Katy Trail Forum

I am planning a trip - what are the most scenic sections of the trail??

I know the sections aroun Rocheport are really pretty but the section between Greens Bottom and Weldon Springs is my favorite.

I see Weldon Springs on the trail map. Where is Greens Bottom and in what direction from

Weldon Springs? Also, what is the distance between the 2 spots?



And what is the beauty of it? Meaning why do you prefer that section?



Thanks! (We've gone from Clinton to Hermann, but not further...) And must confess, we

don't do the whole trail at once...just a few days per year...but such a pleasure! We live

close to Clinton, so we do lots of day trips. Do love the river/cliff areas....the prairies of

the west side are peaceful and can be pretty in the way of plants, flowers....but lacking in

the way of restaurants, etc.

Greens Bottom is a trailhead in the southern part of St Charles, so it is in an eastern direction along the trail from Weldon Spring (northeast actually). It does not appear on the maps because it is just a trailhead, rather than a town. But here's a page with info on Greens Bottom including a map and directions.



From Weldon Spring to Greens Bottom is about 10 miles each way. There are heavy woods on either side of the trail, making this section a favorite for many, and a few nice views of the Missouri River too. There are no businesses between (or at) Weldon Spring and Greens Bottom.

A group of 4 of us routinely bike the area from Greens Bottom to Weldon Springs, and would agree....it's beautiful. We see wildlife very often. Mostly deer, and squirrels. 2 weeks ago, a huge Great Horned Owl flew right over us, landed on a nearby tree, and watched us as we stopped and looked at this beautiful creature!

Nearly all published photos of the Katy Trail were taken within two miles of Rocheport, MO. The tunnel and the high bluffs with river views are here. That said, the entire trail from end to end is a true National treasure with untold Missouri beauty all along the way. Tourists would and do spend thousands to make similar length European journeys. Enjoy!

My wife and I are rididng from Booneville to Hartsburg this week and I was wondering if its permissable to leave our vehicle parked at the trailhead in Booneville for a couple of days?

Yes.....it's okay.

Ditto what Trek Biker said. In fact I called the Department of Natural Resources a few weeks ago and asked if overnight multi-day parking was allowed at trailheads, and they said yes (with the suggestion that you might want to notify local law enforcement if you're going to be gone for several days, so they won't wonder if it's a stolen or abandoned vehicle).

Jeanette was very pleasant, the breakfast was more than adequate. Hartsburg has a lot of history and colorful characters- a must stop at the GLOBE HOTEL.

Jeanette was very pleasant, the breakfast was more than adequate. Hartsburg has a lot of history and colorful characters- a must stop at the GLOBE HOTEL.

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.

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.

There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

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

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

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.

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.

Rode across the bridge to Hermann this weekend, cars were very nice. They are building a new bridge winter 2007 with a bike lane and a spur from the trail (McKittrick Trailhead) to the bridge. At the city campground the people said that drivers are used to bikes there and like having them in town.

Rode across the bridge to Hermann this weekend, cars were very nice. They are building a new bridge winter 2007 with a bike lane and a spur from the trail (McKittrick Trailhead) to the bridge. At the city campground the people said that drivers are used to bikes there and like having them in town.

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

This is a great place to stay. It is comfortable and quiet. The breakfasts are good and the proprieter is very friendly. Located midway between the trail and Stone Hill Winery and its delicious restaurant.

After reading a couple of less than positive comments about Mokane, and in particular its country market, I find I must respond. As a displaced New Englander who has lived many years in small, rural Maine towns, I feel quite at home in the Mokane market. In fact, one of my wife and my favorite rides is the Bluffton to Mokane round trip, with lunch in the Mokane Market. Not only is the ride pretty and secluded, with plenty of the route directly along the Missouri River and very little anywhere near the highway, it takes us to a wonderful, if simple lunch at the market. The proprietors certainly don't cater to cyclists because they are focused on serving their farm community customers who come and go in a constant stream. But we always get our to-order sandwiches cheerfully made, pay a very modest price, and then contentedly eat them at the little tables in the window, watching the flow of people into and out of the store. Listening to the snatches of conversation between the people, and reading their community bulletin board, we get a good sense of life in the bustling, down to earth town. We don't expect them to take any particular notice of us, and I must say, it seems a bit self centered to do so. They serve a small farming community, and well, so it appears. I highly recommend this ride, and this stop. But I'll add this caveat. In the tiny town of Orland on the Maine coast, there is a popular local restaurant called Duffy's. Mr. Duffy has posted the following sign prominently outside his door: "We here at Duffy's are a family oriented restaurant. We aren't fussy, and we certainly aren't fancy. If you are, Bucksport is 11 miles west, and Ellsworth is 13 miles east." This might be the Mokane store. As for me, I fully intend to keep going back.

I grew up in Mexico, MO not too far from Mokane. I remember going to/through Mokane to fish on the Missouri River as a kid. I'm doing an end-to-end KATY ride next week. I look forward to passing through Mokane and comparing it to my childhood memories.

