Transportation from St. Charles to Kirkwood Amtrak Station
- + We are ending our trip in St. Charles and would like to take the train home from Kirkwood, MO. We need a ride from our hotel to the train station with our bikes in tow, of course. Some Ubers may wor...
Discussion started 04/03/2025 01:11 PM by Cssie - 6 replies (last reply by Bill R. at 04/17/2025 09:12 AM)Cssie from WARRENSBURG on 04/03/2025 01:11 PM
We are ending our trip in St. Charles and would like to take the train home from Kirkwood, MO. We need a ride from our hotel to the train station with our bikes in tow, of course. Some Ubers may work but hard to know ahead of time so would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on shuttles or private transportation options? Thank you!
Fred from DeKalb IL on 04/03/2025 02:58 PM
Hello,
AM riding with 2 others around the end of May, and have the same need.
Thank you
-Fred
Rich from St. Charles on 04/03/2025 03:41 PM
Bike Stop Cafe has a shuttle service its right on the Katie trail at Frontier park
Cssie from WARRENSBURG on 04/08/2025 12:44 PM
Thank you!
Bill R. from Wentzville on 04/09/2025 04:12 AM
Cssie; What day and how many?
Cssie from WARRENSBURG on 04/16/2025 01:07 PM
Bill R. two of us with bikes on June 4th. Thanks!
Bill R. from Wentzville on 04/17/2025 09:12 AM
I have a 10 a.m. appt. to keep that day in Ballwin. Depending on when you're headed out, I would be able to help.
Katy Trail Out and Back
- + I see there are times posted for riders that have completed the Katy Trail one way. Are there any times posted for riders that have completed the Out and Back in one shot. Machen's to Clinton to Mache...
Discussion started 04/14/2025 10:32 AM by FFOGY - 0 repliesFFOGY from Saint charles on 04/14/2025 10:32 AM
I see there are times posted for riders that have completed the Katy Trail one way. Are there any times posted for riders that have completed the Out and Back in one shot. Machen's to Clinton to Machen's.
NO TRESPASSING SIGN
- + A small section running along side our town is marked NO TRESPASSING. It is NOT being worked on. I'm a little frustrated as it would be a nice section to walk
Discussion started 04/13/2025 03:43 PM by Ida M - 0 repliesIda M from Belle, MO on 04/13/2025 03:43 PM
A small section running along side our town is marked NO TRESPASSING. It is NOT being worked on. I'm a little frustrated as it would be a nice section to walk
Katy Junction in Pilot Grove
- + Is the Katy Junction at Pilot Grove still open. I've read posts about Jerry's hospitality but havent seen anything posted since July '24.
I'm planning a trip for first week of Oct and would like to s...
Discussion started 03/19/2025 12:59 PM by Scotty Mac - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/10/2025 01:17 PM)Scotty Mac from OKC on 03/19/2025 12:59 PM
Is the Katy Junction at Pilot Grove still open. I've read posts about Jerry's hospitality but havent seen anything posted since July '24.
I'm planning a trip for first week of Oct and would like to stay there.
Anyone know anything?
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 03/26/2025 04:18 PM
I haven't heard anything lately. Maybe just send a text to the phone number and see if Jerry replies. Hopefully he's still doing it.
Jerry from Katy junction B&B on 04/06/2025 09:16 PM
Yes the Katy junction B&B is still open, It never closed down. Pilot Grove was hit by a tornado last week, heavy damage outside of town but the B&B had very little damage.
Scotty Mac from OKC on 04/10/2025 11:26 AM
Thanks Jerry!
We'll be seeing you in the Fall!
Anonymous on 04/10/2025 01:17 PM
Jerry,
I hope all will recover soon from the tornado. Unfortunate that Pilot Grove was in its path.
Lindenhof Bed & Breakfast in Augusta
- + This was a fantastic B&B experience and the perfect stay for our last night on the Katy. It is incredibly convenient to the trail, just about 1/3 of a mile, and provides locked bike storage. The spa...
Discussion started 04/01/2025 07:45 AM by Shane Trapp - 0 repliesShane Trapp from Chapel Hill, NC on 04/01/2025 07:45 AM
This was a fantastic B&B experience and the perfect stay for our last night on the Katy. It is incredibly convenient to the trail, just about 1/3 of a mile, and provides locked bike storage. The space is beautifully decorated and incredibly welcoming. There was rain in our forecast for the day, so we got an early start from our previous stay in Hermann. Our host Kathy was able to kindly provide an earlier check in to help us avoid the weather. The common area was super comfortable and allowed us a much needed rest, coffees, and baked treats. The room was adorable and provided a great night's sleep. Breakfast was absolutely amazing and got us well fueled for the last 27 miles into St. Charles. I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.
