Katy Trail Forum

My wife and I are planning a 4 day vacation to the Boonville area this weekend for our anniversary. I have a couple questions. First we have rode bike with thin tires, can we use them one the trail? Secondly if not, will bike shops be open to rent from? I called one the other day and they told me they were due to close down for the season this week.



And finally, as it is my anniversary I would like any suggestions as to a place for a romantic lunch stop along the way, and the most scenic direction to go leaving Boonville.



Thanks for your comments and any advice you have to give.

Most of the trail is fairly compacted gravel this time of the year by heavy use during the summer months. When you say thin tires do you mean narrow width? I have ridden a bike with 27x1.25" tires before without any problems except for wet trail conditions or areas with freshly laid gravel.



You might give the Booneville to Rocheport ride a try in the morning and stop at the Les Bourgeois Winery & Bistro for lunch. You can't see the restaurant from the trail but if you go to the plan a ride section of this site you can get detailed information on it. There are two ways to get to it - one is to leave the trail, go through Rocheport turn right onto highway BB, go uphill and watch for the sign on the right. The other is to go past the Rocheport trailhead and watch for the bike racks on the left side of the trail (it's before you go under I70). You can lock your bikes up there and walk up the hill to the restaurant. This is probably the best way to get there.



After lunch, you can continue riding east for the views of the river and then turn around and head back to Boonville.



For riding variety, I always enjoy the stretch between Boonville and Pilot Grove - not as flat as going east of Boonville but it has nice country scenery.

First choice definitely Les Bourgeois, Abigail's in Rocheport would also be a nice choice.

Les Bourgeois is good...the view probably better than the food, IMO....but if in the Boonville area for 4 days I'd have to work in Cafe Napoli, Glenn's, and the Hotel Frederick in Boonville.

Lots of good advice here already. I would add that the ride west from Boonville towards Pilot Grove is alot of uphill grade. Not steep - but a grade non the less. Of course - the return trip to Boonville is great - especially if you have a little breeze out of the south.



Also - the pie at Doty's in Hartsburg is always good, but there just something about the pumpkin pie at this time of year that makes it taste especially good to me.



Happy anniversary. Enjoy the weekend.

I agree with Trek. For a romantic evening, I would stay at the Frederick and eat at Glenn's. The bartender, Koz, will take care of you and the wine list is extensive.

Happy Anni!

You must go to Les Bourgeois. The Rocheport to Columbia ride is great. Go Hogs!

I commonly ride the Katy and other lime stone type of trails with my street bike. 700x35 tires with little dirt nobbies.

We used 700 x 25 tires. My wife's were Gatorskins. I used normal tires with a Kevlar lining and slime tubes. Absolutely no problems during our 140 miles.

Hotel Frederick was neat and they have a storage room for bikes. Cafe Napoli was a good bet too.

This will be our first time on the trail, as far as that goes it will be our first trail except local roads. We have a limited amount of time and feel that we should plan for 25-30 miles per day. WE are looking at the week before thanksgiving staying one or 2 nights. Any recommendations on trips let us know.

Thanks in advance

I would start at Rocheport and head east for 25 miles to Hartsburg. Stay at the Globe Hotel and eat at Doty's (make sure you have a reservation at the Gobe and that Doty's is open the day you plan to be there). I would ride the 25 miles back to Rocheport the next day and have a cheeseburger and a shake at the Trailside Cafe or climb the hill to the winery and enjoy.

I agree this is a great plan, but if things aren't open in Hartsburg, which is a possibility, Boonville and Columbia are both alternatives. We recently stayed at the newly restored Hotel Frederick, which was gorgeous, and had a wonderful dinner at Glenn's. I think the spur into Columbia is at least as pleasant as the state trail. At the moment, Columbia is short on lodging that is convenient to the trail. Two B & Bs that aren't too far away are University Place and Taylor House.

