Katy Trail Forum

I am currently in the middle of hiking the whole trail, west to east. For the most part, the trail has been great. I do think, however, that the state needs to get its act together on the water situation. I think that every trailhead should have water, period. I understand that some of them are in rural areas, but in 2006 and with all the rural water districts in the state, I think some solution could be found. Twenty five miles between reliable water stops (Sedalia to Pilot Grove)is simply unacceptable. This is a safety issue. And if you read the sign coming into Clifton City, you are led to belive that water or some sort of beverages are available. I was not the only person there on Monday to misunderstand this sign. What can we, as the trail-using community, do about this?



Otherwise, the trailhead at Clifton City was perfectly nice. It is nice and shady, etc.



OK. now it is time to get off my soapbox

I'm not an engineer but I don't think the lack of water is an engineering problem but rather a cost issue. In most (maybe all) cases the availability of water would be seasonable and would have to be shut off during the winter and then turned on and tested again each Spring. I guess all this costs money. That said, they did do a great job on the restrooms but he porta potties need to be looked after better. For now, I just pack more water.

Seems to be alot of things in this old world in year 2006 that are simply unacceptable. Running potable water at every base camp on a remote trail is miniscule. Like Joe, I also pack more water. Perhaps easier to do with a bike than walking. A method of water purification may be in order if I were hiking, as there seems to be plenty of water sources.

Oh, I agree that in the greater scheme of things, lack of potable water seems minor. I accept the fact that it would have to seasonal, and that there would be some cost associated with providing water at all the trail heads, but it just strikes me as something that can and should be provided.

If the Boonville bridge is sold, as seems likely, I wonder where all the proceeds will go? The General Fund, or will at least some of the money be rolled back into the trail. That seems the least that could be done.

The trail is such a great resource, I just think that that aspect could be improved on.

While I agree that you should be prepared and carry your own water, there are some pretty long stretches, especially for walkers--the Clifton City stretch is one, and also around Weldon Springs. I would at least like to see the trail maps mark whether or not there is water available at trailheads.

Having the maps that are available at the trailheads marked is a good idea. Perhaps you should contact the DNR and make that request. I rarely have one of those at home when planning a trip, so that they were marked would be of little benefit for me. When I pick one up at a trailhead, it would be a bit to late beings I was already there.



Using the Plan a Ride feature of this website tho, you can check the box next to the water icon to see which towns you will be passing through has water. Also, wasn't too long ago that this thread, "Water at trailheads Started: Aug 27 2006 12:54PM by margie, blue springs" had 8 posters relaying information about which towns currently have water at either the trailhead, or available from a neighborhood store or vendo.

Read with interest that you are hiking the entire trail. Would love to know particulars? Are you finished? How many days did it take?

Did you keep a journal. I plan on running the entire trail in Nov. Contact me direct if you wish dbiersmiht@imckc.com

Is it really true there is no water between North Jefferson and Marthasville?

I am running the trail in NOv. and can not carry that much water.

David, Even though there may be no water at the actual trailheads themselves, many of the small towns do have places to get water. Also, if you're running in November, check with the DNR to see when the water at the trailheads (the ones so equiped) will be shut off for the winter. If I remember correctly, it happens during November. Even if the water at the trailheads is off for the winter, just do your homework so you know in advance where to find water in all the little towns and you'll have a great run.

This comment is directed to the gentleman who is presently hiking the entire Trail. I plan on running it in Nov. and would sure aprreciate speaking to you about your journey. Could you call me @ 816.241.4477 or 816 694 7762. thanks David Biersmith

David, I just came off the trail this morning. I had to bail at McKittrick because of problems with my feet. I did 160+ miles and had about 60 left to go, so I am not going to hang my head too much.



I am fairly new to the whole long-distance hiking thing, and have definitely learned a few lessons on what to do next time. One thing I would suggest is having someone to provide support throughout the trail. I was carrying a 50+ pound backpack, which screwed up my gait, which caused the blisters to form and some strains on the ankles, which caused more gait changes, which caused more blisters.... you get the idea.



This is one of the reasons I was complaining about a lack of water at all the trailheads. I could have easily knocked 10 pounds off my backpack by carrying less water on some of those "dry" stretches.



I have been writing a blog about this walk, and I will be planning to add the address in the next day or so. Basically, I was planning on doing the whole trail in about 12 days. I am convinced that my basic plan was sound, I just need to do a little better logistics planning.



