Katy Trail Forum

Has. anyone stayed at the Holiday inn express or comfort inn in Boonville recently? What are your thoughts? Is one better than the other?
We were going to stay at the Isle of Capri hotel, but decided against it due to the smoking a the casino.

I’d check out the Hotel Frederick if I were you. It’s locally owned, right off the trail, and is a beautiful historic hotel. There’s live music on Fridays in the Brick Room downstairs, and a great local diner across the street. As far as chain hotels, I would stay in the Holiday Inn, as it is a newer hotel

Have stayed at all three, but not recently.

Which one is better? Hotel Frederick is better if you want to be across the street from the trail, close to downtown, and in a retro, historic hotel.

Comfort Inn is better if you are a rewards member and can stay free or can gain points for such. Same for Holiday Inn Express.

Better for you? Just depends on your desire and what is cost effective for you.

Like the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, the Frederick is worth the few extra $$ to have a genuine, historical experience. Stay there at least once and you will not be disappointed. Walking around downtown Boonville is a back-in-time experience.

We have stayed at the Comfort Inn in Boonville several times during the Pedalers Jamboree. It's very close to and handily accesses the trail. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Quality+Inn+Boonville+-+Columbia/@38.9423877,-92.782989,15.25z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x0:0xe2aa1de7c0d3d0f9!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d38.938411!4d-92.776128

Hey all,

I'm thinking about taking an Amtrak from St Louis to the Kansas City, then biking back St Charles. Any recommendations for getting from the Kansas City amtrak to the katy Trail. Or other options to consider? Thanks!

I recommend taking Amtrak to Sedalia Missouri instead. You would be minutes from the Katy Trail. Hermann or Jefferson City Missouri would be an even shorter options.

I agree - ride the train to Sedalia. Amtrak goes right by the depot in Pleasant Hill, but the train does not stop there. Also - not sure when you are planning to go, but the flooding has meant Amtrak hasn't always been running. The tracks have been flooded and when that happens, they put people on a bus - don't think they will allow bikes on the chartered bus. The train was running again last week, but I saw today that service was suspended again.

Sharon

Missouri native here and have done the Amtrak from STL to Sedalia and spent a week riding the trail back, staying at BnBs at the wine towns along the way. Have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the additional trail from KC as well so I can officially ride from one end of the state to the other. Planning to do this in September. Any thoughts from the locals in the know about the outlook for when the trail will be restored from the flooding this year? Also looking for someone's input who has traversed from KC Amtrak station to trail head.

Hi Amber
When in September are you riding? We plan to start 26 September from Sedalia to St Charles over six days. All the posts here and the information available indicate that no-one is sure what the conditions will be. I've spoken to a couple of the guys who rent out bikes and who also organise tours. They are optimistic and are planning for their tours to go ahead in mid-September. I guess they would say that, wouldn't they? But then, they think the trail will get fixed quickly - but that quickly? I see from a news site that the water levels went UP again recently at Jefferson City. We are holding our nerve and sticking with our bookings, but also have a plan B to cycle the trail west of Boonville and up to KC on the Rock Island. Michael
(ps sorry, can't help with your question about a route from KC Station to trailhead; but last year we cycled east out through suburban and central Syracuse on the Erie Canal Trail and back westwards. Lots of sites said how difficult it was, but we found it just took some navigation. I have also seen references to routes from KC Station to trailhead on this site; good luck!).

There is an Amtrak station in Lee's Summit which is closer to the Rock Island Connection to the Katy Trail, but there is also an Amtrak station near Downtown Kansas City which would get you closer to the Kansas state line if that is a big goal. People have mapped out the shortest routes if you don't mind driving in traffic or I have even mapped out the routes that use mostly trails and bike lanes. If you give more specifics on what you are looking for, I would be happy to give you some options. I also mapped out a scenic route from the Katy Trail into Downtown St. Louis that used mostly trails and bike lanes because I enjoy combining the city riding with the more rural Katy Trail in the middle.

