Katy Trail Forum

why do the mile markers start at mile 39 in st. charles? where's 1 thru 38?

As I understand it, the mile markers are actually railroad mile markers for the line that ran where the trail now is.

Maybe 1 starts 38 miles east of St. Charles, at Machens, which may still be under construction?

i don't think machens is 38 miles from st. charles.

As I understand it, the mile markers are actually railroad mile markers for the line that ran where the trail now is.

- posted 6/5/2007 11:01:54 AM by Mike Arnold , O'Fallon



this makes sense. thanks for your answer.

Mike called it - these are the mile marker numbers that the railroad used.



Machens will actually be something like mile 27, whenever they finally finish the extension. Honestly I'm not sure where mile 0 was - probably somewhere in Illinois, which was presumably the start of the MKT rail line (any railroad buffs out there know about this?).



One interesting side effect of this numbering system, is that your actual mileage may differ slightly from the mile marker mileage when you ride through Sedalia or Rhineland. That's because the Katy Trail route varies from the old rail bed in these two towns, taking you a slightly longer distance than the more direct railroad route. Not enough to make much difference, but something to be aware of if you are wondering why your bike computer mileage suddenly seems to be slightly off.

thanks for all the replies

In addition, your mileage may very at Boonville (over the river) and, most significantly, St. Charles (Family Center).

If you look at the old MKT railroad maps, the MKT railroad did indeed go through Machens(MM=27), then they show a sharp turn to the SE and then listed Baden and then the City of St. Louis as stations. So, this route would take the line back over the Missouri River just east of Machens and stops before the Mississippi River. This would seem to place MM=0 in the City of St. Louis. The old railroad bridge across the Missouri is just west of the current Hwy. 67 crossing.

(I meant vary, not very.)

Anyhow, for one of those old railroad maps:

http://www.katyrailroad.org/map.htm

And a new map of the old line:

http://www.missouri-central.railfan.net/maps.html

We are hoping to fly in and bike a section of the trail. We would need to rent bikes and plan to stay in a B&B. My question... Is there a particular section of the trail that is a "must see or must do" that we should plan our entire trip around? Thanks...

brian, richmond, va.

i would definetly go from rocheport east/ i do believe that is the most scenic. also i would check with the trail side bike rental in rocheport. they have bikes you can rent and buy, and they are very knowledgeable. as far as the b& b's, can't help you there. maybe someone else can.



have fun, be safe, welcome to missouri.

Rocheport in my opinion is the most scenic part of the trail, the only problem is it isn't located close to an airport. It's aprox 100 miles east of Kansas City. The St. Charles trailhead is close to the St. Louis airport but the ride from there to Defiance is not very scenic. In Rocheport the Trailside Bike Shop rents bikes and I would recommend the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest for a Bed and Breakfast. We have stayed there and it was a great place to stay. The winery just down the trail from Rocheport is very nice and the General store in Rocheport is good place to eat and look around. We ride from Rocheport to Hartsburg and then back the next day, it's a short trip of 28 miles each way. In St. Charles you could rent a bike at Monemtum Cyles on Main Street just a block west of the trailhead. We rode that section a couple of weeks ago to Marthasville and stayed at the Critter Cottage B&B. Bob and Judy will pick you up at the trailhead and take you to the cabin in the woods. It was a nice quiet retreat away from everything and the breakfast Judy made was fantastic. It's a 38 mile ride each way. Hope this helped, have a great ride.

Can you park for an extended period of time at the Sedalia Trailhead?

yes

I've parked there before for several days. Park in the lot east of the depot over by the houses. They keep an eye on the lot. I leave my name, cell number, and car info at the depot just in case too.

