Boonville to Hartsburg
- + What can you tell me about the trail from Boonville to Hartsburg? Is it still flooded? Passable?
Discussion started 01/17/2020 06:27 PM by Pam - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 02/06/2020 08:22 PM)Pam from Lawrence on 01/17/2020 06:27 PM
What can you tell me about the trail from Boonville to Hartsburg? Is it still flooded? Passable?
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 01/21/2020 08:34 AM
Pam, the trail is closed approximately 10 miles east of Boonville due to the Salt Creek bridge being out. There is a detour around it, but it takes you on the shoulder of US Hwy 40, which a lot of people will find intimidating. There is another "unofficial" detour on some gravel farm roads that do not see much traffic, but of course are rougher. Both of these detours are well-documented on this site and you can find them from the main page or by reading some of the comments from the last few months.
Beyond the Salt Creek closure, I do not know the condition of the trail closer to Hartsburg.
Bill Young from Jefferson City on 02/06/2020 10:38 AM
I think the trail from Booneville to Hartsburg is in good shape except the Salt creek bridge. The tunnel just west of Hartsburg was closed due to the flood but I think its open now. Hartsburg to Jefferson City is in good shape
Anonymous on 02/06/2020 08:22 PM
Tunnel west of Rocheport?
McBaine Bur Oak
- + I know this tree. I had a farm about five miles from Rocheport in the 80's/90's. We had a solo Bur Oak only slightly smaller than this one. I measured them both. My tree had been hit by lightening ear...
Discussion started 01/13/2020 02:09 PM by Kevin Fetner - 1 reply (last reply by Bill Young at 02/06/2020 10:41 AM)Kevin Fetner from Walla Walla, WA on 01/13/2020 02:09 PM
I know this tree. I had a farm about five miles from Rocheport in the 80's/90's. We had a solo Bur Oak only slightly smaller than this one. I measured them both. My tree had been hit by lightening earlier in its life. As a consequence it grew out like an umbrella instead of up. It was magnificent. I could have 300-400 sheep sleeping there in the shade on a hot summer day. The farm was all broken up and sold seemingly at random. But, I'm betting the tree is still there and worthy of historical recognition.
Bill Young from Jefferson City on 02/06/2020 10:41 AM
It's still there
does anyone know when the tebbets hostel opens for the season?
- + what date does the Tebbets hostel open for the season. I plan to pass by there in late March. Safe travels and tailwinds to all.
Discussion started 02/04/2020 01:04 PM by X- country bike tourer - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 02/05/2020 08:02 AM)X- country bike tourer from santa fe,nm on 02/04/2020 01:04 PM
what date does the Tebbets hostel open for the season. I plan to pass by there in late March. Safe travels and tailwinds to all.
Jim from St. Thomas on 02/05/2020 08:02 AM
The Turner Shelter opens March 1st. You can stay during the winter if you give them advance notice. You can get their contact info here:
https://www.conservemo.org/reservation-form.html
Marriage ceremony
- + Hello!
I am wondering if you're allowed to get married at the Katy trail in Rocheport?? Who do I need to contact?
Discussion started 01/24/2020 11:51 AM by Ashley - 4 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 01/28/2020 09:12 AM)Ashley from Mexico on 01/24/2020 11:51 AM
Hello!
I am wondering if you're allowed to get married at the Katy trail in Rocheport?? Who do I need to contact?
Anonymous from Rocheport on 01/24/2020 12:09 PM
Call Shirley at Rocheport City Hall. We have parks and a Community Hall you can rent for a wedding. 573-698-3245
Marna from Boonville on 01/24/2020 06:26 PM
Contact MO State Parks Dept. I doubt if there are any fees, depending on what you have in mind.
big mike from Hartsburg, MO on 01/27/2020 05:30 PM
Hartsburg has a gazebo that is used for weddings.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/28/2020 09:12 AM
If I were going to do it, I'd contact Katy Bed and Bikefest, rent all of the rooms in the little house, have my friends and family stay on site, and try to just do the wedding somewhere on the grounds.
salt creek bridge
- + has state provided any guidance as to when this bridge is expected to be back in service? thank you
Discussion started 01/21/2020 02:24 PM by muckerman - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 01/27/2020 11:23 AM)muckerman from boynton bch on 01/21/2020 02:24 PM
has state provided any guidance as to when this bridge is expected to be back in service? thank you
bikerdudette from Wentzville on 01/25/2020 07:02 AM
I asked on the FB page, they were pretty vague about when it would happen.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/27/2020 11:23 AM
Even on fairly well-defined stuff, they are very vague. Like last year when they worked on the rock tunnel near Rocheport, and just wouldn't give completion dates.
