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Katy Trail Missouri: Maps, Services, Events, Towns, & More
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More Katy Trail State Park Resources
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About Katy Trail State Park, MOThe 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. |
What's Going On
new FLOOD NEWSAs of 6/20, the DNR reports that flooding has subsided and there are no trail closures. If waters start rising again, check the Katy Trail Forum for any new updates, or to post any first-hand info you might have about flooding.
Kansas City Extension Closer to Reality
On November 28, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ameren Corporation announced a settlement to the Taum Sauk reservoir collapse, which "includes an agreement for Ameren to lease 46 miles of its Rock Island Railroad to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to connect the Katy Trail from the town of Windsor to Pleasant Hill."Read the full story, from Missouri Bike Federation
Discussion on Katy Trail Forum
This is great news - a HUGE step toward extending the trail to KC. Now let's hope the DNR picks up the ball and runs with it!
Get the GUIDEBOOK |
Visit the Pebble Publishing website to get your copy.
Organized Rides
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, will be held June 16-20, 2008. As other 2008 rides are announced, they will be listed here and on 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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SUMMER on the Katy Trail |
HEAT - It's easy to underestimate the heat and its effects. Bring LOTS of water - more than you think you'll need - and keep drinking it regularly. You can also beat the heat by starting early in the morning. Plan your rides so you can wait out the peak mid-day heat in a nice cool restaurant or other business.
THUNDERSTORMS - Lightning kills, and a cyclist is an easy target. Seek shelter if you see a storm developing, and be alert for flash floods.
Fate of BOONVILLE BRIDGE Could Threaten Entire Trail
Full Boonville Bridge details hereSeptember 20 Boonville press release discusses the lawsuit, and the Second Annual Save the Katy Bridge Festival on October 1. Read the full press release on our Boonville Bridge page.
Recent news: Judge rules against keeping bridge - once the bridge is gone, the door will be open to lawsuits from landowners trying to reclaim sections of the Katy Trail running through their properties. This could spell the end of the Katy Trail. This ruling will surely be appealed. Get out there and enjoy the trail while it's still there.
The Missouri Bicycle Federation filed a "friend of the court" brief in the lawsuit over the bridge, on behalf of Missouri cyclists. According to the Federation:
Our analysis shows that simply giving away the state's rights in the Boonville Bridge, as the Missouri DNR wishes to do, will indeed endanger the entire Katy Trail. It may not immediately lead to dissolution of the trail, but the action will clearly remove a margin of safety in the trail's legal status.
And giving away the state's rights in the bridge clearly opens up avenues of attack on the trail's legal status. These chinks in the trail's legal protection will certainly lead to attacks by the trail's opponents--who have already shown themselves willing to fight years of legal battles.
These legal attacks on the Katy Trail may or may not be successful--but that's just the point. No one knows whether or not they will be successful. The attacks have a chance of success.
The state should not be gambling with the future of the Katy Trail. That is our position.
There may be legal steps the state could take to allow the bridge to be physically removed while allowing the trail corridor over the river at the point to be retained as a legal entity.
However the state of Missouri has taken no such steps and does not seem willing to consider them.
The Missouri Bicycle Federation urges the state of Missouri to take all steps necessary and prudent to preserve and protect the Katy Trail for future generations.
KT Alert NEWSLETTER latest edition (November 29, 2007)
Kansas City and Machens extensions, 2008 DNR Ride, updated guidebook, and more...Upcoming EVENTS On or Near the Katy Trail
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Weather Alert
Follow this link for current Katy Trail weather conditions, and Missouri average temperatures and precipitation.Heavy rains and thunderstorms can happen any time - be aware and be prepared!
- 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.
- 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.
- A cyclist is a prime lightning target. Seek cover during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike ten miles away from the storm center.
- Consider packing rain gear for longer rides, even on a sunny day. Heavy rains can develop quickly.
- 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.
Trail Conditions for Katy Trail State Park in Missouri
A new culvert will be installed at MM 174.4 (east of Rocheport) during the week of Aug. 25. Trail users should be cautious of rough conditions and equipment on the trail. - posted 8/25Please 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.
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.
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