We had some trouble finding a place in Augusta that would take our party, since it was large (9 people), and included children, but somewhere I came across the River Witch Cabins, run by the same people as the Eidelweiss Guest House and Ashley Rose. This worked out perfectly for our party of two families who know each other very well--it wouldn't be for everyone. The cabin is actually 2 cabins ca. 1830, relocated from somewhere nearby and joined together with one big front porch and restroom facilities in the connector. One drawback is that there is only 1 shower, and a second half bath. When we arrived, we checked in at the Eidelweiss Guest House, just across the street, and were greeted with a bottle of Augusta wine (good!), and a plate of cheese, crackers, sausage and fruit. The cabin has 3 rooms, a sitting room with lots of chairs and a small table and chairs, plus a sideboard with coffee-making supplies, tea and hot chocolate. There are 2 bedrooms, one in the loft of one cabin, with a king-sized bed and a double bed, which had plenty of room for our 5 kids. The other bedroom has a king-sized bed and 2 double beds. The accomodations were very comfortable, but of course, not very private. We had dinner that night at the Ashley Rose, a place where we had eaten several years ago and not been impressed. A different story this time--really good food--fresh lettuce from their own garden in the salad! The next morning, our breakfast was there, too, and it was a highlight of the trip--fruit, coffeecake, french toast, eggs benedict, sausage, and potato pancakes--wow!

We arrived at the b&b just as the rain started. This is not your typical pretty B&b, but Doug is friendly and welcoming. We had prearranged that he would cook dinner, since there are no nearby restaurants. He had a tasty spread, including pot roast, salad and mashed potatoes. At our request, he also supplied some local wine. Breakfast was french toast made with bread from a Hermann bakery, and French toast.

Our family did our 6th annual Memorial Day Weekend Katy Trail Ride, starting in Columbia on Friday. Our party was 4 adults and 5 kids, ages 13,12,10,8, and 6. We ate good Thai Food at Cooper's Landing and then stayed at an old favorite, The Globe in Hartsburg. The trail was rough around Cooper's, but the mud had been scraped off, so it was rideable even for our younger riders and the person pulling a trailer. LOTS of mosquitoes--more than we have ever experienced before, made even daytime stops pretty short.

We will be in Jefferson City on June 11 from NE Indiana. Will probably ride 20-30 miles east and west of city for day trips. Wondering what the conditions of the trail are as a result of the flooding. Thank you for the info.

I drove the route parallel to the Katy trail east of Jefferson City(McKittrik to N. Jeff City). It is perfectly fine. I suspect it is the same on the West side since the trail is farther from the river there. Enjoy the ride!

We rode from Columbia to St. Charles over the holiday weekend. The trail near Easley was a little soft, but DNR (I assume) had scraped the mud off the top of the trail. They hadn't yet re-gravelled it, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's been taken care of by now. There was no standing water anywhere, but plenty of mosquitoes, presumably thriving after the flooding!

Chuck's was in the right location at the right time when I had a mechanical problem. Chuck seems willing to drop what he is doing to help a cyclist touring the KT. Don't expect a display of the latest bikes made of unobtanium. Do appreciate an enthusiastic shop owner who can make a speedy repair to get you on your way.

Chuck's was in the right location at the right time when I had a mechanical problem. Chuck seems willing to drop what he is doing to help a cyclist touring the KT. Don't expect a display of the latest bikes made of unobtanium. Do appreciate an enthusiastic shop owner who can make a speedy repair to get you on your way.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Doug is a cyclist, the only one we stayed with. We shared good cycling converstion. He has great food, a floor pump, and lets you do laundry! Just don't expect typical B&B.

Doug is a cyclist, the only one we stayed with. We shared good cycling converstion. He has great food, a floor pump, and lets you do laundry! Just don't expect typical B&B.

Beautiful B&B. Very helpful. Most comfortable bed and best coffee on trip.

Beautiful B&B. Very helpful. Most comfortable bed and best coffee on trip.

This motel is within 1 mile of the first Trailhead (Equestrian Trailhead). You ride south of the trailhead to 32nd street and then left to the motel---corner of 32nd and Limit (65 highway)

This motel is within 1 mile of the first Trailhead (Equestrian Trailhead). You ride south of the trailhead to 32nd street and then left to the motel---corner of 32nd and Limit (65 highway)

Easy to reach hotel with washer and dryer on site. Good breakfast for hotel.

Easy to reach hotel with washer and dryer on site. Good breakfast for hotel.

We stayed there just before leaving on our bike trip and the day we returned from St Charles. The hotel can be reached easily via back streets from the trailhead, which is about 2 miles away. The rooms are confortable and the breakfast is your typical cereal, juice, bananas and bread products. This is close to Wal Mart, a grocery store and several restaurants. There is a bike shop down the street for last minute equipment. I recommend this place. The guy who runs the hotel is very friendly and helpful.

