Katy Trail Forum

We are a family of four. Novices without spandex ect. We ride short 6 to 10 mile rides around Maryville. Was wondering if we would be in over our heads riding from Mokane to McKittrick.

bearcat84, it appears to be only bouts 25 miles one way. take plenty of water, some snacks, and i don't see a problem at all. happy bikin

Thats hard to answer without knowing more about your family. For me a 52 year-old, 20 miles is a good ride and 30 is quite the work out.

I'd keep in mind that the distance from Mokane to McKittrick is twice to four times what you are used to riding about the 'ville. Rolling resistance is somewhat greater on the Katy than it is on the town streets. Unless you are visiting someone in either of those towns, I'd consider getting on the trail at Rocheport and riding towards McBaine and back. It's about nine miles from Rocheport to McBain. There are some neat things to see along there that may be of interest to the family......a tunnel to ride thru, an old amunitions bunker, a cave, petroglyphs, stately limestone bluffs, etc. A portion of this ride parallels, with close proximity to, the river also. Rocheport also has a nice bike shop with a family oriented resturant.



The advantage of "spandex" is the padding in the shorts....not the spandex itself. If as a general rule....your family rumps get along well with the bike seats, you'll be fine without spandex. My need for the padding within usually hits at around the 35 mile mark the first day. Enjoy the ride....from a fellow Bearcat '84 & '90.

I would second the route recommendation. We did this route in July with a 10 year old and 12 year old and it was perfect. Lots to look at a little challenge. Park at the trailhead in Rocheport and head west to the tunnel then come back east to McBaine.

To Trek Biker St. Joseph (or anyone else), are you sure that its overnight parking? I have seen quite a few parking places along the trail but a lot do not allow overnight.

Email from DNR about overnite parking:



Overnight parking at a trailhead would be at your own risk as the trail is patrolled only during daylight hours. You may wish to contact the area sheriff's office to let them know you will be leaving your vehicle there, so that they do not question it.



Angie Even

Missouri State Park System

Department of Natural Resources

P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102

www.mostateparks.com / moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Missouri's state parks and historic sites are funded primarily by the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks-and-soils sales tax. The tax was first approved by Missouri voters in 1984 and renewed by voters in 1988, 1996 and 2006.

Is there overnight parking at this location? Please respond to jkinney@metrotilekc.com.



Thanks

Is there overnight parking at this location? Please respond to jkinney@metrotilekc.com.



Thanks

Can you tell me if there is overnight parking available in Dutow? We are trying to plan a trip to McKittrick and don't want to get our vehicle towed.

- posted 9/18/2006 7:08:44 PM by john kinney , leawood, kansas



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There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

- posted 9/18/2006 9:41:37 PM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO



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We are doing the reverse of you :) How do you getacross the bridge into Herman? That road is way to fast.

- posted 9/18/2006 11:41:04 PM by tammy , wright city



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Many of the B&B's will shuttle you from Hermann to McKittrick...check with who you are staying with as they may already have you covered.



Many warn not to ride the bridge in Jefferson City and Hermann. We have ridden both and found them not to be as bad as the thermal runaway crowd might want you to think. If you are a novice....the Hermann bridge may not be for you. If you are accustomed to riding in or near traffic.....time your entry onto the bridge with little or no traffic behind you. The Hermann locals seem to be accomodating.

- posted 9/19/2006 8:43:55 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO

Can you tell me if there is overnight parking available in Dutow? We are trying to plan a trip to McKittrick and don't want to get our vehicle towed.

- posted 9/18/2006 7:08:44 PM by john kinney , leawood, kansas



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There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

- posted 9/18/2006 9:41:37 PM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO



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We are doing the reverse of you :) How do you getacross the bridge into Herman? That road is way to fast.

- posted 9/18/2006 11:41:04 PM by tammy , wright city



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Many of the B&B's will shuttle you from Hermann to McKittrick...check with who you are staying with as they may already have you covered.



Many warn not to ride the bridge in Jefferson City and Hermann. We have ridden both and found them not to be as bad as the thermal runaway crowd might want you to think. If you are a novice....the Hermann bridge may not be for you. If you are accustomed to riding in or near traffic.....time your entry onto the bridge with little or no traffic behind you. The Hermann locals seem to be accomodating.