The dams upriver are going to continue to release lots of water through August so you will just have to check on conditions through the summer. The trail will get fixed quickly and businesses will continue to offer shuttles around the closed areas if needed.

Michael and Mark, Thanks for your insights. I'll just keep my eye on this sight, but won't hold my breath. Might just be a ride for next year. Might work better anyway since I'll be turning the big 5-0 and will be looking forward to the challenge.

Dear Amber

The big 5-0! I vaguely remember it. I'm passing the big 7-0 this summer so I need to cycle to keep old bones moving.

As you say, it's 'watch this space' for updates on the Trail.

Michael

Looking for safe route from Lees Summit Amtrak to Pleasant Hill trailhead

A friend gave me this to tell folks...

Take the 13.6 mile route through Greenwood Missouri. BUT stay south on Allendale Rd. Follow that road till 175th St. It will change names a few times. Turn left or East on 175th. That will take you straight to Pleasant Hill. Cross the tracks and turn right onto the trail. That will take you to Pleasant Hill and on your way East to Windsor.

I've rode this route 100s of times. I feel it is the safest way there

If you are looking for the least amount of traffic, then I would use this route (it uses the most trails and roads where Lee's Summit has striped off a 3' shoulder area...it isn't really a full bike lane, but it helps and lots of people bike these striped routes): Leave the Amtrak station by going NORTH on Main Street. Main Street curves to the left and becomes O'Brien Road. Take O'Brien for about a mile over the highway and then turn left onto Murray Road where the road ends. Take Murray Road for 1 mile south across 3rd Street to where it ends at Longview Road (ride the striped shoulder or use the sidewalk), and then cross Longview Road and turn left onto the wide sidewalk trail on the other (south) side of the street. Take the trail for 1/4 mile east on Longview and then turn right as the wide paved trail continues south along Ward Road. Take the trail south along Ward for 3.5 miles until you reach MO 150 where you will cross the road and turn left along the sidewalk. Go east along the MO 150 south side sidewalk for about 1.25 miles where eventually you will have to use the wide shoulder to get across the 291 Highway interchange.
Now you have to make a choice to either ride for 1/2 mile along the busy two lane 150 Hwy. with no shoulders or turn right and take the east 291 outer road which has almost no traffic. If you take the outer road, you will add another mile because of all the looping back that you will have to do inside the subdivisions.
If you look on a map, you will see that you are trying to get to Doc Henry Road/Cherokee Drive/20th Avenue/Allendale Drive and finally South Allendale Lake Road. The key is to weave through the subdivisions to get to South Allendale Lake Road which has a nice paved trail heading south.
You will take South Allendale Lake Road for 2 miles south where you will turn left onto County Road which eventually weaves around becoming 167th Street, Groll Road, 171st Street, and then South Gray Drive (1 mile total)...finally turn left (eastward) onto 175th Street for 3 miles until you reach the trail which is right past the railroad tracks. Turn right onto the trail and into Pleasant Hill.

Thank you both for the information.

Thank you both for the information.

Driving from Lincoln, NE to Pilot Grove trailhead to begin our 1/2 day riding for our 1st time on the Katy trail. Plans are to ride 2 1/2 days heading east then make return in 1 1/2 days. Suggestions as to where to stop and tent after the first 1/2 day ride? We would like to make it to Jefferson City but maybe that's not realistic before we start heading back.
Open to suggestions. We are super excited to do the trail.
Appreciate the information from this forum. It's great!
Thanks!
S.

You should probably start a separate thread for your questions but since you’re here your first half day could be Pilot Grove to New Franklin. That’s around 15 miles and you can camp at the Katy Roundhouse. That will leave you just under 45 miles left to get to Jeff City. Assuming you’re in reasonable shape that should be an easy ride to do in 2 days. Not sure what the status is for Cooper’s Landing but if they’re open you could camp there your second night. You could camp at the Roundhouse again on your way back.

Thanks Jim.
Appreciate info.

