Katy Trail Forum

Anyone ever stay at the hostel in Tebbetts? I'm preparing for my hike from Clinton to St. Charles (leaving Clinton on June 4th 2007)ng

We stopped by last week and it was locked with no sign indicating whom to call for lodging. While we hadn't planned on staying, we were interested for future trips. I am guissing that checking with the nearby post office might get an answer as the general store keeps very odd hours and was closed.

somebody correct me if i'm wrong bouts this. i believe i read somewhere on this forum that the hostel is always locked, but there is supposed to be a key hanging from a post close to the building or on the hostel itself. just don't know where i read it, or how long ago it was. hope this helps.

I know where the key is, but I'm not going to post the location on the internet for fear that it will become common knowledge to every hobo, whino, gypsy, and teenager in the area looking for a warm place to 'party'. Think about it.

If you are interested in staying at the shelter, call the number that can be found on this website. (I realize that anyone can call the number and ask, but at least it is an additional step that involves planning and forethought; therefore eliminating a majority of vandals.

In response to the OP's question, I stayed there six years ago before the plumbing was finished (used the bathroom at the trailhead). I was riding the trail solo and not sure where I was going to stay that night when I met another solo rider who had a reservation for the shelter. She warned me that she had not seen the place and that the plumbing was not finished, but I was welcome to join her. When we got inside and looked around I said to my riding companion: "Ya know, I think I've paid good money to stay in places a lot worse than this". She replied: "I KNOW I have!" I sent the shelter foundation $20 when I got back home. A few years ago I heard a story about some folks from the Springfield, MO. area that stayed there and were so impressed that they returned a few weeks later for a 'work day' which included wallpapering the bathrooms and they paid for the materials themselves.

The bunks in the shelter consist of 2x4 lumber framed bunk beds with a thick piece of foam padding covered in plastic for a mattress. You need to provide your own linens and pillow. The building is two story and there are additional bunks upstairs. It has been a couple of years since I was inside, but as I recall other shelter amenities include: Refridgerator, microwave, coffee maker?, window air conditioners, ping pong table (upstairs), picnic table (one inside & one on front porch), bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, sinks, mirrors, & electrical outlets. There used to be a large sign across the balcony above the front porch that had the toll free phone number for informatin about the shelter, but I do not know what hours the number is answered or if it always goes to voicemail and someone returns your call.

Jim's place next door has a very limited selection of grocery items, plus cold beer and some hot food.

Stayed at the Hostel during our Clinton to St. Charles ride at the end of September 2006. There were about 7 other people staying there. Call the number and they will provide you with the info you need. There is a key stashed, and they will tell you where. While this is basic, it is very adequate. It was created as an alternative to camping, and it does the job. The only thing we found a little irritating was the lack of privacy. There is ONE shower room, and ONE bathroom with two stalls. The doors don't always lock well, and we got walked in on a couple of times. But we just didn't let it bother us too much. I mean, there are stalls. The heat is on, and the bunks are as good as staying at camp. There is a refrigerator and a coffee maker. I highly recommend it for the price.

Stayed at the Hostel during our Clinton to St. Charles ride at the end of September 2006. There were about 7 other people staying there. Call the number and they will provide you with the info you need. There is a key stashed, and they will tell you where. While this is basic, it is very adequate. It was created as an alternative to camping, and it does the job. The only thing we found a little irritating was the lack of privacy. There is ONE shower room, and ONE bathroom with two stalls. The doors don't always lock well, and we got walked in on a couple of times. But we just didn't let it bother us too much. I mean, there are stalls. The heat is on, and the bunks are as good as staying at camp. There is a refrigerator and a coffee maker. I highly recommend it for the price.

What would the cost be for shuttling from Clinton to St Charles? Also how much more would it cost for two riders being picked up in Clinton and taken to St Charles at the exact location?



Thankx, Lew

What would the cost be for shuttling from Clinton to St Charles? Also how much more would it cost for two riders being picked up in Clinton and taken to St Charles at the exact location?



Thankx, Lew

Try Big Bob's Bicycles, 420 S Engineer Ave,Sedalia MO 65301 660-826-6991, or Scenic Cycles, 292 Boone Monument Rd, PO Box 41, Marthasville MO 63357, 636-433-2909 or 636-433-5131 www.scenic-cycles.com. Either one can give you information on shuttles that cater to KATY cyclists.