- posted 9/19/2006 8:43:55 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO

I just spoke with the Department of Natural Resources, and they said that overnight parking is allowed at all trailheads. They suggested that if you will be gone for several days, you may want to let local law enforcement know about your car as a courtesy. That way they won't suspect that it is stolen or abandoned. As long as you're on the state's trailhead parking lots, and not on any private business's lot, you should be fine.

I just spoke with the Department of Natural Resources, and they said that overnight parking is allowed at all trailheads. They suggested that if you will be gone for several days, you may want to let local law enforcement know about your car as a courtesy. That way they won't suspect that it is stolen or abandoned. As long as you're on the state's trailhead parking lots, and not on any private business's lot, you should be fine.

We have been goint to Boonville since they opened and have always enjoyed there buffet but the last year it has been very poor with quality and selection. Yesterday I took a friend of mine and was so embarressed as the food was not only poorly fixed with very little selection but when I asked for a few of your usual items they said didnt have any. Even your ice cream area did not have any toppings.

Guess that is the last time we visit Boonville.

PS You used to have a great buffet



Jeannine Fautsch

We have been goint to Boonville since they opened and have always enjoyed there buffet but the last year it has been very poor with quality and selection. Yesterday I took a friend of mine and was so embarressed as the food was not only poorly fixed with very little selection but when I asked for a few of your usual items they said didnt have any. Even your ice cream area did not have any toppings.

Guess that is the last time we visit Boonville.

PS You used to have a great buffet



Jeannine Fautsch

My husband and I just completed the Katy Trail from Clinton to St. Charles. What an absolutely beautiful ride!! We stayed at the Best Western Colonial Motel in Clinton, the Best Western State Fair Inn in Sedalia, the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest in Rocheport, the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City (they provided a shuttle from the North Jefferson stop to the hotel and back again), Birk's Gasthaus (a bed and breakfast)in Hermann (they provided a shuttle from the McKittrick stop to the bed & breakfast and back again), and the Best Western St. Charles Inn in St. Charles. All the hotels and bed & breakfasts were outstanding. Everyone was so accomodating and friendly. We actually left our vehicle parked in St. Charles and took the Amtrak (with our bikes) to Sedalia. The first day we biked to Clinton because we wanted to start at the beginning and do the entire ride. I just can't say enough good things about our experience. Missouri does an excellent job keeping the trail and all the trailstops clean and in great condition. Thanks for a great vacation!!

You know that Florida isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to Rails to Trails....check out the Pinellas RailTrail. The Heritage RailTrail should be great once completed...mainland to Key West on a dedicated trail....all over that!!! Glad you enjoyed the KATY, it is a great trail. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys

We had a wonderful 2 night stay with Lucy. She made us feel right at home and opened her home to the 4 of us. Not only were the rooms wonderful, but the breakfasts were excellent. We will definitely stay at Loutre Lane B&B the next time we are in the area. We also feel that we made a new friend. Thanks Lucy.

We had a wonderful 2 night stay with Lucy. She made us feel right at home and opened her home to the 4 of us. Not only were the rooms wonderful, but the breakfasts were excellent. We will definitely stay at Loutre Lane B&B the next time we are in the area. We also feel that we made a new friend. Thanks Lucy.

I've also stayed at Loutre Lane B&B twice. Had a wonderful stay both times. Even though it's a bit of a hill to get up to her place, it is well worth it.

I've also stayed at Loutre Lane B&B twice. Had a wonderful stay both times. Even though it's a bit of a hill to get up to her place, it is well worth it.

Myself and a group of friends stay with Lucy every fall on our "Katy Trail Extravaganza presented by Little Buddy". This will be our 3rd time staying with her coming up in October and it is always a pleasure. She runs a great business and makes you feel right at home. See you in October Lucy!

Myself and a group of friends stay with Lucy every fall on our "Katy Trail Extravaganza presented by Little Buddy". This will be our 3rd time staying with her coming up in October and it is always a pleasure. She runs a great business and makes you feel right at home. See you in October Lucy!

