SW from Parkville, MO on 7/6/2005 10:08:39 AM:
My brother and I just completed the trail from St. Charles to Clinton in four days, and I think a fifth day would have been good. We had one 75 mile day that forced us to not linger too long anywhere, and we didn't get to our destination until 6:30, which was a little later than I would have liked for exploring the town (Hartsburg). The next day was 50 miles and we got to town at 3:00, which was much more relaxing. We also camped the entire way, and I would whole-heartedly recommend Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, and Marthasville for camping, in spite of what other people have said on this site. We stayed in all three towns with a minimum of difficulty getting permission, and didn't pay a penny to camp. We paid $3 to swim in Pilot Grove, and $5 for a shower in Marthasville. Hartsburg didn't have a public shower, but we were able to get a sink bath in the park.