East to West or West to east ????
- + question about travel direction on Katy trail. Obviously starting at the West end of trail and traveling east makes the most sense. However we would like to travel westward the end of April...from Du...
Discussion started 03/31/2025 10:56 AM by David G - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/31/2025 02:39 PM)David G from Minnesota on 03/31/2025 10:56 AM
question about travel direction on Katy trail. Obviously starting at the West end of trail and traveling east makes the most sense. However we would like to travel westward the end of April...from Dutzow to Clinton...wondering how protected the trail is...we can deal with some wind but if it is mostly open...we might re think this.
Anonymous on 03/31/2025 02:39 PM
Google maps is a good tool to use to follow the trail along your path. Zooming in you can see where the tree canopy covers the trail. That can help you decide if the trail is too open for your comfort zone.
Where to Stay
- + Hello, We are trying to decide between staying in Augusta or Marthasville. Any advice? We are looking for something close(ish) to the trail as well as food in walking distance to where we stay. Thanks...
Discussion started 03/28/2025 01:43 PM by J - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 03/29/2025 06:42 AM)J from Iowa on 03/28/2025 01:43 PM
Hello, We are trying to decide between staying in Augusta or Marthasville. Any advice? We are looking for something close(ish) to the trail as well as food in walking distance to where we stay. Thanks in advance!
Tyann (Missouri Haus) from Marthasville on 03/28/2025 03:30 PM
We’d love to have you in Marthasville at our Katy Haus or Bank Haus! We’re right on the trail and next to Philly’s Pizza, Mavericks and the new coffee shop. Book direct at https://missourihaus.com/marthasville
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 03/29/2025 06:42 AM
Of course, the Lindenhof in Augusta is a nice place. But Marthasville has places to stay and eat right on the trail, with no big hill to climb. I'd stay in Marthasville.
Need basic information about riding the trail for 5 days
- + We discovered the Katy Trail last year as we drove across Missouri and are very interested in biking at least part of it. We love bicycling and have done week-long rides for many years. We now ride a...
Discussion started 02/28/2025 05:02 PM by ACD - 9 replies (last reply by Jeffco25 at 03/27/2025 01:08 PM)ACD from Nashville on 02/28/2025 05:02 PM
We discovered the Katy Trail last year as we drove across Missouri and are very interested in biking at least part of it. We love bicycling and have done week-long rides for many years. We now ride a Tandem recumbent bike. First, is the trail appropriate for our bike?
Secondly, is this the best website for planning the trip? Details like leaving our car at one end and shuttling back to the car after riding several days. If anyone knows of more websites or organizations that could give us more information, I would appreciate it.
I also saw that there's a planned trip once a year with a large group. How do we get more information about that?
Thanks,
ACD
Deby Elliott from Dallas on 03/01/2025 06:41 AM
I don't think you will be disappointed if you chose to do this ride! We have done it 5 times, at different times of the year, and all have been great rides. That being said, you do have to understand the reality of this trail and be prepared. There are very few places for bike repairs or needs, so you need to be pretty self sufficient. Also careful meal planning is a must. Every restaurant you think you will be stopping at needs a phone call about 2 weeks prior to your trip to be sure they will be open.
Regarding the tandem, surely someone else will chip in. I don't really know, but my instinct is there would be no problem.
This forum is your go-to for information. There is no better website for the all round information. Of course you can cater your trip activity in the small towns with google searches.
Anonymous on 03/02/2025 08:08 AM
You should okay with your bike. We’ve ridden our tandem with 700 x 28’s without problem. As with all bikes stay out of the loose chat and ride in the path. It’s out in the country so there might be a tree branch or a rut here and there to look out for.
This site with the Trip Planner and Forum is a great asset to plan and gather information for your ride.
The DNR ride by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Parks may be what you are referring to. There is also the BAM ride…..Bike Across Missouri. A search should help you find more info on each.
Deby makes a good point about resources. It is a remote trail with resources dotted along in the rural towns. That can add to the adventure or be a deal breaker if you’re unprepared.
