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Reply to Backpacking the Katy Trail
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Jacob R. from Jacksonville, IL on 5/31/2014 5:09:08 PM:
Hello! A friend and I are planning to go backpacking for a week on the Katy Trail this summer. We're thinking we'll get dropped off at Weldon Spring, head west, and see how far we get in 7 days before being picked up. Open to suggestions if anyone knows a better place to start.

Does anyone know what camping is like along the trail? Will we be able to stop every night in a campground, or could we just find somewhere off the trail in some trees to camp?

We're planning to bring 3-4 days of food and restock at either Marthasville or McKittrick, depending on how fast we hike. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

Am I correct in assuming that water is reliably available along the whole trail?

Finally, we're open to suggestions as far as points of interest or things we should try to see along the way--parks, restaurants, etc. Thanks!

 
Anonymous from St Louis on 6/1/2014 7:39:59 AM:
Sounds like a fun adventure. First off, I wouldn't assume anything will be available during your trip. You should use this webpage (and Google) to research each of the towns you'll hike through during your trip. There are some significant stretches where nothing's available trailside. Read people's comments and even call ahead to local businesses to see if they'll be open on the day you'll be there (some businesses are closed on odd days).

I don't know what your intended pace is, but I'd probably plan for about 20 miles per day (~3 mph over 7 hours of walking each day). If you know how many miles you plan to walk each day, that'll make planning way easier.

 
Anon on 6/3/2014 7:36:47 AM:
This home page has a heading, journals and trip reports that gives accounts for thru hikers adventures. Just curious, how old are you Jacob under 30?