Katy Trail Forum

I was the frist person in the place on Wednesday. Fresh sandwiches, quick service, plenty of room to relax. You can see the shop from the trailhead.

I was the frist person in the place on Wednesday. Fresh sandwiches, quick service, plenty of room to relax. You can see the shop from the trailhead.

... and the homemade vegetable beef soup is hearty & delicious! Friendly folks, too.

... and the homemade vegetable beef soup is hearty & delicious! Friendly folks, too.

Thom is an excellent host! This was our first trip to the Katy Trail and did not expect this kind of service. Great room with view of the river and Capitol building. Need to make this a destination on your trip to the Katy

Thom is an excellent host! This was our first trip to the Katy Trail and did not expect this kind of service. Great room with view of the river and Capitol building. Need to make this a destination on your trip to the Katy

My husband and I will be staying in Rocheport in October and are looking for a 25 to 50 mile roundtrip ride out of Rocheport. It looks like we could either go west to Boonville or east to Easely. Which route would you recommend for scenery, points of interest, flatness, etc.? Thanks!

My husband and I will be staying in Rocheport in October and are looking for a 25 to 50 mile roundtrip ride out of Rocheport. It looks like we could either go west to Boonville or east to Easely. Which route would you recommend for scenery, points of interest, flatness, etc.? Thanks!

East of Rocheport for scenery.....west to log miles.



Beings you'll be close, for a fun side trip check out the Chestnut Festival in New Franklin on October 13th if you are visiting MO that weekend.

East of Rocheport for scenery.....west to log miles.



Beings you'll be close, for a fun side trip check out the Chestnut Festival in New Franklin on October 13th if you are visiting MO that weekend.

Totally agree with west for miles and east for scenery. I think it's the first Sat in Oct that Lucy's Bar and Grill in McBaine has the annual "testicle festival" if you like those sort of things. If you're not sure about it, they are cow testicles/mountain oysters, sliced and deep fried. The hubby likes them...for me, I'll order a cheeseburger.

Totally agree with west for miles and east for scenery. I think it's the first Sat in Oct that Lucy's Bar and Grill in McBaine has the annual "testicle festival" if you like those sort of things. If you're not sure about it, they are cow testicles/mountain oysters, sliced and deep fried. The hubby likes them...for me, I'll order a cheeseburger.

Rocheport east to Hartsburg is 25 miles...making your 50 mile round trip. There is a big pumpkin festival some time in October in Hartsburg. I don't know the exact date, but it is fun as my wife and I happened onto it last year.

Rocheport east to Hartsburg is 25 miles...making your 50 mile round trip. There is a big pumpkin festival some time in October in Hartsburg. I don't know the exact date, but it is fun as my wife and I happened onto it last year.

Go East! The scenery is great, the river is on one side and high bluffs on the other. The trial is flat and it is a nice easy ride. I would ride to Hartburg and then back to Rocheport. While in Hartsburg you can grab lunch at Dotties or the Summit Hill Winery. I have eaten at both and both are very good, it just depends on if you want a meal or just a light lunch. Dotties has very good meals and the winery has very good pizza and wine. The winery has a very nice outside patio where you can set and watch the trail while you eat and relax. Be sure and ride to the west end of Rocheport and see the tunnel. My Wife and I have enjoyed this ride several times. We start out with a good breakfast at the Trialside Cafe and Bike shop and then eat lunch in Hartsburg. It's about 25 miles or so each way so it makes for an enjoyble day on the trail. There will be alot of people on the trail on a Saturday but that should be no problem. Check out the towns listed on the mileage chart on this site and they will list all the points of interest along the trail to be sure and see. Have a great ride!

Go East! The scenery is great, the river is on one side and high bluffs on the other. The trial is flat and it is a nice easy ride. I would ride to Hartburg and then back to Rocheport. While in Hartsburg you can grab lunch at Dotties or the Summit Hill Winery. I have eaten at both and both are very good, it just depends on if you want a meal or just a light lunch. Dotties has very good meals and the winery has very good pizza and wine. The winery has a very nice outside patio where you can set and watch the trail while you eat and relax. Be sure and ride to the west end of Rocheport and see the tunnel. My Wife and I have enjoyed this ride several times. We start out with a good breakfast at the Trialside Cafe and Bike shop and then eat lunch in Hartsburg. It's about 25 miles or so each way so it makes for an enjoyble day on the trail. There will be alot of people on the trail on a Saturday but that should be no problem. Check out the towns listed on the mileage chart on this site and they will list all the points of interest along the trail to be sure and see. Have a great ride!

