Katy Trail Forum

To make along story short. My wife and I are wanting to try something new. Neither of us have experients in hiking. We're both a little overweight. We would like to try a hike on katy trail. We're wanting to make a day or two of it. Is This trail o.k. for hiking? Where would a good starting and finishing point be? What kind of stuff will we need? When is a good time to do this hike? What do we need to do to be ready for a hike lik this? We want to camp. As you can see, We have no ideal of what we're doing. Please snd some help.

Read my comment from above. We saw more hikers than bikers for the two days we were on the trail. Many were older and maybe not in great shape, but all looked like they were having fun. It's a flat wide trail perfect for hiking for all ages and degrees of fitness levels. We stayed in a B & B right on the trail and that was great and I would stay there again. There are many benches along the way for resting and beautiful views--take a picnic and lots of water--especially as it gets warmer. Dress in layers--best for any weather and wear comfortable shoes and make sure to use the restroom before you head out--oh and don't forget the camera! There is a trail that goes over the tunnel in Rocheport--we didn't climb it, but I heard from another hiker that it was a nice hike with great views. Walking and hiking is one of the best ways to get into shape. Gook luck!!!

I have ridden on several parts of the trail and have seen many hikers of all sizes and shapes. Since it is flat, I am sure you will not have a problem. I don't recall good camping places, though. The area I am talking about is St Charles to Hermann. Perhaps a B & B or hotel? Have fun and go for it!

Well, I have hiked the trail from end to end, and I know a few others have, too. The trail is a great place to hike, especially since there are no really steep grades to contend with and the surface is easy on the legs.



I agree with the above statements and will add a couple of thoughts: 1., Start walking NOW before you go out on a long trip on the trail. Try walking for an hour or two on the trail or even around your neighborhood and see how you do. This will help you to get your stamina up. 2., Good shoes and socks are a must, and get backpacks that you can comfortably carry your equipment, food, water, etc. 3., In terms of camping, Klondike Park in St. Charles county near Augusta can't be beat. 4., Keep an eye on temperatures. I have done long walks in September that were beautiful and in July that was awfully hot, but also great.



Beyond that, look on this website for other places to camp or stay over night. The Peers Store will rent you the room above the store at very reasonable rates. Of course, be sure to get checked out by a doctor to make sure you don't have any medical issues. I am sure your doc will love that you want to start walking, but safety first. As I said before there are a few of us who have hiked the whole trail, and we have blogs about our experiences that are linked to this site. They might be of some help to you. (Which reminds me, I never updated the last day's walk from last July... Something for me to do tomorrow on my day off) Ray, do you want to link our blogs to this?



I say go for it and have a great time... Who knows, we might run into each other.

I did it, so can you. GC covered most, I'll add that you take a nice wide brimmed hat with ventilation holes so heat can escape. I almost considered an umbrella (as stupid as it sounds) for the sections with little to no shade. Bryson was tough during a really hot day. The best part of hiking the katy: you get a great tan on only the right side of your body since the sun is always to your right. It's a great attention getter while swimming. E-mail me at LMS346.com if you want me to send you more info from my trip. Remember- Hikers rule and bikers drool (sorry Mary).

The only thing this biker is drooling over is a full carbon frame and fork.

Good point jp.....I'been droolin over the Santana longbike.

After logging onto Santana's website, I am now drooling over a Santana "beyond" carbon fiber tandem with titanium lugs. I'm sure the misses would love one of these beautiful machines sitting in the garage calling for an adventure. Very sweet machines Trek. Very worthy of some long term drooling.

In 2002 my husband and I introduced ourselves to the KATY when I was 70lbs overweight and a mile walk was dificult. By 2007 we had switched to bikes and had ridden the KATY round trip twice. My weight was back to normal. I wish you both the joy of the trail.

You may want to get a boy scout book. Go to an official scout shop in the nearest city (they're all over the place) and you'll find a wealth of reliable information on how to hike safely. From what to pack to plant and animal dangers. From how to choose the right backpack to the right shoes. I've been working with scouts for many years now and I think they show the best examples of outdoor skills. (By the way, the book will also guide you on how not to get lost in the woods and how to survive if it does happen.) Good luck to you, both.

