Katy Trail Forum

What's the best route if one wanted to cross the bridge from north to south en route from the trailhead to the train station?

I don't know if it is the best, but I'll describe my experience. I took the spur trail from the N. Jefferson Trailhead until it became obvious that it would dead end at a freeway embankment. So I backtracked a short distance and then turned left onto a small road, and then after about 1/4 mile took the first left. After another 1/4 mile I came to an overpass and freeway entrance just before the bridge. Here you have 2 choices.



1. Turn right onto the bridge and ride in the right most of 3 southbound lanes until taking the exit just after the bridge. Turning left takes you to the capital. I believe Amtrak is just below the capital. I took this option; and except for the traffic noise after the quiet of the Katy Trail, it was not too bad.



2. Continue on the overpass until reaching the exit ramp on the other side of the freeway. Turn right onto the exit ramp and ride against traffic until you come to a bike lane on the northbound side of the bridge. On the otherside of the bridge exit against traffic on the entrance ramp. Turn left towards the capital at the end of the entrance ramp.



The problem is that there is a bike lane on only the northbound side of the bridge; and there is no good way to get on and off it in the south bound direction. I can't remember exactly; but I believe there were shoulders on the entrance and exit ramps that made riding against traffic not quite as bad as it sounds. Rumor has it that the highway department forgot to put a bike land on the south side.

I used the phone at the City Pavilion on the Katy Spur to call a taxi. The taxi came with a bike rack and took us directly to the Amtrak station for I think $10 to $15. Much better than taking your life into your hands on the bridge. I helped to have the taxi phone number in advance.

We just crossed the bridge last week. Although it's a bit unnerving to have cars whizzing next to you at high speed, nonetheless there's a generous bike lane. Bikes going both directions share the lane, but we were the only cyclists. Crossing this bridge was a non-event, not to worry.

We used the cab service again last week. The phone number is 573-636-7101 and the cost was $10. They will pick you up at either the trail head or City Pavilion.



The City Pavilion, a short distance south on the Katy Trail Spur, has running water and flush toilets!!!

I was charged an extra $10 by checker cab for the bike rack usage. Not a big deal but it was still a surprise. Ask first.

We also once had the experience that we had arranged for one cab to carry 4 people and 4 bikes, and they sent 2, saying their big vehicle was unavailable. Again, not that big a deal, but we weren't expecting to pay for 2 cab fares.

My wife and I (we are both old guys) just did it. I had arrived with an aerial photo showing how to get there, really helpful. We went on the bike trail, against traffic. Traffic moves fast and close, but the bike trail is about 6 feet wide so it is not really dangerous. Our only problem was that the bike trail part was littered with all sorts of stuff, some really big, but lots of it just rocks that you really don't want to hit under the circumstances. Combined with a strong headwind and light rain it made the trip over a challenge. The next morning with the wind still from the South we didn't even need to pedal across, the bridge was shorter and the debris not so bad (or so it seemed).

My wife and I just road from Sedalia to Kirkwood Amtrak last week, with an included stop over in Jefferson City. Like some others, we road against traffic over the bridge. The shoulder is quite wide and relatively safe -- certainly safer than riding in downtown rush hour traffic in Seattle, which we do often -- but it STILL is fundamentally unsafe to ride against traffic on a road. Our innkeeper said he had asked the State why they hadn't added a shoulder on both sides and was told "We couldn't," with no explanation why. The new Hermann bridge is great. The best I've ever been on for cycling. (We were able to attend the dedication ceremony while we were there.)

Although many people do it or have done it, myself included, the intent of the bike lane is for north bound bike traffic. And, by Missouri state law it is unlawfull to ride against the traffic flow.



There is currently an effort being made in the Jefferson City community to secure the money to build a bike/pedestrian lane for the southbound traffic.

We walked our bikes across the bridge last week, and can report that while it's doable, it's also extremely stressful and unenjoyable. It added a lot of unnecessary anxiety after a beautiful, peaceful day of cycling.



