Katy Trail Forum

This is to give you fare warning about the Katy trail. We rode from Boonsville to Mokane and it was a nightmare. Its long, hot, bad gravel road, and those dang mile markers, beware just be very ware.

To each his own. Every inch of the trail has something to offer me. In general, this section is great for chewing up miles. It's very flat, with very few road crossings, and (if I recall correctly) is well maintained. Other than the Rocheport area, it can be extremely solitary. This also condusive to riding head down to eat up the miles. When wanting to take in the view, there are the bluffs from Rocheport to Jefferson City, the famous tunnell at Rocheport, and the occasional hard body from MU jogging along.

The distance that you ride is up to you! That can be long or short.



The heat along the trail depends on each day and the time of day.



The Katy Trail was constructed as just that....a trail..not with the intent to be a "good" gravel road.



Those dang mile markers kinda give that railroad retro effect don't ya think? My computer lets me quickly jump back to the future though.



What is it that we all need to be aware of??

It's Missouri in May, you're supposed to expect hot and humid !! If you want smooth, then ride on the roads and fight the traffic !!

Two other couples and ourselves had reservations at Cooper's Landing the last week end of September. One couple had paid no money, one couple had paid for one night and we had paid for two nights. However due to the death of a brother in law (of all of us)in NC none of us were able to go to Cooper's Landing. We canceled on Wednesday before the Friday and Saturday night reservations. The gentleman in charge was rude over the phone and declined to repay any of the pre-paid money. The home page at that time did not mention any refund policies. I would not recommend their hospitality.

Two other couples and ourselves had reservations at Cooper's Landing the last week end of September. One couple had paid no money, one couple had paid for one night and we had paid for two nights. However due to the death of a brother in law (of all of us)in NC none of us were able to go to Cooper's Landing. We canceled on Wednesday before the Friday and Saturday night reservations. The gentleman in charge was rude over the phone and declined to repay any of the pre-paid money. The home page at that time did not mention any refund policies. I would not recommend their hospitality.

You should not be so quick to judge - you don't know the

circumstances of the people on Cooper's Landing - the person

may have seemed rude, but what about you?

You should not be so quick to judge - you don't know the

circumstances of the people on Cooper's Landing - the person

may have seemed rude, but what about you?

Cooper's Landing is very poorly run, if our experience is any indication. One couple was not ask to even send a deposit and the other two were told they had to pay one night ahead of time. When the two that paid ask for a refund (or even a partial refund) it was flatly refused and the man said just to collect from the ones who hadn't paid. What a poor way to do business!!! After this incident, we noticed they changed their site to say "No refunds." Would have been nice to know that before making our reservations.



I can tell you we were excited about staying on the river, biking the Katy Trail, and would have gone at a later date if we hadn't been treated so rudely. We will definately look for some place else to stay when we get to go.

Cooper's Landing is very poorly run, if our experience is any indication. One couple was not ask to even send a deposit and the other two were told they had to pay one night ahead of time. When the two that paid ask for a refund (or even a partial refund) it was flatly refused and the man said just to collect from the ones who hadn't paid. What a poor way to do business!!! After this incident, we noticed they changed their site to say "No refunds." Would have been nice to know that before making our reservations.



I can tell you we were excited about staying on the river, biking the Katy Trail, and would have gone at a later date if we hadn't been treated so rudely. We will definately look for some place else to stay when we get to go.

Cooper's is what it is.....if you are looking for a B&B experience this probably isn't the place for you. We ride there to eat at the Thai Kitchen at least two or three times a year and always stop there for a break when we ride to Rocheport.

Cooper's is what it is.....if you are looking for a B&B experience this probably isn't the place for you. We ride there to eat at the Thai Kitchen at least two or three times a year and always stop there for a break when we ride to Rocheport.

Coopers is a party spot. It is a laid back, who shows up shows up kind of place. The guy

who runs it is a heck of a nice guy, but it's no motel 6...and, if it was, it just wouldn't be as

much fun. Sorry you had a bad experience, but encourage you to stop by and visit

sometime...the thai food is fabulous, it is not unusual for some live bluegrass music to be

happening, and fine hospitality to be had.

