CurtM from Farmington AR on 1/26/2024 2:54:45 PM:
Just another 2 cents worth. I've been on four trips on the MKT, either all or parts, and direction doesn't make much difference, although going west to east with the downhill into Boonville preferable. I've never been on the trail when the winds were favorable; more often than not, there was no wind or there was a headwind. It is more important where you overnight, as you will be at your best in the AM. A great option, which eliminates a shuttle, is to head west from Clinton to St Charles. The out and back to and from Machens is an easy 24 miles round trip, so you can do the entire trail. Then double back from STC to either Washington or Hermann, and catch the train back to Sedalia. Then ride from Sedalia to Clinton. You bypass all the grades around Boonville, and the trail from Sedalia to Clinton (east to west) is really pleasant. You do need to be flexible, as you have to be in place to meet the train, and it doesn't always keep on schedule. Also, it adds some time to the trip. It's more complicated than I can explain in a comment, as there are many options for waypoints and overnight locations, but with some research a rewarding itinerary is possible.