Try Big Bob's Bicycles, 420 S Engineer Ave,Sedalia MO 65301 660-826-6991, or Scenic Cycles, 292 Boone Monument Rd, PO Box 41, Marthasville MO 63357, 636-433-2909 or 636-433-5131 www.scenic-cycles.com. Either one can give you information on shuttles that cater to KATY cyclists.

Also, here's a list of all shuttles operating along the Katy Trail.

Also, here's a list of all shuttles operating along the Katy Trail.

We used Trail Rider for our shuttle service in Aug. Great price and great service. I did a Google to find their site and worked from there.

We used Trail Rider for our shuttle service in Aug. Great price and great service. I did a Google to find their site and worked from there.

Call 636-946-0619 ---we will shuttle providing you spend one night with us (Lococo House ll)we are three blocks from the trail in St. Charles ----- we charge a reasonable rate and two people are the same price as one ----- you can also leave your vehicle with us ----- let us know if we can be of help to you ----- Rhona

Call 636-946-0619 ---we will shuttle providing you spend one night with us (Lococo House ll)we are three blocks from the trail in St. Charles ----- we charge a reasonable rate and two people are the same price as one ----- you can also leave your vehicle with us ----- let us know if we can be of help to you ----- Rhona

Lucy was an incredible host. She had cold beverages awaiting us when we got off the 100 mile trek that day, taxi'd us into town for dinner and cooked us the largest breakfast spread I have ever seen. It was incredible! Here is a an overview of our trip (http://www.drj-racing.com/katy2006.html)

Lucy was an incredible host. She had cold beverages awaiting us when we got off the 100 mile trek that day, taxi'd us into town for dinner and cooked us the largest breakfast spread I have ever seen. It was incredible! Here is a an overview of our trip (http://www.drj-racing.com/katy2006.html)

Nice pics.....it's always fun to see pics of adults hangin da bone.

Nice pics.....it's always fun to see pics of adults hangin da bone.

Super photos. Captures the many faces of the trail

For those who are reading this from the forum, here's a link to Kelly Palmer's Katy Trail photos.

Excellent photos!!!

Riding the Katy Trail was fabulous! The fall colors were living ART! Riding along the Missouri River was refreshing and beautiful! Stopping at Cooper's Landing for food and drink was a high point! Good food! Friendly people! and the River! and a warm bon fire outside! Riverscene B&B was full of HISTORY and quite the spread for breakfast! Worth the money and the stay just for the history! Now KATY'S LITTLE LODGE was a SURPRISE! The owner had way to much to drink and the experience was very weird! We stayed anyway as it was raining and that was our destination. Other than that our whole trip was PERFECT!

This site was more "than a work in progress." This was a liability waiting to happen. The site had 4x4's with screws sticking up and rusted metal strips around the sites where you were to hook up. For those that were tenting you got a picturesque view of the river with another picturesque site of dumped furniture. I think this campground needs to get better prepared before advertising.

Actually the area from Jefferson City to Hermann is an area waiting for development of campgrounds with some good restaurants that offers more than sandwiches and beer.

This area was a red-neckers delight! The actual trail is great but....

This site was more "than a work in progress." This was a liability waiting to happen. The site had 4x4's with screws sticking up and rusted metal strips around the sites where you were to hook up. For those that were tenting you got a picturesque view of the river with another picturesque site of dumped furniture. I think this campground needs to get better prepared before advertising.

Actually the area from Jefferson City to Hermann is an area waiting for development of campgrounds with some good restaurants that offers more than sandwiches and beer.

This area was a red-neckers delight! The actual trail is great but....

I was hoping that my eye's weren't deceiving me. I drove down to check it out. All I saw was a trash pile where the campground was supposed to be.

I was hoping that my eye's weren't deceiving me. I drove down to check it out. All I saw was a trash pile where the campground was supposed to be.

I rode the Trail in 3 days in June and had planned to stop one night at this campground. I agree that the sign stating "work in progress" was a stretch of the vocabulary. No work seen, no progress noted. After a long, hot 80 mile day, I opted to ride 6 more miles to Bluffton and stayed at Steamboat Junction. We were the only campers there, but that just guaranteed an uninterupted long, hot shower. Not much there, but it was very peaceful.