The spur between "The District" in Columbia to the Katy is a wonderful ride...very pretty. It makes for a nice ride to Rocheport and back. I'm envious of you all, wishing that St. Joseph could use a tad bit of forward thinking to blaze a trail or two.



I would normally have thought that you could have just driven home for the night ET. lol An added benefit of staying at the Hotel Frederick and eating at Glenn's is 40% off your next hotel stay. (Restrictions apply.....but what a deal!)

Last Friday (Oct 12th) my husband and I rented bikes at Katy Bike Rental in Defiance (very friendly folks there, btw) and for the most part had a great experience riding east toward Weldon Spring for a bit, then back and on west to Augusta for some lunch and a couple of wine stops. The weather was perfect, the scenery gorgeous... but I have to mention one very nerve-wracking event to see if anyone else has experienced this.

A little after 12:30pm as we were nearing Augusta (heading west from Matson) we heard what sounded like gunshots in the distance. Didn't think too much of it, but about 1/4 mile from Augusta we again heard 4 or 5 shots - much closer - and heard the last one literally cross the path not far in front of us and brush the trees to our left, enough to cause us both to slam on our brakes. I think we were in shock not believing this just happened or could actually have hit us or anyone on the trail. We didn't hear the shots again and aren't sure if this was someone target shooting, hunting, or what. We informed someone at Augusta Brewing (first place we came to) but weren't offered much help as to what could be done.

We don't know how common recreational gun use is in these rural areas, but the fact that someone was shooting near enough and recklessly enough to have a stray bullet cross the trail is extremely concerning. We hope this was an isolated incident, and it won't keep us from riding there if we make it out again - but just a word of caution if you hear shooting nearby to be alert.

Any similar experiences or something more we might have done about reporting it?

We have entered into Deer season and, since the whole length of the trail pretty much runs through private land, hearing gunshots is common. If someone indeed shot across the trail they were being extreemly careless to say the least. To put it in perspective though, you are tons more likely to get creamed at a road crossing then you are to be shot by a hunter.

It is deer hunting season.....with a bow. Rifle season is about a month away. You should not have experienced stray fire from deer hunters this time of year.

I didn't mean to imply that they were actualy hunting....I was using the term "deer season" in the generic sense. Most of the deer humters in my neck of the woods start sighting in their rifles around this time of year since most of them have kids that will be hunting the youth season next weekend.

We rode the Katy Trail from Sedalia to Kirkwood Amtrak during October 10 through October 15. The trail had several notices about hunting posted along the route. The hunting seasons mentioned were clearly before and after our dates on the trail, the same dates those "stray bullets" occurred. We never heard any shots, but there was one of the typical trail "town" signs that had been shot to hell, making it nearly unreadable. I think it might have been Portland's, but I could be proven wrong.

I noted that the last time I rode through Portland, the sign looked like it had modeled for machine gun Kelly. I also noted a rather hostile attitude at the local watering hole on more than one occasion.



I added Portland to McBaine as towns I just ride past. Too many friendly places to visit instead. However, Portland has a very nice view of the river.

Signs with holes from shotgun blasts or rifle holes seem to be common in most rural areas. People get board, I guess, and seek out targets. A matter of perspective perhaps, beings I'm predominately a small town type, but I'd fear bullets far more while visiting the metropolis than I would in rural midwest. People are not an often hunted target out in middle of nowhere as they seem to be in the city. Kansas City has a crime/murder rate that far surpasses any stray bullet incident rate in rural Missouri.

I last rode the trail on the 4th of july weekend(by the way, a terrible time to do it, not the heat, but lots of things were closed)and noticed the signs in portland. that many bullet holes means that it happens a lot, or for a long time. I could just see the mayor and the sherriff sitting on a porch and blasting away.



hunters happen, accidents happen, but in my experience misses and lucky breaks happen a lot more. If you treat it right, you have a great story now and the odds are that it will never happen again. if it does, then you can start getting paranoid.

