Katy Trail Forum

I had planned on doing the entire trail starting May 11. I set this up before the pandemic. I would like to still go but would like to know if it’s a good idea or not. I was worried mainly about there being places open for food in these small towns and also the depots and historic places. Does anyone know current situation?

Missouri is slowing opening back up. Whether that's a good idea, time will tell. Many of the small towns are closed up on Monday's and Tuesday's during the best of times. The pandemic may have caused some businesses to close for good.

If I were you, I'd probably delay the ride until things get better. I've planned on doing the entire trail in late June, but might wait until Fall.

We also currently have reservations for a tour of the complete trail in mid-June. We are now re-thinking that plan. It's a shame - we had booked this tour for last year and got flooded out. But, if it's not safe and the towns and facilities aren't open then, we'll try for the fall.

I am starting the trail on the 10th in pleasant Hill and working back home past Machens in Illinois I made my arrangements this last week. Many of the towns restaurants are closed. The hotels and b&bs I am staying at will provide breakfast and I plan to hit a couple stores and stations along the way. It will take a bit of planning ahead to make sure I have the food worked out but I do the trail a couple of times a year for the trail itself. I’m sure it will be quite for a lot of the rural sections. I would stick with your plan if the places you are staying are still open and maybe ask them for local advice.

We sadly just postponed our trip until next summer- We had planned to go the 9th to the 19th and since we have 13 people we thought it would be hard to change accommodations if some of the campgrounds we were planning on were closed- I also thought the local people might not appreciate a larger group like ours coming through- I think it might be okay for those who just have 2 people or so. We are sad but hope to come next year. I also really enjoy the interaction with local folks on a bike trip and thought people might not be open to that this year. We are bummed as we had planned the trip- but who would've guessed way back in the fall- you just never know.

Richard, tell me about your ride? What lodging do you recommend for 2, husband and wife? We may take 3 nights on the trail and stay in comfortable places. No camping!
thanks for your input

Russ,
I have done it East to West but prefer West to East. I have used shuttles to as transport to Clinton but am taking the train to Lee's Summit near Pleasant Hill for the Rock Island piece that I added. Generally speaking I like the Clinton to Sedalia section for the open prairie. From Rocheport to St Charles the trail runs alon the river so you get a great view. I usually bike 40 to 50 miles a day so I'm pretty much taking my time. I like staying in the B&Bs for the most part but stay in the local hotels as well. I like staying Sedalia, Rocheport, Jeff City before Victoria's on the River closed, Hermann, St Charles, and Augusta. There are a lot of wineries in those areas. The website is excellent for planning your trip and places to stay and eat. I like doing a ride in the fall as well if I can time it right.

I started my trip today. Started in Lee’s Summit and biked on roads to Pleasant Hill. I should have payed more attention to the road type since more than half the distance was gravel. It made for rough biking to Pleasant Hill. The access from the spur to the trail is very confusing because they skipped connecting the two and it’s not clear to get on the highway the exit on the trail in town. The day was wonderful with beautiful landscape. The are some marked spots with washouts from heavy rain but slowing down and watching for the rough spots was key. I stayed at the comfort inn in Lee’s Summit and Fitzgerald’s B&B in Windsor. I was pleased with the B&B. I got a whole floor with kitchen, laundry, front room, full bath and two beds for $60. They were very helpful and the place was very clean. Not so much for Comfort Inn. Restaurants were either closed, closed early or take out only due to Covid 19. The practices of masks and hygiene were all over the map as well but I’m from Illinois and both States are just know partially reopening so it makes sense there might be confusion. No bugs to speak of on the trail, lots of flowers blooming. It was a windy day and started off about 43 degrees so I had to dress in layers but by afternoon I think it was in the high 50s. My app said 60.3 miles for the day and it felt like it but was good. Heading to Clinton then back up to Sedalia tomorrow.

Sounds alot like our ride, we started in higginsvile and had around 50 miles of road before we got to the Rock island spur, can't remember where we got on but it was about 10 miles from Windsor, then we hit Clinton and overnighted in Windsor, short day and stayed in Sedalia to avoid rain a few days ago, next stop was boonville, and today we are in Hermann. The mornings are pretty chilly and lucky me I lost my puffy down jacket on trail sometime yesterday

I’ll keep an eye out for the jacket.