Thanks to all for your advice to go east! We are looking forward to our first time on the Katy Trail!

Thanks to all for your advice to go east! We are looking forward to our first time on the Katy Trail!

Neither eating place was open on Tuesday (at Hartsburg).

Neither eating place was open on Tuesday (at Hartsburg).

We are planning on doing a 20 (approx) trip in a few weeks and not really sure where to go. Was thinking about the Rocheport area and staying overnight. Does anyone have any suggestions? A winery must be included in the points of interest!!

We are planning on doing a 20 (approx) trip in a few weeks and not really sure where to go. Was thinking about the Rocheport area and staying overnight. Does anyone have any suggestions? A winery must be included in the points of interest!!

I haven't seen all the commentary on this forum, so this may already have been addressed. I am curious if there are any plans to include the elevations of the various towns along the Katy route?

As a matter of fact, one of the items on my to-do list is to add elevation to each of the town web pages, just like you curently see Population and Mile Marker. In the meantime, take a look at the Katy Trail Elevation chart, which gives you a very useful picture of the trail's rise and fall.

Thank you, Ray. The elevation chart is a great. Thank you for directing me to it.

Great food here, had a nice deli sub on 7 grain bread and also their sneaky snickers desert, yum. Probably one of the best places to eat on the trail. Beats the bar and grill which I ate at two because everything else was closed. Also nice that they are open everyday!

Great food here, had a nice deli sub on 7 grain bread and also their sneaky snickers desert, yum. Probably one of the best places to eat on the trail. Beats the bar and grill which I ate at two because everything else was closed. Also nice that they are open everyday!

What a find on the trail, gourmet food and at reasonable prices. I had the best ham and cheese sandwich ever on a prezel dough bun.

What a find on the trail, gourmet food and at reasonable prices. I had the best ham and cheese sandwich ever on a prezel dough bun.

I'm thinking of staying at the Sedalia House B&B and wanted to know what the ride was like on HH to get back to the trail. We are planning on taking Amtrak to Sedalia, stay the evening, and then bike East the next day. It appears we would have to bike on HH for about 4 miles. Does anyone know what that road is like? Does anyone recommend this B&B? Or any other recommendations for accomodations?

I'm thinking of staying at the Sedalia House B&B and wanted to know what the ride was like on HH to get back to the trail. We are planning on taking Amtrak to Sedalia, stay the evening, and then bike East the next day. It appears we would have to bike on HH for about 4 miles. Does anyone know what that road is like? Does anyone recommend this B&B? Or any other recommendations for accomodations?

We stayed there, and it was very pleasant. We didn't ride HH--the owners will shuttle you to and from the trail (we were riding with young kids). Having driven it, I would say it is sort of average for Missouri country roads--no shoulder, but reasonable visibibility and moderate traffic. So it's no trail, but not terrible. If anyone else has actually ridden it, they may have better insight. Another option in Sedalia is the Hotel Bothwell, which is right downtown (close to trail and Amtrak)--reasonably priced and comfortable. Breakfast definitely not as good as Sedalia House, but a good in-house restaurant. Check hours, though. They aren't open every day.

We stayed there, and it was very pleasant. We didn't ride HH--the owners will shuttle you to and from the trail (we were riding with young kids). Having driven it, I would say it is sort of average for Missouri country roads--no shoulder, but reasonable visibibility and moderate traffic. So it's no trail, but not terrible. If anyone else has actually ridden it, they may have better insight. Another option in Sedalia is the Hotel Bothwell, which is right downtown (close to trail and Amtrak)--reasonably priced and comfortable. Breakfast definitely not as good as Sedalia House, but a good in-house restaurant. Check hours, though. They aren't open every day.

The Sedalia House B&B offers a special package just for KATY Trail riders which includes shuttles to and from both the trailheads and the dinner location of your choice, as well as a snack pack that's big enough to serve as a sack lunch for the next day. And, of course, it comes with a full breakfast. Check out the website located under Towns & Services...Sedalia.

The Sedalia House B&B offers a special package just for KATY Trail riders which includes shuttles to and from both the trailheads and the dinner location of your choice, as well as a snack pack that's big enough to serve as a sack lunch for the next day. And, of course, it comes with a full breakfast. Check out the website located under Towns & Services...Sedalia.

Never used the B & B, but have stayed in the Bothwell. They are extremely accomodating to bicyclists, reasonabley priced, and only about 4 blocks off the trail.

