Katy Trail Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find many of the common questions about the Katy Trail, but also be sure to check out the Katy Trail Forum for lots of good questions, answers, and discussions.

See the Katy Trail Elevation chart to get a good idea of where the trail is flat and where there are slopes.

The trail was built on former railroad tracks and closely follows the Missouri River (east of Boonville), so for the most part it's exceptionally flat, as you might expect.  However, you will find some long gradual slopes between Boonville and Clinton.  There's also a steeper but very short uphill at the Boonville bridge.

The trail runs between Clinton MO in western Missouri, and Machens MO on the eastern end of the state (12 miles from St. Charles). People often start or end their rides in St Charles instead of Machens, because Machens cannot be easily reached by car, and the trail between the two locations sometimes floods or washes out.

Click the following link for a discussion of Katy Trail parking most convenient to St Louis and Kansas City. From Kansas City, the Rock Island Trail provides a closer access point.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources produces a very nice trail map, which they will send you free of charge.  Just call the MO DNR at 660-882-8196 or 800-334-6946, and ask for the Katy Trail map.  The DNR tries to keep trailheads stocked with these maps.

You can also buy a sturdy laminated Katy Trail map here on BikeKatyTrail.com. It contains not only a map but mileage listings, town services, and other useful information.

Any time is great, but my preferences are May, September, and October.  Before May, some of the businesses are closed for the season.  In late May and June, Missouri has frequent thunderstorms or just rain, so you might get drenched or have to seek cover.  July and August are hot and humid, but things cool off in September (mainly late September).  Of course, the natural beauty of the trail is enhanced by fall foliage, generally peaking in mid-October.  These are only generalizations, you could end up with a miserably hot day in early May, or a cool and refreshing day in August.

Follow this link for Missouri average temperatures and precipitation, and current Katy Trail weather conditions.

As for the best time of day, mornings are obviously cooler, and there's a better chance of seeing wildlife.  But there is a downside to being out there early in the morning: if you're the first person of the day on a wooded section of trail, you might be surprised by the occasional spider web in your face!

Is the Katy Trail open at night? No, the trail is open during daylight hours only.  The trail is open year-round.

It is covered in crushed limestone, which packs hard and is suitable for running, hiking, or any kind of bike (though mountain bikes and hybrids might be more comfortable than road bikes).  For runners, the surface absorbs impact well, and is much easier on runners' legs than cement or asphalt.  The crushed limestone can be dusty; you and your bike will get dusty.  For multi-day bike rides, you may want to bring along something to clean your chain.

The trail can get a little soft during extended rainy periods.  After a rainy period, some horses may leave light hoofprints on the equestrian part of the trail.  The trail surface is not suitable for inline skating.

For perspective, here is a close-up photo of the trail surface.

See the following question & answer for an issue related to the limestone dust.

I had never heard of this before, but one rider mentioned that the limestone dust can be a skin irritant.  However, this problem can be avoided, as the rider explained in his note:

It's very safe - there is little or no crime, and many regular trail riders have never felt the need to lock their bikes.  Of course it's also much safer than cycling or running on a road with traffic.

Here's a county-by-county list of hospitals and emergency phone numbers for the various county sheriffs offices, just in case.

The biggest danger, in my opinion, is crossing roads and highways at intersections with traffic, such as multiple crossings of highway 94 on the eastern end of the trail.  Cars approach at 60MPH, and drivers often are not paying attention.  Be careful!!!

It's always best to keep your distance from any wildlife.  But in particular, Missouri is home to some species of venomous snakes.  Brad Wilson spotted the following two "don't mess with me" snakes, a 9 inch baby copperhead, and a 3 foot timber rattler. 


Needless to say, this type of photo is best captured with a very high-power telephoto lens!
I have ridden the trail many times, and have never spotted either of these types of snakes.  But just be aware they are out there.

Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the Katy Trail, but motorized devices are not. According to Missouri State Parks guidelines: All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed.