Large group seeking current trail condition info
- + We have a group of about 35 riders that plan to travel Clinton to St. Charles the second week of June (the week before the DNR ride). We have been riding the Katy end-to-end for about 20 years, so we...
Discussion started 01/17/2020 11:30 AM by Dubby - 1 reply (last reply by bikerdudette from Wentzville at 01/25/2020 07:01 AM)Dubby from St Louis on 01/17/2020 11:30 AM
We have a group of about 35 riders that plan to travel Clinton to St. Charles the second week of June (the week before the DNR ride). We have been riding the Katy end-to-end for about 20 years, so we're rather experienced.
We know the bridge at Salt Creek is out and will very likely not be open before our trip. We have ridden the Hwy 40 detour before and will use that again.
The bridge at Bigelow Creek is out according to the DNR website. Is there any hope for it being open again by June? If I recall correctly, that stretch of Hwy 94 is rather hilly and twisty. Is my memory correct? Is there a better detour?
There's mention on the web of a bridge near Herman being out, but the exact location is not mentioned. Is the bridge still out? Is it east or west of Herman?
Are there any other outages that are not "walkable" that I haven't mentioned?
Thx.
bikerdudette from Wentzville on 01/25/2020 07:01 AM
We walked from klondike to Augusta and no bridge was out. Also, the bridge near Hermann is sort of blocked off, you can cross the bridge if you want. Or you can walk right around the whole thing on the grass or there is a little gravel road you can bike. No problem there. By the time you go I would guess the orange barricade will be gone.
The Independent Tourist in Columbia
- + Anyone use the IndepentTourist for a bike trip on the Katy Trail? Do you have any feedback regarding, service, value, and or reliability. Thinking of using this company for a spring trip and just lo...
Discussion started 01/19/2020 02:38 PM by Florida bike riders - 0 repliesFlorida bike riders on 01/19/2020 02:38 PM
Anyone use the IndepentTourist for a bike trip on the Katy Trail? Do you have any feedback regarding, service, value, and or reliability. Thinking of using this company for a spring trip and just looking for others experience with them. Thanks
Dutzow to Washington river bridge crossing
- + I am riding with my son in June and need to get from Dutzow to Washington. Is the bike path across the river bridge usable or will it be by mid June?
Discussion started 05/10/2019 07:57 AM by Woodchuck - 7 replies (last reply by Tyann at 01/13/2020 06:19 PM)Woodchuck from knoxville on 05/10/2019 07:57 AM
I am riding with my son in June and need to get from Dutzow to Washington. Is the bike path across the river bridge usable or will it be by mid June?
Tyann (Katy Haus and Bank Haus) from Marthasville on 05/10/2019 08:23 AM
It is not open yet, and they have no set date on when it will be open. They have to finish removing the old bridge and piers from the river and repair the north side of the road connecting to the bike path before it will open. I have my doubts it will be done by mid June, but definitely keep checking on it.
Dave from Kirkwood on 05/10/2019 09:56 AM
There have been a couple topics related to the new bridge recently. FYI - although the separate bike/ped lane is not open yet, there is a WIDE shoulder on the bridge that can be used (next to the vehicle traffic). The only challenge that I saw (about a month ago) would be getting onto and off the bridge, given some construction work (shoulder disappearing near ends, so would need to wait for opening in traffic).
Hank on 05/11/2019 10:26 AM
Not sure how old your son is but at this point the ride between Dutzow and Washington is not great. The shoulders are not the best and the pavement narrows on the southbound approach to the bridge making it a little tricky. Once you are on the bridge it is fine but getting there is not the best.