I rode the Trail in 3 days in June and had planned to stop one night at this campground. I agree that the sign stating "work in progress" was a stretch of the vocabulary. No work seen, no progress noted. After a long, hot 80 mile day, I opted to ride 6 more miles to Bluffton and stayed at Steamboat Junction. We were the only campers there, but that just guaranteed an uninterupted long, hot shower. Not much there, but it was very peaceful.

Based on the above comments, and the fact that I could not get a reply from the campground owner, I went ahead and marked Rivers Edge as "closed" on this website. Just down the trail in Bluffton, Steamboat Junction or Rendleman Home (a B&B but he'll let you pitch a tent) are good alternatives.

Based on the above comments, and the fact that I could not get a reply from the campground owner, I went ahead and marked Rivers Edge as "closed" on this website. Just down the trail in Bluffton, Steamboat Junction or Rendleman Home (a B&B but he'll let you pitch a tent) are good alternatives.

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of overnighting at Birk's Gasthaus in Hermann, Missouri. A wonderfully charming B&B with the most accomadating hosts (Rick & Dianne). The "warm homemade brownies",just before bedtime were a special treat as was the breakfast feast the following morning. A "must see" stop for anyone traveling the KT.

For the last 3 years we been going to the Birks Gasthaus B&B in Oct. It is a wonderful place to stay. The owners are really super nice and the food is wonderful. It's like being at home when we're there.They have really nice rooms. Rick and Daine the owner are wonderful people. There is no place I've ever stay better then there.We will continue to go there.

The Red Brick Inn is wonderful! The best breakfast we had on the trail.

Corrine made a fabulous breakfast that Tom (a bacon and egg man) and I certainly enjoyed. The home is great, but my favorite part of the stay was conversing with Gary and Corrine. What interesting people. Hot tub felt good too!

Thanks Gary and Corrine!

The Red Brick Inn is wonderful! The best breakfast we had on the trail.

Corrine made a fabulous breakfast that Tom (a bacon and egg man) and I certainly enjoyed. The home is great, but my favorite part of the stay was conversing with Gary and Corrine. What interesting people. Hot tub felt good too!

Thanks Gary and Corrine!

WOWZA! You won't find two more courteous and delightful folks than Gary and Corrine. The room was cozy after a long ride, and the Post's are the most gracious hosts that you could ask for. Don't even get me started on breakfast. Schedule your trip around this delightful place and you won't be disappointed.

WOWZA! You won't find two more courteous and delightful folks than Gary and Corrine. The room was cozy after a long ride, and the Post's are the most gracious hosts that you could ask for. Don't even get me started on breakfast. Schedule your trip around this delightful place and you won't be disappointed.

We stayed at the Jefferson Inn in early May 2006 and had a great time. The rooms are really, really nice and comfortable and the breakfast is fantastic. The Inn is only a few blocks away from the downtown area and the Missouri capitol building.



And while the Inn is on the other side of the river from the Katy trail, it really was not that hard to get to. Just take the Katy Jefferson spur trail south until it just about ends, where you will see a highway overpass off to your left. Get off the trail and using the obvious nearby road conections, take the overpass to the other side and go down the exit ramp for traffic that is exiting northbound. Yes, you are going against traffic, but there is a wide shoulder on the exit and once you reach the highway itself, there is a 6 foot bike lane that on our visit was clear of debris (the highway people only put a bike lane on the northbound bridge segment).



Go across the bridge and then take the first exit. When you come to a cross road, look across the street and you will see Clay Street. Take that a few blocks till it goes down the hill and the Jefferson Inn is on the right.



Going back to the Katy trail the day after our stay was even easier as once you get on the bridge, you are pretty much going downhill to the first exit that you take to get back on the trail. The total distance from the Katy to the Inn is around 2 miles.



Highly recommended!

We stayed at the Jefferson Inn in early May 2006 and had a great time. The rooms are really, really nice and comfortable and the breakfast is fantastic. The Inn is only a few blocks away from the downtown area and the Missouri capitol building.



And while the Inn is on the other side of the river from the Katy trail, it really was not that hard to get to. Just take the Katy Jefferson spur trail south until it just about ends, where you will see a highway overpass off to your left. Get off the trail and using the obvious nearby road conections, take the overpass to the other side and go down the exit ramp for traffic that is exiting northbound. Yes, you are going against traffic, but there is a wide shoulder on the exit and once you reach the highway itself, there is a 6 foot bike lane that on our visit was clear of debris (the highway people only put a bike lane on the northbound bridge segment).