We stayed there just before leaving on our bike trip and the day we returned from St Charles. The hotel can be reached easily via back streets from the trailhead, which is about 2 miles away. The rooms are confortable and the breakfast is your typical cereal, juice, bananas and bread products. This is close to Wal Mart, a grocery store and several restaurants. There is a bike shop down the street for last minute equipment. I recommend this place. The guy who runs the hotel is very friendly and helpful.

I agree with evrything said, but want to add that there is a laudramat nearby.

I agree with evrything said, but want to add that there is a laudramat nearby.

pro velo is now located on ohio in the downtown district. check them out!!

pro velo is now located on ohio in the downtown district. check them out!!

pro velo is a great bike shop with wonderfull staff that are very friendly. they have everything you might need for your steed. ****

pro velo is a great bike shop with wonderfull staff that are very friendly. they have everything you might need for your steed. ****

I was interested in hitting the trails with my kids ages 2,6,11,13. We're relative novices so I don't know how far we can expect to go in a short trip (2 hours?) Maybe New Franklin to Rocheport. Any suggestions? Thanks

Ten miles (New Franklin to Rocheport) might be just a little too much for your youngest riders, and I'm assuming your 2 yr. old will be in a trailer behind one of your bikes. Almost everyone who has ridden this part of the KATY trail agrees that Rocheport is a good starting place. It has all the services you need and the scenery heading south is spectacular! I would suggest starting there, going through the tunnel, which is a few blocks back towards the northwest, then turning around and proceding past the Rocheport trailhead going south. If you wail until your children start telling you they're worn out it will take a long time returning to your starting point. Don't worry about counting the miles, or reaching another small town, just have fun and enjoy the experience.

I just called to check rates and this is now the "Sportsman's Lodge." The lady on the phone was nice, and the summer rate is $50 for two. The phone # is the same....Peace!

I just called to check rates and this is now the "Sportsman's Lodge." The lady on the phone was nice, and the summer rate is $50 for two. The phone # is the same....Peace!

I would like to know if it is OK to park my vehicle (an old pick-up truck)for an extended period (say 10 days tops)while I use the trail? I would be using one of the parking areas near the St. Charles trailhead.



Thanks!

Steve S.

Aurora, IL

I rode from St Charles to Marthasburg a couple of weeks ago and at the St. Charles trailhead the lots had signs saying no parking from 2AM to 5AM. I asked at the bike shop on Main Street and they said that in the lot behind their shop you could park in the last row. I stayed at the Country Suite Hotel on the south end of Main the night before I rode and they let me park my truck in their lot while I was gone. They also kept my luggage for me so I wouldnt have to leave it in my truck, so that might be an option if you are getting there the night before you ride. I,m sure one of the B&B's would probably do the same. Have a great ride.

Do you have to have a helmet to ride on the Kay Trail?

I believe that the only time a helmet is required on the Katy is for people who participate on the DNR ride, which they do require a helmet. I don't believe there is a state law in Missouri requiring bicycle helmets anywhere, even on roads. However, I always wear one when biking on streets, and take it off when I am on a flat trail like the Katy.

I know a man who was riding his bike without a helmet on a city street, when he unknowingly made a slight turn on some sand and went sprawling to the ground. He was knocked unconsious and woke up with a passerby helping him into her van, then taking him to the hospital. This experience made a believer out of him and he went out and bought helmets for his whole family. It's a shame that some have to go through the bad experience to learn of helmets usefulness. I have never taken a serious fall in 20 years of bicycling on streets and trails but I always wear my helmet because if I do fall, and injure myself I'd like to be awake and aware of my condition. And if I'm alone there is no one to call for help. These are just my thoughts.

Interesting Norm....I think I'll risk it if there are women in vans out there pickin people up. lol

I can't say enough about Katy Bed & Bikefest Carriage House. Fabulous. Perfect for four women who like to laugh out loud, or for a family with a few kids. It's a bit of a hike up the steps, but well worth it. Definitely the place to be for an overnight stay in the cute hamlet of Rocheport.



We'll be back, and we'll do the Mighty Mo canoe trip, for sure.

I was reading the Katy Trail Guide book to familiarize myself with the services along the trail. The book says there is the Cycle Depot in Hartsburg but the website does not list it. Does anyone know?

I plan to ride the trail the week of June 11, is the trail still effected by the flooding?

