Katy Trail Forum

Hi!

My family (2 adults and an 11 year old) like to hike the Camino de Santiago. Since the little guy isn't vaccinated yet and we're not sure about flights to and fro, I thought we could walk the Katy Trail from Jefferson City to St. Charles.

The stages I'm planning seem reasonable except bewteen Tebbetts and Blufton. 20 miles in one day could be a bit much for family cohesion. : )

Can anyone tell me if there is cell service in Blufton so we could take a taxi to Blufton?

Thanks for the wonderful information this provides!

call the Bluffton Barn for more info.

I just finished West to East bike riding on May 2, and I did stop by at Blufton (The Barn). I have T-Mobile service and I did not get ANY coverage there. Doug said he uses phone only (vs. data) and told me it is somehow with the help of his computer to boost cell phone signal. He uses AT&T service.

I have walked Camino de Santiago (CdS) six times in the last seven years (I could not go in 2020), and I am hoping to go this fall when Spain opens up the border for foreigners. The way I see your plan is that unlike CdS, there are very, very limited lodging options. Also places to eat. Are you planning to camp in the middle of nowhere? Do you feel safe doing so? Even if you carry tent and food, you have to carry a lot of water in order to cook and clean. You have to think through. if you want to contact me, leave your cont here.

Fellow pilgrims here, and missing the Camino. We are thinking of walking the Katy Trail, too, possibly in the next few weeks. Wondering how your planning is going. We are planning to camp some and rent rooms some and from what I can tell, it's totally possible without too many days over 20 miles. About water, I'm assuming we can bring a water filter and collect water along the way if there are not fountains available. Has anyone else tried it? Not a lot of info out there for walkers.

I have to admit that I have not used all restrooms along the trail. I think most, if not all, "stations" have a restroom. I was impressed how clean they were for public restroom. In the washroom there is a flush toilet and a sink with elevated faucet to facilitate filling a water bottle. So I don't think you need to worry about water along the way as much as you worry about food. If you don't like the taste of the water, you can add electrolyte powder to alter the taste.

Not all of the trailheads have water. I appears to me there only water on the sections of the trail open to equestrians.

Great news. They are actively working on the slide at mile marker 117. I took a couple pics here of the work as of 1044 today

Great news! I don't see the pictures though.

Yes, very good news. We went through on May 20. There was a lot of heavy equipment there and they had cleared the trail. It’s a little muddy but smooth for about 200 yards.
We rolled through at about 7 mph without any mud sticking to the bike. Heavy loads might bog.

Bill you have to be on Facebook and a member of the private group Fans of the Katy Trail. Pictures are there.

I'm coming out in June to do the Katy. Does anybody see a need for me to bring my vaccination card?

I seriously doubt you would need it. However it really doesn't take up much space...
:-)

rode the trail last october stoped in herman had lunch at a bar and no one was wearing a mask inside.

I would have it tattooed as a QR code on my forehead. Makes it much easier for Big Brother to keep tabs on everyone.

I’m joking people, or am I?

I would have it tattooed as a QR code on my forehead. Makes it much easier for Big Brother to keep tabs on everyone.

I’m joking people, or am I?

You're going to rural Missouri. We boast one of the lowest per capita vaccination rates in the country. You'll be ok without it.

Take a picture of the front and back to keep in your phone, just in case you roll up on someone who feels like they need to see it.

Missouri is a FREE state no MARXISM here my friend enjoy the trail and our great state

We first rode Katy Trail from Clinton to Machens in 2017 and based on mileage, Windsor was too close to the starting point but put Kim’s Cabins on our list of places for the future. In 2019 we met Kim and she was so amazing, friendly, and willing to help in our exploration of the Rock Island Trail! So on a Monday night thinking we wanted to get out of town, we decided to go up there the next day and explore again.

Kim as always was accommodating, got us all set up for our reservations and told us to let her know when we were an hour out on our drive in so she could meet us. We arrived, got our gear unloaded and after showing us everything including the concrete floor bike storage (A wonderful addition) Kim wished us a merry adventure as we rolled to Sedalia! Weather had turned cooler and there was rain in the forecast so knowing we had a dry overnight location made the day even better. Carol ended up with a flat rear tire as we ended our little 45 mile fun ride on the Katy so having that concrete floor to work on for repairs was just perfect for our needs!