I will be back on the trail in the next couple of months to finish it off. I have not given up yet!

gc,

Just courious about your web access during your hike, did you carry your laptop? At the last minute I decided to take mine along on our end to end ride for web access and some light business. I have decided after this trip that the next time my computer gets to ride my bike the ride will need to be longer than a week. Even though I was on wheels that was 7 lbs I could have done without.

gc - Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment. 160 miles on foot is pretty amazing no matter how you slice it. I'm really looking forward to reading your blog.



David B - There is water between N Jefferson and Mokane. You probably got the impression that there was none by using the "Plan-a-Ride" feature on this website. To get a more accurate picture of water availability, also check the Groceries and Vending Machine checkboxes when doing a Plan-a-ride. The grocery will always have water of course. Vending machines sometimes have just soda, but along the trail quite a few of them also stock water and sport drinks. Even if the other only option is just soda, it can still do the job in a pinch, to help you avoid dehydration (and get a few carbohydrates while you're at it). You might also want to look at the restaurant options - most restaurants along the trail are pretty informal and would not mind selling you a to-go drink if you're not up for a meal.



The Water option on the Plan-a-Ride feature can be deceptive since it does not include the types of services listed above. Most facilities are only listed under the Water option if they have a public water fountain or other free and accesible source of water.



Bottom line is to go over all the listings, and make a few phone calls to verify who will be open.



I'm very interested in hearing more about gc's just-completed hike and David's upcoming run - keep us posted, guys!

Congrats on making it 160 miles on the trail! I use a 100 oz. Camelbak when I ride the trail. It also has some storage for food or clothing. There are some on sale right now, so it's a good time to pick one up.

gc.

Great job, 160 miles is a wonderful.

I plan on running/jogging about 25 miles a day. I have planned stops at the end of each day at b.and b.'s and friends in Sedalia and Jeff. City. I am not carrying anything. I know I need to stay hydrated the afternoon and evening before the next day run, and hope that is enought if I cannot find anything in the towns along the way. I bet the trail heads will be sut off by Nov. 18.

Tell me what is wrong with these ideas. Can I make 25 miles a day, etc.

A new mileage sign is being developed and it will be placed in Clinton , MO. This sign has several distance points from Clinton Trailhead in Missouri. It will be posted on the trail within a few weeks or less.



Chad

Trai Volunteer/patroller.

This will be my wife and I first time on the K. trail. We plan to take a day ride from Rochport going east. My wife is new to cycling (3 months) and is worried about how far she can go. What is the grade along this part of the trail? She has done as much as 18 miles on the Tunnel Hill trail in IL. but that is about her limit. Looking at McBain and back, that should be about 16 miles. Any comments.



Thanks

This section is as flat as the KATY gets and usually in really good shape. However, there is no water along the way, so make sure you have enough when you leave Rocheport. The bike shop in Rocheport is nice and has drinks. Make sure you go west first to the tunnel and then turn back east toward McBaine. It's between 1/4 and 1/2 mile to the tunnel if I recall correctly. It's pretty neat. Have fun.

Thanks for the Info on the tunnel. Will make shure we check it out.



Thanks

We rode to McBaine Tuesday and there is a water fountain at McBain now. I didn't check to see if it's functional. We also checked out the new overlook at Eagle Bluff. The overlook is a couple of miles east of McBaine and it's quite a climb up a set of steps to the top but there's a heck of a view from the deck.

Yes, McBaine has water. Also, at Huntsdale, there is Katfish Katies -- sort of a general store/campground. They have drinks available there.

Is it advisable to camp anywhere along the trail if I don't want to camp in a city park? I'm talking about just finding a place a hundred or so feet off the trail, set up a camp, and leave without a trace the next day. Thoughts? Problems? Legalities?

The state park only extends about 50 feet or so on either side of the trail which means you'd be on private property and therefore, trespassing on private property in most cases. I don't think I'd do it.

There are several camping options along the trail. You might want to check out the Roundhouse in New Franklin, Steamboat Junction near Bluffton, and Klondike park near Augusta. I've stayed at the Roundhouse campground......they could not be more accomodating. And there are sites within a few yards of the Katy. We camped at Steamboat Junction over Labor Day weekend and found it to be very clean, neat, and quiet. I would much rather pay ten bucks to camp than have to worry about gettin run off private property by an angry land owner. Court may be a hassle if you have to travel back from Oklahoma for trespassing charges too.

I heard someone put it once..."How would you like it if someone had pitched a tent in your backyard?" Not only is it just wrong, it is illegal. Missouri fought long and hard over the Katy, and tresspass issues were just one of the battles. Please use the campgrounds, or just ask. Most of the towns will let you camp in the city parks.