So we called a taxi the next morning to get back to the trail, rather than start our day off in such an unpleasant way. Definitely a good move on our part, although we had to wait 90 minutes for them to put the bike rack on the taxi (we were the first cyclists they had this year). They recommend giving them a heads up if you intend to use them, as they only have one vehicle with a bike rack.



By the way, thanks to Paul Marlin for the directions he provided in this forum. We printed them before our trip, and used them to easily navigate the maze of ramps and passes to get to the bridge. But there's no way we'd ever attempt his option #1. It was unpleasant enough being on the northbound side of the bridge, even with the bike lane.

Over Memorial Day weekend I crossed the bridge going south, in the south bound lanes. It was not fun. Besides risking getting hit by a car, the wall is so low I could fall off my bike over it into the river. I wasn't aware there was a should lane on the northbound lanes or I would have looked for it.

If you are interested in reading about future plans,check out www.newstribune.com (the local newspaper) and do a search with (pedestrian bridge). Meanwhile phase I, the Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza will be dedicated on Wednesday, June 4. Come on down around 5:30 or 6 PM.

Phase II is "Taking the Katy to the Capitol." It too is coming, but the devil is in the details.

I always stay in Hartsburg, just 10 mile from Jeff, just to avoid the bridge. Can get a room right on the trail. The 10 miles are easy to make up, compared to messing with the bridge both in the evening and morning. Probably less than 6 miles difference if you count the distance from the Jeff trail head into town and back.

Just returned from a 4 day trip on the Katy from Sedalia to Hermann. CALL AHEAD. Don't count on businesses being open - even during the hours that are posted here. Apparently the economy is affecting the hours of these places in small towns.



Planned on dinner at the Riverside Diner in Boonville - they had closed at 2 pm on Wednesday.



Planned, even scheduled our trip around having dinner at Dotty's in Hartsburg - they had closed by the time we arrived at 5 pm. on Thursday (hours posted on here indicate they should have been open until 8 pm).



Nearly everything in Hermann downtown had closed by 5 pm on SATURDAY of Memorial weekend. Hermannhoff winery closed at 5 pm.



Part of the experience of biking the Katy is eating at places we don't normally get to, and we were very disappointed.



I am also sick of bar food, which we ended up living on all week. Not to slam the great Bar & Grill's in Hartsburg, Rhineland, Portland, but I like a little variety. Thanks to these establishments for being open when they say they are!

Kim-My mom lives in Hartsburg, and get just as nerved as you about Dotty's. I seems now days, shes open when she wants to be, wich is a bummer if you like that homestyle cooking she's known for. I know I do....

I have been riding the KATY for seven years now and I always enjoy staying at the B&B. Delores has always made sure that you feel comfortable and always questions if you would like something special for the continental breakfast. Nice rooms,shelter for your bike, all around great atmosphere,and great price for your room.Plan ahead for your next trip and call and reserve a room. I know you will enjoy your stay!

I have been riding the KATY for seven years now and I always enjoy staying at the B&B. Delores has always made sure that you feel comfortable and always questions if you would like something special for the continental breakfast. Nice rooms,shelter for your bike, all around great atmosphere,and great price for your room.Plan ahead for your next trip and call and reserve a room. I know you will enjoy your stay!

I have never eaten in this establishment. My only experience is with a parking situation.

I was going to take my family for a ride down the Katy Trail. It was a nice day and the trailhead parking lot was pretty full. I pulled into what I thought was a spot and began to unload the kids and bikes. An employee of the establishment was cleaning the patio and stopped to inform me of the following in a comabtive tone: "This is not parking for the Katy Trail. That is obvious. That should just be obvious." (I am hoping that I was not the first person who had done this and that was the reason of his agitation.)

While what he was saying was completely true, I certainly did not believe that it was deserving of a combative tone. I only post this to warn people to not my apparent and obvious act of stupidity. Don't park anywhere near this place if you are going to ride down the trail. From this man's tone, I guess that others must have been doing that, so I want everyone else to learn from my experience.

I have never eaten in this establishment. My only experience is with a parking situation.