Hi all, I've only done sections of the trail, but this year I have been planning to bike from KC to STL, camping along the way, as soon as things open up in St Louis (my wife is going to meet me there for the weekend)

-Can you comment on the bathroom facilities along the trail? Are they all open and stocked with TP?

-Is restaurant take-out (and gas stations) basically the only meal purchase options? (Or are some restaurants open for dine-in?)

-Have you noticed any temporary "No Camping" signs put up in places (like public parks) that previously allowed camping?

Thanks for pioneering the trek for those coming after you this year :)

Just finished Pilot Grove to New Franklin, got a ride then rode Rocheport to McKittrick (5/10 to 5/12). All camping was open. Hostel at Tebbetts was open. Only restaurant open was in Rhineland. Did not see any other places (gas stations or B&B's) that were open.

Thanks, how about bathrooms along the trail, are those open?

We're planning to begin our trip in St. Charles and bike the trail from May 28 - 31. Looking for a shuttle from Clinton to St. Charles Monday June 1. Any suggestions or offers to share shuttle appreciated!

There is a Share a Shuttle icon on the Home page for shuttle info and requests....it may be of benefit.

You can take the train from St. Charles to Sedalia

I have used the shuttle from st Charles to Clinton and was very pleased with it. I think it was $90.

In the next few weeks I'll be setting off to ride from Saint Louis to Denver, I'm still 19 years young and I am excited for the feat! What I am trying to figure out currently is the best stops and pace for me to take on the Katy Trail/ Rock Island section of my journey. I am thinking I can make it to KC,(Olathe) where I have a place to stay, in about 3 days time, riding 80 miles a day. This seems like a lot to me but I won't be stopping at any attractions or resturaunts. I plan to bring all of my food and only stay at campsites (hopefully all relatively close to the trail).

Currently I have a few places to camp in mind like the Grand Bluffs Conservation area, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin and, the Katy Rock Junction. Unfortunately these are all spaced out perfectly to make my trek across my home state 4 days instead of 3. If you have any suggestions about where I could set up a minimal camp (no fire) or any other general suggestions please holler!

If you haven't already, I'd suggest using the "trip planner" icon along the top menu. You can search for campsites and they will even include info like which City Parks (Hartsburg, Pilot Grove) and conservation areas (near Rocheport, etc) you can camp in. I'm planning a trip in the near future, but can't comment on any campsites except Katy Rock Junction, which is a great place to camp.

If I calculated right, St Charles to Olathe via the Katy/Rock Island is around 290 miles so that’s closer to 100 miles a day than 80. If that’s correct you could do St Charles to Jefferson City the first day. That’s 104 miles and you can camp at the Carl Noren access. Some folks have said it’s kind of a sketchy place to camp but it is there. The second day could be Jefferson City to Sedalia which is around 85 miles and you camp at the State Fairgrounds. That leaves you a little over 100 miles to do the 3rd day to get to Olathe. It’s doable but you’re going to be one tired puppy when you get to Olathe and you still have a lot of miles left to get to Denver. If you’re going to take a day or so break in Olathe I would say go for it. If not, I would take at least 4 days for the St Charles - Olathe leg.

Hi, my sister and I are interested in walking on some of the Rock Island Trail. Can anyone tell me how to get to the trail at Lee’s Summit or Arrowhead stadium? Thank-you,

Renee

There are two great trailheads. The Lee's Summit one is in Hartmann park. Just south of 3rd street off of Pryor Road. It's busier and more pubic. There is a second trailhead at 98th street off Bannister road. It's a nice trail head, just not quite as busy.

Our stay was great. The hosts were very accommodating.

Trying to find out exact trail outage between boonville and rocheport and if still out.

Trail Conditions via the Home page may help.

Coming out of boonville there is a section still closed it was maybe a 5 mile rode section joining back to trail right at rocheport trailhead

Thank you. Every page I found was dated months ago, wasn't sure what the update was

The date on the Trail Conditions is 5/2 and 5/3. Should be pretty current.

Are there any camping options open on the western side of the state? Either on the Katy or Rock Island.

Windsor has great camping at Katy-Rock Junction and normally at Farrington Park. Check with the park with all going on. On the Rock Island I believe still camping in Chilhowee

Windsor has several choices for camping. Plus it is a nice little town to visit with restaurants available.

On the western side of the Katy Trail there are camping options in North Jefferson, Hartsburg, Easley, Rocheport, New Franklin, Pilot Grove, Sedalia, Windsor and Clinton.