I agree with Nanj from KC about the disagreeable attitude in Portland. I stuck my head in the door at the Riverfront B&G to ask (quickly) if they were open for lunch. One of the guys at the table growled at me to shut the door so that the A/C wouldn't get out. I understand his concern but he could have achieved the desired result in a nicer way. The lady who took our order was very nice. Guess we just ran into a table of grouchy locals. They were also surly with a couple of young boys.

Eeveryone else was friendly along the trail, so why cast a sour spell over the trip with these sourpusses (despite good catfish).

It is now very easy to reach the nice little town of Hermann from the Katy trail, thanks to a new bridge that opened in August 07. This bridge features a bike lane that is safely removed from traffic. There are several B&Bs, restaurants, a brew pub, an an Amtrak station for those looking to exit from here.

Like many, I wondered how safe it would be to leave my vehicle unattended for several days as I rode on the Katy Trail. I left my vehicle in Windsor for several days and had no problems. The trail head parking area is clearly visible from a residential area and a gas station and store, making it feel less remote and therefore a safer place to park. Many other towns/trail head parking areas seemed very remote and made me feel uneasy about long term parking. For those begining their journey on the western part of the trail, I recommend Windsor. It is a safe and friendly town with a reasonably visible parking area.

We spent 2 nights at Lindenhof B&B and found everything superb. Debbie and Bill were great hosts, friendly, helpful and going out of their way to help us enjoy Augusta. Breakfasts both days were outstanding. Now we need to find another reason to be in the area. We enjoyed the hot tub and the outside fireplace.

We spent 2 nights at Lindenhof B&B and found everything superb. Debbie and Bill were great hosts, friendly, helpful and going out of their way to help us enjoy Augusta. Breakfasts both days were outstanding. Now we need to find another reason to be in the area. We enjoyed the hot tub and the outside fireplace.

THis place is fantastic! The owners are very nice and helpful. We felt like we were visiting family! The home is comfortable and not too fussy. The hot tub was comfortable (it was actually cool on a 102 degree day!) The food is amazing. Highly recommended! This was the nicest place we stayed on the trail. It was also the most expensive, but a great place to spend our last night on the trail.

THis place is fantastic! The owners are very nice and helpful. We felt like we were visiting family! The home is comfortable and not too fussy. The hot tub was comfortable (it was actually cool on a 102 degree day!) The food is amazing. Highly recommended! This was the nicest place we stayed on the trail. It was also the most expensive, but a great place to spend our last night on the trail.

My wife and I stayed here one night in mid-October. It was the last in a series of stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, McKittrick, and Augusta. As a "living" space, it was the best. A really inviting interior. We asked hostess, Debbie, about the building, and it was amazing how they had the foresight to see the potential growth from what started out as a rather small, simple building to what is now very attractive, useful, and spacious. The outside work only serves to compliment what has been done inside. Plus, the dining area, seems to make Debbie's wonderful breakfasts that much more delicious. True, it was easily the priciest lodging of the trip, but we credit that to Augusta being a prime getaway location for St. Louis, driving up the price for all lodging in town. Too bad Augusta doesn't have more to offer in evening dining spots of equal quality.

My wife and I stayed here one night in mid-October. It was the last in a series of stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, McKittrick, and Augusta. As a "living" space, it was the best. A really inviting interior. We asked hostess, Debbie, about the building, and it was amazing how they had the foresight to see the potential growth from what started out as a rather small, simple building to what is now very attractive, useful, and spacious. The outside work only serves to compliment what has been done inside. Plus, the dining area, seems to make Debbie's wonderful breakfasts that much more delicious. True, it was easily the priciest lodging of the trip, but we credit that to Augusta being a prime getaway location for St. Louis, driving up the price for all lodging in town. Too bad Augusta doesn't have more to offer in evening dining spots of equal quality.

Here's a nice write-up/review of the Claysville Store.

