Katy Trail Forum

If we start a one day trip from N. Jefferson City would it be better to go east or west for a 20 mile ride in each direction. What direction would be more scenic and what places would you stop at for lunch. My wife and I are going to able to ride just one day on the way through Missouri.

i have ridden from north jefferson going west. i personally like that way much better, however, i have not ridden from north jefferson going east. call ahead to doty's resturant in hartsburg bout what days she is open, and the cycle-depot also. otherwise the next place for food or snacks i think is katfish katys in huntsdale and the next is the trailside cafe in rocheport. traiside cafe is a great place to stop. there is a small resturant in claysville 3-4 miles east of hartsburg on the trail, but don't know the hours. have fun ridin the trail

For less than an hours worth of time, I'd drive from Jeff City to Rocheport and ride the trail there. Beings you are from Nebraska you'd probably pass through there on your way home anyway. At least stop by the trail on your way if you decide to ride elsewhere.



The tunnel in Rocheport is always a cool treat and there is plenty to see east of there. The limestone bluffs with the Fall trees can be very breathtaking. Indian Paintbrush lines the trail and there are also Persimon trees and Bittersweet that compliment the Fall color.



Lunch at the winery bistro on top of the bluff is required on this trip. The view is beautiful, the building itself unique, and the food is good to boot!



Enjoy the ride!

I just got back from riding from St. Charles to Jeff. City...There is NOTHING east of Jefferson City! Go West young man...GO WEST!

No question west is more scenic and more places to eat.

I agree with the advice to go West. One place that you might consider eating is at Cooper's Landing, just a little more than 20 miles from N. Jefferson--outstanding Thai food, plus some burgers, etc. I would call ahead for hours, though.

Weekend of Oct 15, I was going to park at the Sedalia Amtrak station, take the train to Jeff City and ride back to Sedalia. Is it a bad idea to leave a car overnight, Saturday at the Sedalia Amtrak station?



Any reccomendations for a shuttle service from Jeff City Amtrak to trailhead in N. Jefferson? I assume its not a good idea to bike to the trailhead. I'm ok riding in heavy urban traffic, just not into jumping freeway overpasses if that's required.

The police station is not far from the train station in Sedalia. I would recommend parking there in the lot just across from the police station. That location, to me, seemed to be more secure than the train station. From there, you just follow the signs to the trail head. It is not hard.



I do not know a good shuttle service off hand but have used one in past years. Look at the other postings to get some ideas.

I know this is probably a stupid question, but as an avid road rider I gotta ask. Will it be necessary to use a mountain bike on the Katy Trail? Somehow I can't imagine doing it with my skinny tires.



Discovered the KT yesterday with a google search. I'll buy a mtn. bike if necessary. The whole concept is great! Can't wait to check it out.

A mountain bike is not needed. But you may want to go with some wider tires on your road bike than what you usually use. I ride a hybrid with 700x380 and they work great. Rather than buy a new bike, rent one. I'd suggest a hybrid or comfort bike. Part of the enjoyment of the trail is being able to look around.

I've used all three type bikes on the KATY. The hybrid works the best. You can use a road bike if the weather cooperates, but if it rains the trail gets mushy and the narrow tires of a road bike then tend to sink in.

Brett Dufer's Katy Trail Guide Book states that one can camp for free at the Lion's Club Park in Mokane (after contacting Marshall Skelton at 573-676-5127). True, but don't consider this for any reason. This town does not go to sleep. During our stay September 30 - October 1, I was awake from 11:10 PM to 5:15 AM, trying to stay hidden in the shadows and fearing for our personal safety. We were kept awake by motorcycle racing on the town streets, yelling and loud talking, and squeeling tires. At 1:30 AM, someone decided to build a bonfire on a property adjacent to the park, and this fire was kept going until 4:30 AM by periodically throwing gasoline (or some other flamable liquid) on the fire. These people obviously don't have a lot to entertain themselves with, and I was afraid that if they saw 2 tents in the park, it would give them something to do: investigate and harass the campers (us). Fortunately, nobody saw us. When the crack of dawn came, we got the hell out of Dodge. My riding partner told me that one of the locals told him the night before that Mokane has no local law enforcement - they only have the county sheriff. Very obvious. Also, (not that this matters much) but the toilet buildings at the park looked about as good as a Chicago or New York City tenement.

