Trip Recommendation

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Megan from Kansas City on 6/10/2013 8:06:21 PM:

I am trying to plan my first Katy Trail experience and I was hoping to get some suggestions. I am from the KC area and am wanting to park my car, ride b/t 40-60 miles to a destination, spend the night, ride back the following day. Are there some places that are better for the overnight visit? Certain parts of the trail that are better to experience? I am pretty flexible on where I start and what city I spend the night in so I just hoping for some to provide guidance. TIA!

MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 6/10/2013 8:13:44 PM:

Boonville to Jeff City is a good ride for a bit over 50 by the time you get into JC. We've stayed at the Baymont and Cliff Manor B&B...both an easy ride once you get into JC. Cliff Manor is the closest. We walk up to the capital square and eat at Arris's Greek Pizza and love it.
Sedalia to Boonville is just under the 40 mark but also good. Stayed at the Comfort Inn (but be aware the Casino shuttle (in order to eat there) only runs on certain days so check. Also stayed at the Frederick, bit overpriced but also nice. From the Frederick you're in walking distance to more dinner choices.

Trek on 6/11/2013 7:32:41 AM:

We too have ridden Sedalia to Boonville. Sedalia ia a good starting point when driving from the KC area. Most of the time we either stay at the Comfort Inn or at the Hotel Frederick. Considering the location to downtown, the casino, the trail, etc. we've found the old renovated hotel to be a good value.

As MAH mentioned, Boonville to Jeff City is a good ride. We've also ridden Hartsburg to Hermann. Hermann has a lot to offer if you're into the B&B scene and enjoy a good wine. Out and back rides shouldn't be discounted. We've done many of those on the Katy as well as other trails.

Seems that alot of first timers enjoy the Rocheport area when starting out and then migrate to other areas. Rocheport is a nice little town with quality eating establishments as well as B&B's to spend the night.

ArkyKenny on 6/11/2013 10:07:29 AM:

Good advice above. Sedalia to Boonville is my favorite part of the trail because of the tree tunnels and remoteness. The only down side of that section for a novice would be that there is a climb from both directions to Pilot Grove. That said: 1) Its a railroad grade, so the climb is long, but slight, 2) there are good places to stop in Pilot Grove, and 3) it's downhill from Pilot Grove.

That part of the trail has a very different personality from the Rocheport area. If you want remote, think Sedalia to Pilot Grove (be sure to see old downtown Sedalia), if you want people and river, think Rocheport.

Anonymous on 6/12/2013 9:16:25 PM:

I concur with Arky Kenny's note above.

Figs from Olathe, KS on 6/15/2013 7:33:46 AM:

I have left my vehicle overnight in Rocheport and Columbia. I felt that it was plenty safe (as safe as can be expected in 2013) in both of these places. Plus, this is my favorite section of the trail (so far!).

Glenna from Kansas City on 6/19/2013 1:24:40 PM:

I like riding from Booneville to Hartsburg. Drive up the night before and stay at the Hotel Frederick or the Casino -- both are bike friendly. Stay at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg. There is a new restaurant next door that is absolutely fabulous (a real "chef").

Anonymous on 6/19/2013 8:41:06 PM:

Depending on the kind of experience you want...you can take Amtrak from KC to Hermann. Ride Hermann to St. Charles (about 62-63 as I recall)...ride back to Hermann the next morning and still catch Amtrak back to KC in the afternoon if you like. Just a thought...

JC from Chesterfield on 6/21/2013 11:36:37 PM:

I believe the Cliff Manor Inn has closed. I had stayed there twice in the last couple of years and thought it was wonderful. However i received an email from Thom, the owner/operator around Christmas 2012, saying that he was closing the Inn to do other things. You might try to call the Inn to verify this though. Perhaps he has changed his mind or may be willing to recommend alternate lodging in JC.

JC from Chesterfield on 6/22/2013 12:14:40 AM:

Please forget my report that the Cliff Manor Inn is closed. I just read a couple of recent posts here that says the Cliff Manor Inn has reopened under new management. This is excellent news! I would highly recommend the Inn as it is my favorite place to stay in JC while riding the trail.

Tess from OFallon, MO on 8/2/2013 9:34:18 PM:

Booneville and Rocheport are two great places to stay. On the west end Augusta to St. Charles is great!

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