Doug from Bluffton on 05/11/2019 03:16 PM
About half way from Dutzow to Augusta you can take Augusta Bottom Rd around to the right and come out on 47 just before the new bridge on 47. You can also call for a shuttle from a bike shop in Washington or you can stop at Dutzow trailhead and wait for someone in a pickup and offer cash in exchange for ride over the bridge. This last has worked well for friends and I several times.
Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast from Hartsburg, MO on 05/12/2019 09:53 AM
Doug, We missed you at our Potluck this spring. Get in touch with us sometime. (573) 657- 4529 Mark & Leaia Clervi
Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast, Hartsburg, MO
Will from Ottawa on 01/13/2020 06:04 PM
Hi, was wondering if anyone had updates on the bridge situation. Was planning on riding from Dutzow into Washington this Spring, if not too dangerous.
Tyann from Katy Haus and Bank Haus in Marthasville on 01/13/2020 06:19 PM
No progress on the bike path on the bridge opening yet. The water levels have been too high for any work to be done unfortunately.
NEED info
- + Planning to ride the trail last week in April 2020 and have a few questions . First i've been reading about trail closings and bridges being closed. On sections that are closed due to flooding, constr...
Discussion started 01/11/2020 10:58 AM by Eddie S. - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 01/13/2020 11:47 AM)Eddie S. from Paris on 01/11/2020 10:58 AM
Planning to ride the trail last week in April 2020 and have a few questions . First i've been reading about trail closings and bridges being closed. On sections that are closed due to flooding, construction or what ever is the detour clearly marked. Second just how isolated are you? averaging 60 miles per day starting at Clinton are you able to find stores or services easily? I biked across Louisiana last summer with just a med. handlebar bag and a Camelbak.Looks like a solo trip so is a Late April a good time or would you recommend riding later in the year. Too many questions i know but any info at all would be greatly appreciated . You can email if youd like sikesp1961@hotmail.com with suggestions or advice . T
ArkyKenny on 01/11/2020 06:26 PM
1) The detours are minimal and well marked. 2) Late April is as good a time as any. Be prepared for Spring rains. 3) 60 miles a day is good. I recommend trips into Jeff City (another 10 miles), and Columbia (20 miles round trip on the spur from Hindman Junction). Also consider a trip into Herman. 3) Services on the trail in non-peak times and on Mon-Wed can be very limited, but you can always get food and shelter in the towns, convenience stores, restaurants, etc.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/13/2020 11:47 AM
Further to what ArkyKenny said, if you ride 60 miles per day, you will ride through plenty of places to resupply. But, they won't fall exactly where you want. So you might have to stock up, and ride another 15 miles to where you spend the night.
"They" say that late April is the rainy season, so be ready for that.
Mokane Lions Club Park in Mokane
- + Are there shower facilities?
Discussion started 01/09/2020 10:47 AM by DougT - 1 reply (last reply by Doug at 01/09/2020 09:08 PM)DougT from Tulsa on 01/09/2020 10:47 AM
Are there shower facilities?
Doug from Bluffton on 01/09/2020 09:08 PM
There are not. The bunkhouse in Tebbetts does as well as Brownells camping in Portland, The Bluffton Barn and Steamboat Junction in Bluffton in season.
Question about starting location
- + Hi All, We are planning a bi-family bike trip on the Katy Trail for this summer ( early June). This will be our third trip together - previously doing the GAP and C&O and last summer the Erie Canal ...
Discussion started 01/06/2020 07:13 PM by Margaret - 4 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 01/09/2020 12:51 PM)Margaret from Amherst, OH on 01/06/2020 07:13 PM
Hi All, We are planning a bi-family bike trip on the Katy Trail for this summer ( early June). This will be our third trip together - previously doing the GAP and C&O and last summer the Erie Canal Trail. We want to make the trip a bit longer and I was thinking since one family may be flying into St Louis, of starting either in Harrisonville, which would mean we would ride to Clinton ( about 30 miles or so) but how is that route 7? The other option would be to start up at Pleasant Hill on the new Rock Island Spur and ride to Windsor- stay the night- then to Clinton- but I am having a hard time finding lodging near Pleasant Hill. Does anyone know what the road would be like from Harrisonville or of any lodging near Pleasant Hill for a group of about 13 riders? Thanks.