We stayed at A Secret Vine on Saturday, April 12th...the website said fresh homebaked goodies would await our arrival. They did but they were more like burnt offerings...4 small, hard, overbaked cookies not worthy of being eaten. The room was ok but there was at least 3 inches of water in the tub from who knows when...gross. The bed was very comfortable and the sheets were AMAZING. Unfortunately, we were doubly disappointed when our breakfast came the next morning...a frozen hashbrown patty, two coin sized frozen sausage patties, and a single piece of white bread french toast..or something disquised as such. The website said "Gourmet Breakfast"...I think not. So, for $150 I got a filthy bathroom, one nice bed, and left hungry the next morning. Definitely not worth the cost...I certainly did not get what I paid for. Oh well, live and learn.

We stayed at A Secret Vine on Saturday, April 12th...the website said fresh homebaked goodies would await our arrival. They did but they were more like burnt offerings...4 small, hard, overbaked cookies not worthy of being eaten. The room was ok but there was at least 3 inches of water in the tub from who knows when...gross. The bed was very comfortable and the sheets were AMAZING. Unfortunately, we were doubly disappointed when our breakfast came the next morning...a frozen hashbrown patty, two coin sized frozen sausage patties, and a single piece of white bread french toast..or something disquised as such. The website said "Gourmet Breakfast"...I think not. So, for $150 I got a filthy bathroom, one nice bed, and left hungry the next morning. Definitely not worth the cost...I certainly did not get what I paid for. Oh well, live and learn.

Hermann Hill Bed and Breakfast and/or cottages are the real deal in Hermann.

Hermann Hill Bed and Breakfast and/or cottages are the real deal in Hermann.

Best deal in Hartsburg! We stayed Friday and Saturday. The rates are very reasonable. Accomadations are great and the proprietor is very friendly. She even had homemade cookies waiting for us in the room! We brought our dogs and had a great time walking the trail. Dotty's Cafe has great food and the Hitching post was a good time.

Best deal in Hartsburg! We stayed Friday and Saturday. The rates are very reasonable. Accomadations are great and the proprietor is very friendly. She even had homemade cookies waiting for us in the room! We brought our dogs and had a great time walking the trail. Dotty's Cafe has great food and the Hitching post was a good time.

I am planning to bike with my best friend from Sedalia to St. Charles over four days in the middle or the end of May. We are two males in fairly good shape in our low 20s but do not have a whole lot of long distance biking experience. What would be the best way to plan out the trip in terms of miles per day and pace. Where are the best places to stay? We would leave Friday morning and need a place to stay on Fri, Sat, and Sun night. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The best way to plan out the trip in terms of miles per day would be to divide the total number of miles from Sedalia to St. Charles by 4. That will tell you the number of miles you need to travel on each of the 4 days. I know....another one of those darn "how many apples do I have left word problems" that we all never liked too well. To check your work.....take the number of miles you need to ride each day (see above) and multipy that by 4. Your answer should equal the number of miles between Sedalia and St. Charles...if so.....youre in luck!

For the last ten years, about 20 - 30 of us have ridden Clinton to St. Charles as a group. After years of trial and error, we go Clinton->Booneville (72 Miles) Booneville->Holt Summit (North Jefferson) (48 Miles) Holt Summit->Hermann (McKittrick) (42 Miles) Hermann->St. Charles (61 Miles). Due to the size of our group, lodging and meals somewhat limit our choices. With just two of you, you may be able to chose from more options.

As an alternative, I like to pick a spot on the trail and ride out 1/2 a day and ride back 1/2 day. That way, there is no pressure and I can relax and enjoy the ride.

How about Sedalia to Rocheport-to Hartsburg-to Bluffton- to Augusta-to St.Charles

If you need a place to stay I would recommend the Hotel Frederick in Boonville, Mo. It is across the street from the Trail where the trail crosses the Missouri River at the Boonslick Bridge. Great accomdations and a fabulous resturant. Free Bike Storage, Wi-Fi, Continental Breakfast and great rooms in this 103 year old hotel. Check the web-site at hotelfrederick.com

Hi! My name is Dolores. I own the Pilot Grove B&B. There are three bedrooms available, one with twin beds. A continental breakfast or a full breakfast is offered. This is a nice quite place. The cost is $55/night/room which includes the breakfast. If I can be of help to you, let me know 660-834-4333 or cell, 660-537-1786.