They've moved to much higher ground. In Jefferson City on the other side of the river.



http://www.hartsburgcycledepot.com/

We took a break here last week and ended up on the 6 o'clock news after being interviewed about the flooding. (My 2 minutes of fame!!) We tasted some wine and ended up riding back to Jeff City with a wine bottle where my water bottle used to be (FYI...it's a perfect fit)

We took a break here last week and ended up on the 6 o'clock news after being interviewed about the flooding. (My 2 minutes of fame!!) We tasted some wine and ended up riding back to Jeff City with a wine bottle where my water bottle used to be (FYI...it's a perfect fit)

Thanks for the FYI on the wine bottle...I often wondered where I would put that wine bottle if I really wanted it bad enough.

Thanks for the FYI on the wine bottle...I often wondered where I would put that wine bottle if I really wanted it bad enough.

My friends and I were riding on Thursday near Green Ridge and found a camera on the trail. Was wondering if anyone was missing it???

Has anyone camped lately at the Marthasville Community Center Park? I've been trying to contact Don Sherman, but haven't had any luck. We have a group of 20 looking for a place to camp near Marthasville in July. thanks for any info

Keep trying to contact him. The park is really nice and is a great place to camp. Little League season is upon us so you might have to wait until late evening to set up. Anyway, great place, super people.

I will be riding the trail from Sedalia to Herman. I have read of washouts, etc. Knowing

these may change based upon the weather, where do you recommend, if it rains, to be

more aware of the trail conditions on short notice?



I wil be with a friend and will take necessary gear in case of flats, etc. but still would like

to know if rain affects certain areas more quickly than others such as flooding, soft spots,

washouts, etc.



Thanks to anyone who has info about possible trouble areas which could be of concern to

us during or shortly after a rain storm.



Happy riding to all!!!

Got a ride in last week and between Beamen (just east of Sedalia) to Boonville there were no trail issues. Between Boonville and Rocheport was fine except for the last 2 or so miles before Rocheport...was pretty rough at that time from flooding waters. Rocheport down to Cooper's landing was fine but looked like it was starting to get rough there. Spoke to a biker who said that Between Cooper's Landing and Hartsburg had some pretty rough wash out spots. With the DNR ride coming up in 2 weeks, I imagine they are working pretty hard to get the trail back in shape.

just be careful going through those tunnels. They're real low. If you go to the very end of that trail in Columbia there's a little mom and pop restaurant that serves a hefty breakfast.

My thru-hike for the whole trail has been moved up to departing on the fourth. I had transportation lined up from CC to Sedalia and back to CC the next day. My plans fell through, welcome to my world. B&L is booked that day, any other ideas? I could hike from Sedalia to Pilot Grove but am curious about alternatives.

I did the Sedalia to Pilot Grove stretch in one day last September. It's quite a hike. Carry lots of water if you do



Greg

I had to make a change in my plans and will leave Clinton on Monday the fourth. Wish me luck and please don't hit the guy in the yellow hat!!!!

Good Luck, Doug!



When are you going to be in the Mid-Mo area? I might see you on the trail? I need to get the cobwebs off so I can finish my hike in the second week of July.

Good Luck again!!

Greg

Is it possible to get a shuttle from Sedalia back to Jeff City if we park at Jefferson City?

Is it possible to get a shuttle from Sedalia back to Jeff City if we park at Jefferson City?

We used Gary Creason to shuttle use (Creason's Shuttle Service 573-694-2027)-good rates, and he will pick you up and drop you off anywhere.

We used Gary Creason to shuttle use (Creason's Shuttle Service 573-694-2027)-good rates, and he will pick you up and drop you off anywhere.

I'm just wondering how many miles others ride in one day. I usually go out on the weekend for a good 2-3 hour ride. I think the most I've ridden in one day is 50 miles (took more than 3 hours)...but that was just once. Usually I stay around 25-30 for a good weekend ride. What about the rest of ya?

my son in law and i did the M S 150 a few yrs back. we were totally unprepared for it. took us 11 hrs to go from troy, mo to mexico mo. right at 80 miles. rode the entire route one way. no SAG rides. and took 1/2 hr breaks every 8-10 miles.

I've done a few rides in the 90 to 100 mile range, and several of those have been on the Katy. I've done two solo 100-milers on the Katy, one in 8.5 hours, the other in 10, while carrying one pannier and water.