Coopers is a party spot. It is a laid back, who shows up shows up kind of place. The guy

who runs it is a heck of a nice guy, but it's no motel 6...and, if it was, it just wouldn't be as

much fun. Sorry you had a bad experience, but encourage you to stop by and visit

sometime...the thai food is fabulous, it is not unusual for some live bluegrass music to be

happening, and fine hospitality to be had.

The post stating "it is what it is" is so right. It's a little riverside place, not a big QT or B&B. I've never spent the night so I can't speak to that, but always make a point to stop for snacks when I bike past. If you don't put any big expectations on the place, you'll be fine, because....it is what it is. I've always found a cold drink, snacks (Fritos!)and have been treated well. This season we plan to try the thai restaurant.

The post stating "it is what it is" is so right. It's a little riverside place, not a big QT or B&B. I've never spent the night so I can't speak to that, but always make a point to stop for snacks when I bike past. If you don't put any big expectations on the place, you'll be fine, because....it is what it is. I've always found a cold drink, snacks (Fritos!)and have been treated well. This season we plan to try the thai restaurant.

Cooper's is a great, laid back place to sit, watch the lazy river, have a beer and listen to

good music. The bonfires and the food make it one of my favorite places in the

summertime.



I have spent the night in the "apartment" above the store and it was like staying at my

grandmother's house--complete with overstuffed couches and recliners. It's not a

Rocheport B&B and as sbikes said in March, it wouldn't be as great if it were anything

other than what it is.

Cooper's is a great, laid back place to sit, watch the lazy river, have a beer and listen to

good music. The bonfires and the food make it one of my favorite places in the

summertime.



I have spent the night in the "apartment" above the store and it was like staying at my

grandmother's house--complete with overstuffed couches and recliners. It's not a

Rocheport B&B and as sbikes said in March, it wouldn't be as great if it were anything

other than what it is.

i know cooper's landing is a good spot i was born and raised down by easley and mcbaine so was my mother and my grandfater used to own alot of fields there. so mabe some people might be rude but that's because of a bad day or somethin other then that everyone pretty much knows everyone and are very friendly. stop also at lucy's she's my aunt she's got good food and bar also.

i know cooper's landing is a good spot i was born and raised down by easley and mcbaine so was my mother and my grandfater used to own alot of fields there. so mabe some people might be rude but that's because of a bad day or somethin other then that everyone pretty much knows everyone and are very friendly. stop also at lucy's she's my aunt she's got good food and bar also.

I am going on a 4 day bike riding trip with 2 of my cousins and one of my friends. I was just wondering what neat and cool places there are to see aroiund these areas. Are 5 places that we are stopping are, Cinton, boonville, north jefferson,marthasville, and St Charles. It is going to be fun if anybody can give me advice to pass on to my freinds and relatives. It would be helpful, thanks



Daniel

There's nothing in North Jefferson, so you'll have to get across the river to Jeff City. There is the capitol and you can spend time both inside and out. There is a museum in the capitol that is worth seeing. Also check out Lohman's Landing, which is just east of the capitol and contains a museum and historic buildings. There are several good places to eat downtown as well.

Here's a list of points of interest along the Katy Trail. They're not all in the towns you mentioned, but you will be passing them along the way, so you may find some of them to be worth looking out for. Don't count on spotting the "pierced rock" this time of year though - too many leaves on the trees.

Lady of Sorrows Shrine is just off the trail a few miles and is worth the trip up the hill. I am

not Catholic, so some of it I don't understand. But, it is way interesting...and a bit bizzare. It

was built in the late 1800s/early 1900s and is just interesting. There is a big sign just west

of Rhineland. There is a grotto and an interesting stations of the cross that is huge slabs in

the ground (think Stonehenge). It is just interesting and bizarre and a nice calm, quiet,

peaceful place to visit. Here is a link to a website that has pics and more info:

www.historicshrine.org/ShrineOurLadySorrows.htm

Oh, and don't miss the mid-Missouri version of Stonehenge just west of Cooper's

Landing...on the north side of the trail. Trust me, you will know it when you see it! : )

I've noticed the trail is not totally correct on google earth. It would be very nice if someone took the time to make a downloadable file with the trail and attraction reference points. Has this been done yet?

