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Katy Trail Missouri: Maps, Services, Events, Towns, & More
More Katy Trail State Park Resources
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The Katy Trail is a 225 mile (365 km)
bike path
stretching across most of the state of Missouri.
(Use this link if you're looking for the Dallas Katy Trail).
Over half of
it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can
ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead.
After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and
small-town Americana.
America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic.
It's ideal for hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike.
Horseback riding is also allowed on a 25 mile section of the trail.
Many cross-country cyclists include the Katy Trail in their tours.
It is part of
Adventure Cycling's Lewis & Clark route, as well as the
American Discovery Trail.
Visit the FAQ Page for more general trail information.
Or, dive right in and start planning your ride -- check out the
towns and services along the trail, or build your own
customized list of just the towns and services that interest you.
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What's Going On
If you own a business on or near the Katy Trail, come meet with other other Katy Trail merchants in Boonville on February 16th.
Learn about what's going on with the trail while sharing ideas with your fellow business owners.
For more information, contact Linda Hunter at the Sedalia Katy Depot, 660-826-2932 ext 19.
The Updated and Revised 9th edition of The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook is now available.
The book is $18.95 and can be ordered online at www.pebblepublishing.com.
The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook is a guide to services, towns, people, places and history.
It includes wineries, B&Bs, camping, photos, maps and a fold out map and mileage chart of the whole Katy Trail.
Whether you're hiking, biking or touring by car, this guidebook is the definitive resource to take you there.
Visit the Pebble Publishing website to get your copy.
One of the best ways to experience the Katy Trail is on an organized group tour.
Typically, the lodging and some meals are prearranged, so you can concentrate on the trail.
There are several organized end-to-end rides each year.
The biggest, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, occurs in mid-June.
As rides are announced, they are added to our list of
organized rides along the trail.
Another approach: there are also tour organizers who will put together a more individually customized ride for you.
In general, they take care of most lodging arrangements, some meals, luggage transfer and point to point
transportation, so you can focus more on the ride itself.
Here is a list of tour organizers operating on the Katy Trail.
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WINTER on the Katy Trail |
The Katy Trail is open year-round, and even in the cold weather there's plenty to enjoy.
When there's snow on the ground, it's a prime spot for cross country skiing.
And it's always great for hikers, runners, cyclists who don't mind the cold.
Without leaves on the trees, you'll get a clearer view of the river, bluffs, and countryside.
Just remember to dress appropriately for the cold, and be aware that some businesses along the trail
close during the winter.
As you browse through the website, you'll see "Closed for the season" next to any businesses that we know to be
closed for winter.
Please let us know if we missed any.
If you are relying on a particular business to be open for you, call ahead just to make sure they really
will be open when you get there.
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02/04 BREAKING NEWS: BOONVILLE BRIDGE HAS BEEN SAVED!!
| Event Type Legend |
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Bike Ride |
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Run/Walk |
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Festival |
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Music/Drama |
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Art/Crafts |
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Farm/Livestock |
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Other |
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These are the events for the next 60 days.
For events beyond April 12,
or to add your event,
visit the Events Page
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Follow this link for current Katy Trail
weather conditions, and Missouri average temperatures and precipitation.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms
are uncommon in the winter in Missouri, but you should still be prepared, be safe, and be ready for winter weather!
After a heavy snow, some parts of the trail may be hard to follow under the blanket of snow.
Dress appropriately for cold weather.
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After heavy rain, stay alert for washed-out sections of trail.
We check regularly with the Department of Natural Resources to
find out if any washouts have been reported; I'll let you know if they report any.
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Since the trail follows along the Missouri River, it crosses over many streams and small rivers.
Be alert for flash floods during and after heavy rain.
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A cyclist is a prime lightning target. Seek cover during a thunderstorm.
Lightning can strike ten miles away from the storm center.
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Consider packing rain gear for longer rides, even on a sunny day.
Heavy rains can develop quickly.
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Check a weather website prior to your trip.
Weather patterns generally move west-to-east across Missouri, so you can try to predict
your weather conditions by looking at the current
weather radar.
1/26/10 -- The trail surface is very rough at MM 78.5 (west of Marthasville) due to recent flooding. Trail users should be cautious near that area and alert to staff and equipment while clean-up work is completed.
Please let us know, or contact the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
at 800-334-6946, if you come across any washouts, blockages, or other problems.
Beyond the Katy Trail...
 If you like the Katy Trail, you'll also enjoy the
C&O Canal Towpath Trail,
which runs 185 miles from Washington DC to Cumberland Maryland, along the banks of the Potomac River.
 The C&O connects to the
Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)
which runs through Pennsylvania.
Together, the C&O and GAP enable you to ride 335 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC,
enjoying spectacular scenery and historic locations along the way.
 Travelling to Florida? If so, check out our sister website for
Sanibel Island, Florida,
the most bike-friendly island you'll ever visit (nice beaches too!).
 How about New England? The
Cape Cod bike trails are south of Boston,
with beaches, lighthouses, and more.
 In South Carolina, enjoy biking on
Hilton Head Island's bike trails and beaches.
The Silver Comet Trail in Georgia connects up with the
Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama,
giving you nearly 100 miles of scenic paved trail.
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