Jerry Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 03/02/2025 09:40 AM
I've done the Katy end-to-end 11 times with two of them on a conventional tandem. I've ridden on it with tires as small as 700x25s to 650bx47 on single bikes and 26x2.15" on the tandem. What I've learned is when it comes to tires, bigger is better. Plus you want deep tread or some mild knobbies. The Katy can get soggy and slick when wet.
From Machens to Boonville, the Katy is very flat. However there are ups and downs between Boonville and Clinton. The climbs are usually under 4% but there are a couple of short stretches that get up to 6%. I know that climbing can be an issue with recumbents.
Actually there's several group rides. We've done the Katy on our tandem with Bubba's Pampered Pedalers. They stay in hotels and B&Bs so it's rather expensive but in my opinion worth it. PBB puts on two week-long rides in September.
I can also vouch for Big BAM on the Katy. They have a hotel option; a tent service option; or bring your own tent option where they drag your bags for you. They have one in June and another ride in October.
Unfortunately the Missouri DNR no longer puts on a Katy Trai Ride.
DS Douin from KT Rider on 03/17/2025 01:25 PM
Jerry,
Since you are a veteran of the KT, was wondering if the trail is solid and dry enough to ride in mid-April? I was fortunate in either 2013 or 2014 in early April to get a dry warmer high 60s week. Could that happen in 2025?
DSD
Jeffco25 from Flower Mound, TX on 03/18/2025 11:00 AM
I am planning to ride middle of June, have 650Bx47mm tires and am planning 5 days from Clinton to St. Charles. I will finish to Machens on 6th day. Assuming good weather and trail conditions, what average speed should I plan assuming at a steady pace. I am using the trail planner, but interested in hearing first-hand your experience.
Gary from Washington on 03/18/2025 11:23 AM
April in Missouri can be a mixture of everything weather related. From chilly days & nights to humid and very windy conditions. Rain is expected almost weekly. The greatest advantage in riding the Katy in April is the abundance of wildflowers. The trail surface can be soft and rutted to hard and dusty, but will not be a huge problem. I would go for it and enjoy.
Jerry Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 03/18/2025 11:59 AM
The old saying is April showers brings May flowers. I've only ridden short stretches on the Katy in April when I knew it was dry.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 03/26/2025 04:24 PM
Jeffco25, for general planning purposes, my wife and I assume 10mph. We stop and take pictures and read signs and stuff, so we are not setting any records.
Trail vs pavement probably costs you 2-2.5 mph when it's dry. And it if rains, maybe 3mph on top of that. Your mileage may vary. :)
Jeffco25 from Flower Mound,TX on 03/27/2025 01:08 PM
Thank you Bill, very helpful. I’ll definitely take the time to Look Ahead, Not Down and enjoy the trip.
Water @ Trailheads
- + Planning a trip the last week of March -- curious if the water at the trailheads is turned off for winter, or are these spigots that are winterized and provide water all year?
Discussion started 03/23/2025 06:21 PM by Brent - 3 replies (last reply by David Wallace at 03/25/2025 10:14 AM)Brent from KCMO on 03/23/2025 06:21 PM
Planning a trip the last week of March -- curious if the water at the trailheads is turned off for winter, or are these spigots that are winterized and provide water all year?
Bill R. from Wentzville on 03/23/2025 10:05 PM
Pretty sure the restrooms are open. I'd contact DNR. They maintain the trail.
Anonymous on 03/24/2025 07:14 AM
From Nov. 1 to March 31, restrooms will be closed and water turned off at several of the Katy Trail State Park trailheads.
David Wallace from Weldon Spring on 03/25/2025 10:14 AM
Pit toilets are always available.
Begin bike ride in Sedalia after Amtrak ride from which station?
- + We would like to begin our biking starting in Sedalia after taking the Amtrak with bikes to Sedalia. Our question is which Amtrak station would you recommend to take to head out west to Sedalia? Eithe...
Discussion started 03/23/2025 02:16 PM by Billy Mix - 1 reply (last reply by JFK at 03/24/2025 07:49 PM)Billy Mix from Pittsburgh, Pa. on 03/23/2025 02:16 PM
We would like to begin our biking starting in Sedalia after taking the Amtrak with bikes to Sedalia. Our question is which Amtrak station would you recommend to take to head out west to Sedalia? Either the Kirkwood station or the St. Louis Gateway station? After biking we would then either return to where the car would be either leaving the trail near St. Charles and getting a van pick up to Kirkwood or ending near Machens and getting back to the St. Louis station. Depending upon what Amtrak station we left from: Kirkwood or Gateway station?