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

My husband and I are trying to figure out a route for a 3 day trip. Neither of us have ever ridden the KATY, so we need help! We are planning on riding the first week of September and we were hoping to do around 50-70 for 2 days and then a nice easy 20-30 for the third. We want to experience the wineries and stay in either hotels or B&B's along the way. Does anyone have any route suggestions. Also curious to hear what people think is the best sections of the trail.



Thanks in advance for your help and hopefully we will be out enjoying the trail soon. Oh yeah, what is the weather like out there during the first of Sept?

Hi, You might look at doing, Day 1 Boonville to Jefferson City 49 miles, Day 2 Jefferson City to Hermann 45 Miles, Day 3 Hermann to Washington 25 miles. You will see alot of the Katy and IMHO the best part. The West to East is slightly down hill, the cities are beautiful with lots of B&B's. For Amtrak acesss you might just want to do Jefferson City to Hermann to Washington, and spend the 3rd day local biking.



Early September can be as hot as Mid-August but with a breeze, shade and water. Good luck. You might want to get a guide book, and do a few 50+ rides in your own area before doing the Katy.

I second GMD's suggestion on the routes. When you get to Hermann, plan on spending at least couple of days there. This wonderful little berg has 7 or 8 wineries and a couple of breweries, a host of restaurants and some beautiful scenery (not to mention gobs of shops). The architecture of the area is superb. There are also a bunch of B&B's there, but for the money, Birks Gausthaus is my recommendation.



One note of caution...Hermann is not directly on the trail. You have to cross a long narrow bridge over the Missouri River to get there, and that can be tricky with traffic. Some of the B&B's offer shuttle by truck or van to and from the trail head though. Call ahead.

Hi, I've been riding the Katy Trail (Eastern section) for about 2 months with my husband and son on the weekends. I'd like to ride some sections alone during the week. How safe is it for a woman to ride alone? It seems fine, but I thought that I would ask, and get feedback from all of you. Thanks.

I've ridden all sections of the trail along with many rides on the western section alone. I've never had any problems or felt threatened by anyone. My only problem was a VERY angry BIG dog that came running out of the woods at me between Clinton and Windsor. It chased me for about 1/4 mile but I was able to outrun it. I now carry pepper spray just in case we meet again (and I think my husband feels better knowing I have it handy when I ride alone).

Just rode the ~150 miles from Boonville to St. Charles on the trail as a woman alone and I must say it felt safer than the ~150 miles on the roads between KC Airport and Boonville. Which I am assured was safer than the ride between KC Airport and Clinton would have been! Don't worry, trust your instincts, carry pepper spray - it would be hard to pull out quick unless you engineer it right, but just knowing you have it keeps your confidence up. For dogs too, not that I met a scary one this trip, but it can happen.



Sharron

Thanks, I appreciate the advice! The pepper spray is a great idea, I will find some this week.

HALT is what I carry. It will clip onto your brake cable. I have been riding the trail by myself

for years and have never had any personal safety issues. I have had to spray a dog or two,

but I think the Trail is as safe as it gets (however safe that is!).

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I made it out on the trail today "solo", with mace and cell phone in tow. I had a wonderful time! I did an easy 25 miles, and I felt so relaxed after I finished! I will certainly do it again. Thanks again

Riding alone can be a wonderful experience. I like to ride with companions, but I truly

treasure those solo bike rides. It seems the bike gives my body something to do so that the

creative parts of my brain can soar. I have resolved many issues while out on my bike riding

by myself. enjoy!

Does anybody know anything about the yellow Mongoose pulled from the water and left at trailside 2 miles east of Hartsburg May 7? It was apparently still standing there two days later. Just curious...

An otter, perhaps? I'm native to Missouri and am not sure about a mongoose population. My guess is that it was a river otter. The conservation department has with success reintroduced them to the state.

Good guess...but, last I checked otters didn't have two spoked wheels and pedals and I was a

biology major! There was a bike left along the trail...as opposed to a fuzzy creature! But, a

river otter would have been less mysterious!

this gas station is really nice!!!

this gas station is really nice!!!

Sweet, Calhoun has a gas station... Something I always dreamed about when I was a kid growing up in Calhoun... Our Place just didn't cut it...