My experience at the Mokane Market was less than memorable. No breakfast type food available. The local fellows had no interest in chatting, not even to be polite. I ate my deli sandwich and moved on. I thanked one of the employees on the way out the door and she did not even acknowledge me. I especially found charming the peeling paint from the ceiling above the food prep area and the dude who made my sandwich without using plastic gloves. I guess the health department does not get to Mokane very often.

We have been planning this trip for 2 years and it is finally time. We will be starting in Prarie Lick and riding to the western end of the trail and then all the way back to the eastern end, camping each night. Looks like the weather might be really nice. If you're going to be on the trail that week, have a great trip and we might see you there!

Jason, I couldn't believe the similarities when I read your post! My wife and I have been planning an end to end ride of the Katy for about a year now, and we will be on the trail the same days as you.(Oct. 1st-6th) As time went on, our trip has been changed several times. We now plan to ride across most of the state starting near Merwin (on the west side of MO) and riding to Clinton the first day. The second day on, we'll be riding the trail. We will be the goofy couple on recumbents with big smiles on our faces! Hope to see you headin' east!

A buddy of mine and I will be starting at Clinton on Thursday, 05 Oct and riding to St. Charles in 3 days. We'll keep our eyes open for you. We're staying with family in Columbia on Thursday night and at the Rendleman Home B&B on Friday night. See you out there. We're 2 40ish men on MTBs.



Ken

Sounds good! I'll keep my eyes open! I have a feeling that the trail is going to be pretty crowded next week. Should be fun though. I ride a Fuji and my brother rides a Novara. We will be the ones with WAY too much stuff on our bikes. Have fun!

Hey Jason and J&K-I'm leaving Tuesday Oct. 2 from Sedalia and on to St. Charles. I've been planning this ride for months. I'm totally pumped up and can hardly wait. See ya on the trail !



Paulie

I offer a few comments to those of you who are planning a trip (thru-bikers)along the KATY. One thing to be aware of is the haphazzard hours of operation of some of the businesses along the trail, especially during the week. Tip: be self sufficient. Do not count on any businesses being open. If they are...that is a bonus for you and you should take advantage. Otherwise you are on your own. Take your guidebook and call ahead. Cooper's Landing...skip it. He caters to river rats and hoosiers and merely tolerates bicyclists because they usually have money to spend. Ride on by. Dotty's in Hartsburg is great. She invited us in for breakfast even though she did not officially open for another 90 minutes. The KATY Shelter in Tebbetts is reliable and adequate...the key is on the telephone pole outside. Be sure to go to Jim's Bar across the street...great hospitiality. Steamboat Junction at Bluffton is a good camping option. Rhineland has a great cafe/bar/grill...don't miss it. Eat there instead of going into Hermann. McKittrick to Treloar is a long stretch without services...be prepared with snacks and water. Camp at Klondike Park! (Between Augusta and Matson with access off the trail.) A great spot. Do not ride up the big hill into the park...take the trail from the boat ramp...it is a little out of the way but easier to manage with a loaded bike. The hill is very steep, no kidding. The people at the Dutzow Deli were very friendly and the food was top notch. Trailheads on the eastern half of the trail do not have water available, plan accordingly. Generally speaking the trail is better maintained on the western half (Sedalia to N. Jefferson). Be careful when the trail intersects with a drive way or gravel road...some very rough crossings here and there. Local attitudes about the trail and trail users seem to be about the same as the last time I rode through these towns...some like it, some do not.

I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile down the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed and the sign said it does not open until 4:00pm Tueseday throught Friday.

I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile down the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed and the sign said it does not open until 4:00pm Tueseday throught Friday.

Thank you for posting the comments about discrepancies you found in the hours of businesses along the trail. For most of those, I had gotten the hours back in May. Some of these places really drive me nuts with how they change their hours around - some change by the season, but others just seem to change their hours on a whim. I appreciate you passing along the correct info, so I can update the website. I hope you enjoyed your trip, other than the unexpected CLOSED signs you encountered!

Thank you for posting the comments about discrepancies you found in the hours of businesses along the trail. For most of those, I had gotten the hours back in May. Some of these places really drive me nuts with how they change their hours around - some change by the season, but others just seem to change their hours on a whim. I appreciate you passing along the correct info, so I can update the website. I hope you enjoyed your trip, other than the unexpected CLOSED signs you encountered!

Stopped at the bar and grill on 10/21/05. Nice people and good food. There may be nicer places on the trail, but after 16 cold and wet miles, I was happy the Treloar Bar and Grill was there and open.

Stopped at the bar and grill on 10/21/05. Nice people and good food. There may be nicer places on the trail, but after 16 cold and wet miles, I was happy the Treloar Bar and Grill was there and open.