Meyers Hilltop Farm is a slice of Heaven! If you find yourself in McKittrick, this is the place to stay! Eldon and Maggie are about the nicest, most thoughtful (and wicked sence of humors!)you'll find. The room was cozy and comfortable, clean and bright, and breakfast was unreal! I can't say enough about this wonderful B&B sitting up on top of the world. I miss them already!

Meyers Hilltop Farm is a slice of Heaven! If you find yourself in McKittrick, this is the place to stay! Eldon and Maggie are about the nicest, most thoughtful (and wicked sence of humors!)you'll find. The room was cozy and comfortable, clean and bright, and breakfast was unreal! I can't say enough about this wonderful B&B sitting up on top of the world. I miss them already!

If you go to Augusta...you have to stay at the Red Brick Inn...

It's sooooo wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Corinne was so great. They have done a fabulous job in renovating this beautiful historic home. You will enjoy everything about your stay there!

If you go to Augusta...you have to stay at the Red Brick Inn...

It's sooooo wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Corinne was so great. They have done a fabulous job in renovating this beautiful historic home. You will enjoy everything about your stay there!

me and my gf are in relatively good shape. We are trying to finish the entirety of the katy trail in different segments. Our first ride we did 30 miles is it possible to do 70 miles in one day if we take a lunch break in the middle or is that too strenuous?

A friend and I have done several 60+ mile rides on the Katy. This summer we even did an 80 mile ride with gear. All of those trips started in St. Charles rode out and back in one day. I would say that being in shape 70 miles a day should be no problem.

If you're in shape, take several shorter breaks and drink plenty of fluids 70 miles should not be a problem on the KATY.

Just back from the trail...my longest day (5 days total) was only 45 and if there had been more places along the way to stop and get food and water, a longer ride would have been a snap! This trail is FLAT...and i mean REALLY FLAT!!! I rode between 12-15mph the whole way. I was self supported too, so think light!...you'll move faster.

I rode from Pitman Hill Rd. to the 370 Bridge this evening. I thought the trail ended there. What is the status of the trail beyond that point? It looked rideable, just not as maintained, as far as I could see. Is it rideable for a significant distance?

While the trail looks like it could extend for miles more past the 370 bridge the fact is that it only goes for about maybe a mile to more further. A friend and I had headed down that way to see just how far over Labor Day weekend.

FYI: in case you didn't catch the article about Machens in the Post Dispatch, here's what's going on with efforts to extend the trail to Machens

We were here on the 19th. After arriving we 1st checked out the North campground. It was very nice with lots of trees & several RV's & were directed by some men with golf carts to the public campgrounds across the street. The public campground site has no trees and the shower/restroom is in horrible shape. Only the womens Handicap stall had a shower head...in the regular stall there was just a pipe sticking out. I'm ashamed of our State Fairgrounds.

We were here on the 19th. After arriving we 1st checked out the North campground. It was very nice with lots of trees & several RV's & were directed by some men with golf carts to the public campgrounds across the street. The public campground site has no trees and the shower/restroom is in horrible shape. Only the womens Handicap stall had a shower head...in the regular stall there was just a pipe sticking out. I'm ashamed of our State Fairgrounds.

This is the ball park you see on the South side of the trail. We had to call the number listed to get the shower/restroom lights & hot water turned on. Only $5. We camped on the backside of the ballfield away from the flood lights. There is a shelter hse. Mosquitos are bad but they have been everywhere so far. Womens showers (2) need some work..1 stall no shower head..both cold water knob didn't work, not getting scalded was tricky. Nice cooled water fountain & hose in front.

This is the ball park you see on the South side of the trail. We had to call the number listed to get the shower/restroom lights & hot water turned on. Only $5. We camped on the backside of the ballfield away from the flood lights. There is a shelter hse. Mosquitos are bad but they have been everywhere so far. Womens showers (2) need some work..1 stall no shower head..both cold water knob didn't work, not getting scalded was tricky. Nice cooled water fountain & hose in front.

Had a wonderful Portabella Mushroom burger for lunch. Very good.

Had a wonderful Portabella Mushroom burger for lunch. Very good.

Stopped for some heavenly Blackberry cobbler & ice cream. Best I've ever had. They have great food, service is wonderful. Place is really spotless. You can tell Dotty loves her job. I stop here every time I do this section.

Stopped for some heavenly Blackberry cobbler & ice cream. Best I've ever had. They have great food, service is wonderful. Place is really spotless. You can tell Dotty loves her job. I stop here every time I do this section.