I was going to take my family for a ride down the Katy Trail. It was a nice day and the trailhead parking lot was pretty full. I pulled into what I thought was a spot and began to unload the kids and bikes. An employee of the establishment was cleaning the patio and stopped to inform me of the following in a comabtive tone: "This is not parking for the Katy Trail. That is obvious. That should just be obvious." (I am hoping that I was not the first person who had done this and that was the reason of his agitation.)

While what he was saying was completely true, I certainly did not believe that it was deserving of a combative tone. I only post this to warn people to not my apparent and obvious act of stupidity. Don't park anywhere near this place if you are going to ride down the trail. From this man's tone, I guess that others must have been doing that, so I want everyone else to learn from my experience.

There is no excuse for rudness, however, as you saw parking is precious in Defiance and Katy Trail parking might cut into his business. I often park at Matson, which has never been full for me and is just 1.5 miles further west.

There is no excuse for rudness, however, as you saw parking is precious in Defiance and Katy Trail parking might cut into his business. I often park at Matson, which has never been full for me and is just 1.5 miles further west.

Thanks rdaines,

I will probably do that next time. Now that I think about it, Matson is usually really empty when I ride by. Good idea. I'm all for the small business doing well in towns like Defiance. I think that I was just taken aback by the immediate attitude I received for a simple mistake. I did not want any others (or the owners for that matter) to make the same error. Thanks.

Thanks rdaines,

I will probably do that next time. Now that I think about it, Matson is usually really empty when I ride by. Good idea. I'm all for the small business doing well in towns like Defiance. I think that I was just taken aback by the immediate attitude I received for a simple mistake. I did not want any others (or the owners for that matter) to make the same error. Thanks.

How ironic is it that when you drive by the Defiance parking area after dark the parking lot is completely full of the bar crowd's vehicles and the KATY Trail staff have to spend a considerable amount of time picking up beer bottles and cigarette wrappers every Saturday and Sunday morning.

How ironic is it that when you drive by the Defiance parking area after dark the parking lot is completely full of the bar crowd's vehicles and the KATY Trail staff have to spend a considerable amount of time picking up beer bottles and cigarette wrappers every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Interesting that the comment about cleaning up the Katy Parking lot in Defiance. I've been there the past few weeks to see if this is actually the case. Other than finding a few wine bottles from the next town south, and a few discarded plastic cups accompaning the bottles, there was no evidence of Bar abuse.

Interesting that the comment about cleaning up the Katy Parking lot in Defiance. I've been there the past few weeks to see if this is actually the case. Other than finding a few wine bottles from the next town south, and a few discarded plastic cups accompaning the bottles, there was no evidence of Bar abuse.

I like the place and have had nothing but good experiences there. They have even started serving delicious BBQ in the later afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays.

I like the place and have had nothing but good experiences there. They have even started serving delicious BBQ in the later afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Its a great place to stop for cold long neck after a long harley ride in the country.Hello from texas to my friends i met there.Sandy, Mark,Terry and Kathy and all.

Its a great place to stop for cold long neck after a long harley ride in the country.Hello from texas to my friends i met there.Sandy, Mark,Terry and Kathy and all.

We ate there when we rode the KATY trail several years ago. It was a great place to eat.

We ate there when we rode the KATY trail several years ago. It was a great place to eat.

We stopped by a few saturdays ago when biking down from St Chuck and grabbed a bite to eat. The waitress was very nice and no one fussed about us having our bikes up on the patio next to the table. Food was good. We arrived a little too early to enjoy the BBQ, but they were cooking it up as we left, and a band was setting up. Wish we could have stayed a bit longer, it smelled great. :)

We stopped by a few saturdays ago when biking down from St Chuck and grabbed a bite to eat. The waitress was very nice and no one fussed about us having our bikes up on the patio next to the table. Food was good. We arrived a little too early to enjoy the BBQ, but they were cooking it up as we left, and a band was setting up. Wish we could have stayed a bit longer, it smelled great. :)

I find it odd "Whiskey" said that the parking lot had no bar abuse, I used to work as a volunteer on the Katy Trail and I know for a fact this parking lot is one of the biggest headaches for the Katy Trail Staff to keep clean. On Saturday and Sunday mornings the Katy parking area is always littered with beer bottles and cups from Terry and Kathy's bar. The sad thing is, this parking area has never been on the State Parks official list of parking areas and could be closed at any time. The state has left it open due to it's popularity with trail riders and a fear of complaints if closed. The owners of Terry and Kathy's bar have continuously promised to help clean up the parking area and never once followed through with any action to do so.

