Katy Trail State Park Frequently Asked Questions

How hilly is the trail?
See the Katy Trail Elevation chart to get a good idea of where the trail is flat and where it's hilly.

The trail was built on former railroad tracks and closely follows the Missouri River (east of Boonville), so for the most part it's exceptionally flat, as you might expect.  However, you will find some long gradual slopes.  Honestly, most riders can't even feel the slopes, except for the Boonville bridge.
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Where is the best place to park, when driving from St Louis or Kansas City?
Click the following link for a discussion of Katy Trail parking most convenient to St Louis and Kansas City.

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How can I get a printed map of the trail?
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources produces a very nice trail map, which they will send you free of charge.  Just call the MO DNR at 660-882-8196 or 800-334-6946, and ask for the Katy Trail map.

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When is the best time to ride the Katy Trail?
Any time is great, but my preferences are May, September, and October.  Before May, some of the businesses are closed for the season.  In late May and June, Missouri has frequent thunderstorms or just rain, so you might get drenched or have to seek cover.  July and August are hot and humid, but things cool off in September (mainly late September).  Of course, the natural beauty of the trail is enhanced by fall foliage, generally peaking in mid-October.  These are only generalizations, you could end up with a miserably hot day in early May, or a cool and refreshing day in August.

Follow this link for Missouri average temperatures and precipitation, and current Katy Trail weather conditions.

As for the best time of day, mornings are obviously cooler, and there's a better chance of seeing wildlife.  But there is a downside to being out there early in the morning: if you're the first person of the day on a wooded section of trail, you might be surprised by the occasional spider web in your face!

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What is the trail's surface like?
It is covered in crushed limestone, which packs hard and is suitable for running, hiking, or any kind of bike (though mountain bikes and hybrids might be more comfortable than road bikes).  The crushed limestone can be dusty; you and your bike will get dusty.  For multi-day bike rides, you may want to bring along something to clean your chain.

The trail can get a little soft during extended rainy periods.  After a rainy period, some horses may leave light hoofprints on the equestrian part of the trail.  The trail surface is not suitable for inline skating.

For perspective, here is a close-up photo of the trail surface.

See the following question & answer for an issue related to the limestone dust.

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Are there any health concerns?
I had never heard of this before, but one rider mentioned that the limestone dust can be a skin irritant.  However, this problem can be avoided, as the rider explained in his note:

The first day we started out and at the first sag stop I applied sunscreen. Later at lunch I felt some burning around my ankles. Thinking I had missed a few spots I applied more sunscreen. That evening I had extensive blotches on my legs. Another rider in the group observed them and suggested that they were chemical burns from the limestone dust. I treated the burns with cortisone and bought knee high socks for the rest of the ride and that stopped the problem. Several other riders in the group complained about minor burns. I think mine were the result of the combination of sun screen to hold the dust against the skin and sweat to activate the limestone. I've not heard or seen any advisories at any of the sites warning riders of this problem. If that other rider hadn't been on point with their advice I might have had more serious complications that would have caused me to abort the ride.

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How safe is the Katy Trail?
It's very safe - there is little or no crime, and many regular trail riders have never felt the need to lock their bikes.  Of course it's also much safer than cycling or running on a road with traffic.

Here's a county-by-county list of emergency phone numbers for the various county sheriffs offices, just in case.

The biggest danger, in my opinion, is crossing roads and highways at intersections with traffic, such as multiple crossings of highway 94 on the eastern end of the trail.  Cars approach at 60MPH, and drivers often are not paying attention.  Be careful!!!

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Is there any dangerous wildlife?
It's always best to keep your distance from any wildlife.  But in particular, Missouri is home to some species of poisonous snakes.  Brad Wilson spotted the following two "don't mess with me" snakes, a 9 inch baby copperhead, and a 3 foot timber rattler. 

More Photos by Brad S. Wilson

Needless to say, this type of photo is best captured with a very high-power telephoto lens! Back to Top
Are horses allowed on the Katy Trail?