Sweet, Calhoun has a gas station... Something I always dreamed about when I was a kid growing up in Calhoun... Our Place just didn't cut it...

Thanks to all who advised me on biking from the airport down to Clinton. All six responses fell into the category of warnings(e.g. "rent a car...") I believe you, and have modified my plans. I'm heading pretty much due East from the airport and will join the official Trail in Boonville. If anyone knows any reason NOT to ride this route, let me know quick - I'm flying in on Tuesday! So much for visiting Californians spending money along the Trail between Clinton and Boonville!

Good move on your part. I would suggest that you begin your trip in Sedalia however. One of the best parts of the trail is from Sedalia to Booneville. You can also catch Amtrak back to Sedalia if you need to. The Hotel Bothwell is great as is Pro vela Bike shop across the street.

Well, thanks for the input, but I missed it before I left and didn't get to Sedalia after all. I am planning a second Katy trip this fall with a new friend from Kansas City, to cover the Clinton-Boonville stretch I missed. Probably we'll go out-and-back, Clinton to Hartsburg. Here I am, back in San Diego four days, should be at the gym and instead I am roaming this list! Help! I've been captured by the Katy Trail!

So very sorry Sharron! Once captured by the Katy Trail....there is no cure. Periodic rides on the Katy may help to ease the pain of absence....but there is no cure!



FYI....mid-October is usually prime for a fall ride, although the weather can be iffy. The Missouri Department of Conservation tracks peak fall color..... http://www.mdc.mo.gov/

Rides on the KATY are interchangeapble with stays at monasteries for sense of peace and well being. Mark of the Dalton Boys

I used to live in St. Charles, but moved to Savannah a year ago. I called 2 weeks before Christmas to ask tons of questions about the St. Charles Maryland Yards. The answers were Yes there is a DJ or band on weekends, Yes there are pool tables and darts, and Yes there is a dance floor. I coordinated 24 people to meet at the Maryland Yards in St. Charles on December 17th, 2005 and I was VERY disappointed! We were told that the tables we were sitting at was the dance floor!!!! We were also told that the DJ would be there at 10PM and he apparently never showed. There were 2 pool tables and 1 dart board and a sign that said "this section closed"!!!! The waitress billed all of us wrong AND added in her tip---per person!!!! I was shocked! I am a good tipper and she didn't get a dime over what she added. All I can say about the place is that the food was decent.......but how can you mess up nachos and toasted raviolis? Also, I ordered a frozen margarita.....it took the bartender 10 minutes to figure out how to use the ice machine! Don't know if he was new or what. Overall I was embarrassed and disappointed that I suggested this place to my friends and family. I drove 900 miles and had that one night to go out and Maryland Yards was NOT a good choice in my opinion.

I do live in st. charles. Maryland Yards is by far one of the best resaturants in st. charles. The staff there are extremely nice. I can tell you "no" they don't have bands on the week ends and never did. Separate checks for 24 people....If the server added a gratuity, that means you must have been a pain. The game room down stairs was probably closed for a private party, which they have alot of during christmas. go figure.... If you wanted a nightclub to dance in...go to a nightclub, not a restaurant. By they way, if you wanted GREAT food maybe you should have tried having dinner there also. It's always been wonderful and inexpense.

I have had a horrible experience with Maryland Yards in St. Charles. I reserved the basement for a private party back in January for a party in April. I decided before I send out the invites that I would just confirm everything was set. Well I was informed by Mary at Maryland Yards that the entire month of April they would be closed for a remoldel. Come to find out they had double booked that night and just told me that. THEY ARE NOT CLOSED THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL. I have taken my party elsewhere. They have lost out on a lot of business because of this.

I happen to know that maryland yards last night was apr 1... if you booked a private party as i did before they closed they required a deposit. Did you give them a deposit? If so, did you get it back? My party was great and we had a wonderful time. The food was served when they said it would be, and was also very good. It's a good thing you waited til the last minute to send out invitations, or it would have been real embarresing for you. I think before you call anyone a liar you should get your facts straight. It's hard to dbl book a party when they're closed. I bet they don't miss your kind of business at all.