Katy Trail Forum

A small group of friends and i are wanting to do a 2-3 day ride on the katy trail. Any suggestions for the most scenic part of the trail? The best part for camping along the trail? the part that's most challenging? the part that's an easy ride? the part that's the most fun in terms of sight-seeing in the towns? thanks so much!

Whole trail is flat. Figure 10-12 mph average with light packing. Why not stay in the numerous B&B's on the trail. Hot shower, good Breakfast and you don't have to carry camping gear. Besides the B&B's along the trail could use the business.

Im planning the same type of trip and want to be sure to add some wineries to the ride. We'll be camping though. B&B's will have to come down from $140/night if they want my business!

The whole trail is not flat! I have ridden the Sedalia to Boonville section and there are some

uphill grades, particularly between Clifton City & Pilot Grove. You can refer to the "Elevation

chart" under FAQ. It appears from this chart that there are also some grades between Clinton

& Sedalia.

I have ridden the entire trail several times and my favorite part is from New Franklin to St Charles. It is mostly flat, runs along the river for the most part, offers the most awesome views, and goes through the neatest little towns. Be sure to eat the pancakes at the Trailside Cafe in Rocheport, and stop at the bike shops in Hartsburg and Augusta. Have fun.

The most senic is Rocheport. Approx 1 mile out of Rocheport is the only tunnel on the trail. A few miles in the other direction is the Lewis & Clark cave written about in Clarks journal. The trail is above and along the Missouri river. I would call the Rocheport city hall for information on possible flooding.

I'm planning on leaving Jeff City to ride to Hermann tonight. Then go from Hermann to Weldon Spring Friday. Does anyone have any info on the trail begin closed to flooding between those points?

thanks for the help.

Hi, I just wanted to thank MO DNR for organizing a great bike ride along the Katy Trail. I

wasn't able to do the entire ride, but the three day bike ride was perfect! This was the first

time to bike the Katy Trail and I will definitely be coming back!

Hi,



I was wondering if the trail was too dusty for a child's carrier (the kind that pulls behind bike)

Not bad now but gets dusty as it dries more. If you have a canopy on the trailer, it shouldn't be bad any time.

I am planning on riding the Katy Trail in April 2008 with my dog. I will probably be staying near Defiance, Treloar, Bluffton, N. Jefferson, Rocheport, Pilot Grove, Sedalia, and Clinton. Can anyone tell me names of lodging places near these stops that will accept a well behaved dog who is not a barker? Many B&B's seem to stipulate no pets. Thank you. Replies and suggestions to Sandra Scholz: dsscholz@msn.com.

Not that you can't get good information from posters here, but knowing that management changes....policies change from year to year...and so on....if it were me wanting to know, I'd contact the place that I intended on staying and let them tell me what their policy is. That way I could rely on what they personally told me via phone or email....that might avoid the disappointment of finding out at the last minute that pets were allowed last year, but are no longer.

Not that you can't get good information from posters here, but knowing that management changes....policies change from year to year...and so on....if it were me wanting to know, I'd contact the place that I intended on staying and let them tell me what their policy is. That way I could rely on what they personally told me via phone or email....that might avoid the disappointment of finding out at the last minute that pets were allowed last year, but are no longer.

IF you haven't made your reservations yet, I would recommend the Hotel Frederick in Boonville. Pet friendly and great accomodations with a fabulous place to eat---Glenn's Place. We would love to accomodate you and your pet.

Parris Johnson

General Manager

Hotel Frederick

hotelfrederick.com

Check the Rendleman Home in Bluffton

You might want to check with the Pilot Grove B&B, 834-4333 or 660-537-1786.

I stayed at the Hotel Frederick in Booneville recently and would not recommend it. My room would not cool and I couldn't get enough hot water to fill the tub. The restaurant was not open, even though the hotel staff told me I would have dinner reservations.



All in all it was the worst stop on my trip!

