Rocheport Trailhead

Has anyone taken the detour west of Rocheport they describe on the State Park site?

Mark, there's no need to take the detour -- the bridge replacement was completed last month.

The US 40 highway bridge happens to go right over that same spot. MO Dept of Transportation will be replacing that bridge at some point in the near future. Hoping they give us a good, off-road (and short) detour when construction starts.

The State Park site still shows a detour that is described as follows:

M 181.5 to MM 181.8 – Starting June 6, 2022, a 0.3-mile section of trail spanning from the west side of the Highway 40 Salt Creek bridge to the Davisdale Conservation Area

Is this acurate?

Mark, you are correct. It looks like they just started work to replace the Hwy 40 bridge. The good news is that the detour is very short and the traffic will be minimal. This is nothing compared to the big detour (2+ miles on the highway) that was recently resolved.

Here is the press release:
The U.S. Route 40 Bridge over Salt Creek and the Katy Trail will begin on Monday, June 6, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The 80-year-old bridge will be replaced with a smoother and wider bridge meant to improve motorist safety.

The route could be closed for up to six months during construction. A detour will be in place along Route 40 for motorists and along the Katy Trail as well.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced a portion of the Katy Trail will be closed April 25-27.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted with Lunda Construction Company to replace the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport, which will require blasting to be done on the bluff alongside the Katy Trail.

Lunda Construction Company will blast April 25 and then remove the rock through April 27. Any other hauling would be completed through the remainder of April when the trail is closed at night. For more information on the bridge project, visit modot.org/RocheportBridge.

No trail detours will be available during this phase of the project because there is no safe way to reroute visitors around the blasting site and too much rock will be laid across the trail. For visitors' safety, please stay out of the work zone and follow all flagging and signage in the area.

For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, or to view the Park and Site Status Map, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. https://www.newstribune.com/news/2022/apr/18/portion-of-katy-trail-closed-due-to-rock-removal/

What mile markers is this referring to?

What mile markers is this referring to?

State Parks' site says
Closed: Katy Trail from mile marker 178.30 to 169.50

The trail will be CLOSED to allow the MoDot contractor to conduct blasting adjacent to the trail from APRIL 25-27. This is a full closure with no recommended detour.

So what do we do? We will be riding through Rocheport on April 26th. Any recommendations on how we continue our trek east?

You could call one of the many shuttle services to transport your group beyond the bridge construction. One option is to take a shuttle to Columbia where you could ride the MKT Nature and Fitness trail down to the Katy Trail. From the intersection of the two trails at Hindman Junction, you could go upriver to check that section out (it is really beautiful) and then backtrack and head east. The trail from Columbia to the Katy is mostly downhill and very nice.

Ride up the hill out of Rocheport on 240 go across I70 take Roby farm road right on County O about 100 yards to Hancock Hill road right back to Trail

Doug, I hear a lot of good things about you and your accommodations. I got out a map and can't follow your instructions. Would you have time to be more precise with the instructions and is the road that you recommend without shoulders and with concerning traffic?

TC, check google maps or give me a call at Bluffton Barn. It's a pretty easy ride other than the hill. Not much traffic after you get past I70.

Highway BB eastward out of Rocheport…240 will take you to the northwest.

Google Maps does not show Hancock Hill Rd going through to the trail, but the satellite view does. Here's a more defined list of Doug's directions.

From Rocheport:
Turn right onto 3rd St
0.2 mi

Continue onto W Hwy Bb
2.0 mi

Continue onto Roby Farm Rd
3.2 mi

Slight right onto State Hwy O
0.2 mi

Slight right onto Hancock Hill Rd
1 mi to the trail

Turn at ole man Wilson's house....

Not sure why directions are so difficult. Facing the south in Rocheport, take a right on 3rd street and head out of town on 240 going the wrong direction. Facing north in Rocheport, take a right on 3rd street and head out of town on W Hwy BB going the right direction.

Google maps is your best bet.

Susan Roth from Olathe Kansas. My kids found your Kansas drivers license on the trail this weekend between Rocheport and Columbia turn off. I’ve mailed it back to the address on your license.

We spoke to a rider heading East today and exchanged experiences along the trail regarding detours. We discussed the rock slide detour West of Portland and he mentioned a short closure West of Rocheport. Any one have details/info on that one?

Majmadmax, please go to the home page and scroll down until you see Trail Conditions toward the bottom of the page. Lots of good info there, including pictures and suggested detours. The Salt Creek bridge is still out. Some suggest walking your bike across the creek, but you really need to see how deep it is before committing!

The bridge wash out is about 3 miles west of Rocheport. You either walk your bikes through a shallow low water crossing just south of the washed out Katy Trail bridge or you take a hilly detour along 40 Hwy. with no shoulders. As long as it hasn't rained in a couple of days, most people are walking across the creek. You can see it clearly on Google Maps if you just look where Hwy. 40 crosses the Katy Trail by Salt Creek.

Just walked through washed out bridge area near Salt creek, 3 miles west of Rocheport tunnel. There is a concrete slab, probably low water crossing, that is dry this afternoon.
I was riding East from New Franklin to the washed out bridge. Walked up the path to the levee, turned right on the levee 50 yards, walked my bike down the levee, crossed the low water concrete crossing ( it was dry today) turned left after crossing the creek and right back on the trail, headed to the Rocheport tunnel.

I am planning ride from Rocheport to Hartsburg then back the next day. I was wondering if I can park and lock my car at the Rocheport Trailhead and it be secure for the night. Also, what is the trail like from Rochport to Hartsburg? I've heard it is pretty hilly.