Kim gave us some suggestions on dining options and Judy’s Kitchen certainly fit the bill!!

So time to settle in for the night arrives and you could not ask for a cleaner, cozier just off the trail sanctuary on a unseasonably Tuesday night! An amazing shower, fridge to keep things cool for the next day and the cleanest place we have stayed in a long time!

As we were packing the next morning to head on into KC, Kim pulled into the driveway and made sure we were good which was much appreciated! May 12, 2021

We first rode Katy Trail from Clinton to Machens in 2017 and based on mileage, Windsor was too close to the starting point but put Kim’s Cabins on our list of places for the future. In 2019 we met Kim and she was so amazing, friendly, and willing to help in our exploration of the Rock Island Trail! So on a Monday night thinking we wanted to get out of town, we decided to go up there the next day and explore again.

Kim as always was accommodating, got us all set up for our reservations and told us to let her know when we were an hour out on our drive in so she could meet us. We arrived, got our gear unloaded and after showing us everything including the concrete floor bike storage (A wonderful addition) Kim wished us a merry adventure as we rolled to Sedalia! Weather had turned cooler and there was rain in the forecast so knowing we had a dry overnight location made the day even better. Carol ended up with a flat rear tire as we ended our little 45 mile fun ride on the Katy so having that concrete floor to work on for repairs was just perfect for our needs!

Kim gave us some suggestions on dining options and Judy’s Kitchen certainly fit the bill!!

So time to settle in for the night arrives and you could not ask for a cleaner, cozier just off the trail sanctuary on a unseasonably Tuesday night! An amazing shower, fridge to keep things cool for the next day and the cleanest place we have stayed in a long time!

As we were packing the next morning to head on into KC, Kim pulled into the driveway and made sure we were good which was much appreciated! May 12, 2021

Aww thank you so much - always want folks to have a great Katy experience and love I can be a part of that! I'm fortunate to be at the crossroads of the Katy and Rock Island and that many are enjoying our area. So happy it worked out for you to stay and look forward to your next adventure!

Aww thank you so much - always want folks to have a great Katy experience and love I can be a part of that! I'm fortunate to be at the crossroads of the Katy and Rock Island and that many are enjoying our area. So happy it worked out for you to stay and look forward to your next adventure!

Taking a room at Maxine’s is like coming home! You are welcomed, accepted and provided for. As long time residents of Sedalia, they give great advice on where to go, where to eat, and how to get there on your bike. There is a spacious garage for safe bike storage. Their fun, loving dog is a bonus to the experience. When you ride your bike down the long Katy Trail, don’t miss the chance to come home at Maxine’s Rooms for Rent!

Just FYI we rode from Sadelia to Boonville today Tuesday, May 18. We had a few muddy patches less than 10 feet long each. Very shallow mud just a little slippery at the worst. There is supposedly a rockslide at mile marker 218 but we did not have any obstructions on the trail there or anywhere. There was a small tree across the trail at one point soon after Pilot Grove that we easily rolled our bikes over. The state park website also mentioned a rough patch on the trail from mile marker 210 to 212 I believe but similarly we did not have any rough road. Had lunch at Katarina’s homestyle café . In summation, the trail condition was good to great to perfect.

Mulberry Hill apartment is no longer accepting reservations, per Airbnb as of May 2021.

Thanks! I have been unable to find anything in P Hill (dont want to bike camp) and this will be my first stop on a statewide bike trip. I knew I had seen this place before, and wondered why it disappeared. Plan B is stay in Lees Summit, but that really makes for a short ride day. Plan C is wife comes and gets me and brings me back the next day. Pardon my rambling....

My husband and I are planning a ride from St. Charles to Rocheport, starting next Wednesday. I just saw that the trail is closed from MM116-118 and that there is no suggested detour. How closed is it? Would it be possible for us to walk our bikes for the rough parts? We are from out of town and will have to completely change our plans if it's impassable. I'd rather do that now than when we get there and have no cell service. Thanks in advance!

It is very easy to ride around. Page 2 of this forum has directions.

As Doug mentioned, the rock slide has an easy detour. You are on a nice road for less than a half mile. Just don't try to go over the rock slide.