Yes, horseback riding is allowed between Calhoun and the Sedalia Fairgrounds trailhead, a total distance of approximately 25 miles.  Trailhead parking lots along the equestrian section of the Katy Trail are designed to accommodate horse trailer parking.  See this KT Comment discussion thread for a discussion of cyclists' concerns regarding the horses on the trail. As the sign to the right indicates, cyclists and runners/hikers should yield to horseback riders. Here's a MO Department of Natural Resources press release regarding the success of making this section of the Katy Trail a "multiuse" trail (i.e. allowing horses).

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Will my cell phone work on the trail?
Yes and no.  Most areas have coverage, although some of the more remote areas are not covered.  Naturally, areas around towns and cities are more likely to have coverage.  Definitely bring your cell phone along; you never know when you'll need it!

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Can I cross the Missouri River Bridge to visit Jefferson City, Hermann, or Washington?

The Washington bridge is only wide enough for one car in each direction, and should not be attempted on a bike or on foot. Hermann has a new bike-friendly bridge that cyclists will enjoy.  The Jefferson City bridge can be crossed, using a shoulder bike lane, but is not recommended for anyone who is uncomfortable riding next to high-speed car traffic.  The Jefferson City bridge bike lane is on one side only, so you'll be heading against traffic when traveling from the trail into the city. Note that some businesses in these cities (especially B&Bs) will send a shuttle to the North Jefferson, McKittrick, or Dutzow trailheads, to give you and your bike passage over the bridge to Jefferson City, Hermann, or Washington, respectively.  See the Hermann page, Jefferson City page, or Washington page for more information on these towns.  Also: Washington MO Hotels and Motels and Jefferson City Hotels and Motels.

Click photo for larger view (large file over 1MB) Photo: Chuck Morlock The old bridge to Hermann, which has been replaced by one with a bike lane.  This is about what the Washington bridge looks like.

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I don't want to go it alone - how can I get support in planning my trip, arranging lodging, etc.?
There are touring companies and various organized rides that have already worked out all the details for excellent Katy Trail trips.   Generally they will provide or arrange any needed transportation and lodging, offer maps, routes, and directions, etc.   You can leave the planning to them, so your only concern will be getting out there and enjoying the trail!

Click the following link for a Plan-a-Ride list of companies offering tours on an ongoing basis.
Or, click this link for a list of one-time organized rides along the Katy Trail.

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Can I get my bike shipped for a one-way ride?
There are shuttle services which will carry you and your bike from one point to another - perfect for a one-way point to point ride.  Click this link for a list of all shuttle services along the Katy Trail.

Another option is to ride the train in one direction, with your bike, and then pedal your bike back in the other direction.  See the next question & answer for a discussion of this option.

Some B&Bs, such as Geery's B&B in St Charles, will let you ship your bike to them. Back to Top
Can I ride the train to the Katy Trail?
Many cyclists ride Amtrak (with their bikes) to some point on the trail, and then pedal back from there.  For example, St. Louis-based riders and their bikes could board Amtrak in Kirkwood, ride the train to Sedalia, and then pedal the Katy Trail back to St. Charles.  Regarding taking the train to Washington, Hermann, or Jefferson City, see the question & answer above, discussing crossing bridges between these cities and the Katy Trail, and the Katy Trail Amtrak guide mentioned in the following paragraph.

See the Katy Trail Amtrak guide for a detailed discussion of riding Amtrak along the Katy Trail.

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Is camping allowed along the trail?
No, camping is not allowed along the trail.  However, there are several private campgrounds, and public parks that allow camping.    Click the following link for a list of all camping options along the Katy Trail. Back to Top
What's the best kind of bike tire for the Katy Trail / can I use a road bike?
In general, wider tires are better.  If you're riding a mountain bike, hybrid, or comfort bike, your tires are fine.  But the Katy is definitely suitable for road bikes, and you'll see plenty of them out there.  The crushed limestone packs down hard and gives you a surface nearly as solid as asphalt, unless it's been raining a lot.  But there are a few places where it's not packed as hard, or where the trail crosses gravel roads, that could be a little rough on road bikes.

Most of what I've heard from road bikers is that any tire 25mm or wider is fine for the Katy Trail.  I've seen some riders say they did fine with 23, but most suggest 25 or wider.  For best results, go with the widest cross-tread tire your rims can handle.  You do not need knobby tires, something with light tread is ideal.  If using skinny tires, you may want to inflate to a slightly lower pressure than you use on pavement. 