My wife and I, ages 67 and 73, made our first independent bike trip, Sedalia to Dutzow and return by Amtrak last week. We rode 185 miles at an average speed of 10 mph. We learned:



1, The trail is very good; we should have extended our daily travel, which was from 25 to 45 miles. 2, B&Bs were excellent, but some have a 4 PM access time, precluding getting to a location early and showering so you can enjoy the town. Inquire when making a reservation. 3, Many services other than lodging are frequently closed; plan to stay in larger towns and take lunch stuff with you. On my next trip, my stops, beginning in Sedalia, will be Booneville, Columbia (via a 9-mile extension at McBain), Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington, all towns where you will find restaurants open. 4, The bridges are OK except for Washington, where heavy traffic on a 4-mile approach with minimal shoulders, a very narrow bridge and a 30 mph head wind discouraged my wife from even agreeing to try it; our B&B host picked us up

Congratulations on your trip. Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the post and your perspectives. I enjoyed reading them.

Thanks for your info--particularly the mileage recommendations, very helpful for planning my own trip!

I am planning a one day ride. If I was to start in Rocheport should I ride east and return,

or west, if I am looking for the most striking landscape? Thanks

Ride a short distance west until you reach the old railroad tunnel (a must see when in the Rocheport area), then turn around and go east for the views of the river and trees.

Go east young man, east for the best scenery !!!

I agree with Gary, diffently ride west the short distance to the tunnel then turn around and ride east for the the best landscape. I don't know how far you want to ride, but a nice day trip is to ride from Rocheport to Hartsburg. It's aprox 28 miles to Hartsburg. We usually ride down in the morning, eat lunch at the winery or Dotties, then ride back in the afternoon. It's an easy ride and the the river on on side and the bluffs on the other make for a fantastic view. Check the days you are going to ride and make sure places are open because most of the places are closed the first part of the week. Have a great ride!!

I agree with the suggestions to go east. In fact, I got to do it last Friday. Rode Rocheport to Hartsburg and return. Pumpkin pie at Doty's in Hartsburg was wonderful!



As far as going west to see the tunnel - it's cool. A very nice feature. It's right there in Rocheport - just a few blocks from the trailhead and the Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop. It's worth seeing, but beyond the tunnel the scenery is much less exciting as you head west in my opinion.



Enjoy the ride!

we camped in hermann but we saw this campground and checked it out, we did not know it had electric and water but had we of known we would have camped here for sure. it's a very nice secluded area. The owners are very nice and trusting.

we camped in hermann but we saw this campground and checked it out, we did not know it had electric and water but had we of known we would have camped here for sure. it's a very nice secluded area. The owners are very nice and trusting.

Maggie and Eldon know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations. Plus a finch and hummindbird show that is a don't miss.

Maggie and Eldon know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations. Plus a finch and hummindbird show that is a don't miss.

The hosts here are very friendly, they took us into Hermann so we could have dinner and afterwards gave us a tour of the town. Their house is lovely and very peaceful. A great breakfast feast! It is a climb getting up the driveway.

The hosts here are very friendly, they took us into Hermann so we could have dinner and afterwards gave us a tour of the town. Their house is lovely and very peaceful. A great breakfast feast! It is a climb getting up the driveway.

With other stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, and Augusta, this was my wife's and my favorite stop along the Katy Trail. The place has the professionalism of many good B&Bs, but a visit with Eldon and Maggie is more like visiting your favorite aunt and uncle. They couldn't be more welcoming or accommodating. Maggie's breakfasts are great, and Eldon would probably, literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. They both have a great sense of humor, too, in the great tradition of Burns & Allen or Abbott & Costello. The place rests at the top of a hill with a serene view from the front porch, making the somewhat challenging ride up Maggie's Lane worth the effort. We'd have no hesitation going back.