Twice this year I have stayed at the Ramada Inn 573-635-7171. They have a Katy Special & free shuttle service from/to trailhead, ask about free Breakfast buffet coupon (during week only). Restaurant is moderately priced, very good food. No guest laundry but they said there was one about 1-1/2 miles away. It did take us longer to get shuttled back to the trailhead this time because they were busier...but it was free.

Twice this year I have stayed at the Ramada Inn 573-635-7171. They have a Katy Special & free shuttle service from/to trailhead, ask about free Breakfast buffet coupon (during week only). Restaurant is moderately priced, very good food. No guest laundry but they said there was one about 1-1/2 miles away. It did take us longer to get shuttled back to the trailhead this time because they were busier...but it was free.

Its worth the 4mi? ride back from the Katy Round Hse if their restaurant is closed. Bike rack directly out front. Just be certain to have a headlamp or light for coming back. PS...crossing the bridge @ night you are blinded by headlights, so be careful.....

Its worth the 4mi? ride back from the Katy Round Hse if their restaurant is closed. Bike rack directly out front. Just be certain to have a headlamp or light for coming back. PS...crossing the bridge @ night you are blinded by headlights, so be careful.....

This is a great store with a little of everything. We arrived 2 minutes before closing and they stayed open long enought for us to buy some canned fruit, cheese & crackers. The nice lady even put the cheese in a ziplock for me. Saved us from eating at the bar in Marthasville.

This is a great store with a little of everything. We arrived 2 minutes before closing and they stayed open long enought for us to buy some canned fruit, cheese & crackers. The nice lady even put the cheese in a ziplock for me. Saved us from eating at the bar in Marthasville.

This was a great lunch stop. They grilled a bunch of vegies for me. Plus they had homemade pies barely cooled from the oven. These people are wonderful...Friendliest we met on the entire trail.

This was a great lunch stop. They grilled a bunch of vegies for me. Plus they had homemade pies barely cooled from the oven. These people are wonderful...Friendliest we met on the entire trail.

Polly's is a little piece of heaven. A very nice lady who runs a lovely bed and breakfast a stone's throw from the Katy Trail. She will make you a breakfast fit for a lumberjack.



Also, about a ten minute walk from her place is John El's BBQ, open on Friday and Saturday only. Definitely worth a visit as well.

Polly's is a little piece of heaven. A very nice lady who runs a lovely bed and breakfast a stone's throw from the Katy Trail. She will make you a breakfast fit for a lumberjack.



Also, about a ten minute walk from her place is John El's BBQ, open on Friday and Saturday only. Definitely worth a visit as well.

Another place clost to the trail in Pilot Grove is "Becky's Burgers & Cones" Everything is homemade!!!

Another place clost to the trail in Pilot Grove is "Becky's Burgers & Cones" Everything is homemade!!!

I was wondering if anyone has put together a Katy Trail race?

I was wondering if anyone has put together a Katy Trail race?

I assume you're talking about bike races -- surprisingly, I am not aware of any. Other than the Race Across America, which uses a small part of the Katy Trail, but you have to ride the other 3000 miles to participate in this coast-to-coast race!



On the other hand, there are usually a few running races on the trail each year. The Lewis & Clark Marathon uses part of the trail near St Charles each September, and there are usually a handful of other 5K/10K type foot races every year.



If/when I learn about any races, whether running or cycling, I'll add them to the Events Page.

I assume you're talking about bike races -- surprisingly, I am not aware of any. Other than the Race Across America, which uses a small part of the Katy Trail, but you have to ride the other 3000 miles to participate in this coast-to-coast race!



On the other hand, there are usually a few running races on the trail each year. The Lewis & Clark Marathon uses part of the trail near St Charles each September, and there are usually a handful of other 5K/10K type foot races every year.



If/when I learn about any races, whether running or cycling, I'll add them to the Events Page.

Don't believe racing is the purpose of the Katy Trail...or any trail.

Don't believe racing is the purpose of the Katy Trail...or any trail.

Who are you to say what the Katy is for? Of course it is for relaxing but can also be used for Mountain Bike racing.

Who are you to say what the Katy is for? Of course it is for relaxing but can also be used for Mountain Bike racing.

