Katy Trail Forum

Once you have completed the trail(either direction) is there any way to get back to the other end(bus, train, etc?) if you have a vehicle parked on the end where you started?

For $33(w/bike) you can take the Amtrak. Kirkwood to Sedalia or vice versa. The only draw backs are the bike ride from St. Charles to Amtrak Station and Amtrak's "on time record". Shuttles are availible but the cost will be much more.



Happy Trails, Paulie

Last March we rode Amtrak from Washington to Sedalia. It cost $27 per person plus $10 for each bike. We were told that the ticket price depends on the number of available seats at the time of booking, so the earlier the better. We had booked two days ahead.



We enjoyed our ride from Boonville to Dutzow/Washington so much, that we are taking some friends next fall from Sedalia to St. Charles. What a great trail!

You may want to try one of the shuttle services. They are like a taxi for the trail, equipped to handle your bikes & gear. Here's a list: http://www.BikeKatyTrail.com/planner.aspx?chkShuttle=on

Show Me MO Tours @ www.showmemotours.com offers shuttle service all along the Katy Trail. All prices are listed on the website.

call 636-946-0619 for prices and details

When I call the number listed on this website for the Katy Trail Shuttle, I get a message saying the number is not in service. Does anyone know if the shuttle is shut down for the winter? Or has it gone out of business? I'm not interested in staying at a B&B, so innkeepers need not reply.

When I call the number listed on this website for the Katy Trail Shuttle, I get a message saying the number is not in service. Does anyone know if the shuttle is shut down for the winter? Or has it gone out of business? I'm not interested in staying at a B&B, so innkeepers need not reply.

I am doubtful about whether they will reopen. The owner has a lot of things going on, and scaled back his shuttling operations quite a bit in 2007. I would not be surprised if he decided to get out of the business. I'll try to find out more.

Meanwhile, here's a complete list of shuttle services. Most of the services will shuttle between any two points on the trail, so it's worth talking to some of them to see if they can help you.

I am doubtful about whether they will reopen. The owner has a lot of things going on, and scaled back his shuttling operations quite a bit in 2007. I would not be surprised if he decided to get out of the business. I'll try to find out more.

Meanwhile, here's a complete list of shuttle services. Most of the services will shuttle between any two points on the trail, so it's worth talking to some of them to see if they can help you.

Show Me MO Tours @ www.showmemotours.com offers shuttle service all along the Katy Trail. All prices are listed on line.

Show Me MO Tours @ www.showmemotours.com offers shuttle service all along the Katy Trail. All prices are listed on line.

Does anyone know of a shuttle service in Kirkwood that could take me back to St. Charles. I am thinking of parking there and riding the trail,then taking the Amtrak from Sedalia back to Kirkwood.

Show Me MO Tours, www.showmemotours.com, offers shuttle service from St. Charles to the train station in Kirkwood. All prices are listed on the website.

I've gotten a few questions about whether there are any flooding problems along the Katy Trail. At this point, as far as I know, everything is OK. The DNR is not reporting any trail closures at this time. Most of the heavy rains and flooding occurred to the south, and many of the problem rivers (such as the Meremec) actually feed into the Mississippi, rather than the Missouri. Also, I don't think the rains were as bad upstream, such as in Boonville and Kansas City.

Having said all that, I'm not a hydrologist, so my guesses and observations are no better than anyone else's. If anyone out there has any insight into current conditions, please let us know.

Here's a handy tool that I found which shows flood stages in the region. As of Thursday morning, it shows most Missouri River towns in the eastern side of the state to be at "minor flooding": NOAA Hydrologic Prediction Service.

One other encouraging sign - current weather forecast has no serious probability of rain until next Thursday (Jeff City & St Charles 10-day forecasts chance of precipitation do not get higher than 30% until the 27th). You can get current forecasts by clicking the links by the tent pictures on this page: Katy Trail weather

It has been raining for a few days now. I plan to go on the trail tomorrow at Weldon Springs. I just want to know since it has been raining, will the trails be under water?

Let me know how it is/was today, Matt, or anybody else, as I plan to ride from Hermann to St. Charles on Friday...it looks like most of the heavy rain is to the south of this area, and hopefully it will have time to dry by then.

OK- I'm hearing here in Dever about the flooding along the Missouri. We plan on riding KATY starting April 4th. Will this work? Where can I get reports about the trail being closed due to flooding?

I'm looking for advice on parking in Sedalia. I'm planning an April ride and wish to drive to Sedalia then cycle east to St. Charles and return via train in a few days. Is there a safe, free location in Sedalia. Thanks!



sgoakes

The depot is a good place to park. If you park in the east lot out of the way the locals will keep an eye on your car. You can leave your name and cell phone number with the folks inside in case they need to contact you.

