Running Katy Trail

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Taitor from North Carolina on 10/9/2019 2:04:40 PM:

I’ve decided to run the entire Katy Trail from east to west starting October 27 2019. I will actually start from Alton and run to Machens from there. The question is how is: are there gonna be any really bad spots that may not be actually listed or unlisted as closed? Any local knowledge would be great! Thanks and can’t wait to see some of you out on the trail! Shooting for about 50 miles per day.

Brian L. from Austin,Texas on 10/10/2019 9:32:12 AM:

Check the “Flooding and Trail Closures” section at the top of the home page - there will be some helpful info on those links, hopefully.
I assume you are typically able to run 50 miles/day? If so, that seems pretty ambitious, considering the spotty trail conditions and reduced daylight hours at the end of October.
In any case, good luck & have fun!

Taitor from North Carolina on 10/10/2019 10:55:53 AM:

The mileage shouldn’t be a problem because I will be running at least 12-14 hours per day/night. I guess I’m more worried about Alton to St Charles and if hwy 94 to st Charles is flooded also.

Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 10/11/2019 8:12:15 AM:

Hwy 94 isn't flooded any longer. However Machens to St. Charles on the Katy could be a problem especially around MM 35. There are ways to bypass that part of the trail.

I don't know exactly when, but they do turn off the water at most trailheads later in the year.

Doug from Bluffton on 10/11/2019 9:33:54 AM:

Are you aware that the trail is closed from sunset to sunrise?

Michael from Camdenton, Mo on 10/11/2019 1:19:48 PM:

They shutdown everything November 1st.

Doug from Bluffton on 10/11/2019 1:55:43 PM:

The water gets shut off then but the trail and outhouses are still open during daylight hours

Taitor from North Carolina on 10/17/2019 11:10:01 AM:

Yes I am aware that the park is not open during nighttime. I will start at first light and run til dark every day. Thanks for all the info!

Taitor from North Carolina on 11/22/2019 9:32:52 AM:

Finished the Katy trail and rock island spur in 6 days on foot! I had a wonderful time! You should be very proud to have this close by to use. The trail with the exception of the closures was immaculate and smooth. I really never had to look down to make sure the trail was smooth! What a great time!Next time I’m bringing a bike.??

Matt from Wentzville on 11/22/2019 10:40:23 AM:

Fantastic accomplishment! Congratulations!!!

Bill in Houston from Houston on 11/22/2019 3:50:00 PM:

Amazing! Way to go! Is there anywhere to find a trip report?

Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 11/23/2019 12:44:16 AM:

Wow that's awesome! Would love if you'd post and some pics on our page The Rock Island Trail at Windsor. Congratulations!

Taitor from North Carolina on 11/29/2019 7:05:34 PM:

I don’t have a report of the run. I did post each day with pictures on a Facebook page called Katy 2 KC 320 if you would like to look at that. ??

Astrid from San Francisco on 12/13/2019 8:20:39 PM:

Hello Taitor,
I was wondering about your experience to run through the "closed" parts of the trail, like the ones listed in the MO State Park website.

MM 96.9 to MM 97.1, at Case and slightly west
MM 117 to MM 118, west of Portland

there seems no detour for these two, but the dates are quite old. I wonder how you ran through these two parts. I am going to ride on Wed (Dec 18) from west to east. Any trial condition update will be really appreciated. :)

Taitor from North Carolina on 12/16/2019 5:21:00 PM:

In my experience the road closures with no recommended detour meant that you would have to get out on the highway or road near the trail. I did this a few times and It was quite easy to get back on the trail. Also at the trailheads where there was a sign reporting a closure someone would write in pencil or pen the easiest way to get back on so keep an eye on that. The only real major closure I saw was the one near Mokane and they had the gate so sealed up you couldn’t possibly get through. So I took the road around following the directions someone had left. I think once you get out there you’ll be fine like I was.! Have fun and stay warm!!

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