I thought about this while riding the trail the other day. While I took four days to do the ride, if we went more minimalist on the gear, I think the whole trail could be done in around 15 hours. There were so few trail users during the time we were on the trail, I don't think that a group of riders going 20mph would be a problem at all. The Katy trail is a bike path, and racing is riding.

I thought about this while riding the trail the other day. While I took four days to do the ride, if we went more minimalist on the gear, I think the whole trail could be done in around 15 hours. There were so few trail users during the time we were on the trail, I don't think that a group of riders going 20mph would be a problem at all. The Katy trail is a bike path, and racing is riding.

A small portion of the Heart of America (Columbia) Marathon also uses the KATY trail.
http://ctc.coin.org/hoa/course.htm

As reported on this website, Sam Baugh rode the KATY trail in one day.
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/samreport.asp

A small portion of the Heart of America (Columbia) Marathon also uses the KATY trail.
http://ctc.coin.org/hoa/course.htm

As reported on this website, Sam Baugh rode the KATY trail in one day.
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/samreport.asp

Thanks Everyone. I plan on starting up a Katy Race this fall. 5 mile dash.

Thanks Everyone. I plan on starting up a Katy Race this fall. 5 mile dash.

The KATY is for SITE SEEING not RACING.

The KATY is for SITE SEEING not RACING.

That's what I appreciate the Katy for, but it is a state park and Missouri State Park rules apply. It lends itself to many people for many uses. Groups have been known to host benefit rides on the Katy...not for site seeing, but to raise money for their cause.



Looking at the DNR website, it appears that the park can be used for other things. According to the DNR website:



Special Event Permits



All groups or organizations desiring to use Katy Trail State Park for a special event activity must obtain a special event permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. E-mail or call 1-800-334-6946 for information on how to obtain a special event permit.

That's what I appreciate the Katy for, but it is a state park and Missouri State Park rules apply. It lends itself to many people for many uses. Groups have been known to host benefit rides on the Katy...not for site seeing, but to raise money for their cause.



Looking at the DNR website, it appears that the park can be used for other things. According to the DNR website:



Special Event Permits



All groups or organizations desiring to use Katy Trail State Park for a special event activity must obtain a special event permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. E-mail or call 1-800-334-6946 for information on how to obtain a special event permit.

The KATY is for SITE SEEING not RACING.

- posted 9/9/2005 10:28:00 AM by Sue , Balwin, Mo

Hey Sue stay home and knit something.

The KATY is for SITE SEEING not RACING.

- posted 9/9/2005 10:28:00 AM by Sue , Balwin, Mo

Hey Sue stay home and knit something.

I agree that the Katy Trail is great for site seeing, AND racing, but let's not get any flame wars going.



I would bet that most people who participate in such a race have already had previous, more leisurely experiences on the trail. Racers who have not used the Katy in a more relaxed manner, will probably be tempted to come back for an easy run/ride after getting a taste of it during the race.



Doug, let me know if/when you organize the race, and I'll help publicize it through this website.

I agree that the Katy Trail is great for site seeing, AND racing, but let's not get any flame wars going.



I would bet that most people who participate in such a race have already had previous, more leisurely experiences on the trail. Racers who have not used the Katy in a more relaxed manner, will probably be tempted to come back for an easy run/ride after getting a taste of it during the race.



Doug, let me know if/when you organize the race, and I'll help publicize it through this website.

I'm sorry Ray. Didn't mean to lash back at Sue the Rule maker of the Katy trail. I'll instead use my energy for the good an put this race in motion.

I'm sorry Ray. Didn't mean to lash back at Sue the Rule maker of the Katy trail. I'll instead use my energy for the good an put this race in motion.

Anyone riding the trail from Sept 25-30th going east to west...

raise your hand. My friend and i will be starting in St. Charles and going to Sedalia.

We would like to drive from Memphis to Rocheport and spend the night then ride the trail the next day to Hartsburg. Does anyone know of a shuttle that will take us from Hartsburg back to our car at Rocheport?



Thanks,

I would call or e-mail the Trailside Cafe and Bike shop at Rocheport or Hartsburg Cycle Depot at Hartsburg.

http://www.trailsidecafebike.com/

http://www.hartsburg-cycledepot.com/hartsburg_cycle_depot_001.htm

Also, here's a link to a list of Katy Trail shuttle services - you might want to call a few to check prices and availability.

I'm riding from St. Charles to Sedalia this Sunday-Thurs...anyone planning on being out there? Maybe we'll see each other!