I find it odd "Whiskey" said that the parking lot had no bar abuse, I used to work as a volunteer on the Katy Trail and I know for a fact this parking lot is one of the biggest headaches for the Katy Trail Staff to keep clean. On Saturday and Sunday mornings the Katy parking area is always littered with beer bottles and cups from Terry and Kathy's bar. The sad thing is, this parking area has never been on the State Parks official list of parking areas and could be closed at any time. The state has left it open due to it's popularity with trail riders and a fear of complaints if closed. The owners of Terry and Kathy's bar have continuously promised to help clean up the parking area and never once followed through with any action to do so.

A very sad end to Crestmead. The historic home burned Monday, March 3, 2008. Apparently caused by faulty wiring. So sad to think of all the wood fires in the fireplaces, the candlelight celebrations, and kerosene lamps used for more than 100 years, and then to have the house destroyed because of electric wiring! Only some remnents of lower walls and the front porch remained. Most antique furnishings in the house were also lost. The story is in the Sedalia Democrat newspaper, March 9, and can be found online in their archives section. The home was built by John Taylor in 1859. He was the son of James (Corn) Taylor, who was my great, great, great, great grandfather.

A very sad end to Crestmead. The historic home burned Monday, March 3, 2008. Apparently caused by faulty wiring. So sad to think of all the wood fires in the fireplaces, the candlelight celebrations, and kerosene lamps used for more than 100 years, and then to have the house destroyed because of electric wiring! Only some remnents of lower walls and the front porch remained. Most antique furnishings in the house were also lost. The story is in the Sedalia Democrat newspaper, March 9, and can be found online in their archives section. The home was built by John Taylor in 1859. He was the son of James (Corn) Taylor, who was my great, great, great, great grandfather.

I am a good friend of the owners of Crestmead. This has been a tragic loss for our community. If you don't know the owners and would like to get in touch with them, call me, 660-834-4333 or 660-537-1786.

I am a good friend of the owners of Crestmead. This has been a tragic loss for our community. If you don't know the owners and would like to get in touch with them, call me, 660-834-4333 or 660-537-1786.

Tom, I was also sickened by the loss of this great place and the history and beautiful architecture of the house. I do research on Missouri's Little Dixie plantation culture and I have used the plantation history of the Taylor family many times in my research and programs. I have been out there several times and could see that the family who owns the place loved the old home and had much pride in it. I would like talking with you further about your family connection with this historic site, can you please email me at: garyfuenfh@aol.com ... I also have a web site with some of my research at littledixie.net . You can contact me also by phone 660-837-3199.

Tom, I was also sickened by the loss of this great place and the history and beautiful architecture of the house. I do research on Missouri's Little Dixie plantation culture and I have used the plantation history of the Taylor family many times in my research and programs. I have been out there several times and could see that the family who owns the place loved the old home and had much pride in it. I would like talking with you further about your family connection with this historic site, can you please email me at: garyfuenfh@aol.com ... I also have a web site with some of my research at littledixie.net . You can contact me also by phone 660-837-3199.

Last month I completed hiking the Katy Trail. I did it in a piecemeal fashion over the last 12 years. I have been informed there is a web site where you can register your name as one who has hiked or biked the whole trail and that the site assigns numbers in relation to how many hiker/bikers proceeded you. My web search has not turned up this site. Can anyone direct me to this web page.

Thanks,

Jon Palmer

Jon,

Congrats on making it!!! Not sure of anything official but you are in good company as one of the few who hiked the entire trail. There's one man, who's name slips my mind, that's hiked the entire trail a few times. Then there's GC from Columbia and myself who have each done it once.

anyone who has the will power and stamina to hike the katy once , not counting more than once has to be something special. congrats to john, doug, gc and the rest who have done it. ya;ll did something special.

Stamina and will power to walk 225 miles in 12 years? A good memory perhaps....

