Eric from KCMO on 4/21/2024 2:57:41 PM:
The adjacent property owner has the last name MACHENS. He blocks the “roadway” leading to the trail and is apparently not a fan of the trail. The other adjacent property owner is the railroad which has a crossing on that roadway. Because of rail safety, railroads are ALWAYS a hurdle establishing rail trails that are adjacent or cross a working railway. I believe that some sort of “right of way” exists leading to the trailhead, but since there’s very limited state owned property that could be used for parking, combined with unwelcoming neighbors, combined with some people would struggle with parking correctly if they could access it….i don’t think this access will ever improve……..I say this after reading the comments here and other forums for the last four years or so. Parking is probably not going to happen here. Riders needing picked up will just need to meet up at 94 and Machens Road…..a very short distance considering the distance they’ve already traveled. Unfortunately the driver might need to walk in and meet you, and walk back, but the Black Walnut trailhead is nearby and very accessible, plus has parking. The Machens situation is one of those things where we say “it is what it is.” I choose to be grateful for the Katy that we have.