And on week-long, self-supported trips on the Katy I've done a couple days in the 90 to 97 mile range. I was carrying camping stuff, clothes, etc. Those were very long days in the saddle.



It seems that the trail slows me down close to 2 mph from what I might be doing on a smooth, flat road. But I love being away from the cars, and I'm really slow anyways, so I don't mind the speed reduction.

My wife and I and a friend rode from JC to St. Charles in a day. I think it's about 103 miles.......took us about 11 hours with a 30 - 45 minute lunch break at the deli in Dutzow. That 103 miles was easier than the 60-mile days against a 15 mph headwind we had riding the whole trail earlier this month.

I & 3 others rode the Katy a couple years back and put in 126 (Clinton>Jeff C +

sidetracking) on day 1 and rode 108 (Jeff>St Charles + sidetracking) on day 2. Never to be

done again! :o ...Ouch. Respect to the guy who did that in one day!



Now, our annual ride is back-to-back 90 milers & these are much more manageable. Just

got back from riding Sedalia>Jefferson>Sedalia this Thusday & Friday and Cooper's

Landing area is still a bit sketchy (loose sand/silt), but ridable. Should all be bladed off

very soon.

Several people have ridden the entire trail in 1 day.

I've done 2, 103 mile days from Jeff City to St. Charles. First one by myself and last one was last year with the hubby. Last year was in Oct so we had less daylight, 4 flats so we ended up doing the last hour in the dark coming into St. Charles (had headlamps on the bikes). That was an experience to say the least with an occasional bat swooping down to catch the bugs in our headlamps! I wouldn't want to do the dark woods thing alone!

My brother and I have never ridden the Katy trail, but are planning a trip for this fall. Our final destination will be Boonville and we'd like to ride about 100 miles or so over two days. Just looking at the distance, I'm thinking we'll start in Treloar and overnight somewhere in N. Jeff City. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this section of the trail, and any suggestions on lodging in or around N. Jefferson City.

I don't have any first hand experience with motels or B&B's in the area, but I can recommend the Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts.

If you can ride another 10 miles, I recommend riding to Hartsburg and staying at the Globe Motel. You can get a good dinner at Dotty's and a beer at the Hitching Post, and it's all within a block of the trail.

I stayed here on my way through town on May 24th 07...this B&B is very nice and the owner is a wonderful person. This B&B is for sale but had no bearing on my stay. If there is anybody looking for an investment property or a business to buy this house is priced to SELL!!

I stayed here on my way through town on May 24th 07...this B&B is very nice and the owner is a wonderful person. This B&B is for sale but had no bearing on my stay. If there is anybody looking for an investment property or a business to buy this house is priced to SELL!!

I stayed at Polly's on Friday May 25th 07 and had a great time. Polly is a wonderful person and a great hostess. Her breakfast and home made pies were out of this world. The house is very clean and I will be back on my next trip on the Katy Trail..... Thanks Polly....if your wondering I made it all the way!

I stayed at Polly's on Friday May 25th 07 and had a great time. Polly is a wonderful person and a great hostess. Her breakfast and home made pies were out of this world. The house is very clean and I will be back on my next trip on the Katy Trail..... Thanks Polly....if your wondering I made it all the way!

the four trails cafe is now open six days a week closed on m0nday

What a fantastic place! You do not want to miss this B&B! The breakfast, accomidations, shuttle service, hospitality, price, and hot tub made this out favorite stop on the Katy Trail!

What a fantastic place! You do not want to miss this B&B! The breakfast, accomidations, shuttle service, hospitality, price, and hot tub made this out favorite stop on the Katy Trail!

After a long ride from Rochport, it was a nice surprise to be greeted by Jeanette with a nice cold glass of Lemonade. She made me feel right at home as soon as I arrived. The room was pleasant and comfortable and her muffins were outstanding. I ate at the Hitching Post and the food there was good and filling. I would definitely recommend the Globe Hotel as a stop along the Katy.

After a long ride from Rochport, it was a nice surprise to be greeted by Jeanette with a nice cold glass of Lemonade. She made me feel right at home as soon as I arrived. The room was pleasant and comfortable and her muffins were outstanding. I ate at the Hitching Post and the food there was good and filling. I would definitely recommend the Globe Hotel as a stop along the Katy.

