Katy Trail Forum

We will be biking from Columbia to St. Charles on the trail with a group of Boy Scouts - about 10 of us in all. We would like to visit the Arch. I have looked at the suggested routes to the Arch from the Katy Trail and I would appreciate any comments about current conditions for the suggested routes to downtown via the Page/364 bridge and if, in your opinion, these routes are suitable for 13 to 18 year old riders who are strong but not experienced in city traffic. Some leaders have done city riding but the boys have not. We would like to make the ride to downtown on a Sunday morning to minimize traffic considerations. Thanks for any information.

Planning for Sunday morning is a great idea - traffic will be very light. The earlier you can get started, the better. Downtown especially will be deserted on a Sunday AM, except during football season; Rams "tailgaters" flood downtown early in the morning on game days. Early-day Cardinals games will also generate some morning traffic, but not too bad until 1-2 hours before game time.

The worst part of your ride will be coming out of Creve Coeur park, going up Marine Dr. It's a very steep hill on a 2-lane road, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 mile, and without a shoulder. And I mean steep - many will probably want to walk it, though of course that's dangerous on a shoulderless road. Once your boys get past that hill, everything else should be a breeze.

Katy Trail to downtown St Louis is about 18-20 miles. Add 3 more miles if coming from downtown St Charles. The ride will be more hilly than what you experienced on the Katy Trail of course, but will get progressively flatter (kind of) as you roll towards downtown.

As a scout leader you already know this but I'll say it anyway: do not attempt this without a good, detailed St Louis area map. It's very easy to get off-course, and a good map can save you untold time, distance, and aggravation.

Have a great trip!

Riverside is a quant little bar located in the middle of historic Main Street, St. Charles. The interior is rustic but don’t be fooled, the food is fantastic, the staff is friendly and the prices are very reasonable. If it’s a nice day, you may opt to sit outside on the deck where you will find a great view of Frontier Park and the Katy Trail.

Riverside is a quant little bar located in the middle of historic Main Street, St. Charles. The interior is rustic but don’t be fooled, the food is fantastic, the staff is friendly and the prices are very reasonable. If it’s a nice day, you may opt to sit outside on the deck where you will find a great view of Frontier Park and the Katy Trail.

My father took me on the katy when i was about 13 years old (4 years ago) and i still remember what an amazing experiance it was. we went from Piolot Grove to some town that started with a "W" and even though it was tough i loved every minute of it.

i found the bikekatytrail.com website strictly by accident, and have enjoyed it ever since. i get rays e-mails concerning important events on the trail and truly appreciate them. i hope to someday get to ride the entire trail end to end. till then, i have been ridin bits and pieces. first time got to ride 10 miles west from st. charles and back. then, while puttin in time at the mo state fair fire department during the state fair, had a few hours off, my engine company captain let me go ride for a couple of hours, rode out 7 1/2 miles east of sedialia and back. me and wifey have rode from defiance to augusta and back, and from st. charles 10 miles out and back. this is her first bike ever. she just learned how to ride. rode from columbia to rocheport and back to mc baine,and then back to columbia. then from mcbaine to hartsburg and back while in columbia for my grandsons state all star games, and should be going back this week to columbia again for the games, have plans on riding from hartsburg to north jefferson and back, and from rocheport to boonville and back. have eaten at the harstburg bike shop, owners were great, snackbar and bike shop at rocheport, and the snack shop at augusta (don't know its name). thanx to everyone that has sent in their expierences. all the info is a big help. frank umbdenstock

The Mokane Bar & Grill has incredible hamburgers. Best lunch on the trail.

The Mokane Bar & Grill has incredible hamburgers. Best lunch on the trail.

mokane bar and grill. just seen on the bike the katy trail web site that you opened a business on the katy tril. i will certainly stop by if i ever get the chance to ride past your business. best of luck. frank umbdenstock

mokane bar and grill. just seen on the bike the katy trail web site that you opened a business on the katy tril. i will certainly stop by if i ever get the chance to ride past your business. best of luck. frank umbdenstock

This is a very clean motel and is only 1.5 miles from the trail head, although you do have to ride along the busy highway to get there.

This is a very clean motel and is only 1.5 miles from the trail head, although you do have to ride along the busy highway to get there.

We are riding the trail from St. Charles to Clinton the end of July--what Medical Services are available if an emergency arise????? Thanks!

Hermann has a hospital. Hermann is about 65 miles into your ride.

