Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home

Best view


Go to Forum
Rebecca Everett from Shawnee, KS on 9/5/2005 8:39:59 PM:
My husband and I are only going to be riding the trail for a day or two on our way back from the Lake of the Ozarks. We'll be going the second week of October. For those of you who have traveled the whole trail, what would you say is the most beautiful area to ride (and the fairly easy since my husband is not a biker!)? What town would you suggest for our home base?

Thanks!
Rebecca

 
Trek Biker from St. Joseph on 9/6/2005 2:31:21 PM:
It's all an easy ride, as the trail is what once was the MKT train bed.

Rocheport most always comes in as the favorite:


Subject: best segment for a one day ride
I'll be driving from K.C. to St. Louis next month. I'll have one full day to ride on the trail. Where I begin is open, however, it will need to be a round trip ride of about 60-80 miles. I'm looking for a segment of the trail that travels through less developed areas--preferably along the Missouri River. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks
- posted 8/17/2005 8:45:48 AM by rogead , Minneapolis Add Your Reply

>>>>> That's easy! Rocheport!

Rocheport to Hartsburg is 50 miles round trip, or ride on to North Jefferson for a 70 mile round trip.

Trail access at Rocheport is about 2 miles north of I-70. Many people feel the area around Rocheport is some of the most scenic of the trail.
- posted 8/18/2005 12:37:13 AM by savage24 , KC, MO Add Your Reply

>>>>> >>>>> I give a hearty second to Rocheport to Hartsburg. This is by far the most scenic portion of the trail.
- posted 8/18/2005 12:08:04 PM by trinjboro , Jonesboro, AR Add Your Reply

 
Russ & Cindy from Jeff City on 9/6/2005 10:11:04 PM:
Hands down Rocheport. Great restaurants and BBs. Rocheport to Hartsburg and back is a nice ride.

 
JOHN from PLEASANT HILL on 9/7/2005 10:04:01 AM:
I have ridden the entire trail at least 10 times and have found the route from Columbia to Rocheport to be the best scenery without a doubt. The trail hugs the river on one side and is shaded by majestic bluffs on the other. Lots of good places to eat in Rocheport. Home base can be Columbia (about 8 miles down the MKT spur to Katy) or Jefferson City where you can drive from many hotels to trail head just North of the river.

 
Rob S. from El Dorado Springs, MO on 9/7/2005 2:12:28 PM:
I have to agree with the previous posts. Rocheport to Hartsburg is beautiful. The path is smooth and very level, so a beginner should be able to complete it with no problem. The bluffs, caves, Missouri river, old bridges, and beautiful foliage make this section a must see. Take your camera. Also, if you time it right, you can stop for lunch at Hartsburg and enjoy this laid-back Norman Rockwell type community. There is a very nice restaurant located in Hartsburg (I forget the name) that is comfortable and very affordable. I'm going with a group on Sept 30 - Oct. 1 to ride the trail and we will definitely ride that section.

 
Dale Nimmo from Springfield MO on 9/8/2005 2:56:23 PM:
Rocheport once again
but I also like the area between Pilot Grove and Booneville, this is the area where the 'bluffs' begin to show themselves.
I also liked the section between Jefferson City and Tebbetts.

Awww , what the heck, I liked it all. It's all in the attitude with which you ride. Hope you enjoy it all as well.

 
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 9/8/2005 4:38:39 PM:
I hear that....I don't of any trails that I've ridden that I didn't like. They all have their own character and can all be enjoyed for many redeeming qualities.

 
Rebecca from Shawnee, KS on 9/8/2005 7:43:03 PM:
Thanks so much everybody! I've booked a place in Hartsburg and Rocheport! It should be a great trip.

 
Savage24 from KC, MO on 9/9/2005 6:31:40 AM:
Rebecca, Please be aware that many of the businesses in Rocheport are closed on Mondays. The bike shop in Hartsburg is closed on Tue. & Wed. in October. Check the hours of the businesses on this website. I highly recommend Les Bourgeois Bistro in Rocheport!