Not impressed ... AT ALL. The food is fairly priced but the owner is overly nosey and cocky. I don't knwo about anyone else but when i go out to eat i do not like to be bothered and harassed by the owner. the menu is a bit wacky. collectively, i would not go back!

Not impressed ... AT ALL. The food is fairly priced but the owner is overly nosey and cocky. I don't knwo about anyone else but when i go out to eat i do not like to be bothered and harassed by the owner. the menu is a bit wacky. collectively, i would not go back!

Wowee wow wow! Phenomenal! The service: exceptional! Especially our server "Dan," he seemed to know everything about the menu and daily specials. The Cardinal Crabtree was my favorite! We met the chef, named Brad: he knows his food, and wears it well. The owner was intoxicated, which is fine with me. We just hope he knows what he has with this rare gem tucked away in historic St. Charles. You feel comfortable from the moment you walk in! I'm definitely going back!

Wowee wow wow! Phenomenal! The service: exceptional! Especially our server "Dan," he seemed to know everything about the menu and daily specials. The Cardinal Crabtree was my favorite! We met the chef, named Brad: he knows his food, and wears it well. The owner was intoxicated, which is fine with me. We just hope he knows what he has with this rare gem tucked away in historic St. Charles. You feel comfortable from the moment you walk in! I'm definitely going back!

Started out and we were going to ride one long day versus staying at a B&B and come home the same day. We live in Lansing, KS so this is an all day affair. Our plan was to ride from Clinton to Sedelia have some lunch and ride back to Clinton. On our way back, it started storming like crazy! Lots of lightning! The hair on my head was standing up because of the lightning and it was spooky! I walked over and talked with the Guy (Buzz?) who owns the B&B and he said he would drive us back to Clinton. Thank God! We were soaked but he still took us to Clinton in his newer truck. What a Good Guy! I saw the B&B and it is very nice for the $$. There is a Casey's general store accross the trail and that would be nice. this B&B is right on the trail so you could sit on the deck and watch the riders from your B&B. I would stay at this B&B and probably will! Thanks Buzz(??) you really helped a couple of exhasted and drenching wet Guys out! I appreciate what you did for us!

Started out and we were going to ride one long day versus staying at a B&B and come home the same day. We live in Lansing, KS so this is an all day affair. Our plan was to ride from Clinton to Sedelia have some lunch and ride back to Clinton. On our way back, it started storming like crazy! Lots of lightning! The hair on my head was standing up because of the lightning and it was spooky! I walked over and talked with the Guy (Buzz?) who owns the B&B and he said he would drive us back to Clinton. Thank God! We were soaked but he still took us to Clinton in his newer truck. What a Good Guy! I saw the B&B and it is very nice for the $$. There is a Casey's general store accross the trail and that would be nice. this B&B is right on the trail so you could sit on the deck and watch the riders from your B&B. I would stay at this B&B and probably will! Thanks Buzz(??) you really helped a couple of exhasted and drenching wet Guys out! I appreciate what you did for us!

Great place to stay. Penny is very hospitable and a GREAT cook. Breakfast was awesome. Needed a bike repair shop, she called and made sure Charlie would have the shop open. Will definitely go back.

Great place to stay. Penny is very hospitable and a GREAT cook. Breakfast was awesome. Needed a bike repair shop, she called and made sure Charlie would have the shop open. Will definitely go back.

Great place to stay. Very friendly, including their pets. Will provide shuttle to trailhead or Amtrak. Will definitely go back.

Great place to stay. Very friendly, including their pets. Will provide shuttle to trailhead or Amtrak. Will definitely go back.

We rode across the bridge into Jefferson City. The bike lane is wide and there was no problem at all. There is no need to walk across--just ride your bike like normal!