Yes, horseback riding is allowed between Clinton and the Sedalia Fairgrounds trailhead, a total distance of approximately 35 miles.  Trailhead parking lots along the equestrian section of the Katy Trail are designed to accommodate horse trailer parking.  In Clinton, you'll have to park your trailer at the Henry County Fairgrounds, just across Price Lane from the trailhead.

Equestrian use is also allowed between Tebbetts and Portland - use the Mokane trailhead for horse trailer parking.

See this KT Comment discussion thread for a discussion of concerns regarding the horses on the trail. As this sign indicates, cyclists and runners/hikers should yield to horseback riders.  Be careful not to startle horses when approaching from behind.

Yes and no.  Most areas have coverage, although some of the more remote areas are not covered.  Naturally, areas around towns and cities are more likely to have coverage.  In my own personal experience (Verizon), I only see gaps in service around Windsor and Bluffton.  Definitely bring your cell phone along; you never know when you'll need it! 

Yes, all three cities can now be reached by bridges with safe separate bike/pedestrian lanes.

To get to Washington, you'll have to ride along about four miles along highway 47 from the Dutzow trailhead. Hermann is about two miles from the McKittrick trailhead. If you are staying at a B&B in any of these cities, your host might give you a ride from the trailhead if you're not up for biking it.

We strongly encourage side trips across these bridges; you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Missouri River and visits to some great Missouri towns.

See the Hermann page, Jefferson City page, or Washington page for more information on these towns and how to reach them.  Also: Washington MO Hotels and Motels.

There are touring companies and various organized rides that have already worked out all the details for excellent Katy Trail trips.   Generally they will provide or arrange any needed transportation and lodging, offer maps, routes, and directions, etc.   You can leave the planning to them, so your only concern will be getting out there and enjoying the trail!

Click the following link for a Plan-a-Ride list of companies offering tours on an ongoing basis.
Or, check the Katy Trail events page to look for organized group rides along the trail.

There are shuttle services which will carry you and your bike from one point to another - perfect for a one-way point to point ride.  Click this link for a list of all shuttle services along the Katy Trail.

Shuttling riders across the state requires a lot of time and gasoline from the shuttle operators. You may be able to reduce your shuttle cost by sharing a shuttle with other riders. You can search for other riders on the Share a Katy Trail Shuttle web page.

Another option is to ride the train in one direction, with your bike, and then pedal your bike back in the other direction.  See the next question & answer for a discussion of this option.

Some B&Bs may let you ship your bike to them.

Many cyclists ride Amtrak (with their bikes) to some point on the trail, and then pedal back from there.  For example, St. Louis-based riders and their bikes could board Amtrak in Kirkwood, ride the train to Sedalia, and then pedal the Katy Trail back to St. Charles / Machens.  Regarding taking the train to Washington, see the question & answer above, discussing crossing bridges between this city and the Katy Trail, and the Katy Trail Amtrak guide mentioned in the following paragraph.

See the Katy Trail Amtrak guide for a detailed discussion of riding Amtrak along the Katy Trail.

Impromptu "stealth" camping is not allowed along the trail.  However, there are several private campgrounds and public parks that allow camping.    Click the following link for more details on camping along the Katy Trail.

In general, wider tires are better.  If you're riding a mountain bike, hybrid, or comfort bike, your tires are fine.  But the Katy is definitely suitable for road bikes, and you'll see plenty of them out there.  The crushed limestone packs down hard and gives you a surface nearly as solid as asphalt, unless it's been raining a lot.  But there are a few places where it's not packed as hard, or where the trail crosses gravel roads, that could be a little rough on road bikes.

Most of what I've heard from road bikers is that any tire 25mm or wider is fine for the Katy Trail.  I've seen some riders say they did fine with 23, but most suggest 25 or wider.  For best results, go with the widest cross-tread tire your rims can handle.  You do not need knobby tires, something with light tread is ideal.  If using skinny tires, you may want to inflate to a slightly lower pressure than you use on pavement. 