Congrats, Jon.

Some of those miles get rather long and dusty.

Here's to another 12!

Eddie's is very convenient to the Hotel Bothwell, and on a Sunday night, it was practically the only game in town in walking distance (and we weren't getting back on the bikes). But the Guberburger was a treat, the service was great with that old time diner feel. We just missed about 40 "biker" types (the motorized persuasion). We figured 40 bikers can't be wrong...and they left some for us.

Eddie's is very convenient to the Hotel Bothwell, and on a Sunday night, it was practically the only game in town in walking distance (and we weren't getting back on the bikes). But the Guberburger was a treat, the service was great with that old time diner feel. We just missed about 40 "biker" types (the motorized persuasion). We figured 40 bikers can't be wrong...and they left some for us.

OUTSTANDING!! My husband and I, along with 2 other couples, were bicycling the Katy Trail and chose this B&B from their website. We were so lucky to be welcomed by Maggie and Eldon. The rooms were great, the showers great, the views, the birds, everything. We both highly recommend this B&B to anyone, especially to those who may be cycling the Katy Trail. You are only 1/2 mile from the trailhead and it's so easy to find. Our breakfast the next morning was outstanding and certainly fit for cyclists. We all really enjoyed visiting with Maggie and Eldon and hearing their stories, especially laughing at some of these stories. This B&B is certainly among some of the top B&B's we have stayed in.

Thanks so much to Maggie and Eldon for welcoming us into your home. We really enjoyed our stay and hope to come back.

Paul and Lynne from Texas

OUTSTANDING!! My husband and I, along with 2 other couples, were bicycling the Katy Trail and chose this B&B from their website. We were so lucky to be welcomed by Maggie and Eldon. The rooms were great, the showers great, the views, the birds, everything. We both highly recommend this B&B to anyone, especially to those who may be cycling the Katy Trail. You are only 1/2 mile from the trailhead and it's so easy to find. Our breakfast the next morning was outstanding and certainly fit for cyclists. We all really enjoyed visiting with Maggie and Eldon and hearing their stories, especially laughing at some of these stories. This B&B is certainly among some of the top B&B's we have stayed in.

Thanks so much to Maggie and Eldon for welcoming us into your home. We really enjoyed our stay and hope to come back.

Paul and Lynne from Texas

Stayed here May 19,20 and 21. Will be back!!!! Felt at home from the time we drove up the curving driveway to the hilltop. If you love birds, this is the place. Many, many different species. Beautiful home set on top of a hilltop with a meadow of grass on all sides. Very seculed. Front porch a lovely setting to begin your day with a cup of Maggie's coffee before a tasty breakfast and chat with other guests at the end of a delightful day on the trail. Wonderful people and wonderful bed and breakfast. Get's an A+ from us.

Stayed here May 19,20 and 21. Will be back!!!! Felt at home from the time we drove up the curving driveway to the hilltop. If you love birds, this is the place. Many, many different species. Beautiful home set on top of a hilltop with a meadow of grass on all sides. Very seculed. Front porch a lovely setting to begin your day with a cup of Maggie's coffee before a tasty breakfast and chat with other guests at the end of a delightful day on the trail. Wonderful people and wonderful bed and breakfast. Get's an A+ from us.

You can also reach me at pete49@earthlink.net. Thanks maxine

You can also reach me at pete49@earthlink.net. Thanks maxine

Im getting ready to do the katy trail this week starting in St. charles. Does anyone know of additional camping? Also can you camp on sandbars on the missouri river? Any info regarding camping for free would be great. Just seems like there could be more info for those of us who like to rough it a little more then others.

I hiked the entire trail last year, camped 90% of the time along the way. There is one RV park in St. Charles but they don't allow tents. I'd suggest going up the hill to a hotel when in good ole St. Chas. You'll find most of the campgrounds along the way priced anywhere from 7 to 12 dollars per night. I chose not to camp at the Traders in Wilton because it was just plain unkept and nasty. There is a small tent site on the trail just outside of Hartsburg in the Hart Conservation area. Nice place, extremely primitive, not for the faint at heart. All the other campgrounds were run by friendly people who take pride in their establishments. As far as sleeping on a sandbar two words: FLASH FLOOD. HYOH

I might be a little late on this one, but “free camping” is available at Missouri Conservation areas. In addition, to Hart Creek mentioned above, you can also camp at the Davisdale Conservation Area near Rocheport. Locations per this website.