With other stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, and Augusta, this was my wife's and my favorite stop along the Katy Trail. The place has the professionalism of many good B&Bs, but a visit with Eldon and Maggie is more like visiting your favorite aunt and uncle. They couldn't be more welcoming or accommodating. Maggie's breakfasts are great, and Eldon would probably, literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. They both have a great sense of humor, too, in the great tradition of Burns & Allen or Abbott & Costello. The place rests at the top of a hill with a serene view from the front porch, making the somewhat challenging ride up Maggie's Lane worth the effort. We'd have no hesitation going back.

Make sure you get to Pilot Grove before 3pm, most places to eat are closed. We were planing to eat at Beckys Burgers and Cones but ended up having to eat at the bar and grill.

Make sure you get to Pilot Grove before 3pm, most places to eat are closed. We were planing to eat at Beckys Burgers and Cones but ended up having to eat at the bar and grill.

I was hoping to eat there at lunch the other day but found them closed not sure if they are still open on a regular schedule.

I was hoping to eat there at lunch the other day but found them closed not sure if they are still open on a regular schedule.

We were there around noon on a Wednesday and the place was packed with what appeared to me mostly local folks. If they were closed for lunch, it must have been there one day off during the week -- Monday?

We were there around noon on a Wednesday and the place was packed with what appeared to me mostly local folks. If they were closed for lunch, it must have been there one day off during the week -- Monday?

If you are looking for good food at a reasonible price go to El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant on Market Street. It is easy to find, not far from the bridge on the main road. It's open Sunday nights too. If you like Mexican food, it is very good.

We're from the southwest and were pleased to find a Mexican restaurant this good in Hermann! patronize them.

We ate there just before the dedication ceremony of the new Hermann Bridge. At least two other trail riders had recommended it. We can see how someone might like the meals, but how can I say this tactfully? We didn't realize how good our Mexican restaurants in Seattle were. Of course, we have an ample Mexican-American population in Washington State, who know the difference between canned refried beans and real ones. I can say the service was fine, and the prices reasonable.

Cliff Manor is a great place for a Katy Trail cyclist. Our Riverview Suite included complimentary snacks and cold drinks and a very, very comfortable bed. Hospitality and service are first rate and not

intrusive.



We took advantage of the Deluxe Katy Trail package, including a cyclist's "goody bag" in the room (including some Aleve) and a sack lunch as we rode away.



Thom doesn't seem to be a cyclist himself but he has certainly done his homework about what a cyclist wants and needs. Bikes are well cared for and the frozen water bottles keep you thinking fondly of his hospitality far down the trail.



Breakfast was good enough to ask Thom where he got his sausage and what was the recipe for the wonderful "sauce" on the pancakes. We also had Thom prepare dinner for us at the B&B, so after our long day of riding we just walked down the steps to a fine dinner and then back up the stairs to bed. Perfect. Thom cares a lot about food.



By the way, we came over the bridge with no particular difficulty. From the North Jefferson trailhead take the spur off to the right until you get to the parking lot. Ahead of you is a overpass as you look toward the Capitol. Head off to your right a bit then back over the overpass to the "wrong" side of the busy highway, then head down the offramp and onto the bridge. The bike lane is six feet wide but you are riding against the traffic. An experienced road cyclist should have no problems but Thom is very happy to ferry people to and from the trailhead. On the other side of the bridge keep left at the first street then turn left and head back up the short hill. Cliff Manor is the large white house just ahead on your right.



We were looking for a base for future Katy Trail rides, in both directions, and are happy to have found this place. The Amtrak station is just a few blocks away. We've already discussed the logistics of bookending a multi-day ride with two stays at Cliff Manor.

Cliff Manor is a great place for a Katy Trail cyclist. Our Riverview Suite included complimentary snacks and cold drinks and a very, very comfortable bed. Hospitality and service are first rate and not

intrusive.



We took advantage of the Deluxe Katy Trail package, including a cyclist's "goody bag" in the room (including some Aleve) and a sack lunch as we rode away.



Thom doesn't seem to be a cyclist himself but he has certainly done his homework about what a cyclist wants and needs. Bikes are well cared for and the frozen water bottles keep you thinking fondly of his hospitality far down the trail.