Go across the bridge and then take the first exit. When you come to a cross road, look across the street and you will see Clay Street. Take that a few blocks till it goes down the hill and the Jefferson Inn is on the right.



Going back to the Katy trail the day after our stay was even easier as once you get on the bridge, you are pretty much going downhill to the first exit that you take to get back on the trail. The total distance from the Katy to the Inn is around 2 miles.



Highly recommended!

We had the whole place to ourselves. It is a very nice house. I lost my copy of Bob's directions on how to ride the bridge and we let the challenge get the best of us and had Rachel haul us across.

We had the whole place to ourselves. It is a very nice house. I lost my copy of Bob's directions on how to ride the bridge and we let the challenge get the best of us and had Rachel haul us across.

A friend and I stayed at the Jefferson B&B as part of our tour of the Katy. Lorenzo Picked us up with his Suburban at the trailhead. I was glad since there is no shoulder on the bridge going into Jeff. City and traffic was heavy. The Jefferson is very clean and comfortable B&B. The breakfast was excellent! I would certainly stay here again!

A friend and I stayed at the Jefferson B&B as part of our tour of the Katy. Lorenzo Picked us up with his Suburban at the trailhead. I was glad since there is no shoulder on the bridge going into Jeff. City and traffic was heavy. The Jefferson is very clean and comfortable B&B. The breakfast was excellent! I would certainly stay here again!

Very nice place. Let them take you over the bridge in their Suburban. East to walk to places for supper. Breakfast was very nice. We were so bushed from a long ride we didn't hear the highway traffic outside the window.

Very nice place. Let them take you over the bridge in their Suburban. East to walk to places for supper. Breakfast was very nice. We were so bushed from a long ride we didn't hear the highway traffic outside the window.

I hate to be a party pooper but CAUTION ! We reserved a room for Jefferson Inn. On arrival, after a full day on the trail, we were told that a group who had reserved three of the five rooms decided they wanted all five and they gave them our"Reserved room". They did offer to let us pay to stay in the basement wich looks like a colledge kids apartment. We declined and were offered no further assistance in getting a room anywhere else in town. We ended up riding an additional 7 miles(we only had our bikes) in the darkening city to get a place we finally found with an available room.Yes we are mad a recommend to anyone brave enought o take a chance on this place to make sure you are reserving all the rooms or you might get bumped.

I hate to be a party pooper but CAUTION ! We reserved a room for Jefferson Inn. On arrival, after a full day on the trail, we were told that a group who had reserved three of the five rooms decided they wanted all five and they gave them our"Reserved room". They did offer to let us pay to stay in the basement wich looks like a colledge kids apartment. We declined and were offered no further assistance in getting a room anywhere else in town. We ended up riding an additional 7 miles(we only had our bikes) in the darkening city to get a place we finally found with an available room.Yes we are mad a recommend to anyone brave enought o take a chance on this place to make sure you are reserving all the rooms or you might get bumped.

My stay last week was very enjoyable. I called from the trailhead and was picked up by the innkeeper - she was prompt, friendly, & helpful, even tho it was dinnertime. The house & room were delightful - clean, tidy, and full of neat antiques and charm. My bed was *very* comfortable and a welcome respite from the trail. Breakfast was prompt, tasty, & filling, though not overly memorable. The house has a keypad entry lock system that seemed to provide good security. My room had a separate (but private) bath with a roomy, hot shower. My only wish was for a sink in the bathroom -- it was instead located in the bedroom. Overall, a great experience.

My stay last week was very enjoyable. I called from the trailhead and was picked up by the innkeeper - she was prompt, friendly, & helpful, even tho it was dinnertime. The house & room were delightful - clean, tidy, and full of neat antiques and charm. My bed was *very* comfortable and a welcome respite from the trail. Breakfast was prompt, tasty, & filling, though not overly memorable. The house has a keypad entry lock system that seemed to provide good security. My room had a separate (but private) bath with a roomy, hot shower. My only wish was for a sink in the bathroom -- it was instead located in the bedroom. Overall, a great experience.

While the rooms were very clean and nice, and it is very convenient to downtown, don't expect much for breakfast.

While the rooms were very clean and nice, and it is very convenient to downtown, don't expect much for breakfast.