I took my three kids ages 5, 6 and 8 for a trial run this weekend. We started in Boonville and headed East. The constant slight incline really was a bit too challenging for the kids and they made it 4mi out and then back. I was looking for about a 10 mi stretch of either flat or down hill and while this area looked somewhat flat, we didn't spend much time actually "sitting" on our seats to pedal. They have done hills before, but most of their riding has been on paved surfaces and they have never quite experienced an incline that seem to go on and on without a break. We are planning a two day trip over spring break and I think 8-10 mi will be their max. We may have two cars for a pick up and drop sites.

Jamain,

Did you head east or west ot of Boonville? I don't recall much in the way of inclines going east, but west... oh yeah.

Cheers!

GC

Other than the bridge crossing the river there are no hills between Booneville and Rocheport. You must have ridden west. I would suggest drivng to Rocheport and riding east along the bluffs. Ride out as far as you think the kids can ride back. The view is great and there are benches all along the way you can take a rest at. Be sure when you start to ride back east a short distance first and let the kids ride through the tunnel. Have a great ride.

From Rocheport go east to see the bluffs, cave, river, petroglyphs, etc. and go west a short distance to see the tunnel.

The stretch you were on (going west) has a steady icline to I70 goes downhill for a while then has several good climbes up to pilot Grove. See elevations charty at:



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



for an idea of what you were heading towards. Follow Cliff's advice - start at Rochport and head towards McBaine if you have little ones. Also, in the early spring you can expect the trail to be soft and a little harder to pedal. Later in the spring - summer -fall the trail gets packed down and drier and much easier to pedal.

The other thing is that the trail was quite soft in early March, and it is MUCH tougher riding when it is soft. Of course, you may have the same issue at Spring Break.

I'm planning to do the length of the trail in about a week (mid March). I see many of the trailheads are closed for the season. My concern is with water. Is there still water available at the trailheads? What are the options. Also, I was planning to park my car in Clinton at the recreation center indicated on this Web site. Is that still OK for four days? I am also still wondering which bike to bring. Options are a road bike, hybrid and mountain bike. Any suggestions given the time of year would be helpful.

Water is turned on in Missouri state parks on April 1. Local business establishments are your best bet for water before then. On distance rides I always carry a camelback and fill it and the bottles every chance I get if they need it or not. The hybrid is best suited for the Katy.

Yes, you can park at the police-patrolled rec-center in Clinton; just leave your information and estimated parking time in the office there. Emergency phone numbers, if needed, are posted on this website. You might also carry high-energy snacks to hold you between food outlets. You've wisely given yourself enough time to enjoy the trail.

I'm going to be visiting the Katy trail for the first time this weekend and was wanting to camp near Rocheport. I have been able to find very limited information regarding camping. Does anyone have any input regarding camping at Davisdate Conservation Area? Or other camping suggestions? Preferable a bit secluded. I'm not really looking to be near a bunch or RVs.

Primitive camping only is allowed anywhere in the Davisdale conservation area. You might also consider New Franklin.

Karen,

Campsites are available at New Franklin (9.6 miles from Rocheport) for a fee. They aren't bad...they have a showerhouse.

The place in New Franklin is The Katy Roundhouse, which is right on the trail. If you plan to stay there, you might want to call ahead to make sure they have room.

Thanks for suggestions. I'm currently trying to contact someone at The Katy Roundhouse for a possible reservation. What about camping at Diana Bend? Is the "primitive" camping too bad at Davisdale? I'm use to backbacking and not having facilities. Has anyone camped there? Is there limited camping? Is it crowded? What exactly is primitive camping? I can't seam to reach anyone at Davisdale.

I have the same question as Karen. I have a group of 4 dads and 10 boys. I was hoping to get some info about the campsite at Diana Bend or Davisdale.

I hiked the trail with one of my friends 2 weeks before I left for boot camp, we did primitive camping all along the trail at just random spots never having any trouble or issues. Just go off the trail a little ways *mark your direction so you dont get lost* and pitch tent......just avoid an open fire.

Ok, At the time I had no idea it was illegal, I assumed that the rule I saw posted at one of the conservation areas about primitive camping applied the whole way....Ignore the post about camping anywhere.

Its too bad that "guerilla" type camping is illegal. I understand the problems that could arrise but having to pay to camp or stay in a B&B just sucks.

I don't really think having to pay to camp is that big a deal is it?