Never used the B & B, but have stayed in the Bothwell. They are extremely accomodating to bicyclists, reasonabley priced, and only about 4 blocks off the trail.

Stayed at the Sedalia House last year and I highly recommend it. The room was great, the breakfast was great and the snacks for the road lasted all day. The hosts were very accomodating and allowed us to park our car there and picked us up at the train station when we returned.

Stayed at the Sedalia House last year and I highly recommend it. The room was great, the breakfast was great and the snacks for the road lasted all day. The hosts were very accomodating and allowed us to park our car there and picked us up at the train station when we returned.

The Sedalia House is beautiful inside and the host is very nice and talkative. The ride getting there and back has a few steep hills especially going back to the depot. If you take the back roads the traffic isn't bad at all. We were on HH for only 1 mile, but at night. Its hard to figure out where you are at night at the depot, but once you find Engineer Street you should have no problem finding it even in the dark. It is 4 miles from the trail.

The Sedalia House is beautiful inside and the host is very nice and talkative. The ride getting there and back has a few steep hills especially going back to the depot. If you take the back roads the traffic isn't bad at all. We were on HH for only 1 mile, but at night. Its hard to figure out where you are at night at the depot, but once you find Engineer Street you should have no problem finding it even in the dark. It is 4 miles from the trail.

The food is good here, it was recommended by our host at the Rivercene. Very good Greek food at a lower price. One block from the foot of the bridge.

The food is good here, it was recommended by our host at the Rivercene. Very good Greek food at a lower price. One block from the foot of the bridge.

This is something you don't want to miss if you like history and a gift shop.

This is something you don't want to miss if you like history and a gift shop.

Dutzow deli has the best chili around. Everything else is great too!

Dutzow deli has the best chili around. Everything else is great too!

Wide selection of bike accessories and parts along with ice cream and snacks. Friendly workers willing to assist. Bought a book and left it at the store...they mailed it to me with no extra charge..top notch customer service. Plan for this to be a regular stop.

Wide selection of bike accessories and parts along with ice cream and snacks. Friendly workers willing to assist. Bought a book and left it at the store...they mailed it to me with no extra charge..top notch customer service. Plan for this to be a regular stop.

A Must Stay!! Rhonda & Leo was the friendliest people you will meet. Room was very nice and breakfast the next morning was top notch. The hot tub is also a nice bonus.

A Must Stay!! Rhonda & Leo was the friendliest people you will meet. Room was very nice and breakfast the next morning was top notch. The hot tub is also a nice bonus.

Nice Establishment! Easy to locate. Service and people were great. Pork Tenderloin sandwich was fantastic! Went back next day for lunch. The bike rack on the side of the building made me feel welcomed.

Nice Establishment! Easy to locate. Service and people were great. Pork Tenderloin sandwich was fantastic! Went back next day for lunch. The bike rack on the side of the building made me feel welcomed.

Fantastic Place to Stay! After riding 111 miles in one day, I was greeted with a cold glass of lemonade. Globe has three bathrooms (one with a shower, a bathtub and half bathroom). Washer & Dryer are available to clean dirty riding clothes. Breakfast in the morning consisted of various yogurts, homemade muffins, bagels, hardboiled eggs, and multiple drink options. Owner even gave me two muffins for the road....awesome!

Fantastic Place to Stay! After riding 111 miles in one day, I was greeted with a cold glass of lemonade. Globe has three bathrooms (one with a shower, a bathtub and half bathroom). Washer & Dryer are available to clean dirty riding clothes. Breakfast in the morning consisted of various yogurts, homemade muffins, bagels, hardboiled eggs, and multiple drink options. Owner even gave me two muffins for the road....awesome!

Stopped into Deon's Bar & Grill from the trail. Easy access from the trailhead, and great service. Filled up my water bottle & camelback with ice & water.

Stopped into Deon's Bar & Grill from the trail. Easy access from the trailhead, and great service. Filled up my water bottle & camelback with ice & water.

This was a fun place to stay. The homemade meal included real mashed potatoes & real butter,barbequed ribs,baked squash,green beans and bread. Nothing processed here. We especially enjoyed the bonfire after the dinner, and the host's warm hospitality. We would recommend the Rendleman home to anyone wanting a relaxing, comfortable country stay, with great food and wonderful conversation.

