Prone to getting lost? Easy camping?

Allright... I love to bike and i just came across info on the Katy trail today (aug 7th) and I am excited just to see it...

Questions that I have about the trail are is it easy to follow? I mean do I seriously need to get a map to stay on track through the towns and cities?

When it comes to camping, do I need to camp at designated camp sites? or can I just throw a tent anywhere like the AT?

Are there periodic spots that offer free watter? Or do I need to pay to refil my camelbacks and watter bottles at every town?

I am at this point considering bikeing the trail from St. Charles to Clinton next monday(aug 13th), and planning on a 3-4 day casual ride.

if you can follow a 10 foot wide path of white crushed rock, you should have no problems at all. the only part may be through sedialia. you actually ride on part of the streets there. when i rode through sedalia, the were markers painted on the streets. that was 3 yrs ago. things may have chaged now. same with boonevile, but much easier. that is the only 2 towns i had any problem with, and it wasn't a problem. other wise, it is as i stated above. i have not ridden the entire trail, so ican't helps on the other towns. sorry.

camping?? i do not believe you can camp on the katy. you will need to call ahead and possibly make reservations at camp grounds or city parks.

water is available at most trail heads, and the majority of the businesses will fill you water bottle usually free.

have fun, be safe, and hope this helps, get a copy of brett dufurs katy trail guide book. it is a wealth of information. use this web site for all it has to offer.

Below are comments from a thread last August re water availabiltiy at the trailheads (didn't know how to put a link to the actual thread). Looks like it't going to be a VERY hot and humid week next week. Stay hydrated and have fun.

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YOU CAN WATER AND DRINKS AT:
AUGUSTA, MATSON, DEFIANCE, ST. CHARLES
THERE IS NO WATER AT:
WELDON SPRINGS, GREENSBOTTOM, BLACK WALNUT, OR MACHENS
- posted 8/28/2006 7:54:29 AM

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Thanks so much! As far as the western end of the trail. The following trailheads have water: Clinton, Calhoun (trailhead is not visible from trail, up a slight hill), Windsor (sometimes has a sulfer smell but OK to drink), Green Ridge, Sedalia, Pilot Grove, and Boonville.
- posted 8/28/2006 9:47:00 AM

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We should differentiate between trailheads that have public water access and those that of machines or stores. I have never found public access water at Defiance, Matson or Augusta. One can certainly purchase beverages at Defiance and Augusta.
- posted 8/28/2006 11:07:34 AM

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ACTUALLY THERE IS NO WATER AVAILABLE FROM MATSON TO THE EAST END OF THE TRAIL AT MACHENS. PREVIOUSLY I INCLUDED THE AREAS THAT HAVE DRINKS FOR PURCHASE. ALSO, THERE IS A WATER SPICKET ON THE EAST END OF THE BIKE SHOP IN AUGUSTA. HEADING WEST YOU WILL FIND A WATER FOUNTAIN AT DUTZOW AND ANOTHER ONE AT MARTHASVILLE. NOTHING AT TRELOAR, MCKITTRICK, PORTLAND.
- posted 8/29/2006 7:23:25 AM