Heck....I had to pay for my bike! And I have to pay for gas to drive several hours to ride it on the Katy. Even had to pay for the car darn it! If I'm gone all day, I even have to pay to eat!



Ahhhh....to be 12 again! Livin off Dad and Mom...stealin apples.....ridin the bike that Santa gave me.

Trek Biker....totally agree. Mike, if you ask first I can say from experience that there are small communities that allow FREE camping in their parks, you just have to be considerate and inquire first before "diving in". Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

And I agree with you. I never said I was inconciderate. I believe that permission should be given before "diving in". My point is, they tap you for every nickle and it would be nice if there were some more free camping areas for people who would like to rough it a little more. Having just done a good portion of the AT where there are shelters for campers, it would be neat to see something like that on the Katy.

My intention was not to start any problems.

Happy trails to all.

I'm just a beginner, and may be trying this on my own for now. I see a lot about biking, but can I just hike this trail and camp out in the Davis Conservation area anywhere? Are there signs that tell you where camping is okay?

Davisdale Conservation Area has two campsites each 3-6 bike minutes north of the trail. 3 miles west of Rocheport, west of the HW 40 overpass is a parking lot south of the Katy trail. Take the field access road over the levee to the north. 1/2 mile west from there is another parking lot to the south. Take the road over the levee to the north, then up a hill to the campsite. A little hike west on that ridge yields a nice bluff view of the river bottom. No toilets or water. Brochure says: "Primitive camping on a walk-in basis is allowed but only in designated areas." "No open fires except by special use permit or in fire rings provided." "Bicycles are allowed only on roads open to vehicles and service roads." No problem biking to campsites. The area can be thick with hunters from Sep 1 to Jan 31. Except then and with occasional scout groups, it is quiet. The hilly conservation area extends 2 miles further north with additional primitive camp sites.

A map: http://mdc.mo.gov/cgi-bin/atlas/gis4media.cgi?area=8229map

Is calling ahead to make camping site reservations a good idea if cycling the Katy over Memorial Weekend?

I would say almost certainly not necessary--B & Bs would be a different story. The main reason to call ahead would be to make sure the places you want to stop are actually open! Also, if you're planning to camp in the city parks, I think you do need to call ahead to arrange that.

For those wondering what "primitive" camping means at the Davisdale conservation area: No water, no firepit, no outhouse, nothing except a sign giving permission to camp. Not even a scenic view. Nothing except a parking lot. For anyone looking for a bit more, go east to Katy's Katfish.

Karen,

Davisdale has a campsite right next to the parking lot. Too open for my tastes. Go over the creek and follow the path (mowed lane)north for about 1/4 of a mile. The second campsite will be on the right about halfway up the hill. Nice spot, you'll see lots of deer in the morning. You have a few choices for water.

1. Pack your own in with you. Remember that water is 8lbs per gallon, gets heavy.

2. Buy a $30 pump water filter from REI, Bass Pro, Campmor, or some other outdoor dsports store. Katydyn makes a good one for under $30. This way you can safetly draw water from the creek.

3. Buy iodine or micropur pills at the same places, usually right next to the pumps. Tastes like crap but it's safe and beats the heck out of dehydration. Hint when using iodine or micropur: Sprinkl about a half teaspoon of kool-aid or other drink mix to mask the taste.

We had planned to camp at Dianes Bend but when we got there, it looked like the only camping area was off the trail and was almost like a parking lot. No trees, no tables, no firepit, no tables...nothing. We treked on up to Katfish Katys and camped there...it was nice.

In nearly every thread about services provided on the Katy Trail, comments are made about the deplorable lack of services for riders and hikers. These comments are usually followed by negative comments about prices of services that are available. My extensive experience on the Katy Trail is that I've never seen anybody getting rich serving hikers/bikers. Most service providers seem to be barely making it and then only by providing service to customers who aren't using the Katy Trail. I realize that the Katy Trail provides a low cost recreation option. If you're on a tight budget, please know that no business can survive unless it makes a profit. If most of that profit comes from non-trail users then you won't be the highest priority. If you want more trail services, patronize the businesses already in place and quit griping about the prices. If you think you can provide more services at cheaper prices then there is a great business opportunity along the trail for you. Don't forget--you expect these trail businesses to be open daily and for long hours most of the year.

So, do the Davisdale campsites north of the trail allow a fire? My understanding is that some of the Conservation Campgrounds do, some don’t.



Also, anyone ever try to camp at the Hart Conservation Campsite in Hartsburg? Do they allow a fire there? I have been by where I think it is a few times, and don’t recall if it even had a sign.