I believe emergency services (ambulance/paramedic) fall to whichever county you happen to be travelling through, or the closest town. Not to scare you, but there are many stretches of trail where you will be several miles from the nearest town. Also, do not count on cell phone coverage - definitely bring one along, but coverage is spotty. If you are really concerned about this, pay close attention to the mile markers as you ride. If there should happen to be an emergency, knowing the mile marker number will make it easier to help authorities find you or your riding partner. Also carry a trail map or list of towns with mile marker numbers - then at any given time you'll be able to determine whether the closest town is ahead of you or behind you. You'll also see the occasional farm house where you might be able to get emergency assistance, but not along the stretches of the trail beneath the river bluffs.

In addition to Hermann (as mcd mentioned), I know there are also hospitals in Clinton, Columbia, Jefferson City, Washington (near Dutzow), and St Charles.

Prior to each different trail that we ride, I spend some web time researching each town/county that we will pass through to determine what the emergency contact numbers are.
If 911 is not applicable, I enter the local contact number as well as the number for the state highway patrol in that area in my cell phone.
We have never had to use these numbers, but they are in the phone and each of us in the group is aware of that just in case.
Would be good info to have on this website.
Plan ahead and enjoy your ride!

Ditto to all missives concerning EMS assets. The KATY Trail Guidebook, and I dare say the MO DNR Web site have EMS/Contact phone numbers listed for each county the KATY passes through. Additionally, all of the barriers where the KATY intersects with a road can be opened for EMS vehicles to drive down the trail. Enjoy the Voyage Mark of the Dalton boys

For those who are interested, I built a page of emergency phone numbers along the Katy Trail (i.e. county sheriff numbers).

You're the man Ray!

I'm a very active 61 year old grandma biking the KATY for the first time Clinton to Dutzow. I want to camp along the way. Is it readily available and safe? Any comments welcome.

  Yes, there's plenty of camping. You can follow this link for a list of all the camping options that I'm aware of along the Katy Trail.. This puts you on the "Plan a Ride" page where you can further customize the list by clicking the checkboxes for other types of businesses/services.
  Regarding safety, I have never heard of any bad incidents involving camping along the Katy. The only problems I've heard of were rowdy campers on a Saturday night, but again this was just a noise nuisance and nothing threatening or dangerous. Just stick to the campgrounds listed on the web page; do not try to camp on private land without the landowner's knowledge.
  Some of the camping options are at city parks. In these situations, some touring cyclists like to drop by the local police station just to let the officers know they're there. If they know you're there, they are more likely to watch out for you throughout the night, and you won't have them shining a flashlight in your tent at 2AM to see if you're "legit".
  I highly recommend that you call ahead to make sure campgrounds will be open and available when you need them. Many of them close for the season, particularly after the end of October.
  If you have general questions about camping while touring by bike (or any other aspects of bike touring), check out Bicycle Touring 101, a fantastic resource. Also you might want to subscribe to the "phred" mailing list. These people are serious bike tourists, riding trips of hundreds or thousands of miles, and most of them camp most of the way. They discuss all different aspects of camping while bike touring.
  Have a great ride!

I want to echo Ray's advice to call ahead to be sure camping is available - this goes for the city parks also. Most city parks allow camping 'with permission'. Getting permission can be difficult if 'city hall' is only open 8 - noon on Wednesday! You may also want to ask about stores and restaurants when you call. I often see comments on forums like this from people who were counting on a certain place being open but found it closed when they arrived tired and hungry.



If you don't mind a little company on your ride, the DNR (state parks) sponsors a 5 day ride every year in June which includes camping, hot showers, breakfast & dinner, sag stops, baggage truck, and a T-shirt & water bottle for around $225. It is limited to 300 riders. I have done it the last four years and feel it is a great value!

Not sure if you are still checking replies, but curious if you did your trip. I've done the Katy end to end twice, but always stayed at motels/B&B. This year thinking of doing the camping thing, but hesitant as I would be a lone female.

If you made your trip, any problems camping along the way? Any tips to share?

Thanks!

I went with Grace Christian Fellowship Church and it was very nice to have a AC and showers, after a long ride.

I went with Grace Christian Fellowship Church and it was very nice to have a AC and showers, after a long ride.

My husband and I (kids at Grandmas!) would like to explore the trail and nearby points Sunday - Thursday next week (7/10-14). We have our mountain bikes, camping gear and inner tubes (for floating) and a van, but failed to bring racks and panniers. My husband, who grew up in the midwest, thinks I'm nuts to want to bike in Missouri in July, but this is the time we have! Seems like outdoor swiming opportunities would help. I see there's public camping and swimming pool in Pilot Grove. Any motels with pleasant outdoor pools? Any swimming/tubing recommendations along/near the trail - or elsewhere? We don't have to stick to the KT (though this board might...) Or general tips for how Seattlites might survive Missouri in July? Shade? Beer? Thanks!