*After I submitted I scrolled back to the top and saw --to start a new thread.

Beware that the trail from Sedalia to Jefferson City has a large closed section East of Rocheport because of flooding. Check the Katy Trail State Park Trail advisory Map. https://mostateparks.com/page/84206/katy-trail-state-park-advisory-map

Can anyone tell me if the Cycler's Roost in Trelour is currently pen?

Thanks!

Sorry to say they are no longer in business

Thank you for your speedy response. Can you suggest anywhere to stay in that area?

I stay in either Augusta or Hermann. Several places in both.

I have stayed at Augusta! Must see city!!

We just completed our annual ride on the KATY, usually 3-4 nights. Stayed with Jerry again, always a pleasure. Good food, good information, good conversation, great accomodations. We always try to stay with Jerry, just depends on our mileage, and which direction we are heading. Thanks Jerry, hope to see ya soon.

Marybeth Its always nice to get to see you each time, and that I can make your stay just like being home and enjoying the evening. Been told that Deon's will reopen on the 29th. Hope that that even ones has a safe trip on the trails this summer.

We just finished our "thru" ride of the Katy Trail. Our first night a group of 4 of us stayed with Jerry at Katy Junction B&B. What a lovely time we had. Jerry was so personable and kind, he immediately made us all feel at home. His home is wonderful, super clean and comfortable. Everything you need is right there. He gave us ice cold lemonade when we got there made sure we got our bikes and gear stowed away. We had great conversation with him all evening, and he made us an AMAZING dinner, and breakfast in the morning. He is warm and caring, and certainly cares about what he is doing. Please stay with Jerry if you're in Pilot Grove, you won't regret it!

Hello. For those that have ridden thru, looking to understand what restaurants may still be open in Pilot Grove (and I'll likely ask about other towns as well) along the way. I see that Deon's has closed. What about Katrina's Home style Cafe? Still open, or has it closed down? I see a Casey's, but would prefer something besides a gas station

Thanks!

Considering doing a century ride from N. Jefferson back to St. Charles. Has anyone camped at the camp ground near N. Jefferson? Any insight is helpful.

If you're talking about the campground on the riverbank near the bridge, if you're a female riding solo, I wouldn't suggest it. I got there and realized that there were 4 campsites, quite nice because it's all in the trees, but it was so abandoned, the sites were totally hidden in the trees, and I got so spooked that I broke down my camp about an hour in and found an air b&b couple that actually came and rescued me and took me home with them bc the hotels across the river were not in my price range. I called it the murder camp. I only saw one local walking but the general isolated nature of the place was really scary.

Oh no wait! That was Jeff City, not N. Jefferson.... so sorry - N. Jeff is not known to me....

Sept 2019 & August 2020: My husband & I have stayed here twice in the past year while biking the Katy Trail. If you like a beautiful rolling hill setting that's away from the noise and hustle & bustle of downtown Hermann, then this place is for you. We stay in the guest apartment that's perfect for two, but also has a pull out couch bed for additional guests. (they also have a full house to rent for larger gatherings). The apartment has a Full kitchen, living area, dining area, 1 bedroom, spacious and new bathroom, shared patio & fire pit. We call on Debbie w/ 'Lyft You Up' to take us into to town for dinner & wine, groceries, medical attention from bike injury :-o. Full door-to-door transportation. She is an awesome tour guide as well. We found Debbie because the owners of White Wolf Inn had all the needed info in a binder in the apartment. BTW - the apartment & house are spacious, clean and lovely. I didn't want to leave and plan a girl's get away there after Covid 2020 goes away. It's the only place we stay and will be back often. The property is only a few miles from downtown Hermann and accessible by the bike trail if you desire. Located off the bike trail and up a slight incline to reach the Inn. We made it just fine even with a weeks worth of gear loaded down in our bike panniers and tired legs after a 38-mile ride of 2019 flood detours. Don't miss the Corner Restaurant just down the hill from the White Wolf Inn on Hwy 94. OMG!! Casual dining - Fantastic lunch, dinner, breakfast and DO NOT MISS the desserts! Perfect meals for coming off the trail - clean and nicely appointed interior, super friendly staff. So - I almost hate to give away this 'best kept secret' of the Hermann MO area, but how can you not enjoy the quiet, star gazing, fire pit, and awaken to the cows grazing nearby and not want to share with other bicyclists who love the outdoors. Plus, bonus, it's not nearly as expensive as many of the places downtown Hermann. ;-). I feel safe there too. The owners live down the road and are always available for questions. I find they are promptly responsive to text or email communications. And - if you get the chance to meet them, you'll find they are very kind people & a pleasure to visit with. Golfers - bring your clubs, there is a beautiful 9-hole course a few miles up the road. For us, it the best of several ways to enjoy the area. Just hope we get there first!