For a well-researched discussion of tire recommendations, read Katy Trail Tire Selection by M L Haag MD

This topic comes up from time to time on the Comment Forum.  Here are a few comment threads and other discussions:

• Road bike on the Katy?
• Bike/Tyres Types for the Katy Trail
• Trail condition...what bike to ride?
• Great discussion of Tires, Bike Types, and Trailer Types from September Brown

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I'd like to ride on the trail but don't have a bike. Can I rent a bike?
Yes, there are businesses at many points along the trail offering a wide variety of bikes for rent.  Follow this link for a list of bike rentals along the Katy Trail.  Also, some of the B&B's have bikes that they make available to their guests.

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What should I bring on my bike ride?
For a one-day trip, here are some suggestions:

• Plenty of water
• Helmet
• Sunscreen
• Maps, and/or screen printouts from BikeKatyTrail.com for the towns you'll be visiting (go HERE to build your customized list)
• Cell phone
• Bike repair/patch kit
• Spare inner tube(s)
• Air pump
• Insect repellant
• Tissues / toilet paper (don't count on the trailhead restrooms being stocked)
• Cash
• Camera
• More water

For a multi-day trip, you'll need more stuff - maybe a lot more, depending on how long you'll be riding and how self-sufficient you plan to be (not to mention the fact that you'll need a trailer or panniers to hold everything).

Here's a discussion on the Katy Trail Forum about what to pack.

Here are a couple of good packing lists for serious bike touring (probably more than you'd need for the Katy Trail): http://www.allenf.com/bikelist.htm, http://www.adamk.ca/bike_camping.htm

If you are considering a multi-day trip but are not experienced at overnight touring, an excellent resource is Bicycle Touring 101, which offers a wealth of knowledge on bike touring. Back to Top
Is the trail handicap/wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the trail is flat and easily reached by wheelchair from nearly all trailheads.  One exception is the St Charles 364 parking lot (not the main St Charles Trailhead), which has a steep 1/4 mile long ramp that some wheelchair users might not want to tackle.
Note that Katy Bike Rental in Defiance offers wheelchair bikes, handcycles, and other specialized equipment to make the trail more accessible to handicapped individuals.

Although motorized vehicles are banned from the trail, motorized wheelchairs and scooters for the handicapped are allowed.

Be aware that your wheelchair or mobility device will get dusty from the trail surface.

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How can I stay updated on important developments regarding the Katy Trail?
Sign up for the KT Alert email newsletter, and I'll keep you up to date!  These emails only go out about every one to two months, whenever something important or interesting comes up.  BikeKatyTrail will never share your email address with any outside party (Privacy Policy).

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If your business is on or near the Katy Trail, and of interest to trail users, then BikeKatyTrail wants to list you.  Please submit your business at the Add a Listing page.  Draw additional customers to your business, and help BikeKatyTrail.com remain the web's most thorough Katy Trail resource.  There are no fees whatsoever to be listed here.

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I spotted an error on the site.  How can I report it?
I appreciate your help in keeping the site 100% accurate (so do future visitors to the site!).  Please contact BikeKatyTrail.com with details of the error, and we'll fix it right away.

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I love your website - what can I do to help support you?
Really, people do ask this!  If you've found BikeKatyTrail to be a useful resource, please help spread the word by telling other Katy Trail users about the website.  Please support our advertisers - they make the website possible.  And when you patronize a trail business that you saw listed here, please tell them that you saw them on BikeKatyTrail.com.  Finally, please consider getting a Katy Trail t-shirt, hat and/or sticker - they're really cool! Back to Top
Who built this site?
Raymond Scott is an avid cyclist and a six-time marathon finisher.  "As a software engineer who builds commercial websites for a living, I decided to build the ultimate Katy Trail website, when I couldn't find any other websites with all the nitty-gritty details that cyclists and runners need.  I think you'll find BikeKatyTrail to be the most useful site on the web for Katy Trail information.

If you like the site, contact us for a quote on your own web design project.  My associates and I can build anything from simple HTML pages to powerful database-enabled e-commerce websites."

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