We also enjoyed our stay here. The meals and conversation were very enjoyable. It really felt as if we were spending time visiting with a cycling buddy in his kitchen as he prepared supper. Doug (our host) also saved our trip from the disaster of having a flat tire without repair kit (mountain bike tires are supposed to be invulnerable, right?). Because he was shuttling our van in the morning we were able to contact him while he was en route and he met us, lent me his bike, and then took my wheel to a bike shop for repair. By the next trail head he was back and I was back on my own bike.

I am not sure WHY there is such a puch to ride the Katy in 24 hours. I planned a 7 day ride and enjoyed every mile of it viewing streams, wildlife and foilage not to mention the bluffs and Old Many River plus some really special locals who live along the trail. I am a very athletic 77 year old woman and rode it alone to savor a very special state. If anyone wants suggestions for an indepth adventure on this longest narrowest state park pleasce contact me.

Congratulations on your ride. It sounds great.



In answer to your question - I can think of many reasons to do it in a day and I can also think of many reasons to do it in 7.



That's the beauty of the KATY....it is open to adventures of all kinds.



Congratulations again on the ride.

It was wonderful to read your description of your experience and I was amazed you did this alone! How fantastic! My husband and I are planning a Katy Trail trip in the next couple of years and definitely want to savor every moment as you did.

Thank you!

nelda, what a wonderful story. sounds like you had a great time, and met some great folks. thanx for sharing your ride.

Cold beer, good food, and fast service. Plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Great stop for lunch.

Cold beer, good food, and fast service. Plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Great stop for lunch.

Rhona and Leo know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations.

Rhona and Leo know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations.

There is a new stop on the trail as of 9-24-07. It's Missy's Mart on the west side of Tebbetts. Open early with coffeee sandwiches and snacks soda etc. Has easy access and a friendly owner.

That's good to hear! Will stop next time I'm in the area.

My husband and I had a fantastic time at Doug's place. We rode 71 miles that day and for the last 20 miles my husband was struggling with a slow leaking tire. Doug, who is an avid cyclist himself, keeps a small store of bicycle maintenance supplies. He had a tube that fit Craig's tire and got him all fixed up for the rest of our ride.



Doug cooked us up a delicious feast for dinner including grilled chicken, hamburgers, brats, spaghetti squash (the best I've ever had), potato salad, green salad and butternut squash soup. YUM!



That evening he kept a bonfire going and a friend stopped by with mandolins and guitars and we sat around the fire singing and playing (I'm a musician). What a great time!



Breakfast was thick slices of homemade French toast with molasses and strawberries. Everything Doug cooks is from scratch and usually grown in his garden. Very fresh and very delicious.



The best thing about Doug's place is that Doug really understands cycling. He cycles almost every day and uses the trail to go to the grocery store, the bike shop and almost everything else. His place is really more of a hostel for cyclists than a fancy B&B and Craig and I appreciated that very much. It is probably the best place along the entire trail for real cyclists who will enjoy Doug's cycling stories and personable character. He is a great host.



I enthusiastically recommend Rendleman home and Craig and I are coming back to stay again in October. We are definitely planning to become regulars at Rendleman and feel like we've made a good new friend. Thanks Doug!



~ Blue

My husband and I had a fantastic time at Doug's place. We rode 71 miles that day and for the last 20 miles my husband was struggling with a slow leaking tire. Doug, who is an avid cyclist himself, keeps a small store of bicycle maintenance supplies. He had a tube that fit Craig's tire and got him all fixed up for the rest of our ride.



Doug cooked us up a delicious feast for dinner including grilled chicken, hamburgers, brats, spaghetti squash (the best I've ever had), potato salad, green salad and butternut squash soup. YUM!



That evening he kept a bonfire going and a friend stopped by with mandolins and guitars and we sat around the fire singing and playing (I'm a musician). What a great time!



Breakfast was thick slices of homemade French toast with molasses and strawberries. Everything Doug cooks is from scratch and usually grown in his garden. Very fresh and very delicious.



The best thing about Doug's place is that Doug really understands cycling. He cycles almost every day and uses the trail to go to the grocery store, the bike shop and almost everything else. His place is really more of a hostel for cyclists than a fancy B&B and Craig and I appreciated that very much. It is probably the best place along the entire trail for real cyclists who will enjoy Doug's cycling stories and personable character. He is a great host.



I enthusiastically recommend Rendleman home and Craig and I are coming back to stay again in October. We are definitely planning to become regulars at Rendleman and feel like we've made a good new friend. Thanks Doug!



~ Blue