We are planning a ride from Jefferson City to Washington. Are there any trails from the stations to the trailheads? I am a trail rider and not fond of 2 lane roads with vehicles in both directions! Also, does anyone have any 'have to see' spots along that section?

thanks, karen

We are planning a ride from Jefferson City to Washington. Are there any trails from the stations to the trailheads? I am a trail rider and not fond of 2 lane roads with vehicles in both directions! Also, does anyone have any 'have to see' spots along that section?

thanks, karen

We are planning a ride from Jefferson City to Washington. Are there any trails from the stations to the trailheads? I am a trail rider and not fond of 2 lane roads with vehicles in both directions! Also, does anyone have any 'have to see' spots along that section?

thanks, karen

Getting from the N. Jefferson trailhead to Jeff City is do-able, but you will be next to highway traffic. There's a shoulder on the bridge that cyclists use all the time. It might not be pleasant, if you don't like riding next to traffic, but it can be done.



Washington is a bit more difficult. The highway shoulders from Dutzow to Washington are not suited for bikes, and the Missouri River bridge is only wide enough for one car in each direction. An experienced cyclist could do it, but it's not recommended.



One alternative is to use a shuttle service. Mainly they shuttle riders from one point to another along the trail. But if you call ahead of time, you might be able to find one to take you from trailhead to train station.



Another option: some of the B&Bs in Washington and Jeff City (and Hermann too) offer a ride for their guests from the trail to the inn. So if you're going to overnight in one or both towns, ask your innkeeper.



Good luck, and have fun!

Getting from the N. Jefferson trailhead to Jeff City is do-able, but you will be next to highway traffic. There's a shoulder on the bridge that cyclists use all the time. It might not be pleasant, if you don't like riding next to traffic, but it can be done.



Washington is a bit more difficult. The highway shoulders from Dutzow to Washington are not suited for bikes, and the Missouri River bridge is only wide enough for one car in each direction. An experienced cyclist could do it, but it's not recommended.



One alternative is to use a shuttle service. Mainly they shuttle riders from one point to another along the trail. But if you call ahead of time, you might be able to find one to take you from trailhead to train station.



Another option: some of the B&Bs in Washington and Jeff City (and Hermann too) offer a ride for their guests from the trail to the inn. So if you're going to overnight in one or both towns, ask your innkeeper.



Good luck, and have fun!

Getting from the N. Jefferson trailhead to Jeff City is do-able, but you will be next to highway traffic. There's a shoulder on the bridge that cyclists use all the time. It might not be pleasant, if you don't like riding next to traffic, but it can be done.



Washington is a bit more difficult. The highway shoulders from Dutzow to Washington are not suited for bikes, and the Missouri River bridge is only wide enough for one car in each direction. An experienced cyclist could do it, but it's not recommended.



One alternative is to use a shuttle service. Mainly they shuttle riders from one point to another along the trail. But if you call ahead of time, you might be able to find one to take you from trailhead to train station.



Another option: some of the B&Bs in Washington and Jeff City (and Hermann too) offer a ride for their guests from the trail to the inn. So if you're going to overnight in one or both towns, ask your innkeeper.



Good luck, and have fun!

Campground was great. Close to scenic river and trails. Good RV accomodations and the would be comfortable using tent as well. We found Linda Lou to be very accomodating to our needs. Even found us steak on short notice. She was also very knowledgable of the town and surrounding towns. Enjoyed the campground and hope to be brining the entire clan next Spring. This would be about 40+ people including kids.

Campground was great. Close to scenic river and trails. Good RV accomodations and the would be comfortable using tent as well. We found Linda Lou to be very accomodating to our needs. Even found us steak on short notice. She was also very knowledgable of the town and surrounding towns. Enjoyed the campground and hope to be brining the entire clan next Spring. This would be about 40+ people including kids.

We're from the KC area and we think we know GOOD bbq...try it out at Cooper's landing. He makes great brisket and tender bbq pork. We were so hungry and the portions were YUM. I think the sides are store bought, but the red potato salad and coleslaw balanced out the huge meat portions just right.

We're from the KC area and we think we know GOOD bbq...try it out at Cooper's landing. He makes great brisket and tender bbq pork. We were so hungry and the portions were YUM. I think the sides are store bought, but the red potato salad and coleslaw balanced out the huge meat portions just right.

If they are out of brisket (this happened to us) the brats are superb and the baked beans

are terrific (usually with pieces of brisket embedded).

If they are out of brisket (this happened to us) the brats are superb and the baked beans

are terrific (usually with pieces of brisket embedded).