I have also camped at the Daniel Boone Conservation Area east of Hermann (it is an approx. 2 mile hike/bike up a very steep-in certain areas gravel road). The gravel road crosses the Katy near MM 97 (as I recall). There is a sign on Hwy 94 (94 parallels the Katy to the south in this area) at this gravel road turnoff, and I believe the Katy is close enough that you can see it from the trail, but you need to be looking for it. There are several camping sites in this area.



In general, what you get at these conservation areas, is some sort of fire pit, an old picnic table(if you are lucky), and a sign that says camping allowed.



I also know that there are a couple of conservation areas along the Missouri River in mid Missouri that allows boat in camping. It seems that could work with the Katy also, but I am not familiar with these areas.



Also, if you read the new “Captain America’s” blog mentioned below, he is hiking across the U.S. When he was on the Katy, he apparently camped at the trailhead in Mokane and the trailhead at McKittrick. This is illegal, but I am not sure if they really ticket people for doing this if they are caught.

Just wanted to make folks aware of a new shuttle option on the east end of the trail. Katy Bike Rental in Defiance now has a weekend shuttle running between Defiance and Dutzow (a distance of 15 miles). This allows you to cover more of the trail, since you can use the shuttle to handle 15 miles of your return trip. Cost is $5 if you rent one of their bikes, or $10 if using your own bike.

Here''''s a link to their brochure (this is a PDF file which is over 1MB in size, so it may open slowly).

They also offer regular shuttle service, but the idea of a regularly scheduled point-to-point shuttle really stuck me as a neat idea.

If you were riding the katy trail from west to east, and wanted to catch the Amtrak back to Sedalia, what would be the easiest way to get from the east end of the trail in St. Charles, to the station in Kirkwood? Not sure I'd want to ride in the city traffic.

You'll find some ideas on the getting to Kirkwood page. This web page offers several bike route suggestions. If you prefer not to ride, you may be able to get a shuttle.



If you haven't already, I'd also suggest looking at the Amtrak / Katy Trail page.



Good luck!

Hello,

I'm planning on going to Sedalia from the Page Ave Extension starting Friday, May 23. I would like to get to Sedalia by Tues at the latest to catch the 5PM train back to Kirkwood. Is anybody else doing a trip that weekend?



ka3751

The trail is closed near the soccer fields at Creve Coeur Park. In case you're planning to use the bridge to access the trail, you probably should come up with another route.

Too late for this weekend but the part of the CC Park trail that is closed isn't part of the Katy Trail Connector. There is a section on the west side of the lake that is closed but it isn't on the direct route and easily bypassed.



The connection runs from the roundabout near the Lakehouse Cafe to the Katy Trail. It is open, however there is a detour around some road construction. Watch the rumble strips and a couple of the corners are rather sharp with rock, otherwise, no problem. I was told that detour will be in place until late August.

Becky's Burgers and Cones is a terrific place to stop. The blue plate special (sloppy joe and wilted lettuce)came on a blue plate! And the greens were fresh picked out of the garden that day. The strawberry ice cream pie was amazing. It's places like Becky's that make the Katy and Pilot Grove special.



We even met the mayor! City eateries are okay, but I'll take small town, family-owned places over fancy any day. Thanks Becky's for making our trip special.

"The Doll House is beautifully appointed and very restful after a hard day on the Katy Trail. The bedrooms are nicely furnished and the bathroom facilities are more than adequate. Located very near the Katy Trail the property is ideally situated in beautiful Rhineland. A nearby tavern serves up good food with attentive service. Breakfast was the highlight of my stay at The Doll House and Amanda is a very pleasant and hard working hostess. I think that The Doll House is an excellent value and I highly recommend it to anyone needing a nice place to stay along The Katy Trail.

Joe G.

St. Louis, Missouri

May 2008"