery-wino types, isolated businesses and homes, ethnic groups, friendly-or-unfriendly types, city-or-townie-people and so forth. Even the farm homes on the flatlands are different than those located on the shoulders of the river-valley. And some of the hamlets and villages seem to be doing better than others.

While Clifton City may not be the most scenic little town, one of its citizens saved my trip last fall. He lives just up the hill from the church and if you happen to limp into town with some bike trouble he is more than happy to help out. Thanks again, Al!

I rode from Sedalia to New Franklin a couple of Fridays ago. I stopped in Clifton City also. It was kinda scary. I asked a guy if i could get a soda anywhere. He pointed to a garage. They had cold soda in a big freezer. It was great! The guys were really nice. Could have been because it was 9am and they all had beers in hand!

My daughter and I biked the Katy Trail last Sept. and the second night we stayed in Booneville. We were biking from Windsor (and we are not bike every day kind of people!) so when we crossed I70 and saw Booneville, it was a sight for sore eyes. A little ways up the trail there was a sign that had hotel numbers, etc. on it. There was also a small path leading up to what the sign said was a certain hotel. I think a Super 8 or something. We called, booked, said Holiday Inn possibility. Gave me the number, called, some old cranky guy answered. Continued on to Depot Trailhead Did I mention we were dog tired by now and it was getting dark?! No room at Casino, called H.I.-got directions-started out. UP huge hill, down a huge hill and back up - dark, no lights - did I mention we were pulling trailers At top of hill we see I-70. See car-ask if Holiday Inn around - said was one about 2 miles down outer road. Took that-up another huge hill,at top, we saw it-along with the Super 8 we had called! Yes, folks, that's right. Instead of biking 4 more miles in the dark up more hills, we could have taken the original path we saw when we first came over the bridge and it would have been less than a mile and very little hills compared to what we did. The Holiday Inn was great, though. They locked our bikes up for us in the room and had a nice room for us. Just remember, that first trail will take you to a Holiday Inn and (I think) a Super 8. Needless to say, the next morning we looked for that trail (again the directions we got were not too hot!) found it, and re-rode the part we had ridden the previous night. I was not going to go up those hills again. From this path to the trail was mostly downhill, and to the Train Depot Trailhead it is downhill, so not too bad.

The path with the sign just north of I-70 is your road to Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Petro (I think) truck stop...via the moble home manufacturers business. It is rather confusing in Boonville if you are not familiar with the town.

I rode from Clinton to Windsor the evening of 6/13. I arrived in town about 8:20 and wanted to get my tent set up at Farrington Park before it got dark and get some dinner before the Subway shop closed. Several people were fishing on the near side of the lake and I did not see the designated camping area (never did find it for sure), so I pitched my tent on the far side of the lake near a shelter house and bathrooms, beyond a gate with a sign stating that the gate was closed after 10pm. While not exactly secluded, this looked like a very quiet spot with the added benefit of no vehicle traffic (I would not be locked in - I could easily ride around the locked gate if i needed to leave).

While back in town getting a sandwich, I spoke with a sheriff's officer and told him where I was camped and asked who I should pay for camping. He replied that he did not think there was a charge for tent camping, but that I may need to move my tent from behind the gate that would be locked. He added that he had no problem with where I was camped, but he could not speak for the night officer. I decided to stay where I was, but be ready to cheerfully agree to move if told to do so. Shortly before ten a man in a pickup arrived to lock the gate and bathrooms. He was a councilman and park board member, worked for W-K Chevrolet, and I think he said his name was John. He said there was no charge for tent camping and that I was fine where I was, if anybody asked to tell them he said it was okay. He also left the mens bathroom unlocked for me. He said they were happy to have Katy Trail users visit Windsor and camp in the park and he invited me to come back and watch the cardboard boat races across the lake on July 4th. My only complaint about Windsor was the backyard dogs barking during the night. Farrington Park is beautiful and everyone I spoke with was freindly. I plan to make a small donation to park board and would camp there again.

Thank you for your comment on the camping. We will be going in that direction over the weekend and were planning on camping there.

My daughter and I stayed at the Farrington Park in Windsor last Sept. when we biked the trail. There was a house to the right of the lake as you rode up from the trail (you had to go up a hill and then down) who took money for camping, so I assumed it cost to camp. It wasn't much, $10 maybe, but there were no bathrooms where she directed us except for a porta-potty. It was a nice grassy area, but would have been nice to have known about the above place and that it really didn't cost. We found out the next morning that we could just continue on down the street (gravel) we were on, hit the Sonic, and then a short distance to the trail. The way we came the night before was longer. That happened a lot - especially at Booneville - go there to read our saga on that.