The Salt Creek bridge closure at MM 178 to 181 is a different matter. Easy if the creek is dry but difficult otherwise. If you are only going from St. Charles to Rocheport, you don't have to worry about it.

Good resupply stop. Opens at 7:30am. Surprisingly good beer selection. First time I've seen shelves of ammo by the checkout line.

A 3-minutes ride from the Katy Trail is this large, fully-stocked grocery store with a "fast food" deli in the back. The fresh-fried chicken is excellent. For diners, there are 4 "casual" tables in the front of the store and 2 outside. It's an excellent stop for a filling and inexpensive lunch and a popular spot for locals.

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I am planning on riding the Katy from N. Jefferson back to STL throughout the night. Anyone have any tips for this or done this before? Any animals/creatures I need to be weary of? TIA.

Night riding isn't allowed on the trail.

I think it’ll be okay.

Why you ask if you Björn to already know it’s okay to do what is against the law?

The park rules and regulations state the Katy Trail is only open from sun rise to sun set.
If you ride after sunset and run into night time wildlife, I will personally donate a park bench at the location of your demise to commemorate those that feel rules don’t apply to them.

:-)

I would certainly be on the lookout for the coyotes and the bears. Closer to the river, I'd be looking for alligators as well.

Wrong Katy Trail, Bill in Houston, those gators are a problem on the Texas Katy Trail. ;-)

Keep an eye out for the lions, tigers, and panthers. The jackals and hyenas are a concern, too, but normally you don't have to worry about them until after the lions, tigers, and panthers are done with you. If you're near the river, look out for the rhinos and hippopotamuses, they can be deadly. The zebras and gazelles are not much concern, they just nibble at your toes and it's actually very pleasant.

Oh, and have a good trip!

That's right, Gary. Thanks for clearing that up. :)

During the day I saw several very dark-colored snakes (3 ft.), and unfortunately I ran over one. I saw lime-colored snakes as well. Other animals I saw were beavers, turtles (A large (over 1 ft. and small 5-6 inches). Not sure these animals are active in the night. I heard that there are a lot of coyotes.

Rode trail last 2 years, 2 years ago Clinton to Booneville and back. We saw several jack a lopes.

Ann you stopped at the wineries a few times, didn't you.

Had an unexpected day on the Katy which required an hour in the dark to get to my B&B. Ran over a lot of frogs unfortunately and bugs in the eyes even with lenses. Wouldn’t recommend it.

Can anybody give me details about the following?
The Daniel Boone monument and burial site at 75.9,
The Standing Rock at 120.6,
Petroglyphs around Huntsdale, 171.2, and Rocheport, 178.3.
Thanks.

If you let me use yr bike I’ll ride the trail for you an send you video and selfies.

What kind of info are you looking for? The Boone memorial is about a quarter mile from the trail, just past the winery entrance. Standing Rock is on the trail, you can't miss it. Petroglyphs are kind of hard to see; they're faded and the light makes a difference.

"What kind of info are you looking for?" Old forts and battlefields. "The Boone memorial is about a quarter mile from the trail" Already on my list.
"Standing Rock is on the trail" Already on my list.
"Petroglyphs are kind of hard to see;" Already on my list.
So is the Santa Fe Trail marker and every one of those Lewis & Clark markers.

Google is your friend.

The Daniel Boone burial site is really beautiful, and there is a story that goes with it:
Kentucky says they came and got his remains and moved them to his home state. Some Missouri folks say he and his wife are still where they were originally buried. Go find the story and figure out what you believe.

I'm planning on an out-and-back Katy Trail adventure in either early Sept or early Oct. Would appreciate any advice on which would be best. I read somewhere that average temps in Sept are 79 and Oct they are 71. Precip was about 4"/month each month. Oct looks doable unless it gets below 60 much. Would there maybe be less traffic on the trail in Oct? Any advice in advance would be appreciated. Thanks!

Fall tree color, MU football games, cooler weather, pumpkin festivals/fall activities/Halloween, etc., all have potential to increase traffic in trail towns and on the Katy itself.

I would go with early September if I was looking for less crowds. October is the beginning of Octoberfest celebration on the eastern portion of the trail with the accompanying increase of trail traffic.

Whenever the leaves are best!!