The food is absolutely delicious. Haven't been for about a year but hoping to go this summer. I lived in Columbia most of my life but Claysville was discovered by accident by my brother and sisterinlaw out driving one afternoon. They are from JC and love the menu. See you soon.

This is a wonderful restaurant. My wife and I enjoyed a great dinner after a long day on the trail. I'd recommend making reservations though, as this is a popular restaurant in the area. Excellent food at a good price.

This is a wonderful restaurant. My wife and I enjoyed a great dinner after a long day on the trail. I'd recommend making reservations though, as this is a popular restaurant in the area. Excellent food at a good price.

I am one of the owners of "My Grandpa's Farm" which is located at 3925 South Highway 94 which is two miles south of Defiance directly off of highway 94. The Katy Trail is our Eastern border.The farm was originally owned by the Daniel Boone Family beginning around 1800. The Boone family stayed there until circa 1910.

We still have the original barns, a 500 year old catalpa tree, and heirloom plants and animals from Boone's time. There is a restaurant on the property and commercial craft and produce stands. Our season starts the end of March and we would love to have everybody come and visit. We give free lemonade to all who come and visit the farm. Individuals, families, and groups are all welcome. My phone number is (314) 369-9179.

Your farm sounds like a place I need to visit! I might be coming through late in the day on May 20th, that is, if you all provide lodging. Otherwise, I can stop by early on the 21st.

Sounds interesting.. We are planning a ride in June for 5 days... only going 20 -40 miles a day so we may stop at places like this. Do you have a web site?

CaroleH of Kirkwood: We are also planning a similar trip in early June. Do you have kids going, too?( reason for the low mileage) Are you going East to West? Just interested in getting tips for our trip. We have been on the Katy about 20 miles four years ago and want to do the whole trip.

i would like to travel to the grandpa's farm. how far is it from the inner city? what would be the closest bed and breakfast from there? i have been looking at daniel boones lick Inn. probably gonna travel around the first of july with my husband, and mother and dog, maybe even with my daughter and grandson. we have family in st. charles and in paris illinois so need to stay in between. anyway , to start need lodging for at least 4 , dog friendly?!staying aaround until july 11th.

I'm replying for Carol from Kirkwood, whom I recognize as my sister...

No, we're not bringing kids.

We could say we're doing low mileage b/c it's the first time some of us will be doing a multi-day tour and b/c we want to have plenty of time to sightsee along the way, stop early and enjoy the afternoons. Or we could say it's b/c we're middle-aged, sedentary, and out of shape. ;-)

How far off the trail is the Amtrak in Washington and how practical is it to get there on bike? I would prefer to use this stop and avoid getting into St. Louis. Thanks, BF

We hitched a ride in a pickup truck to cross the river. The driver recommended the Sleep Inn in Washington and dropped us off there. It caters to business people, and I thought it was overpriced for what we got. It's about 3 miles down a steep hill to downtown Washington and the Amtrak station. No problem biking there.

Washington is about 4 miles, via hwy 47, from Dutzow trailhead. Be warned that this is not an easy ride. Highway 47 has a 55 MPH speed limit and a gravel shoulder. The bridge across the Missouri River has a 45 MPH limit, and no shoulder. I've heard of people doing it on bike, but they have tougher nerves than I do. If you are spending the night, you might be able to find a B&B that will give you a ride.



Good luck!

My wife and I did this in October. We are not young (67 & 73), there was a significant headwind from the Southeast and my wife wimped out riding to and across the bridge. We got a ride in a truck from the host of our B&B (Brick House), and after the ride I decided my wife's judgment was better than mine. Unless you can do 4 miles at a brisk speed followed by about 30 mph up the hill to the bridge it would be a really scary and ill-advised trip by bike.

We caught the train from Washington to Jeff City--then rode back. The Dutzow Deli is right

on the trailhead across the river from Washington and a nice way to finish. I chickened out

on riding over the bridge to get the car, so my husband went by myself. He admitted it was

not smart--no shoulder and dangerous bridge. I would recommend calling a cab from the

Deli to get to the station.

Is water available at the trailheads, and are restrooms open now...or is that later in spring?

Should be April 1 when DNR turns the water on. I've not been at a trailhead to see for sure...but the turn on date is April 1.

