Katy Trail Differences

I’ve ridden a lot of rail trails in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana some of which sound quite the same as the Katy, e.g. the GAP Trail. A friend and myself have decided to travel to Missouri and ride/camp the Katy Trail early next month. So, the question is, what might be the major difference(s) between the Katy and other rail trails? Anything, unusual we should bring with us, prepare for or gear that would be uniquely necessary on the Katy?

Thanks in advance.

Oktoberfest is big along the Katy Trail all next month. If you camp, then you will not really have to worry about sold out lodging, but you do have to worry about both shuttle companies and the Amtrak bike tickets getting sold out (if you plan on using either of those services). Water and food/services are all available throughout the month of October and sometimes businesses even have longer hours due to both Oktoberfest and fall visitors coming to see the leaves turn colors. The crushed limestone surface should be in great condition. Early summer flooding hit a few areas hard, but those sections have all been repaired and the recent dry weather has the surface in really good condition.

Mark:

Thanks for this info. Our logistics are all in place so we shouldn’t run into any issues on those fronts. The train service is a little different than on the Capital Limited that I often use to and from Washington, DC. The surface sounds just like the GAP Trail which is very good although I am a little concerned about how soft or sloppy it can get with rain but that’s just part of the adventure. The celebration of Octoberfest suggests a festive atmosphere amid travellers and shop owners which I look forward to.

We’re looking forward to crossing this trip off of our bucket list of bike rides.

Hi Rivnuts, I live in southwestern PA now, but lived in Jefferson City, Missouri for 30 years and biked the Katy trail for 12 years. Now I ride the GAP trail. I still follow this forum, as well as the bikecando.com website and forum.

You'll love the Katy Trail. The surface is basically like the GAP. I can't think of any unique gear you need. Have plenty of water. Even though it will be early October, it can be warm. The trailheads are about 10 miles apart and most of them will still have the water on in early October. Pay attention to the weather a week or so out. Sometimes the remnants of hurricanes can end up over Missouri. So do bring rain gear. Be sure and check out Cooper's Landing, it's a neat place, used to have "Boat Henge." It would be a good place to camp, they sometimes have live music. All the little towns are nice places. Portland has a bar and grill right on the trail with great hamburgers. I think Mokane also used to have a bar and grill close to the trail, again great hamburgers.

Herman and Washington are interesting river towns. As another poster pointed out, if you're there during Oktober Fest there will be hoardes of people. So be sure and have your reservations locked in. Also if the University of Missouri has a home game some places along the trail might be snatched up by football fans.

It sounds like your dates are locked in. But if not you might consider a day in Jefferson City. I see your posts on the bikecando.com website and you seem to be interested in history. You might enjoy doing a tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary. Google MSP to see what tours they offer and to make a reservation (required). You would also enjoy touring the Missouri State Capitol. Again google to find information on the tours and to make a reseration. The art in the capitol is amazing. I think you'd enjoy the Thomas Hart Benton Mural. If you are on a tour the guide will go into detail about the back story about the mural.

There are hotels in Jefferson City. I don't think they have camping. There was camping on the north side of the river, but I believe the park department recently closed that area, perhaps due to crime. Like everywhere, Jefferson City is seeing increased homelessness, and with that comes crime, due to bad actors.

There are Air B&Bs, one that I am aware of: The East High Street Retreat, which is on the eastside. You'd be close to at least 3 great restaurants on the 900 block of High St., or around the corner on Ash St. There's also a fantastic bar, The Mission, that has open mic nights every Wednes. My husband and I lived around the corner for a couple of years and The Mission was our favorite place.

I suspect your plans are made, but wanted to let you know about these options in Jefferson City. You will love the Katy Trail. Also, on the west end of the trail it now connects to the Rock Island Trail, which goes from Windsor to Pleasant Hill. Hopefully more of the Rock Island Trail will be completed in the next several years.

And if you do make it to Jefferson City, be sure to check out Central Dairy. The ice cream servings are huge. The city is about 2 miles from the trail, on a spur that is safe. The ride over the bridge on the pedestrian bike path is amazing.

Jefferson City does not have the biking infrastructure like Pittsburgh. But I think there's a couple of guys who work for the city who are working to change that. The city streets are pretty safe, as long as you avoid real busy thoroughfares. I would stay off of Missouri Blvd. But most of what you would be doing would be in the inner core, which is a little hilly here and there, but otherwise bikeable. If you bike in Pittsburgh you can handle the hills in Jefferson City.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have. I don't know anything about camping along the Katy Trail, but there are others on this forum who can give you good info on where to camp.

Cathy from Churchill:

Quoting an old adage, "Fancy seeing you here". I didn't expect a reply to my inquiry from a fellow GAP Trail Forum contributor. First of all, let me express my thanks for your timely reply providing very useful information about the Katy. I've made a number of notes on your recommended points of interests. Our mileage each day between overnight cities is fairly short allowing for some site seeing. You are correct about my interest in the history of the trails or routes I ride. I've been boning up on the Katy's history, geography and fauna to help in appreciating the trail even more since it is unlikely that I'll ever get back there although returning to add the Rock Island Trail in enticing. The addition of it being October Fest while we're there just adds to the lure of the trip.

In closing, we'll have to meet and share a coffee or ride on the GAP or elsewhere to chat about our riding experiences and recommendations.

RIVNUTS! What's up!!

As others have noted, the trail surface is very similar. No surprises there.

My only words of wisdom would be
1- if there is an amenity that you want to use, check with them now to see if they are open, and then confirm with them the day before. These are some very small businesses.
2- Carry enough food to last 24 hours in case you get shut out in some places. This advice may apply to water as well, although it's easier to get.

The Katy towns are just way smaller than the GAP towns. Yough Twister is bigger than any restaurant on the trail, just about.

Lewis and Clark is big stuff around here, so brush up on them before you come.

Best of luck and maybe we will see you out there. If you want my cell number, let me know how to send it to you.

To Bill from Houston, er ah, Columbia:

As I said to Cathy from Churchill, “Fancy seeing you here”. And here I thought I had made it off the grid to Missouri! Apparently my ankle bracelet employs some form of artificial intelligence that knows and gives away my future travel plans. If WKR from Brunswick responds here as well, I’ll know it is some form of conspiracy! :-)

Thanks for the additional suggestions for my upcoming ride on the Katy. Sure don’t want to run out of food or water along the trail. I’m participating in the Big BAM tour leaving Clinton on 10/7 in route to St Charles with overnight stops in Sedalia, Boonville, Jefferson City, Herman and Augusta. Looks like I’d be passing near Columbia on Wednesday although it appears to be about 10 miles one way from the McBaine Trailhead

Speaking of the Yough Twister, it has been refurbished and reopened under the name, The Big Twist. In fact, I stopped there today for some ice cream.

I’d look forward to chatting or FaceTiming some evening about your move from Houston and other thoughts on the Katy. You can send me your number to rivnuts@yahoo.com.

Best wishes and keep the rubber side down.