Hi! A couple of girlfriends and I are newbies to this biking THING and are planning a ride on the Katy trail from Clinton to Sedalia in September. We all have bikes that are from discount retailers (I bought mine at Target for $75.00 and I like it fine, just put a new seat on it. Is this kind of bike going to be sufficient for this trail? Do any of you pros have any pointers or suggestions for us? Right now we are just planning to wear backpacks with what we think are the neccessities. I know that that section of the trail is about 35 miles and I am thinking we can get through it in a day, am I way off here? Thanks you very much in advance, obviously we are clueless!

Shan

I think you'll be fine, just about any bike will do on the KATY unless it rains hard for more than a day or two. Just make sure you have an extra tube &/or tube patching kit and a bike pump in case you have a flat. 35 miles is very doable in a day if you are in shape. Just an observation, the Clinton to Sedelia portion of the trail in my opinion is the least attractive part and it is the only area where horses are allowed on the trail. If I were you I would drive on a little further and bike from either Sedelia or Rocheport east. You're going to love the KATY.

Thank you very much. How far is your suggested portion of the trail? I am thankful you told me, I had no clue if it was scenic or not. It would be much more enjoyable if the scenery were nice! I will pack a tube and pump, I wasn't going to. When I said newbie, I meant a REAL newbie! Would you suggest starting off in Sedalia or ending there? Thanks again.

I have biked many times on the Katy and love it. You should be fine but the most attractive spots are up around Rochport and Columbia. There is an excellent trail leading from Colombia to the Katy. Also up around Herman MO is pretty but the cliffs as I70 crosses the river very nice.

We usually ride 20-25 miles up one way, eat and then double back to the starting point. We ride 15-17 mph so 36 miles in a day is very doable. even newbies could do 8-10 mph. Take light snacks and good water, plan on having a great meal after as celebration. You should feel great.

We have had a group do what you are doing and the newbies have always had a great time. One tip, put a rack on the back of your bike for your belongings. Carrying a back pack on your back while riding will be very hard on your neck and back. I use a river bag on my rack which keeps everything nice and dry too. Have a great time!

I bought a kart from Wal Mart for 77 bucks its great it holds everything in it and is light weight.My cat Tarzan rides with us all the time in it.We like it so much that we are going to get another one for our trip to Herman at the end of Sept.You will like it.

Preventive maintenance is key with any bike...have a local bike shop (LBS) mechanic make sure its good to go, and take drivetrain (chain, gear & wheel bearing) lubrication. The western end has its own different type of beauty and my point is if your goal is to do the KATY wouldn't you want to "end-to-end" it? Above all its a wonderful cruise...not a race. Enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys

There are some pretty nasty ruts/cracks in the trail west of McKittrick. They are large enough to snag all but the widest mountain bike tire.

You got that right. Those ruts are nasty. We were thinking that the New Madrid Fault had relocated.

we were there the 13 & 14 the ruts are gone!!!! It would have surprised me if they weren't....

Birk's was fantastic. I rode the trail from Weldon Spring to Hermann and stayed at Birk's this Sunday. The owner Rick picked us up at McKittrick on the trail. I ended up with a flat tire at the end of my trip and the trail was really wet from rain. Rick hosed off our bikes, fixed my flat tire and replaced it with one of his own innertubes and tires at no charge. He also washed our wet clothes and shoes and provided us with refreshments and brownies in the afternoon. He then drove us to Stone Hill Winery for a great dinner. The breakfast was also great. Rick also drove us back over to the trail for our return ride. This hospitality made the trip very enjoyable and saved me from having to find a bike shop in Hermann. The house was also fantastic and the rooms very clean. Overall a great experience.

Birk's was fantastic. I rode the trail from Weldon Spring to Hermann and stayed at Birk's this Sunday. The owner Rick picked us up at McKittrick on the trail. I ended up with a flat tire at the end of my trip and the trail was really wet from rain. Rick hosed off our bikes, fixed my flat tire and replaced it with one of his own innertubes and tires at no charge. He also washed our wet clothes and shoes and provided us with refreshments and brownies in the afternoon. He then drove us to Stone Hill Winery for a great dinner. The breakfast was also great. Rick also drove us back over to the trail for our return ride. This hospitality made the trip very enjoyable and saved me from having to find a bike shop in Hermann. The house was also fantastic and the rooms very clean. Overall a great experience.