Breakfast was good enough to ask Thom where he got his sausage and what was the recipe for the wonderful "sauce" on the pancakes. We also had Thom prepare dinner for us at the B&B, so after our long day of riding we just walked down the steps to a fine dinner and then back up the stairs to bed. Perfect. Thom cares a lot about food.



By the way, we came over the bridge with no particular difficulty. From the North Jefferson trailhead take the spur off to the right until you get to the parking lot. Ahead of you is a overpass as you look toward the Capitol. Head off to your right a bit then back over the overpass to the "wrong" side of the busy highway, then head down the offramp and onto the bridge. The bike lane is six feet wide but you are riding against the traffic. An experienced road cyclist should have no problems but Thom is very happy to ferry people to and from the trailhead. On the other side of the bridge keep left at the first street then turn left and head back up the short hill. Cliff Manor is the large white house just ahead on your right.



We were looking for a base for future Katy Trail rides, in both directions, and are happy to have found this place. The Amtrak station is just a few blocks away. We've already discussed the logistics of bookending a multi-day ride with two stays at Cliff Manor.

We were at Cliff Manor a couple weeks ago, and would certainly second the positive comments about staying there. Thom definitely tries to anticipate and satisfy cyclist needs with "automatic" services like freezing your water bottles overnight. We passed up the option for dinner there for our one night's lodging, but (1) the restaurants near by weren't that good and Thom's breakfast was great, so we have to recommend taking the dinner option.

We were at Cliff Manor a couple weeks ago, and would certainly second the positive comments about staying there. Thom definitely tries to anticipate and satisfy cyclist needs with "automatic" services like freezing your water bottles overnight. We passed up the option for dinner there for our one night's lodging, but (1) the restaurants near by weren't that good and Thom's breakfast was great, so we have to recommend taking the dinner option.

Definetly the best looking tree in the state. This tree has seen many things throughout history. I can't believe it is over 300 years old! If you visit this Burr Oak you won't regret it and it's graceful image will stick in your mind for many months to follow. We should throw it a birthday party for its 350th birthday.

Definetly the best looking tree in the state. This tree has seen many things throughout history. I can't believe it is over 300 years old! If you visit this Burr Oak you won't regret it and it's graceful image will stick in your mind for many months to follow. We should throw it a birthday party for its 350th birthday.

I actually have a load of hi-res photos of this tree... It's amazing to look at, and be around. I spent many nights thinking under this tree when I was in college at MU. I am 30 now, and have framed pictures of this tree all throughout my house.



This Burr Oak used to have a 'sister' Oak just ~ 75 yards away from it, but it was struck by lightning, and was used for firewood, I believe. This 'sister' tree was only marginally smaller than the tree with the placard. Feel free to email me if you would like some more hi-res pics, or if you have comments or questions about "The Big Tree".

I actually have a load of hi-res photos of this tree... It's amazing to look at, and be around. I spent many nights thinking under this tree when I was in college at MU. I am 30 now, and have framed pictures of this tree all throughout my house.



This Burr Oak used to have a 'sister' Oak just ~ 75 yards away from it, but it was struck by lightning, and was used for firewood, I believe. This 'sister' tree was only marginally smaller than the tree with the placard. Feel free to email me if you would like some more hi-res pics, or if you have comments or questions about "The Big Tree".

I see no place to stall horses overnight. Ideally it would be close to the half way point of the ride between Calhoun and Sedalia. Or is there any in Calhoun or Sedalia?

Here's a link to a recent discission of overnight spots for horses along the Katy Trail. Looks like the only options are Cruces in Calhoun/Windsor, and a few different places in Sedalia. You can click the town names in the map at the top of the web page, to get phone numbers for the businesses in that town.



Good luck and have fun!

The Sedalia House Bed and Breakfast is a country B&B that offers overnight horse boarding. Please visit our website listed under Towns & Services, Sedalia.