My husband and I (kids at Grandmas!) would like to explore the trail and nearby points Sunday - Thursday next week (7/10-14). We have our mountain bikes, camping gear and inner tubes (for floating) and a van, but failed to bring racks and panniers. My husband, who grew up in the midwest, thinks I'm nuts to want to bike in Missouri in July, but this is the time we have! Seems like outdoor swiming opportunities would help. I see there's public camping and swimming pool in Pilot Grove. Any motels with pleasant outdoor pools? Any swimming/tubing recommendations along/near the trail - or elsewhere? We don't have to stick to the KT (though this board might...) Or general tips for how Seattlites might survive Missouri in July? Shade? Beer? Thanks!

I'm not aware of any outdoor swimming/tubing opportunities along the trail. I would not consider swimming or tubing in the Missouri river.



The Katy is good for hiking and cycling.....a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle. A good place to enjoy each other while cycling in the great outdoors.



If you don't mind a drive further south in Missouri, I'd check out tubing on the Niangua River (pretty lazy float here) that flows next to Bennett Springs State Park west of Lebanon or the Current River (a bit more aggressive on this one)that flows next to Montauk State Park just south of Rolla/Salem. Johnson's Shut-ins is a pretty good place to get wet too.



Check out Missouri State Parks at http://www.mostateparks.com/



Enjoy!

I'm not aware of any outdoor swimming/tubing opportunities along the trail. I would not consider swimming or tubing in the Missouri river.



The Katy is good for hiking and cycling.....a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle. A good place to enjoy each other while cycling in the great outdoors.



If you don't mind a drive further south in Missouri, I'd check out tubing on the Niangua River (pretty lazy float here) that flows next to Bennett Springs State Park west of Lebanon or the Current River (a bit more aggressive on this one)that flows next to Montauk State Park just south of Rolla/Salem. Johnson's Shut-ins is a pretty good place to get wet too.



Check out Missouri State Parks at http://www.mostateparks.com/



Enjoy!

Besides the very pleasant little pool at Pilot Grove, there is a public swim area on the Columbia Spur, at about the 3.5 mile marker. It's called Twin Lakes and features lake swimming plus a pool-type area with slides and sprayers for small children. Coming from the State trail, you will see a spur going off to the left around one lake, which is for fishing. Follow it around to the swim area. We also saw local people swimming (well, more like standing in the water drinking beer) under the Lamine River, near Clifton City. It wouldn't appeal most of the time, but if you are on the trail on a July afternoon, I would think it would look pretty good.

Besides the very pleasant little pool at Pilot Grove, there is a public swim area on the Columbia Spur, at about the 3.5 mile marker. It's called Twin Lakes and features lake swimming plus a pool-type area with slides and sprayers for small children. Coming from the State trail, you will see a spur going off to the left around one lake, which is for fishing. Follow it around to the swim area. We also saw local people swimming (well, more like standing in the water drinking beer) under the Lamine River, near Clifton City. It wouldn't appeal most of the time, but if you are on the trail on a July afternoon, I would think it would look pretty good.

Please be aware that Missouri heat can be oppresive due to the humidity and as an additional hazard, thunderstorms in July can pop up quite rapidly and go severe especially in central Missouri. Lots of storms will start near Washington and Hermann and New Haven and cross into Saint Charles County and move to the northeast towards I-70 and then near Troy and Bowling Green near Hwy 79 and 61. I do not think the Missouri River should be used as a cooling swim at any time due to rapid currents at most access points along the trail

Please be aware that Missouri heat can be oppresive due to the humidity and as an additional hazard, thunderstorms in July can pop up quite rapidly and go severe especially in central Missouri. Lots of storms will start near Washington and Hermann and New Haven and cross into Saint Charles County and move to the northeast towards I-70 and then near Troy and Bowling Green near Hwy 79 and 61. I do not think the Missouri River should be used as a cooling swim at any time due to rapid currents at most access points along the trail

Thanks for your responses - we will check out the recommmendations and check back for more!

Thanks for your responses - we will check out the recommmendations and check back for more!

It will be plenty hot, unless you get lucky. We biked the trail in June and wished we gone in the fall. However, we did find if we got a really early start (6:30 AM) it was bearable. We took six days, so were usually finished with the day's cycling by noon. We thought it might be possible to stop for lunch after the early start, rest for a few hours, then cycle again in the evening. Six days was more than we needed--figured we could do it easily in five or even four.