Had lunch at The Peers Store last week. The "price fixee" was five bucks, and included seating at a shaded picnic table and a water bottle fillup. What more could I ask for? If you stop in, be sure to check out the flood pictures on the dining room wall.

Had lunch at The Peers Store last week. The "price fixee" was five bucks, and included seating at a shaded picnic table and a water bottle fillup. What more could I ask for? If you stop in, be sure to check out the flood pictures on the dining room wall.

My wife and I have never ridden on the KATY. We are planning a four day bike ride on the KATY for mid-June, two days out and two days back. We plan on starting either in St. Charles or in Jefferson City. Which are the most scenic sections of the trail and which sections do you recommend for a such a trip?

Most people consider the Rocheport-to-Jeff City section to be the most scenic overall. It's only 35 miles though. Rocheport may be a good place to start your trip as it has great parking and other facilities and is a nice place to coast into after a long ride. Using the mileage chart link that Ray has provided above, you can plan your trip much easier.



Consider parking in the middle of your planned route with your out and back trips in each direction as that way your vehicle is just that much closer for whatever unexpected need may arise.



Sounds like a great trip for you and have a great time!

If it were me, I would do the Boonville to McKittrick (Hermann) stretch of the trail. Nice bluffs, you get to hit Boonville, Rocheport, a side trip to Columbia and Hermann. I think it is the most scenic part of the trail.

I would start at Jeff City and go west. I just got back from a two day ride starting at St Charles and it was not very scenic. I believe that the trail form Hartsburg to Rocheport is the most scenic part of the trail. Rocheport is my favorite town on the trail. Abagails, The General Store, and the Winery east of Rocheport are all great places. I would also recommend the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest as a place to stay. Have a great ride. At McKittrick you can go over to Hermann and it is a neat place also.

We rode the Katy starting in St Charles last Thursday and Friday. All of the parking lots around the trailhead had signs saying "No parking between 2AM and 5 AM" We stayed at the Comfort Suites on Wednesday night and Friday night so they let us park our truck in their lot Thurday night while we stayed along the trail, { they even kept our luggage for us}. I was wondering if anyone else had this problem with parking? Did I miss something? I've never had this problem at other trailheads.

Best lodging on the trail. Bob and Judy take such pride in their cottage and its evident by all the details. The cottage is wonderfully decorated as a 1860s cabins with a bunch of beautiful antiques. The jacquzzi tub is fantastic! The homemade breakfast was wonderful (fresh fruit, quiches, muffins). They stocked the fridge with a local wine, sodas, water, and cheese tray. They picked us up and dropped us off at the trail. It was such a wonderful place to stay....a real gem.

Best lodging on the trail. Bob and Judy take such pride in their cottage and its evident by all the details. The cottage is wonderfully decorated as a 1860s cabins with a bunch of beautiful antiques. The jacquzzi tub is fantastic! The homemade breakfast was wonderful (fresh fruit, quiches, muffins). They stocked the fridge with a local wine, sodas, water, and cheese tray. They picked us up and dropped us off at the trail. It was such a wonderful place to stay....a real gem.

If you plan on staying in or near Marthasville while doing the Katy I would highly recommend the Critter Cottage Bed and Breakfast. My wife and I stayed there last Thurday night and it was wonderful. Bob and Judy are great host! They picked us up at the trailhead and Bob offered to take us to the store or resturant since the cabin is 4 miles out of town. The cabin is really special and the rope bed is very comfortable. The jacuzzi tub was just what we needed after a days ride. The breakfast was delicouis. It was pouring rain in Marthasville Friday morning so they took us to Augusta to get ahead of the rain which was really appreciated. We will definitely stay there again. Thanks Bob and Judy for a great experience.

If you plan on staying in or near Marthasville while doing the Katy I would highly recommend the Critter Cottage Bed and Breakfast. My wife and I stayed there last Thurday night and it was wonderful. Bob and Judy are great host! They picked us up at the trailhead and Bob offered to take us to the store or resturant since the cabin is 4 miles out of town. The cabin is really special and the rope bed is very comfortable. The jacuzzi tub was just what we needed after a days ride. The breakfast was delicouis. It was pouring rain in Marthasville Friday morning so they took us to Augusta to get ahead of the rain which was really appreciated. We will definitely stay there again. Thanks Bob and Judy for a great experience.