I cross the bridge nearly every workday when I bike-commute back and from from Holts Summit. The only problem I ever have is litter/debris cluttering up the bike lane. It's a beautiful view in the morning, and you can always catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunset in the evenings:)

I have stayed at the Rendleman B&B several times. When I called about the stay he informed me that it was an old farm home under construction (no frills). He has the best food on the trail. Doug, being a cyclist, is good because he knows how to treat them. I stayed when it was hot and just turned the A/C unit on in my room(problem solved). He had a bonfire and a cold beer for me. After a good ride it tasted great. The rooms were clean and the shower outside was very welcome! I have reommended the Rendleman B&B and my friends were just as satisfied as I was.

The arts and music festival at Hermann last weekend (Jun 7-8) was really great. The art was your typical booths selling various objects from paintings to woodcarving. The music, however, was spectacular. With the Hermannhof winery within a stone's throw of the festival, a relaxing lunch with a bottle of local wine between shows was a real treat.

We stayed at a great B&B, an 1886 victorian mansion known as Birk's Gasthaus. Ell, the owner, was a great hostess and the breakfasts were an epicurian delight. Highly recommended. The town boasts a lot of German flavor and the wineries are a joy.

We stayed in 6 B&Bs, five were wonderful for as cheap as $40, while this was a nightmare for $121. The water smelled like rotten eggs, making showers a horrible experience. The bedrooms were very dirty and had no vent fan, so we had to sleep with our door open right across from other guests with their door open (Fortunately the other guests were very nice people). If I hadn't been on a bike, I would have left even though I would forfeit $121. It is clearly worth biking a little farther to make Hermann. Don't make this horrible mistake, or let a friend make this mistake.

We have been taking vacations on the KATY trail for 10 years now. We have biked from Sedalia to St. Charles and everything in between. We always try to stay at Rendleman's B&B. The shower experience is great whether you choose the conventional indoor shower and bathroom or the outdoor one with the candle ambiance. He is on well water, but hey...it's the great outdoors! He has bottled water to drink if you choose. :) The price is great as it includes dinner if you let him know in advance and his is real food as he is a cyclist himself. Great with kids (ours are 10 & 12 now) and the best breakfast for any cyclists on the trail! His is a clean B&B, although not the antique type that you so often find. If you were hot, you should have told him as he fixes any problems that you have. He is a fantastic host and always introduces everyone. I have to say, out of all the places we have stayed, he has been one of the few that allowed us to stay with little babies and now children. Many of the B&B's on the trail do not cater to families, but to the wine and cheese crowd. Rendleman's is clean, down to earth, bike friendly type place. We highly recommend it, even after 10 years or biking, first with a trailer and the babies, and now with the kids on their own bikes. If you have a problem, you have to tell the person so that they can solve it. Otherwise, do not complain that the problem isn't fixed.

Question: I am looking for a place to spend the night in Sedalia that is close to the Amtrak Station. Can anyone help with that? Thanks



Mike

The Hotel Bothwell is just a few blocks east of the train station... and the Katy Depot/Katy Trail is just a few blocks east of there. It's all an easy ride through town.

I am located near Amtrak, I can pick you up. Only 4 blks to trail on the east end. I have two rooms, if both rooms are rented the bath is shared. 660 287 0971 or 660 826 9351. Thanks Maxine's rooms for rent.

I've stayed at the Bothwell and highly recommend it. Their staff is extremely bike friendly.

Ditto to staying at the Bothwell. I have stayed there a number of times and have always had a

good experience. I occasionally travel to Sedalia for work (yes, I know you are all jealous) and

find them a pleasant accommodation with or without a bike! Sharon

Maxine will pick up and deliver. Nice place at a bargain price with very very nice people. Must Love Dogs! Very clean I should add

The closest hote/motel is the Bothwell Holtel located in downtown Sedalia, it is about 4 blocks from the Amtrk Station.

Jerry

Victory Shuttle & Taxi Service

Sedalia, MO

The Sedalia House Bed and Breakfast is another place to consider. They have a really nice facility right outside of town and do have a shuttle service available. It is clean, quiet and affordable; and, they cater to KATY trail riders. Their website is listed under Towns and Services...Sedalia, MO.