I am going to run the KATY from Clinton to St. Charles in NOov. Can anyone who has hiked it give me details as to water stops, miles per day they hhiked, problems, etc.

Pilot Grove is midway between St. Charles and Clinton. We have bathroom access at the trailhead but have some great restaurants and grocery store directly across from the trailhead as well as camping and bathroom facilities at our city park. We would love to have you stay in Pilot Grove on your way through.

Unless they have moved Pilot Grove, it's nowhere near the half-way mark. I believe it's closer to 1/3 of the way.

Beautiful photos, Jeff. A caption correction though for "Bambu, near Dutzow": Those plants are not Bamboo, but are known as Horsetails, a.k.a. Equisetum. There are quite a few species and I don't know which one is in your picture. It looks like this person knows a lot about Horsetails, and probably would like to see your photo of them: http://members.eunet.at/m.matus/



John

Rode from JC to McKttrick and back then JC to Boonville and back.

Penrod View BB is not very great and not very clean. Wouldn't reccomend it. Had 2 flats, but Bob & Maggie @ RIverview traders store (Wilton) saved the day...took us to Hartburg Cycle depot. Both couples were great! Great trip...Take you Katy Trail Guide book.

This place is awesome. They beer is really good. The atmosphere is great. If the weather is nice, the beer garden is the perfect place to hang out. You can see it from the trail.

This place is awesome. They beer is really good. The atmosphere is great. If the weather is nice, the beer garden is the perfect place to hang out. You can see it from the trail.

I agree, great beer, much better than the beer at the Trailhead Brewery in St. Charles.

I agree, great beer, much better than the beer at the Trailhead Brewery in St. Charles.

My Dad and I went on a 4 day ride from Sedalia to Herman and back. The folks at Birks were the best. They treated us like kings!! They came to the trail head at McKittrick and picked us up, drove us to a restaurant for dinner and then came back and picked us up. While we were out Rick though our riding clothes in the wash. Since we had a 70 mile ride the next day we talked to Rick about getting an early start and if there was any way that we could something for breakfast and a ride back to the trail head. He set up a early breakfast (eggs, french toast, sausage and fresh fruit... WOWit was a tremendous meal)then he gave us the keys to his truck and told us to take it and they would pick it up latter. I know we will be back next year. 5 stars.

My Dad and I went on a 4 day ride from Sedalia to Herman and back. The folks at Birks were the best. They treated us like kings!! They came to the trail head at McKittrick and picked us up, drove us to a restaurant for dinner and then came back and picked us up. While we were out Rick though our riding clothes in the wash. Since we had a 70 mile ride the next day we talked to Rick about getting an early start and if there was any way that we could something for breakfast and a ride back to the trail head. He set up a early breakfast (eggs, french toast, sausage and fresh fruit... WOWit was a tremendous meal)then he gave us the keys to his truck and told us to take it and they would pick it up latter. I know we will be back next year. 5 stars.

This place has awesome burgers. It was a little smokey inside, but it is a bar. The prices were fairly cheap too.

This place has awesome burgers. It was a little smokey inside, but it is a bar. The prices were fairly cheap too.

I camped here in August for one night. I was a little weary of camping in a city park, but went and ahead and did it becuase the price was right. There were lots of families hanging out at the park and everybody was very freindly.

I camped here in August for one night. I was a little weary of camping in a city park, but went and ahead and did it becuase the price was right. There were lots of families hanging out at the park and everybody was very freindly.

I stayed here one night in August. The grounds were super clean. It was a very relaxing place. I would reccomend camping here.

I stayed here one night in August. The grounds were super clean. It was a very relaxing place. I would reccomend camping here.

I stayed here one night in August. This place is really set up for giant RV's. I was the only person there with a tent. It was however rather quiet and much cheaper than a hotel. In fact nobody ever came and collected the camp fee. I would of fit in better if i had an f-350 and full out cowboy clothes.

I stayed here one night in August. This place is really set up for giant RV's. I was the only person there with a tent. It was however rather quiet and much cheaper than a hotel. In fact nobody ever came and collected the camp fee. I would of fit in better if i had an f-350 and full out cowboy clothes.

I stayed here for one night in August. It was located right on the water with incredible sweeping views of the river. There was a great vibe there. They had live music (over by about 10), and were serving excellent thai food. I would highly reccomend staying there.