Thank you for any help/ideas offered!
JFK from O’Fallon, MO on 03/24/2025 07:49 PM
I would drive to Kirkwood Amtrak, drop gear/bikes and other rider. Then drive to St. Charles and park the car in an approved lot. You could then Uber back to Kirkwood solo….yes more time on the front end but worth it after riding in from Sedalia. Kirkwood Station will be easier to navigate with gear than STL, less people and no elevators to deal with. Make sure you book the bikes with your Amtrak reservation, they have limited bike spots on each train. Enjoy the ride!
Katy Rock Junction
- + Gotta say that I stayed in Windsor at the Katy Rock Junction this week and was blown away by Charlie and his great set-up there. Newer cabins with a nice showerhouse. I was offered drinks when I got ...
Discussion started 03/19/2025 09:50 AM by Rick - 1 reply (last reply by Charlie W. at 03/20/2025 09:34 PM)Rick from KC on 03/19/2025 09:50 AM
Gotta say that I stayed in Windsor at the Katy Rock Junction this week and was blown away by Charlie and his great set-up there. Newer cabins with a nice showerhouse. I was offered drinks when I got off the trail, coffee in the am, and slept like a rock. This place is a VALUE which is what I'm all about. Great location and I will stay there again!
Charlie W. from Katy Rock Junction, LLC on 03/20/2025 09:34 PM
Thank you, Rick, for staying with us and your kind words. I really enjoyed your company and conversation over beverages. I hope you can come back soon! Happy Trails!
OTET Site like this?
- + Ray, I feel like I asked this recently, and you answered, but I can't find it now. Do you have a site like this for the OTET (Ohio to Erie Trail)?
Discussion started 01/01/2025 09:55 PM by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) - 3 replies (last reply by Diana Bikes at 03/17/2025 11:10 AM)Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 01/01/2025 09:55 PM
Ray, I feel like I asked this recently, and you answered, but I can't find it now. Do you have a site like this for the OTET (Ohio to Erie Trail)?
Ray (webmaster) on 01/03/2025 08:51 AM
Hi Bill, I apologize for the slow reply, been out of commission for a few days.
I built a website for the Little Miami Trail at https://trailhub.com/little-miami-scenic-trail.aspx
Little Miami runs from Cincinnati to Springfield, so it overlaps much of the southwest part of the OTET.
Beyond that, I've had a requests to expand this from Little Miami to the entire OTET, so it is on my long term to-do list - maybe by sometime in the spring I would like to have an OTET offering.
Happy trails!
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 01/06/2025 05:28 PM
Glad you're back in commission, sir.
OK, will use the Little Miami site and will look for OTET in the future perhaps.
Thanks!
Diana Bikes from Xenia, OH on 03/17/2025 11:10 AM
https://www.ohiotoerietrail.org/
The official OTET site.
Amtrak bike car
- + We had heard there was going to be an experimental extra bike/baggage car for the Missouri River Runner Amtrak train from March to September. The River Runner is the one that serves the destinations a...
Discussion started 03/14/2024 06:28 AM by Kelly K - 3 replies (last reply by Reuben at 03/17/2025 09:37 AM)Kelly K from Warrensburg on 03/14/2024 06:28 AM
We had heard there was going to be an experimental extra bike/baggage car for the Missouri River Runner Amtrak train from March to September. The River Runner is the one that serves the destinations along the Katy route. We rode to Washington, MO and took the train back to Warrensburg on March 13, 2024, and there was no extra baggage car. We had a ticket for our bikes--don't forget to get one in advance if you're taking your bike on the train!!!--but we had to put them in one of the three or four places designated for bikes. The train staff was great about helping board and store the bikes, but be advised that the bike baggage experiment may be a myth.
Billy S from OKC on 03/15/2024 06:16 PM
Last October I took Amtrak from Jefferson City to Sedalia and when making my reservations the agent said no more bikes were allowed to bring on the train.
When I went to go board the train I asked the conductor If they had room for my bike and the conductor was so nice "Sure we have room bring it on board"
Allen from Fort Collins on 03/23/2024 10:01 AM
FWIW, this week I purchased one-way fares for a day this June. Each has a $10 bicycle add-on amenity.