I’m aware of all these options. I’m asking which are open right now during the pandemic. Thanks.

Maybe you should call those that you would like to visit to determine their open hours right now during the pandemic.

To clarify Katy-Rock Junction is open for camping but best you call ahead

I just camped at Katy rock junction couple days ago, nice guy and convenient spot

The MKT trail is open the entire distance to the Katy Trail ? No wash outs or closures? Think it may get crowded over Memorial holiday?

I know the trail is closed for the remainder of the year between New Franklin and Rocheport. The alternative route requires you to ride on Highway 40. I'm not sure of other closures.

Can anyone tell me the name/place of the vineyard near the highway(not on the KATY Trail) and upscale restaurant not far from the River and the Vineyard?
thanks

Are you thinking of Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport MO?

Montelle in Augusta?

Does anyone know if Victoria’s is still in business? The phone recording says the number is no longer in service.

Yes, this business is permanently closed.

Thanks, sorry to hear that. I always enjoyed staying there.

Just curious to know if anyone has ridden the entire trail
on a recumbent trike and how many days did it take? And What was your daily average distance?

I know of one 80+ year old who has done it on a trike a few times in 5 days. Of course he isn't your normal 80 year old.

Earlier today I cancelled my ride, due to the pandemic, assuming the state would go forward with it.

I just got an e-mail from the organizers saying the ride has been cancelled due to health concerns, and that they would begin issuing refunds.

Two cancellations in a row.

Floods.

Pestilence.

Locusts next year?

We received the same email. Sad. I just signed up for Bubba's Pampered Pedalers Katy Trail ride in September. It's a lot more expensive; however, you are sleeping in hotels and B&Bs.

Like others I had planned for this year but postponed till 2021. My route will start in st Louis to Kansas on the Katy, then to Joplin and back on ACA Route 66 to st Louis.

I had made a few state park reservations and cancelled but I recently read on ACA that MO state parks now have no turn away policy for hiker.bikers. can anyone confirm this?

Thanks!

Your best bet would be to contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The state parks are under their jurisdiction and they could best tell you their policy.

I just wanted to say "bravo!" to the state park's department. They have made excellent headway on the part of the trail I rode this weekend.

Next weekend, weather permitting, I will ride from Jeff City to Mokane or maybe even Hermann to see what that section looks like.

I am planning a ride in early June from Clinton to St. Charles and expect that the trail will be in pretty good shape for it. Yes there are some rough spots and I know there are a couple of detours. But all in all, what I've seen, it's not too bad.

I know folks are cancelling because the virus has many businesses closed. But, if you can stand camping or "roughing" it a day or two, I would encourage you to go ahead and get out there!

what part of the trail do you think is the most scenic for a one day ride

My vote would be somewhere in the section between Rocheport and Jefferson City. Second choice would be somewhere in the section between Marthasville and Weldon Springs.

Hi there everyone!

What a great forum and discussions you all have going on here. Just stumbled upon it and loving the daily digest! I wanted to let you know that I have started a group on Facebook (associated with the KATY Trail Page), it's called Fans of the Katy Trail Group. I know not everyone is on Facebook but we have quite a few members already and would love you have ALL of your input and comments too! Please check it out and ask to join, I will approve it right away. Let's collaborate!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/499221650808158/

Thanks!
Stephanie Bryan
(huge fan of the Katy Trail!)

Why? No one in the business exclusively to mine data for profit here. And everyone has access without supporting Facebook via their data sales. Support this website instead of the big corporation that doesn’t need it.

I would prefer to follow here as well!

I don’t think this is a binary decision. You can follow either or both places if you want. If you just want to follow here I don’t think Stephanie will mind.

Does anyone know what the current water availability is due to Covid 19 and the trail being on Winter Schedule? Thanks! April 30th 2020

Also curious on water situation!

Due to personal commitments we must limit our dates of availability for guests in 2020. The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be open May 1st through November 24th. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.

GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.

So, just to be clear........you are not taking reservations before September 1st, correct?

CLARIFICATION:

The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg, MO will be closed through September 1, 2020.

What do you all think, will businesses, especially restaurants along the Katy be "open" after Memorial Day along the trail? I say open in quotes because I know there will still be social distancing efforts, but I'd love to still support them even if it means calling it in and eating it outside. Sounds like a lot of the more rural counties in MO are planning to phase things open as early as the first week of May, so might bode well for some of our planned trips.

GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.