Don't do it. It's illegal for one thing. The Trail is a day use park only; no camping is permitted. And, previous posts are correct, the trail and only a few feet on either side of it
are actually State property -- 100 yards off the trail is on private property--somebody's back yard or place of business. Landowners along the Trail were NOT happy about the Trail going in and it has just been in the last couple of years that the lawsuits over that land use have been resolved. Don't ruin the Trail for everyone by being a trespasser. There are towns about every 10 miles or so, plenty of places to camp without danger of being arrested...or shot. Sharon

I just spent the night at Birk's last night(Sept. 10). The place is an oasis. I was hiking the entire trail, and needed a left from McKittrick into Hermann. Rick picked me up within about five minutes of my call. I asked if he would mind pulling into a drive thru to let me pick up something for dinner. He countered with an offer to share his pizza back at the house. It tasted great! The bedroom was wonderful. Breakfast was great! Since my cellphone(Sprint) won't work in Hermann, he even loaned me his to call home and get a ride.



This is my second time at Birk's, and I hope to pay many more visits in the future. You can't go wrong by staying there!

On Saturday, 9/9, we went riding in the Clifton City area and got off the trail to see the octagonal barn and Methodist church and cemetary. All are described in the Katy Trail Guidebook and on the interpretive signs in Clifton City. Unfortunately, the old barn has fallen in. However, the church and cemetary are still worth seeing.

This motel is very primitive and yet they can charge $93(including tax) per night if it's peak visitors' season such as the MS 150. Not a pleasant experience.

You are right about Sho-Me Kort,but I think all of the motels in Sedalia are guilty of that during the MS150 weekend. September riders planning to stay in Sedalia on the second Saturday of the month will have a very hard time securing a room, as most are booked.(MS150)

I got caught in a spring downpour down the trail from Peers, called ahead and reserved a room at the store. The day and two nights I spent drying out there were like old home week. The ladies treated me like family. The food is basic and the bathroom spartan, but the hospitality makes it a must-stay every trip in the future for me.

Just curious...where is Peers?

Peers is between Marthasville and Treloar. You can find some additional information and photos on the Peers page. You don't see it in the map at the top of the page because I had to leave out a few of the smaller towns, to keep the map from getting too crowded. The little store there is a great place to visit, and the proprietor has many interesting stories.

It would be nice if you posted a schedule of performers and the times they will be performing, or is there another site with this information? If I'm thinking about travelling that far, I would like to know in advance who I might be able to see.

It would be nice if you posted a schedule of performers and the times they will be performing, or is there another site with this information? If I'm thinking about travelling that far, I would like to know in advance who I might be able to see.

There is a Katy Trail Bluegrass Festival??? Never heard of it!

There is a Katy Trail Bluegrass Festival??? Never heard of it!

There is a Bluegrass Festival on September 9th in St. Charles MO.---it will be right on the trail -----e-mail historicstcharles.com and get the details ---it has the time and the entertainers ----if you need a place to stay while you are her ----contact 636-946-0619 ----or www.lococohouse.com

There is a Bluegrass Festival on September 9th in St. Charles MO.---it will be right on the trail -----e-mail historicstcharles.com and get the details ---it has the time and the entertainers ----if you need a place to stay while you are her ----contact 636-946-0619 ----or www.lococohouse.com

The Bluegrass Festival that John referred to is near Clinton, but it's not associated with the Katy Trail in any way, and it's actually about 5 miles from the end of the trail in Clinton. I listed it in the events section of this website just for anyone who might want to add something a little different to their Katy Trail experience.



I've had a very hard time finding information on this festival - it's a low-tech operation and they have no website. If you call the number listed for the event, they might be able to give you a little more information.



Meanwhile on the eastern end of the trail, check out the St Charles Bluegrass festival that Rhona mentions above.

The Bluegrass Festival that John referred to is near Clinton, but it's not associated with the Katy Trail in any way, and it's actually about 5 miles from the end of the trail in Clinton. I listed it in the events section of this website just for anyone who might want to add something a little different to their Katy Trail experience.



I've had a very hard time finding information on this festival - it's a low-tech operation and they have no website. If you call the number listed for the event, they might be able to give you a little more information.



Meanwhile on the eastern end of the trail, check out the St Charles Bluegrass festival that Rhona mentions above.

Does anyone know of a shuttle service back to Clinton from St. Charles, that would be operating in Nov.?

we are lococohouse II bed & breakfast we will shuttle to clinton mo. you are reguired to stay one night ---- call me at 636-946-0619

or e-mail me at rhonaloc@charter.net and i will go over the details

thank you for your time ---Rhona Lococo

We used http://www.trailridersports.com/ for our recient trip. Glenn is very service oriented, punctual, and well priced.