In the Amtrak app, this choice is nearly the last step of the transaction, with a counter showing the number of remaining bike spots, on that train. Happy Trails ~
Reuben from KC on 03/17/2025 09:37 AM
Bummer to hear that the bike car wasn't in place in mid march last year. I was hoping that it'd be a consistent feature to the train. I'd be a little nervous hoping to get my bike on the train if there's not officially room and no guarantee.
Found foldylock
- + Found a FOLDYLOCK on the trail today in St. Charles near Black Walnut. I know these things are a bit pricy. Anyone?
Discussion started 03/10/2025 02:07 PM by Bill R. - 0 repliesBill R. from Wentzville on 03/10/2025 02:07 PM
Found a FOLDYLOCK on the trail today in St. Charles near Black Walnut. I know these things are a bit pricy. Anyone?
Community Club Park in Marthasville
- + Hoping this info will help for 2025 campers! My name is Lea and I help run the ballpark in Marthasville. Camping is $5. Camping location is under the pavilion or in the field or grassy areas near pavi...
Discussion started 03/03/2025 09:58 PM by Lea - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/04/2025 10:07 AM)Lea from Marthasville on 03/03/2025 09:58 PM
Hoping this info will help for 2025 campers! My name is Lea and I help run the ballpark in Marthasville. Camping is $5. Camping location is under the pavilion or in the field or grassy areas near pavilion. There are electric outlets at pavilion. Showers and bathrooms available. If you have a small rv we do allow camping for $10 a night if electric is needed
Our numbers are listed on the bathroom doors.
My number is 314 604 0045 and you can call to set up reservations or call when you arrive in town! We love hosting campers and look forward to meeting you all this year! The number listed for community club does work but isn’t checked regularly when it’s not ball season. Bathrooms will be unwinterized in the next few weeks!
Anonymous on 03/04/2025 10:07 AM
Good info for Katy riders. Thank you Lea.
This needs to be part of the Marthasville Community Club Park info so it doesn't get lost in the Forum.
Shuttle Service Near West End of Trail
- + We would like to make a two day ride on the west end of the trail without making a round trip of it. Is there a shuttle service available on the trail's west side that will take you and your bike bac...
Discussion started 03/03/2025 10:28 AM by Ned - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/03/2025 02:50 PM)Ned from Kansas on 03/03/2025 10:28 AM
We would like to make a two day ride on the west end of the trail without making a round trip of it. Is there a shuttle service available on the trail's west side that will take you and your bike back to trip's starting place? Thanks very much. Ned
Anonymous on 03/03/2025 02:50 PM
From the Trip Planner above:
Katy Trail Tours and Shuttle
Shuttle, Tour Organizer
Clinton MO
417-372-9220
https://katytrailbiketours.com/
Shuttle and Bike Tour Services for the entire Rock Island and Katy Trails
No physical location is mapped for Katy Trail Tours and Shuttle
St. Charles pre ride overnight stay
- + Looking for a reasonable hotel or B&B in St. Charles close to the Bike Stop Cafe where we'll start our bike trip. We want a comfortable bed and good breakfast before we ride the following day.
Discussion started 02/25/2025 10:29 PM by Paula - 2 replies (last reply by StuartH at 02/27/2025 10:29 AM)Paula from Bethel on 02/25/2025 10:29 PM
Looking for a reasonable hotel or B&B in St. Charles close to the Bike Stop Cafe where we'll start our bike trip. We want a comfortable bed and good breakfast before we ride the following day.
Anonymous on 02/26/2025 01:50 PM
Using the Towns & Services tab above or Google maps you can find offerings in St. Charles. Most of us here probably don't know what is "reasonable" for you.
StuartH from Lees Summit on 02/27/2025 10:29 AM
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, St Charles is our preferred place to stay. It’s within walking distance of the Bike Stop Cafe, and has decent parking.
Katy Retreat in Boonville
- + Can only echo what many others have said about this property. Amazing. Without question the best Airbnb we have ever stayed in. The owner, Rob, even had a bike chain delivered overnight to us when we ...
Discussion started 02/24/2025 03:50 PM by Susan & George - 0 repliesSusan & George from Matoga, Iowa on 02/24/2025 03:50 PM
Can only echo what many others have said about this property. Amazing. Without question the best Airbnb we have ever stayed in. The owner, Rob, even had a bike chain delivered overnight to us when we had an issue.
We plan to go back again this summer and riding the trail again, and look forward to staying here again!
If you stay in Boonville, be sure to check out the museum by the trail - it was chocked full of history.