Margaret from Amherst, OH on 01/06/2020 07:25 PM
Oh I meant the family will be flying into Kansas City!
Margaret
Anonymous on 01/07/2020 03:37 PM
Margaret,
I live in Harrisonville and have done the trail three times. I'm pretty sure that I can answer all your questions. My email address is loriemb2811@gmail.com.
Lorie
Anonymous on 01/08/2020 10:19 AM
Answers on this open forum may benefit others who have similar questions.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/09/2020 12:51 PM
Going to Columbia would add time and distance. It's supposed to be a cool place.
Hermann is also a bit of a side trip, and is also supposed to be fun.
If you aren't overnighting in Jeff City, at least ride over to Central Dairy and get ice cream. You get to ride the big spiral ramp and see the capitol up close. Plus, ice cream. :)
We skipped the winery side trips, but those also add time and distance.
Prescription Glasses Found
- + Prescription glasses (Ralph Lauren) found in a Maui Jim zippered Case (with a soft fabric Hawaiian cover inside). They were left at the Lost and Found at Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport. re...
Discussion started 01/05/2020 06:22 PM by Cee Jaye Pecorak - 0 repliesCee Jaye Pecorak from Rocheport on 01/05/2020 06:22 PM
Prescription glasses (Ralph Lauren) found in a Maui Jim zippered Case (with a soft fabric Hawaiian cover inside). They were left at the Lost and Found at Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport. respond if you want to claim them...
Rocheport tunnel status?
- + I heard rumor that the tunnel was open. Any truth to that? I thought there was catastrophic damage and it was closed indefinitely. Anybody? Any news?
Discussion started 01/03/2020 11:02 PM by ArkyKenny - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 01/04/2020 07:33 PM)ArkyKenny on 01/03/2020 11:02 PM
I heard rumor that the tunnel was open. Any truth to that? I thought there was catastrophic damage and it was closed indefinitely. Anybody? Any news?
Allen from Shawnee on 01/04/2020 08:24 AM
All reports I have read says it’s open. There is bridge across Salt creek a few miles west of the tunnel that is not passable and may be a while before it’s repaired. The recommended detour is on 40 hiway, however there is a gravel alternative if you don’t like road riding. Scroll down the forum a few posts there is a thread discussing this issue and the detours.
Allen from Shawnee on 01/04/2020 08:30 AM
The title of the thread is opening/ finished dates
Anonymous from Harrisburg, MO on 01/04/2020 07:33 PM
Hi! The tunnel is open and you can ride approximately 3 miles West to Salt Creek before having to turn around to head back to Rocheport. Being that close to the damage is much different than the view from the Hwy 40 bridge.
Riding from West end to East end
- + My wife and I have done many of the US's best Rails to trails and are now planning a trip this summer to ride the Katy trail. Since we will be driving in from Michigan, we would like to park our car s...
Discussion started 12/30/2019 11:25 AM by WDK1965 - 7 replies (last reply by Allen at 01/04/2020 12:08 PM)WDK1965 from Howell, MI on 12/30/2019 11:25 AM
My wife and I have done many of the US's best Rails to trails and are now planning a trip this summer to ride the Katy trail. Since we will be driving in from Michigan, we would like to park our car somewhere on the east end, and shuttle or ride the train to the west end, where we can then start biking. Can anyone help me understand the best way to navigate that?
I've looked at the Amtrak option, but it doesn't seem like it starts/end near the trail and doesn't give you the option to do the entire trail? Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 12/30/2019 12:16 PM
If you don't mind doing a supported ride, I suggest the Katy Trail Ride 2020. The official details haven't been released yet, but should be similar to this one. Note that it was cancelled last year due to flooding. It may well start in St. Charles in 2020 which would be a East to West ride.
https://mostateparks.com/2019ktride
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 12/30/2019 01:50 PM
I just noticed that the link above is actually for 2020. I bet that they change the 2019 to 2020 shortly.