We went to the Trelor Bar and Grill and had one of the best times of our time on the trail. The hostess (owner) was great, the food was good ol' grill food that filled our stomachs and did not empty our wallet and the Root Beer floats (root beer schnapps and beer) were a hit of the evening. Just don't come in with an attitude. These were thee greatest peole we met...

I can't wait to see them again and have another steak..

We went to the Trelor Bar and Grill and had one of the best times of our time on the trail. The hostess (owner) was great, the food was good ol' grill food that filled our stomachs and did not empty our wallet and the Root Beer floats (root beer schnapps and beer) were a hit of the evening. Just don't come in with an attitude. These were thee greatest peole we met...

I can't wait to see them again and have another steak..

We stopped there after a beautiful ride to and from McKindrick. The food was excellent. We sat in the back room where it wasn't so smokey.

We stopped there after a beautiful ride to and from McKindrick. The food was excellent. We sat in the back room where it wasn't so smokey.

Stopped in on 10/26/06 and had a couple of beers. I can't remember the young lady’s name working the bar but she was really nice. She was able to tell us a lot about the bar and the local area. Good place for a beer and sandwich.

Stopped in on 10/26/06 and had a couple of beers. I can't remember the young lady’s name working the bar but she was really nice. She was able to tell us a lot about the bar and the local area. Good place for a beer and sandwich.

I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.

I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.

I was wondering has anyone out there hiked the trail all the way? If you have how long did it take and how did it go? Details would be great. Thank you. Feel free to email me your response.

I have just finished my trail expedition. I was planning to go end to end, and started in Clinton on the Saturday before Labor Day. Unfortunately, my feet gave out at McKittrick -- Too many blisters. I am relatively new to long-distance hiking, and really need to invest in a better pair of shoes and figure out ways to reduce the weight of my backpack. It CAN be done, though. I ended up logging up about 160 miles with 60 left to go before I had to stop. I had a great time, and met some wonderfull people. I am still a little chagrined about having to stop, but I plan to return and finish the trail when my feet heal up and I can arrange the time to do it.

My best suggestion would be to make sure you have some sort of support person/crew. My mistake was in trying to carry too much on my back, hence my feet crapping out. I will be posting more on this in a while, and have been writing a blog, which I will add a link to a little later.



You should definitely go for it. It is something I will never forget!

I've added a link to GC's blog at the top of this page, where you can read about his 160 mile hike along the Katy Trail. It's great reading!

GC,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the blog about your trip. It truly captured the flavor of the trail….walking or riding. I’m certain your pace let you enjoy many sites along the way that riders just zoom past on their way to somewhere.



We are great appreciators of nature and are most often passed while riding the trail. On our three day ride over Labor Day weekend, we enjoyed discovering a Buckeye tree near Hartsburg and Jack in the Pulpit in its brilliant fall color near Rhineland. On our annual family fall ride at Rocheport, we all take our turns predicting the severity of the winter by cutting open Persimmons that have fallen on the trail.



For us, a slow pace uncovers the essence of the trail. It allows the human species to connect, or reconnect, with the many wonders of nature. That for us is why the organization so aptly named, The Department of Natural Resources, has worked to establish and maintain the Katy. And so, I cringe at the mention of riders bringing business cards to pass out along the way as they ride in hopes of career discoveries while out networking.



I appreciate your pace and both commend and congratulate you!

Trek,

Thanks for your comments. I agree, I like the slower pace and I cringe when I hear cyclists ask questions like "Should I do the trail in three days or two?" While I respect their ability to pull something like that off, I also feel like they are missing so much of what the trail has to offer.

On the blog front, I need to do some updates. I am planning on knocking off the last 60 miles of the trail at some point in the not too distant future, plus, I want to post some more post walk thoughts. So stay tuned!

Thanks again for your note.

I need some advice on where to park in St. Charles long term. I want to ride my bike to downtown St Louis from St. Charles, take the Amtrak to Sedalia, then bike(over three days)back to St. Charles. I figure by the time I get to the end of the Katy the last thing I want to do is fight traffic back to my car.



Thanks, Paulie

I left mine for in the lot just to the right on the boathouse lot. It would be on the way to the casino there is a lighted lot right by the trail. It was there for six days without issue.

I'll second what Wayne said. You can park at the Katy Trail trailhead lot, or the large boathouse lot. Check out this earlier discussion for more details about Katy Trail overnight parking in St Charles.

We wil be spending the night in Boonville at the Comfort Inn. The casino shuttle does pick up guests and take them to the casino/casino buffet. Would it be awful if we took the shuttle to the casino but then walked up to Main St to a different restaurant?

It is your conscience, we chose not to take advantage of it. There are taxies that will take care of your needs. The lady behind the desk offered to allow us to ride into town with her husband then find our own way back.



Expect to pay a "bicycle fee" at this hotel.

If you read through this forum, you'll see LOTS of bad reviews of Capri's buffet, and nobody has much good to say about it. Take the shuttle bus, eat at a GOOD restaurant, and drop a few bucks into Capri's slot machines if you feel guilty.

Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)

Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)