Wanting to do about 150 miles in April 2020

Go to Forum

Brenda from Melbourne, FL on 10/12/2019 4:39:06 PM:

We have several couples that are planning on riding the Katy Trail next April, 2020. We plan on riding about 150 miles. Are there any suggestions on the best part of the trail to ride?
Thanks.

Anonymous on 10/12/2019 8:12:48 PM:

Best part of the trail. Based on what Brenda? It’s very doubtful that anyone here knows you, your likes, dislikes, and so on. How on earth could anyone possibly tell someone that they know absolutely nothing about, what is best for them or what they would prefer? Perhaps you should have a look on theTrip Planner and read about the towns along the way. Or read on this forum some to pick the park of the trail that best fits your group.

Michael from Mountains from London, England on 10/13/2019 5:18:46 AM:

Dear Anonymous and Brenda

Might be more helpful to ask the question:

'tell us more about your cycling ability and experience, distance you want to travel each day, type of accommodation'.

Referring Brenda to the TripPlanner is, of course, a good idea.

Brenda, you might also try speaking to Todd at Katy Bike Rental or Steve at the bike shop in Boonville, or look at what Wilderness Voyageurs offer in the way of tours. You don't have to use them for a tour (although they are very good in my experience), but they give you ideas and information.

Mark from Strafford on 10/13/2019 1:11:00 PM:

Brenda: sorry for “anonymous” previous post. You were simply looking for information. Answer to your question, we most enjoyed the section from Rocheport to St. Charles. Bluffs on one side, river and farm fields on the other side. Katy Trail experienced severe damage from Spring and Summer 2019 flooding. Follow this forum for trail updates while planning your trip. It is a great ride!!

Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 10/13/2019 3:26:11 PM:

I agree with Mark about staying near the river. I'd say Boonville to St. Charles would be about 150 miles. If the Missouri River floods badly in 2020, there's Boonville to Clinton plus The Rock Island Trail from Windsor to Pleasant Hill and back. Not as scenic but flooding shouldn't be an issue.

Marna from Boonville on 10/14/2019 8:25:13 AM:

Clinton to New Franklin is more remote, for miles, very remote....and we LOVE that! Augusta to St. Charles is busier and you cross and ride next to FAR MORE ROADWAYS.

So, you will have to decide what type of ride you are looking for.

One thing to keep in mind, you might have rain, and or, Thunder Storms in April. Riding the St. Charles end would give you more areas to 'ditch' from.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 10/14/2019 9:46:51 PM:

To all of those seeking advice about the “best” part to ride, it reminds me of our trip to float the Rio Grande. We pulled out to survey the rapids below and after much discussion by the old men of the best way to navigate the rapids below, the nephew spoke up and said, “let’s just do it”. We all looked at each and said, “ok yeah let’s just do it”.

The moral of the story, don’t fret over the planning, just do it, you’ll enjoy whatever you decide to do and have stories to tell.

Michael from Mountains from London, England on 10/16/2019 4:01:56 AM:

Yep, Gary's right, just do it.

But unless you are regular cyclists and used to a day in the saddle, it's definitely worth a few practice runs beforehand to see how you feel about the distances, in particular if you are carrying panniers with your stuff and extra weight.

Factor in potential delays:

- flat tyres - we had three in a day, but none on the other five days;
- rain, wind, tempest (well, rain and wind at least);
- stopping to talk to people and smell the roses.

Michael

Bill in Houston from Houston on 10/16/2019 12:33:33 PM:

Yeah, riding a wider-tired bike on gravel with 20 pounds of cargo is different from a short ride on a paved trail. It feels uphill the whole way. Just plan to take it easy and enjoy it.

Terry O'Toole from St. Louis on 10/25/2019 11:32:04 AM:

Last week I rode the trail from St. Charles to McKitttrick. The stretch from Treloar to McKittrick was especially lovely. The trail is only 25 yds from from Missouri River on one side and beneath 70-100 ft limestone bluffs on the other side. It was a Thursday and I encountered very few other bikers. It was mid to late afternoon on a fine October day. If youo like quiet, serenity and the beauty of nature all around, that stretch is a wonderful experience. I think there are similar parts of the trail east of Rocheport. Happy Biking.

Jim from St. Thomas on 10/25/2019 8:48:30 PM:

If I was going to do 150 miles I would probably do from the Pilot Grove/Boonville area to somewhere in the Augusta/Defiance area. A lot of variety in the scenery and plenty of lodging and dining options.

CurtM-FTW from Fort Worth TX on 10/30/2019 10:05:19 PM:

An interesting trip would be from Sedalia to McKittrick/Herman. You could bike from either point to the other, and take the Amtrak on the return leg to the starting point. Depot is right in Sedalia; the trail goes through McKittrick, but the Amtrak depot in Herman is only a couple of miles across the Missouri River. Very good lodging at either location. This might be a bit shorter than your goal of 150 miles, but does have the train connections. I think what you're going to find as you plan further is that you'll want to do more of the trail. In that case would recommend Windsor to McKittrick/Herman, going west to east. You have some great opportunities in FL for shakedown trips, like the Withlacoochee Trail. It's more urban than the Katy Trail, but would give you a good idea of a 45-50 mile day. Probably preaching to the choir, since I'm guessing you're familiar with FL bike trails.

Carol Dalton from Park City on 10/31/2019 12:49:21 PM:

Brenda, Send me an email and I will forward you our itinerary. We (6) just did 7 days from Clinton to St Charles, and you can see the mileage, and where some good restaurants are! Carol at daltonpc@comcast.net

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.