Looks like it will be going from West to East which is what you are looking for.
Anonymous on 12/30/2019 04:31 PM
There are shuttle services that will take you to your location of choice. Also, some B&B’s offer shuttles. The Trip Planner will help you locate a shuttle company. I’d consider that if I wanted to ride the entire trail.
All that aside, I would reconsider the idea of riding the “entire trail.” For most riders the section between St Charles and Machens is hardly worth the effort and time spent to ride. It has little to offer other than bragging rights. The same has been said for the section between Clinton and Sedalia. There are other ways to spend time along the trail that better justify vacation dollars. The MKT trail to Columbia, wineries and the states oldest wine cellar in Hermann, Central Dairy and the state capital in Jefferson City, etc are noteworthy. Some folks like far remote areas but when traveling we prefer the highlights in favor of the mundane.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 01/02/2020 03:22 PM
You can park at the Community Rec Center in Clinton. The trail starts a few hundred yards from there.
We liked the section from Clinton to Sedalia. But different people like different stuff.
There are a few shuttle services available. They can be expensive unless you are part of a group.
If I did it again, I would...
drive to Clinton
Ride to St Charles
Uber to Amtrak
Amtrak back to Sedalia
Ride back to Clinton
I agree with skipping St Charles to Machens.
Gman from Erie PA on 01/03/2020 07:01 AM
To WDK 1965 Any trail suggestions for Michigan. Particularly the Traverse City area
Hank on 01/04/2020 10:03 AM
I disagree rather strongly with not riding between Clinton and Sedalia. It is very enjoyable.
I would use a shuttle service, parking in St. Charles and then shuttling to Clinton. This is the simplest solution.
Allen from Shawnee on 01/04/2020 12:08 PM
Having done the whole trail multiple times, this is how I would do it. I would park my car at the Amtrak station in Kirkwood MO., they allow this, just tell them, (be sure to book space for your bikes well in advance, they only have 4 per train). Then take the train to Sedalia and ride back to St Charles. Then get an Uber or some ride back to my car in Kirkwood, then come back to get the bikes in St. Charles. You can ride from St Charles to Kirkwood but you would need to be comfortable with riding city streets. There are routes available on this site to get there. I feel getting an Uber to haul 2 bikes and luggage might be difficult.
I know everyone feels differently about the parts of the trail they like. This is just my opinion based on ease and cost of transportation, plus experience of riding the trail.
Whatever you do have a good trip and be sure to stop and smell the roses.
New bridge near the Klondike boat launch is in place
- + The new bridge next to Klondike boat launch (around MM 64) is in place. The work on the bridge should be complete by the end of January 2020.
Discussion started 01/03/2020 12:54 PM by Jerry Whittle - 0 repliesJerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 01/03/2020 12:54 PM
The new bridge next to Klondike boat launch (around MM 64) is in place. The work on the bridge should be complete by the end of January 2020.
2020 Katy Trail Ride announced
- + https://mostateparks.com/2020ktride
June 22-26. Sign-ups start on March 1st.
Hopefully it won't flood this year and the trail is in good shape after all the destruction last year.
Discussion started 01/01/2020 05:52 PM by Jerry Whittle - 0 repliesJerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 01/01/2020 05:52 PM
https://mostateparks.com/2020ktride
June 22-26. Sign-ups start on March 1st.
Hopefully it won't flood this year and the trail is in good shape after all the destruction last year.
Looking for some info
- + Did a bunch of the Katy last year and this forum was extremely helpful. Does anyone know of a similar forum that would be useful in the Traverse City area of Michigan. Would like to check out some rai...
Discussion started 12/24/2019 08:59 AM by Gman - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 12/25/2019 09:04 PM)Gman from Erie PA on 12/24/2019 08:59 AM
Did a bunch of the Katy last year and this forum was extremely helpful. Does anyone know of a similar forum that would be useful in the Traverse City area of Michigan. Would like to check out some rail trails in that area and would like more info than I can get from TrailLink
Anonymous on 12/25/2019 09:04 PM
Searching Traverse City rail trails yields several results. One of which had a forum.
There is a lot of information online although no websites that I found such as this.