I was at the Jefferson City trailhead this past weekend and the water was turned on there.

HOw far off would I be from an Amtrak Station if I were to ride the length of the course from Clinton to St. Charles

Go to the below on this site and it gives you good information on using the AMTRACK. You'll be about 15 miles from the station once you finish the KATY in St. Charles. You can ride to the station, but I'm told the traffic is bad. You should be able to get a shuttle without too much trouble. The AMTRACK will only take you to Sedelia, so you'll have to either bike back to Clinton, or hire a shuttle.





http://www.bikekatytrail.com/amtrak.asp

March-"in like a lion and out like a lamb", not this year! My husband and 2 best friends found that the weather in March is just simply unpredictable. It was cold and rainy last week, but we came to ride and ride we did! The trail is very nicely maintained and very well marked. We stayed at the Healing Stone Retreat and Spa. The staff was wonderful! We felt like we were in our own home. The food was fresh, organic and filling. The hot tub and sauna were a welcome home after riding. The best part of course were the memories made and cherished.

Where is this spa? I have searched but can't figure out the location/city/town. Thanks!

It's a little east of McKittrick, although it's listed on the Hermann page of this website. If you go to this link, you'll see a photo, map, and other info on Healing Stone. Zoom out the map a bit (by clicking the "-" button on the left of the map) to get a perspective of the location.

Old Dale ...started riding the trail with all the hi tech lubes out there TEFLON-TRI FLOW and everything the bike shops told me to use..But then after arriving at the end of my first day I noticed a toxic gooball concrete mixblob had grown on my chain and gear system. It was truly alive absorbing everything from the trail. I bought a new chain and had a shop install it. Next day the same atomic gooball blend came back.

SOLUTION--I bought a can of brake cleaner ( safe for plastic) from an auto parts store and put cardboard under the rear gears and blasted the entire can untill it was clean. I waited untill it was dry and then blasted it with ICE WAX. This is so old school reminding me of the old days touring where people would melt candlewax and apply it to there chain. Nitro-cling limedust does not attract or stick to a parifin base lube. Many rides later I have not had to remove the chain or do any special gooball chain service. ICEWAX is the trail riders only lube. because it does NOT ATTRACT -the nitro-atomic powered gooball (concrete limestuff). Old Dale is a slow learner... but this stuff works for many trips with little to no build up. -ICE WAX- the BEST ( ANTI- lime concrete gooball gear and chain) system lube. Its is truly made for this lime powder- Katie trailride. Got to go... I need a drink of water just thinking about that wonderfull lime dust. Dale Cannon

I too am a fan of Pedro's Ice Wax...it works well for our riding style. A good investment tho is a chain cleaning kit. Pedro's makes a nice one that contains all the runoff degreaser and it does a nice job of scrubbing the chain when used with their Oranj Peelz Degreaser.

I too was wondering about this ICE WAX???? I have been reading about it and hearing people saying that you have to re-apply after every ride, or it will start to effect shifting, is this true????? Can you switch back and forth from regular chain lube, to ice wax??? I live a ways from the KATY and it seems that ICE wax may be a pain for everyday riding. Can anyone help?????

After every ride seems to be overkill.....something that I've not had to do, nor have I heard of anyone having to do that. The exception has been after a few very dusty rides and one 80 mile ride in the rain on the Katy. I would have cleaned the chains and relubed after those rides regardless of what type of chain lube I was using. I'm sure there are other lube types that others swear by. I started using it a few years ago upon the recommendation of a friend that was Cat 5 racing. I've used other lubes after degreasing the chain good so the lube types aren't mixed. I always seem to migrate back to Ice Wax though.

Planet Bike fenders help keep the drive, as well as the whole bike clean; and help prevent the destruction of a good chain.