Trail: we biked 8/13/2020 from Rhineland toward Trelor (great burgers there!) and back. Rains had come through the week prior and there were wash outs on the trail making for a rough ride if you weren't alert. There were 2 trail workers surveying the trail conditions, some limbs had been removed or cut. Still - with all the rains, best to ride alert. We switch off being the lead rider who watches for washouts. The trail takes a little extra effort to peddle when it's been wet. Excellent adventure if you bike any distance at all. It was really hot the following day so we took a break from riding and opted for a day in the AC.
This webpage & forum typically has all current info you might need. I used this and a book on biking the Katy Trail to arrange our bike trip from Clinton to Hermann (had to stop due to injury, planned on going to St. Charles).
Give it a try & Happy biking!

I'm looking at camping here next month, just curious where the designated camp site is at this park in relation to the trail. Thank you!

I live in Bentonville AR. We have a great 32 mile greenway here! I am wanting to find other trails. I am 70 years old and prefer paved trails (not street riding)....You know with age we get soft...no mountain biking for me...I can’t handle the pain anymore! Anyway....I am not familiar with the Katy Trail at all. Are there any parts of the trail that are paved? If so, between what towns and how long is the paved stretch? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry GSS but the Katy is all gravel. There are no paved sections. It is however fairly well packed in most areas and not difficult to ride. Many people do it on road bikes. Most prefer mountain or cross bikes but they are not necessary. If it rains of course it is soft and MUCH harder to ride. There are also some areas of loose gravel to be aware of. The good news is there are no hills just a grade that a train could manage.

I did an end to end trip on a 2 wheel recumbent bike in 2018 and it was totally fine even with 50lbs of gear for 6 days loading me down! No MTB needed!

PS GSS, see my hometown! I LOVE the greenway, live on a spur, and ride it all the time!

Go to the Katy trail! You're will not be disappointed. Remember, it was a railroad, so the hills are mild. The trail, generally speaking, is very well maintained and hard packed gravel. We just got back riding from Clinton to Sedalia and back. A very nice ride. We were on roadbikes with zero problems.

Has anyone traversed the new Highway 47 bridge over the Missouri River from Washington in to Dutzow? Is it safe / is there a biking lane? I have not been to the area in a long time and google earth is not much help. From what I have found online, it appears as though the new bridge is similar to the bridge found in Chesterfield valley that crosses the river. Any input is helpful. Thanks.

The new bridge has a dedicated bike/pedistrian lane on one side, but that is still closed until they finish the exit path on the north side of the river. However, the bridge road itself has HUGE shoulders each way, so most people would be ok with biking across there.

The bigger challenge is the part of highway 47 north of the bridge to get to Dutzow. It has narrow shoulders and lots of traffic going fast.

Augusta Bottom Rd crosses the Katy a few miles west of Augusta and brings you out right at the north end of the bridge. It's a little over a mile of gravel road riding. Some large loose gravel but not bad. Way better than trying to ride 47

GOOD NEWS!

I drove across the bridge today, and the bike/ped lane is OPEN. They finished the work on the Dutzow side of the river, so the trail from the bike lane (on left side of bridge as you leave Washington) loops under the bridge and onto the right side of the road.

