jd from gkc on 10/1/2009 7:12:39 PM:
The hotels/motels in the larger towns have two-kingbed rooms, which can be shared easily. Yet, these places are not right next to the trail, although many of them offer free pickup at the trailheads.
If you were to stay at the DeVille or the Truman in Jeff City, for example, they will pick you up. Otherwise, the 1-1/2-mile ride over the bridge to get there is risky during rush hour traffic. The southbound side has three lanes, but no shoulder to speak of, so daring riders want to exit at the first Main-Street exit once over the river. This street will take you to the capital bldg and the downtown section just south of it.
Since you won't be carrying sleeping gear, the shelter in Tebbetts ($5 a night each) probably won't work for you. That is, unless you don't mind sleeping in your clothes after a hot shower. The shelter does have heat.
The trail is scenic this time of the year. Good luck.