I'd like to know the easiest way by bicycle from the Katy Trail in or near Pilot Grove to Arrow Rock with the least traffic. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

Since no one else spoke up, I'll try. The most direct route with the least traffic would be:



Route M north out of Pilot Grove, once M crosses I-70 it turns west. Continue west on M to Route K. Take K north through the town of Blackwater (worth a visit - http://www.blackwater-mo.com/) to route 41. Take 41 north to Arrow Rock.



I have driven route M north of I-70, though it has been several years (I grew up in the area). It has very little traffic and I suspect that traffic volume between I-70 and Pilot Grove would be light as well. Route K has light traffic also. You would probably encounter more traffic on 41, but I would not hesitate to ride on it, in fact I hope to ride to Arrow Rock some day. This route will have hills and curves. I would dress for visibility and listen closely for approaching vehicles.



I would not recommend riding highway 135; it carries the majority of the traffic between Boonville and Pilot Grove.

Just an awesome place. Very knowledgable, good prices and selection. Very good experience

Just an awesome place. Very knowledgable, good prices and selection. Very good experience

What a great place to stay. After a 73 mile bike ride there was a clean bed to rest in and tractor pulls as a added bonus. The breakfast was great as was the host. We had a great time.

What a great place to stay. After a 73 mile bike ride there was a clean bed to rest in and tractor pulls as a added bonus. The breakfast was great as was the host. We had a great time.

What a great place to stay. After a 73 mile bike ride there was a clean bed to rest in and tractor pulls as a added bonus. The breakfast was great as was the host. We had a great time.

What a great place to stay. After a 73 mile bike ride there was a clean bed to rest in and tractor pulls as a added bonus. The breakfast was great as was the host. We had a great time.

Public Hearing Open House Sept. 12 for Centennial – St. Charles Trail



September 5, St. Charles, MO – The Great Rivers Greenway District, the public organization leading the development of a region-wide system of interconnected greenways, parks and trails known as The River Ring, will hold a public hearing open house for the Centennial-St. Charles Trail on Tuesday, September 12, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Gould Building in Wapelhorst Park, 1875 Muegge Road in St. Charles.



The Centennial-St Charles Trail will be a two-mile hiking and biking trail from the KATY Trailhead at Page to Old Highway 94. From the KATY Trailhead, the proposed trail will move west along Hemsath to Upper Bottom Road and cross under Hwy 364, moving south on Upper Bottom Road. It will then go west along the south side of the Hwy 364 right of way before heading north, crossing over Hwy 364 and Hwy 94 to Old Hwy 94.



There will be no formal presentation during the program. Instead, the open house format will be an informal opportunity to view and comment on maps and displays outlining the scope for the trail, as well as the anticipated timeline for construction. Representatives of The Great Rivers Greenway will be available to answer questions and explain the maps and illustrations demonstrating how the proposed plan will create a public amenity with environmental, economic and social benefits for residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.



Throughout the evening, The public will have an opportunity to express their comments and suggestions verbally or in writing and written comments also will be accepted if received within ten days of the program.



Sponsored by Great Rivers Greenway District, www.greatrivers.info, 314-863-3373

Don't expect this guy to be bike friendly

Did you have a bad experience, just get "bad vibes" in the place, etc.? I've heard good comments about this place and not had any problems myself, so I'm curious.

Bad experience, bad attitude attendant

I live 15 miles from there on the Katy and ride up every few weeks. The young guys are friendly as are almost all the customers. Seems like there always has to be one or two that feel the need to be hateful to show they're real men. You know, morons

I was at this market twice last week, the attendant was not overly friendly, but perfectly competent, made a nice sandwich. They stock a nice variety of foods, and are open more hours and days than many businesses on the trail.

I agree with bentcruiser. We were there last week the lady made a sandwich that was adequate. The regulars looked at us as though we were from another planet. The owner definitely didn't want to be bothered.

I love stopping by the Mokane market. It has a true rural small town atmosphere! Local farmers and ranchers congregate in the early mornings. It truly is a heart of America kind of place. The food is good, fresh and wholesome too.

Great bike ride and quite an enjoyable nature experience. However a lack of friendliness in the area puts a damper on things.

Me & my son, Quinn had a very good experience at this market. The young man behind the counter was very nice and polite, & waited on us promptly after behind on the trail for 10 hours. He even offered to lock our bikes up behind the store so we could walk down to the local fair that was taking place in town that weekend. 9/2/06

Our experience at the market was a good one. The place is definately small town but isn't that part of the beauty? We move some of the toys that were on the table and made ourselves at home. It so happened the owner was putting up a display near by and we had quite a chat about the history of the neighborhood.