TO BEN -MEADVILLE MO. (ICE WAX UPDATE)- Ice wax comes in (very small)containers and I always take a little from a started container on the day rides. NO we (can not switch) back and forth from regular lube because regular lub is an (oil base) and Ice wax is a (parifin) type of product and drys to a (dry condition) that does not seem to absorb the lime dust. I like a bike that shifts sharp and crisp because ol Dale does not have a lot of power and shifts a lot to keep the (2 leg motors) at full power during a long 50 or 60 mile day. CLEANING the Ice wax chain after a few rides is where people get messed up. You can buy a chain cleaner kit but I use liquid speed wax (anything works) the kind you use on your car for a quicko wax. I put cardboard behind the gears and BLAST with this liquid car wax. EVERYTHING falls off the gear system till sparkely clean....then I dry the chain and gears and reapply the ICEWAX. Bike shops do not seem to like ICE WAX because if they do not know it is on the (chain.gears) and put it in TUNEUP rack mode they get a really thick nasty oily parifin mix that is really hard to deal with.I use Triflow on my roadbike but my hybird and mountain bikes I always use ICEWAX ...The other thing I remind folks -there are no toxic fumes- from Icewax and is real easy to apply .I have done this in my living room with a trash bag under the gears...no toxic lube smell, no spray, and very easy to apply. PLEASE BEWARE --this lime dust is not to be taken lightly, it gets absorbed and sticks like (concretegluemix.) *new word just for the Katy Trail* This special lime stuff is atracted to (anything) with an OIL BASE-LUBE. Nothing else works.(GO ICE WAX) you will love it. Old Dale needs a glass of water just thinken about that magic CONCRETEGLEMIX....

Where can I get ice wax and how much will a person riding the whole trail need to take with them to keep their bike from jamming up for a week.

You should be able to find it at your local bike shop...if not Dick's Sporting Goods has it....or online, click on the Performance Bike or Nashbar links on this website.

Here's a direct link to Ice Wax products at Performance.

My husband and two best friends just came back from riding the Katy for a couple of days. We stayed at the Healing Stone Retreat & Spa. It is absolutely the best place I've ever stayed. The house is beautiful and the cleanest place ever. I looked forward every morning to the delicious BIG breakfast. The staff was most accomodating and pleasant. Just could not have had a better time. We also loved the Katy. Wished we had more time to ride. Maybe next year. Do make plans to stay at Healing Stone. The Best!

Hey BFF-next time we will ride in sunny warm May and we will have our backsides prepared for all those miles in the saddle.

Oh, we just loved our stay here. This is the classic, quintessential B&B. Doris has added so many thoughtful touches to make her guests feel at home, including a fresh pot of coffee just outside your room in the morning with the press of a button, a refrigerator to store your leftover cobbler from American Bounty (excellent restaurant!), and a heavenly bathroom. Breakfast is excellent, and served via antique silverware. Wonderfully appointed home that has been featured on national morning TV programs and major magazines. I wanted to take her kitchen and bathroom home with me, but they just wouldn't fit in the panniers. We'll definitely stay here again on our next ride.

Oh, we just loved our stay here. This is the classic, quintessential B&B. Doris has added so many thoughtful touches to make her guests feel at home, including a fresh pot of coffee just outside your room in the morning with the press of a button, a refrigerator to store your leftover cobbler from American Bounty (excellent restaurant!), and a heavenly bathroom. Breakfast is excellent, and served via antique silverware. Wonderfully appointed home that has been featured on national morning TV programs and major magazines. I wanted to take her kitchen and bathroom home with me, but they just wouldn't fit in the panniers. We'll definitely stay here again on our next ride.

Mr. Sharples, what a remarkable accomplishment! (I just read the "entire trail in a day" thread.) Kudos to you on your record and plans for another trip this year. Best of luck.



I’m actually planning to do the same thing with a buddy on June 6th. While we are aiming for a respectable time (and to survive in the process), our primary goal is to raise funds for breast cancer research/awareness. My wife was diagnosed exactly one year ago and is a survivor today.



In the process of training I’ve been inviting friends and family to sponsor me, with proceeds benefiting the Komen Foundation through my wife’s Race for the Cure team (Bridget’s Brigade). I also invite others to join in this worthwhile endeavor by sponsoring meat $1 per mile (up to 225 miles, or more if you’d like!). Since it’s all for a good cause, I’m including my site link on Komen that includes details:



http://www.komenstlouis.org/site/TR/Race/General?pg=personal&fr_id=1000&fr_id=1000&px=1061203



By the way, Mr. Sharples, what is the secret to your success?!

hey ben, just read your entry. like your wife, my wife is also a breast cancer survivor. cancer free for now 2 1/2 yrs and counting. good luck on your ride. let us know how you do. be safe.