Excellent food. Good atmosphere. Unique experience. I highly recommend to all.

Excellent food. Good atmosphere. Unique experience. I highly recommend to all.

Last Sun. we rode our bikes from Booneville to Pilot Grove. Everything was closed except Casey's where we got some lunch.

While riding the trail in early May, I saw lots of reds, yellows, and blues in the many birds seen along the trail: reds (cardinals, tanagers, grosbeaks, robins, rosy finches, redwing black's); yellows (finches, orioles, larks, warblers, flickers); blues (buntings, bluebirds, jays, herons) and so on. Naturally, these colors were interspersed with blacks, browns, greens, grays, and whites, not counting all the ducks, geese, turkeys, woodpeckers, cowbirds, titmice, gnat-flycatchers, thrashers, thrushes, blackbirds, crows, owls, hawks, buzzards and other nesters/fliers seen along the trail.

Several small shy birds also caught my eye. They’d flit back and forth over the trail or in-between branches so fast I couldn’t id them. Wren types maybe? I did spot one of one kind sitting on a branch momentarily. It had a green backside with brown wings and head. It was too large for a hummingbird, and too small for a tree swallow. Does anyone know what it was? Hmm. This circumstance might be why many folks walk or hike the trail instead of riding it. They can watch the sideshows much better! :)

I am planning to ride the entire trail from Clinton to St Charles but am having difficulty getting information on how to get from St Charles to the Amtrak. Any information would be appreciated. Reply here or send to cricket1215@hotmail.com Thanks

You will have to get to downtown STL or Kirkwood. Each has a train station. If you could get a ride to Lambert airport, you could take MetroLink downtown to the Amtrak station.

Show Me MO Tours offers shuttle service from St. Charles to the Kirkwood train station and/or the train station in downtown St. Louis. (314) 781-0015.

We stayed at the Lacoco House, and they offered inexpensive shuttle service. I can't say enough about how good these people were to stay with. Their shuttle was about half the price offered by another service, which made staying there an even better bargain.

I would consider riding back up the trail to Washington and getting on the trail there. No big town hassles with a bike.

Nice secluded cabin with a real old style charm. The proprietor picked us up and transported us in his truck. Good but simple breakfast. I will stay there again.

We locked our bikes and hiked up from the trail. Lunch and wine were very good and the view is fantastic. Highly recommended.

We locked our bikes and hiked up from the trail. Lunch and wine were very good and the view is fantastic. Highly recommended.

The creme bulee was incredible, and the sandwiches were excellent, and reasonably priced.

The creme bulee was incredible, and the sandwiches were excellent, and reasonably priced.

Very stylish upscale accommodation. Try their car wash shower with 9 nozzles and your puny little single nozzle will never be enough again. Costs a little more but it is a good value.

I heard they have a new owner though....They are expanding the menu to have loose meat sandwiches and stuff...

I heard they have a new owner though....They are expanding the menu to have loose meat sandwiches and stuff...

Great little country store!.......

Great little country store!.......

Polly's B&B was nice, clean, and inexpensive. Gut splitter breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast (with good bread), pancakes, etc. Rooms were very nicely decorated, great for the wife, although I'd fine if thew bed is clean and comfortable. We were both very happy.

Rhona and Leo are really good at this business. Lovely home that feels like family. Great breakfast and "goosefeathers" dessert. We walked to town for dinner, which is a bit of a hike but lots to see. I would definitely stay there again.

Rhona and Leo are really good at this business. Lovely home that feels like family. Great breakfast and "goosefeathers" dessert. We walked to town for dinner, which is a bit of a hike but lots to see. I would definitely stay there again.

Wow! These people are great. I never thought I'd hug my B&B proprietor upon leaving, but the two of them treat people like family, going far beyond for a very reasonable price. The food is fantastic and the price is a very good value. About a 10 block walk to the primary St. Charles area, but they are always happy to drive you down or pick you up.