The post that is supposed to be in the center of one end of the bridge has been removed leaving a large hole. If a bicyclist were to hit this hole, injury is almost certain. I "contact"ed on the MO State Parks website.

What is the best way to report a condition like this?

I'am wanting to know the current Katy Trail conditions as I'am planning to ride from Machens to Clinton. I have read the forums and and reviewed the current trail conditions on the State Park Web site but I cannot be sure of the dates. Has anyone rode the trail in the last two weeks to give a current update on the trail?

The short story is that all is good.

We are one day short of completing a near Machens to Clinton to Machens ride and have had a great time. As you may know from reading this forum there was a serious breach in the levee near Machens. This breach is finally being repaired and they have closed off the trail at the last road crossing just west of the breach. If inspired you can get around this by riding up the road a few hundred feet and turning right onto a dirt road that takes you back to the trail. Heading east you will reach the breach. If they are not working and it is dry enough you can walk your bike down the levee and walk along the edge of the field until you reach the trail. It is a short ride to Machens from here.....We chose to just turn around to head back to st. Charles and continue our ride....There is still the rock slide closure just west of Portland. When you cross under 94 make a right on the dirt road and follow it to 94. Follow 94 across the bridge. The shoulder gets very narrow here so be careful. After 3/4 of a mile turn right on the first gravel rode and it will take you back to the Katy. The salt? Creek bridge is still out just west of Rocheport but the water was only an inch deep on Saturday and we simply road across. Walked up the levee turned toward the 40 bridge for a few feet and then down the other side. Follow the gravel road, then cross 40 into a parking lot. Go across the narrow pedestrian bridge and you are back on the trail. Unfortunately on Tuesday the creek was ankle deep so we walked across and got our shoes wet. There are a few rough spots and with the weekend storms we needed to lift our bikes around 2 or 3 downed trees but all in all the trail is in good shape. You may encounter a few work crews and signs that say the trail is closed but we just road through these and dismounted when we came up on the workers. We walked our bikes through the work area. We waved to the workers and they waved back. No problems. Enjoy you trip.....

Big B, Thank you so much for responding. You gave me just what I needed to know and I'm starting to pack my bags.

Thanks a bunch for updated info! Happy bicycling!

I highly recommend Schoolhouse B and B if your laying over in Rocheport while riding the Trail. They offer a great pleasant experience at a nice range of options, levels and rates.
Great food and knowledge of the area too
Thanks
Tom

I agree with School House B/B. Loved my stay there and his homemade muffins got me through the middle of my ride the next day into Sedalia. The trail was closed at Rocheport when I was through in early July and I took the highway detour, but I heard some people say if the water is low, you can simply walk around the closure.

This was our third stay at the Dormitory at the Schoolhouse and it did not disappoint. These are perfect accommodations for cyclists. There is a shed for the bikes and a hose to rinse bikes and bags. The room is basic, but that is all you need. There is a comfortable bed and great shower. A fridge and some breakfast items are also in the room. You have access to a washer and dryer in the dorm. That was wonderful given we were on a multi-day trip doing the Katy from Machin to Clinton and back. We did laundry going to Clinton and coming back...do nice. The restaurants are closed on Mondays nd Tuesdays, but never fear...for small charge the innkeeper will make you a delicious cyist pizza. While riding the Katy, this is a must stay accomodation!

If staying at grandma’s house is more your style than hotels, this is the place for you! Loved chatting with Maxine, enjoyed the cute farmhouse style.

We completely enjoyed the accommodations at the Clark Street Lodge. We stayed in the Cottage which we liked because there was no stair climbing involved. My boys brought their dirt bikes which they got completely muddy and we were able to wash them off with the outside hose and sprayers. We were able to fit three mountain bikes and 1 dirt bike in the shed so that was a nice bonus. It was also a very comfortable space as we all had our own area for sleeping and hanging out. The kitchen was fully stocked and we had plenty of food provided for breakfast.