I stayed here for one night in August. It was located right on the water with incredible sweeping views of the river. There was a great vibe there. They had live music (over by about 10), and were serving excellent thai food. I would highly reccomend staying there.

I stayed here for one night in August. This is a beautiful campground. There is even a kitchen to use. The hill into the campground is a fun little climb.

I stayed here for one night in August. This is a beautiful campground. There is even a kitchen to use. The hill into the campground is a fun little climb.

I'm hoping to do my first Katy ride in late September. As I'm unfamiliar with the trail, and not quite sure of how much ground I'll cover in a day, I plan to do it as an "in & out" ride, starting in St. Charles. It sounds kinda wimpy, but rather than camp along the way, I plan to stay in motels... and, I really pefer an actual motel to a bed and breakfast. Does anyone know if reservations are neccesary? Because, since I don't know how fast I'll move along the trail, I really don't know where I'll wind up at the end of each day. I want to take my time and enjoy the sites without feeling that I HAVE to make it to a particular milemarker at the end of the day.



Can anybody help?



gboker@umd.edu

We are biking the entire trail - Clinton to St. Charles - also at the end of September. I found that most places are booked on the weekends at that time of year, so I planned 40-50 mile days, and reserved. You may find yourself struggling to find a place to stay otherwise.

depending on how far u bike each day, you may have a hard time finding a hotel in certain areas. there is a hostel in one of the small towns, it's very reasonable also, but forgot which town it was in. maybe someone else can shed some light on that part. have fun and stay safe.

The hostel is in Tebbetts.

I guess I'll do a little more planning. Just winging it may not be a good idea. Thank you all for your help!

The ability to effectively wing it is directly proportional to the heat here in Missouri. Most prefer and therefore cause the need for reservations when the weather is cooler. There are many places to stay along the trail. I hope you do find some and have good trip.

I live in Augusta Missouri which is 28 miles from St. Charles. I also own a B&B, the Lindenhof B&B. Just to let you know, there aren't any hotels/motels except in the larger towns, like Hermann, Jeff City, Sedalia, Clinton. I suggest you purchase a Katy Trail Guidebook to take with you and I would strongly urge you to get reservations ahead of time, especially for weekends. September is a very busy month and I have had to turn cyclists away when they come to the door looking for rooms. There just aren't that many accommodations in the area. Also, B&B owners aren't always at their inns 24/7, as we do things like shopping, going to the doctor etc...so you may knock on a door that won't have anyone home. With the right planning, you will have time to stop along the way and still reach your scheduled destination without pushing it, if you don't try for high miles. Some people do the trail in 3 days, some in 6 or 7. Figure out your daily mileage limit and go from there. I hope this helps. Also, very curious as to why you prefer motel over B&B?

I have also found that it is best to plan ahead.

The Ramada in Jeff City will actually come and get you at the trail head/and trasport you over the river (which especially in rush hour you don't want to do) for free. They also give you a great rate. Daughters and I have stayed there 3 different times.

We found that we can do about 45 easy with stops/breaks/playing around. It does depend on the weather here though.

Hope it helps.

I agree, I much prefer a motel to a Bed and Breakfast, also. There's MUCH, MUCH more privacy, especially when coming and going. I also like to "do my own thing" for meals. They are also MUCH more economical. I can't justify paying $100-$150 for just a place to catch a night's sleep before hitting the trail again the next day. On a 4-5 day bike trip, you could pay upwards of $400-$600 just to sleep at night! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with you on the $$ for staying at Bed and Breakfasts. We are doing a 5 day ride, and with careful planning are keeping our "sleeping" costs at a minimum by staying in 1)Motel in Sedalia ($60) 2)The very reasonably priced Katy B&B in Rocheport ($60 night) 3) The Katy trail shelter/hostel in Tebbetts ($5), and a pricier B&B at $110. If you put some planning time in, you can probably do pretty well. Also, some of the campgrounds will rent you a tent, and a sleeping bag, which might accomodate you also.

The best town that we stopped in on the trail. Jeanett, from the hotel, was very friendly and helpful even after we told her we were camping and not staying at the hotel. Dottie's served us peach cobler even though they were closed. We had a good nights rest on the gazebo in our tent.