It will be plenty hot, unless you get lucky. We biked the trail in June and wished we gone in the fall. However, we did find if we got a really early start (6:30 AM) it was bearable. We took six days, so were usually finished with the day's cycling by noon. We thought it might be possible to stop for lunch after the early start, rest for a few hours, then cycle again in the evening. Six days was more than we needed--figured we could do it easily in five or even four.

We are trying to plan a 4 day trip from Clinton to St. Charles on August 20th. So far it looks like we might stay in Booneville, Hartsburg, McKittrick, and St. Charles. Any suggestions on the best places to stay and what to take. We are planning to take clothing and wasn't quite sure how to pack it and lunches and some of the towns were finding it hard to find places to stay. Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

We are trying to plan a 4 day trip from Clinton to St. Charles on August 20th. So far it looks like we might stay in Booneville, Hartsburg, McKittrick, and St. Charles. Any suggestions on the best places to stay and what to take. We are planning to take clothing and wasn't quite sure how to pack it and lunches and some of the towns were finding it hard to find places to stay. Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

I can't tell you where to stay, but here's some advice on packing: Visit your local bike shop and get some panniers (bags that mount on the sides of the wheels), or a rack to go over your rear wheel with a pack to mount on it. This is better than using a backpack: a backpack raises your center of gravity because all the weight is on your back, and makes you feel even more hot & sweaty during a hot summer ride. Your local bike shop will also have trailers, which cost more than panniers but can carry more stuff.

I can't tell you where to stay, but here's some advice on packing: Visit your local bike shop and get some panniers (bags that mount on the sides of the wheels), or a rack to go over your rear wheel with a pack to mount on it. This is better than using a backpack: a backpack raises your center of gravity because all the weight is on your back, and makes you feel even more hot & sweaty during a hot summer ride. Your local bike shop will also have trailers, which cost more than panniers but can carry more stuff.

Regarding what to bring, take a look at this Q&A on the FAQ Page: What should I bring on my bike ride?
There's a list for day trips, and also a couple of good links for what to bring on multi-day trips.

Regarding what to bring, take a look at this Q&A on the FAQ Page: What should I bring on my bike ride?
There's a list for day trips, and also a couple of good links for what to bring on multi-day trips.

Four days is pretty fast. Hartsburg is very iffy for accommodations. You might look at the tour link on this site or www.independenttourist.com We arrange self-guided cycling tours and have a 5 day end-to-end tour with overnight in Clinton, Sedalia, Rocheport, Jefferson City, Hermann, and Augusta. You might get some ideas for your trip planning. Happy Trails

Four days is pretty fast. Hartsburg is very iffy for accommodations. You might look at the tour link on this site or www.independenttourist.com We arrange self-guided cycling tours and have a 5 day end-to-end tour with overnight in Clinton, Sedalia, Rocheport, Jefferson City, Hermann, and Augusta. You might get some ideas for your trip planning. Happy Trails

I rode from Clinton to Hermann in 3 1/2 days in April. Most of the motels in Booneville are off the trail and not easy to get to. The closest to the trail is the Homestead Motel on Hiway 5, phone 660 882-6568. Hartsburg has a nice B&B, the Globe Hotel, 673 657-4529. I did not stay in either place, but they were both highly recommended to me by other trail users.

I rode from Clinton to Hermann in 3 1/2 days in April. Most of the motels in Booneville are off the trail and not easy to get to. The closest to the trail is the Homestead Motel on Hiway 5, phone 660 882-6568. Hartsburg has a nice B&B, the Globe Hotel, 673 657-4529. I did not stay in either place, but they were both highly recommended to me by other trail users.

I just finished a 3 1/2 day ride from Clinton - St. Charles, if I had it to do over I would take more time. Anyway, I stayed at the Hermann Motel in Hermann, MO across the river from McKittrick. It was very clean and the town was very nice, I would stay there again myself. Their website is www.hermannmotel.com. Hermanns Bicycle Shop provides shuttle service into town so you won't have to ride across the bridge. Their phone number is (573) 486-9170. If I can be of any help feel free to contact me at brian.r.beaton@cox.net.

I just finished a 3 1/2 day ride from Clinton - St. Charles, if I had it to do over I would take more time. Anyway, I stayed at the Hermann Motel in Hermann, MO across the river from McKittrick. It was very clean and the town was very nice, I would stay there again myself. Their website is www.hermannmotel.com. Hermanns Bicycle Shop provides shuttle service into town so you won't have to ride across the bridge. Their phone number is (573) 486-9170. If I can be of any help feel free to contact me at brian.r.beaton@cox.net.