Wow! These people are great. I never thought I'd hug my B&B proprietor upon leaving, but the two of them treat people like family, going far beyond for a very reasonable price. The food is fantastic and the price is a very good value. About a 10 block walk to the primary St. Charles area, but they are always happy to drive you down or pick you up.

We stayed at this B & B when be biked the Katy about 8 years ago. the host was nice and the food was very good, but the house was dirty--especially the bathroom and shower. Is it still owned by the same person?

Just stayed at the Rendleman Home in Bluffton last week - apparently the same owner (Doug) but he was off riding across Indiana and my host was an old friend of his, Fred. The house is apparently up for sale, as Doug wants to start a boat-based waterway-and-trail travel business. A fairly eccentric place, but I wouldn't call it dirty. Not your typical B&B (IS there such a thing on the Katy?) Dinner was pretty good, and I guess worth the extra $15 in such an isolated setting (there is absolutely nothing else around.) Breakfast was extremely simple for a B&B - just coffee and hot cereal. But I got my pick of their hot-cereal stash, and tried a 3-grain from Oregon that was wonderful - real nosebag food! And when I walked down toward the water for Verizon reception after dinner in the dark, there were lightning bugs - a real treat for a Californian!



Sharron

We will be staying at Rendleman at the end of September 2007. Doug is still the owner. Just a response to the dirty bathroom comment... I haven't stayed there yet but when I called Doug he made it clear that this isn't intended to be your standard fancy b&b (I think his exact words were "This ain't one of your hoity-toity doily places.") He offers clean beds and good food to riders who've been on the trail all day (or all week). Since he's a biker himself, he gives a practical helpful hospitality geared specifically to bikers. I had a fun delightful conversation with him and my husband and I are looking forward to meeting him. I'm a musician and I'm especially anticipating his evening bonfire sing-a-long jam session with some local musicians. If you're looking for a "hoity-toity doily" place then I think you need to bike on down to Marthasville. ;-)



PEACE and all the best on the trail!

~ Blue

We had an odd experience with Doug. We pulled up the other weekend and asked where we

could get a bite to eat. He said nowhere, we'd have to keep riding or turn around five miles.

We were completely beat. As it turns out, Steamboat just around the corner has a well-

stocked snack bar. I guess he didn't want to send us to a competitor, but it really turned us

off since it was getting dark and we were beat. Steamboat really took car of us and also has

cabins along with camping and a nice new shower.

What is this Steamboat, you are talking about? I can't seem to find it anywhere...

Click on Portland on Katy Trail Map at top of page, scroll down to "next towns on Katy Trail" and click on Bluffton.

Normally people are asking about a place they can get a meal, and there is nowhere in Bluffton to get a meal.



We also ate at Steamboat Junction last fall when passing through, and it is a great stop, but it is JUST snacks. They had some boxed sandwiches, chips, snacks, but definitely not a MEAL.

Steamboat Junction was somewhere between snacks and a meal. We had a couple of

cheeseburgers similar to those you get at QT that you heat up in the microwave. He just

wasn't going to help us out and send us around the corner to his prime competitor who was

booked up while he had no guests at all.

I am going to have to say, I don't consider QT cheeseburgers a "meal." Sure, it will do, but when I called Doug, he said there wasn't really much out there to eat, and I think this all confirms that.

I was wondering how someone would know Doug had "no guests at all" without venturing inside to check all the rooms? Has anyone else considered the possibility of "the competition" doing this posting? Regardless, my stay last year was quite enjoyable.

It seems to me that the proof would be in allowing people to withdraw after they see the place. He may be a fun guy, and it may be a good place to hang out with the guys, but I'd like an AC vent when I'm paying over $100 on a hot summer day. Ridiculous!



There is no competition that would be outting him; no one within 10 miles. I've stayed in many B&Bs and this was the worst ever.