I've parked overnight at Rocheport without any problems. The trail between Rocheport and Hartsburg has no hills at all. Occasionally you'll get a quick little 'up and over' a road or levy but that's about it. A week ago I spoke to a biker who said that between Cooper's landing and Hartsburg there were some rough spots due to the spring flooding, but with the DNR ride coming soon, I imaging they're working overtime to get the trail back in good shape.

I have also parked at Rocheport overnight with no problems. I did the same thing you are planning - an overnight in Hartsburg. Be sure to check the business' hours on this sight or maybe call them and ask. It can be difficult to find anything to eat on certain days in Hartsburg. It is a great ride!

The Trailhead at Rocheport is a safe place to park, Ive been there several times and never had a problem. I have rode to Hartsburg and it is a great ride, flat, and problably the most scenic part of the trail. I stayed at the Hartsburg Inn, it's nothing fancy but clean and comfortable. The only problem is they dont serve breakfast, but had juice and instant oatmeal in the fridge. I ate at Dotty's for a late lunch and had supper at the Summit Hill Winery. Summit Hill has a nice patio and several other bikers were there so it was a nice place to chat about the trail. Have a great ride.

Arrived at Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale late afternoon (Great Place, firepits, grills, they sell firewood, friendly, limited small grocery store, SHOWER, safe, right on river, beautiful view

Biked from Huntsdale to Rocheport tunnel (Awesome, perfect trail conditions, rest benches in all the right places) Winery is CLOSED ON MONDAYS. Entry to winery is somewhat hidden, .3 extent to top of hill incline does not include zig zags. Rest legs before you climb. All of Rocheport shops were closed. Other holiday week bikers looking for anything 'open for business' as well. It probably is a great little town we just didn't get to experience it.

Rode back to Katfish Katys. Tent is critical for a pleasant stay, expect bugs

Tuesday - Katfish Katys to Hartsburg and back. Rode early for a beautiful comfortable ride. Trail conditions were rough and rutted around Easley.

Hartsburg was the biggest disappointment. Dotties Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. No services, no place to eat, bike shop is out of business, actually the post office looked like the ONLY business, no place to get food or replenish

What we learned

Katy trail is for weekend warriors - do not expect any kind of services during the week. Most of these towns range in population from 14 to 108. Call before you go spontaneity will only disappoint you.

Take everything on the recommended supplies list website. http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/misc/packinglist.asp Note to self - butt paste has no age limit

Biking during the early morning and late evening can make all the difference between a pleasant ride and a miserable one. It can get real hot, humid, and miserable real quick.

Seeing all the deer, bluebirds, gentle rolling river and spending time with mate, outweighed seeing the two snakes.

16 miles first day, 36 miles second day, avg speed 9.5 miles Not bad for being out of shape and just looking to have fun. We'll do it again on a weekend - probably this fall

Is it reasonable to park here for several (4 or 5) days? Planning to ride from Rocheport to St, Charles in June.

The Trailside Bike and Cafe across the street from the trailhead is open during business hours and the trailhead is pretty busy during most of the daylight hours. However not sure of night time security. You could possibly inquire to park next to the homes near the trailhead to appear to be living at the home overnight.

I've left the car at the Rocheport trailhead overnight in the past and would again. For that matter, I've left the car overnight at the trailhead in Sedalia, Boonville, New Franklin, Rocheport, Hartsburg, and Tebbetts. If I can, I usually let someone know that it's there and leave my name and phone number just in case. I never tempt fate by leaving anything visible in the car and it's always insured, locked, and parked close to the activity at the trailhead.

Some park or city ordinances may be violated if vehicles are unattended for extended periods of time and you may be ticketed and the vehicle towed. If you see something say something.

I am going to bike from New Franklin to Rocheport this weekend (4/28) with a friend. We were wanting to wander around Rocheport for a while (probably eat at Le Bourgeois). Can someone tell me how easy it is to park/lock up your bikes in town or at Le Bourgeois? Any help is greatly appreciated!

There are bike racks in front of the Trailside in Rocheport that bikes can be locked to. Also there are several lamp posts on the hill at the bistro that many bikes have been locked to. I've never been discouraged from using either of those two.

I would agree with the previous post. I rode through Rocheport yesterday and there are plenty of options for securing your bike. Have a great time. Looks like a beautiful weekend is in store!

You can park your bikes at Trailside Cafe and Bike shop and lock them or ride them up to town and lock them to light post at the different stores. Be sure and stop in the General Store in Rocheport, its a must see. Le Bourgesis is just a little east of Rocheport trailhead and there is a rack you can lock your bike to at the bottom of the hill right along the trail. I have locked my bike there and walked up the hill and never had anyone bother it. Enjoy the walk up the hill! Have a great ride this weekend.

I definitely recommend the little trail up the hill to Les Bourgeois--it's a beautiful walk, or a challenging ride! I always walk, and lock my bike at the bottom. Head east from Rocheport, maybe about 1/2 mile, and look for a bench on the right, and bike rack, Les Bourgeouis sign, and gravel trail heading up the hill on the left. This is MUCH nicer than biking up the long, steep shoulderless highway from town to the winery.

Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.

There are two dining options here: the swanky Bistro or the A-frame, which has "picnic baskets" consisting of bread, cheese, and slices of salami. Both have spactacular views of the river. The A-frame is definitely low key and has picnic benches. The A-frame has several craft beer choices along with their own wines by the glass or bottle. If you walk up from the trail, the Bistro is immediately on your left and the A-frame is straight ahead across the enormous parking lot.