For a well-researched discussion of tire recommendations, read Katy Trail Tire Selection by M L Haag MD

This topic comes up from time to time on the Comment Forum.  Here are a few comment threads and other discussions:

• Road bike on the Katy?
• Bike/Tyres Types for the Katy Trail
• Trail condition...what bike to ride?
• Great discussion of Tires, Bike Types, and Trailer Types from September Brown

Speaking of tires: always bring spare tubes and a pump or compressed air.  There are thorny plants which have given flats to many a rider.  Be prepared for possible flats!

Yes, there are businesses at many points along the trail offering a wide variety of bikes for rent.  Follow this link for a list of bike shops along the Katy Trail, many of which offer rentals.  Also, some of the B&B's have bikes that they make available to their guests.

For a one-day trip, here are some suggestions:

• Plenty of water
• Helmet
• Sunscreen
• Maps, and/or screen printouts from BikeKatyTrail.com for the towns you'll be visiting (go to the trip planner to build your customized list)
• Cell phone
• Bike repair tools
• Spare inner tubes or patch kit
• Pump or compressed air
• Insect repellant
• Tissues / toilet paper (don't count on the trailhead restrooms being stocked)
• Cash, credit cards
• Camera
• More water

For a multi-day trip, you'll need more stuff - maybe a lot more, depending on how long you'll be riding and how self-sufficient you plan to be (not to mention the fact that you'll need a trailer or panniers to hold everything).

Here's a discussion on the Katy Trail Forum about what to pack.

Here's a good packing list for serious bike touring (probably more than you'd need for the Katy Trail): http://www.allenf.com/bikelist.htm

Yes, the trail is flat and easily reached by wheelchair from nearly all trailheads.  One exception is the St Charles 364 parking lot (not the main St Charles Trailhead), which has a steep 1/4 mile long ramp that some wheelchair users might not want to tackle.
Note that Katy Bike Rental in Defiance offers wheelchair bikes, handcycles, and other specialized equipment to make the trail more accessible to handicapped individuals.

Although motorized vehicles are banned from the trail, motorized wheelchairs and scooters for the handicapped are allowed, as well as electric bikes.

Be aware that your wheelchair or mobility device will get dusty from the trail surface.

Amazingly, yes.  We maintain a list of people who have ridden the Katy Trail in a single day, or covered the whole trail on foot. If you've accomplished either of these feats, let us know.

If your business is on or near the Katy Trail, and of interest to trail users, then BikeKatyTrail wants to list you.  Please visit the Contact Us page for a list of the info we need, and what address to send it to.  There are no fees whatsoever to be listed here.

Want to get your message out to thousands of Katy Trail users?  BikeKatyTrail offers reasonably priced advertising to a highly-targeted group of potential customers, most of whom are actively planning a Katy Trail trip.  We'll even create an ad for you!  For more details, check out the Advertising Rates page.

I appreciate your help in keeping the site 100% accurate (so do future visitors to the site!).  Please contact BikeKatyTrail.com with details of the error, and we'll fix it ASAP.

Really, people do ask this!  If you've found BikeKatyTrail to be a useful resource, please help spread the word by telling other Katy Trail users about the website.  Please support our advertisers - they make the website possible.  And when you patronize a trail business that you saw listed here, please tell them that you saw them on BikeKatyTrail.com.  Finally, please consider getting a Katy Trail t-shirt, patch, map, and/or sticker - they're really cool!

Ray Scott is an avid cyclist and a six-time marathon finisher.  In August 2012, my son and I rode the trail from end to end (actually we crossed the state of Missouri, from the Kansas state line to the Mississippi River, using the Katy Trail for the majority of our 310 mile ride). In August 2013, we rode from Machens to Clinton over four days.

"As a software engineer who builds commercial websites for a living, I decided to build the ultimate Katy Trail website with all the nitty-gritty details that cyclists, runners, and hikers need.  I hope you'll find BikeKatyTrail to be a useful resource for all your Katy Trail information needs.