We stayed at the Riverview Suites in Boonville-highly, highly recommended! In fact it was the best place (by far) and we spent five nights on the trail (Sedalia, Boonville, Hartsburg, Bluffton and Dutzow). We stayed in Suite B: the cost was $125 for a three rooms including a kitchen, washer-dryer and nice patio that overlooks the Missouri. The price included breakfast. The Riverview is located next to the bridge that you'll use to bike across the river. Tastefully furnished, comfortable bed-god, we hated to leave!! If we ever bike the Katy again, we'll use it as a base camp. As for going in August-ugh. We did the trail in early June and it felt sub-tropical. Our advice: wait until the fall.

We stayed at the Riverview Suites in Boonville-highly, highly recommended! In fact it was the best place (by far) and we spent five nights on the trail (Sedalia, Boonville, Hartsburg, Bluffton and Dutzow). We stayed in Suite B: the cost was $125 for a three rooms including a kitchen, washer-dryer and nice patio that overlooks the Missouri. The price included breakfast. The Riverview is located next to the bridge that you'll use to bike across the river. Tastefully furnished, comfortable bed-god, we hated to leave!! If we ever bike the Katy again, we'll use it as a base camp. As for going in August-ugh. We did the trail in early June and it felt sub-tropical. Our advice: wait until the fall.

I am considering doing Clinton to St. Charles over a few days and had a few questions that I hope you might be able to help with. First, you mentioned that 3 1/2 days was too short. Did you feel like you did not have enough time to
enjoy the experience, or too much time riding each day? How did you get back to Clinton? Did you do it solo?

I am really in the preliminary stages of planning this, but would likely do it in August or September on my mountain bike (with semi-slicks). Actually, looking at the map, I was thinking about doing it in three days, but after reading everyone's posts, I am starting to think that is aggressive and will drain enjoyment from the trip. Or maybe I should start in Sedalia and try that in three days? Any suggestions would be welcomed.

I am considering doing Clinton to St. Charles over a few days and had a few questions that I hope you might be able to help with. First, you mentioned that 3 1/2 days was too short. Did you feel like you did not have enough time to
enjoy the experience, or too much time riding each day? How did you get back to Clinton? Did you do it solo?

I am really in the preliminary stages of planning this, but would likely do it in August or September on my mountain bike (with semi-slicks). Actually, looking at the map, I was thinking about doing it in three days, but after reading everyone's posts, I am starting to think that is aggressive and will drain enjoyment from the trip. Or maybe I should start in Sedalia and try that in three days? Any suggestions would be welcomed.

My brother and I just completed the trail from St. Charles to Clinton in four days, and I think a fifth day would have been good. We had one 75 mile day that forced us to not linger too long anywhere, and we didn't get to our destination until 6:30, which was a little later than I would have liked for exploring the town (Hartsburg). The next day was 50 miles and we got to town at 3:00, which was much more relaxing. We also camped the entire way, and I would whole-heartedly recommend Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, and Marthasville for camping, in spite of what other people have said on this site. We stayed in all three towns with a minimum of difficulty getting permission, and didn't pay a penny to camp. We paid $3 to swim in Pilot Grove, and $5 for a shower in Marthasville. Hartsburg didn't have a public shower, but we were able to get a sink bath in the park.

My brother and I just completed the trail from St. Charles to Clinton in four days, and I think a fifth day would have been good. We had one 75 mile day that forced us to not linger too long anywhere, and we didn't get to our destination until 6:30, which was a little later than I would have liked for exploring the town (Hartsburg). The next day was 50 miles and we got to town at 3:00, which was much more relaxing. We also camped the entire way, and I would whole-heartedly recommend Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, and Marthasville for camping, in spite of what other people have said on this site. We stayed in all three towns with a minimum of difficulty getting permission, and didn't pay a penny to camp. We paid $3 to swim in Pilot Grove, and $5 for a shower in Marthasville. Hartsburg didn't have a public shower, but we were able to get a sink bath in the park.

A place that you may consider staying instead of McKittrick is Starkenburg. Starkenburg is right before you get to Rhineland. The turn for Starkenburg is about 5 miles before McKittrick. There is a great B & B there called Les Lavandes. The website is www.leslavandesbandb.com. The B and B is located 2 miles off of the trail. I think that they will pick you up if you would like for them to, but you can get there by bike. It is a pretty hilly ride though but doable.

A place that you may consider staying instead of McKittrick is Starkenburg. Starkenburg is right before you get to Rhineland. The turn for Starkenburg is about 5 miles before McKittrick. There is a great B & B there called Les Lavandes. The website is www.leslavandesbandb.com. The B and B is located 2 miles off of the trail. I think that they will pick you up if you would like for them to, but you can get there by bike. It is a pretty hilly ride though but doable.