Katy Trail Forum

Planning to camp on a ride from Clinton to ST. Charles. Can't seem to locate any campgrounds with showers. Any info concerning showers would be much appreciated.

I wouldn't plan on it, but a Marthasville resident let us use the shower in their home. She also gave us a couple of beers and it was all we could to do to decline a home cooked meal.

Most of the regular campgrounds have showers (as opposed to the city parks that allow camping, and the occasional bar or restaurant that will let you pitch a tent). For example, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin. Here's a list of campgrounds

The Rendleman Home in Bluffton at mile 110.8 has showers for campers

Showers we used:



Hermann: City park, where we camped, had dingy usable showers in the bathhouse. Look for the RVers, and the bathhouse closest to them.



Tebbetts: We didn't end up staying at the hostel, but it was open so we showered before heading on.



Pilot Grove: The city park with the little pool has showers in the bathhouse. You could probably shower without paying to swim, but the swim was darned nice.

How well is the trail patrolled? I've never ridden it. Do rangers make regular trips? Is it safe

to stop along the trail?

I've covered every inch of the trail and have never seen anything like a ranger. As I've said in another post, you should treat the KATY trail as any other back country trip. First, no matter how insignificant a trip, make sure someone knows your itinerary and will be able to verify your safe arrival. Second, do not go alone if you will be away from a highly developed area. Third, think of what could possibly go wrong and have contingency plans. I'm not trying to scare you off, rather, I'd encourage you to push your limits in exploring. It's just that many of us become accustomed to having every service within 5 minutes and aren't conditioned in being self-sufficient.

A couple of years ago I did get rather frightened as I had a man who was stalking me. I am a single woman who usually bikes alone on the trail. This was on a Friday and the trail was not very populated at the time. He came alongside me, wanting to ride with me. I declined and he appeared upset and turned around the other way. So I was relieved. Shockingly, later when I went to turn around to head back, he was behind me and tried to dive into the bushes to hide. Fortunately, I am a black belt in Tai Kwon Do-not that I'd want to use it but I would if put in the situation. Even more fortunate, a couple was just coming back my way so I tagged along behind them. So DO be careful if you go on your own. I still go out on my own as I hate not being able to be on the trail. I just try to go during busier times now.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

Dad (70) and I are planning to ride from Sedalia to Dutzow and catch the train back to Sedalia. Camping each night. First night camping will be at the MO State fairgrounds. Question: is free parking available at the fairgrounds or would it be better to leave my van at the Amtrak station?

Also, is the bridge from Dutzow to Washington really that bad? we are both fairly experienced cyclists. Any input is most appreciated. Thanks!

Jarome

I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com

I'd like to bike the state of Missouri, and I mean the whole shebang, border to border. east to west. I know I can use the Katy Trail for most of it, but I'm having difficulty finding information on getting from Clinton, Mo. to the Kansas state line. Any information you can give me would be much, much appreciated.

On Wednesday April 27 Governor Blunt has backed out of the agreement made by the previous DNR director to save the Boonville Bridge. To allow the UP Railroad to remove the bridge is very unfortunate for the citizens of Missouri and the KATY Trail users.

This bridge would have been a big draw for the Katy Trail. It is a sad day... the bridge should have been saved for future (cycling) generations.

THIS ISSUE IS NOT OVER - the governor's decision may have been illegal and/or unconstitutional. Lawyers are currently working through this. If the bridge reverts to the railroad, it could threaten the entire Katy Trail. See this section of the home page for links with more details.

Don't miss this. What a refreshing way to cool off. They have about 25 flavors (maybe more). I recommend the Pina Colada or the Blueberry. Great location, plenty of shade, and tables. The person that owns it is extremely kind and knowledgeable about the trail. Please take the time to stop. You won't be sorry !!!!!!!!!

I am a 60 year old Grandma and I cannot find any friends or family interested in riding the entire Katy trail with me so I have signed up for the 2005 DNR ride (#129).



However, I am HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. 50 and 60 + miles a day seems like a lot of distance to cover (I normally ride 10-15 miles per day on a paved surface). I have also read (since I signed! - my guidebook did not discuss this) that the trail is difficult riding in places. I don't mind difficult but can't do that many miles a day if much of it is difficult. My main concern, however, is that meandering along and enjoying the trip and stopping at sights and communities along the route is, for me, a major reason to ride the trail. I know that 'ain't gonna happen' covering 60 + miles per day.



Does anyone know of a small group (or is there a like-minded 60ish Grandma out there) with a more meandering itinerary (or NO itinerary), that I could throw in with instead? I'm willing to camp or stay in lodgings, start at either end of the trail, take whatever time is required, etc.



I saw the Sierra Club and TC Tours rides, which both have more relaxed ternaries, but don't think I would be in the league with that type of rider and do not know if non-members can join anyway.



I would appreciate any suggestions and would like to hear from others interested in the type of ride I have in mind.

Only two days have long rides and you can be hauled in if the length is too long. I am one of the Katy Trail volunteers and will be riding most of the ride; I did the entire ride two years ago. I would encourage doing the ride. Average age is >47!

Lena, I also would encourage you to do the DNR ride! While there may be a few short stretches where you tires will tend to sink in (this is usually an area that has been repaired after a rain storm has washed out part of the trail), I have never experienced difficult riding conditions for an extended distance on the trail. There will be several sixty-something riders to lend moral support and the staff and trail volunteers do a great job and they will help you if needed. Consider this a "scouting mission"! You will get to see the entire trail, so you can decide which towns/areas you would like to spend more time in when you come back. It may also be a great oppurtunity to make some contacts with people who would like to get together for a liesurely ride! Hope to see you there!

As long as you train some, you should have an enjoyable time. This will be my third year on this ride. I am (only)49, but there are many 50-70> riders who ride. (119)

We are planning to ride the trail starting on Memorial Day Weekend and through the first

week of June. Are we nuts? Will there be huge numbers of people on it, crowding the trail

like a "freeway"? Or can we realistically hope for some pleasant, quiet, unpeopled miles?

thanks much for your input,

Marty and Joe

It will depend on when and where you decide to ride. During the week in my area (central Missouri) I have ridden for hours and seen no other trail users. On the weekends, even holiday weekends, I do not find the trail to be at all crowded where I usually ride.



I have been told that when you get closer to St. Charles there is more traffic on the trail but I have no personel knowledge of this, maybe someone from that area can advise us.

I would not be at all concerned about crowded conditions on the trail. You will see more people near St Charles and possibly near Rocheport, but I would not really consider those areas crowded. The farther away from those trailheads you go the fewer people you will see. Be sure to stay informed about weather conditions; carry a radio or ask locals. My niece and I had to wait out a severe thunderstorm with hail and tornado warnings before we could ride on Sunday of Mem. Day weekend 2004. We rode about 10 miles in the late afternoon around McKittrick & Rhineland and saw about 3 people.

I have ridden every mile of the trail. Most of the trail is lightly used. In particular, Between Jefferson City and Augusta, there have been times when it has been over an hour between seeing other users of the trail. However, within 10 miles of St. Charles, it can become quite crowded. Just take your time, give wide berth/friendly passing words, and be polite. You'll get there with little delay and may just make a new friend.

I rode the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Defiance last Memorial DAY and did not find it crowded. You will encounter more people between Page Avenue Extension access and St. Charles. But it is never too crowded in that stretch. The Katy Trail is fantastic! I have only ridden it to Portland and look forward to taking it all the way to Clinton. Happy riding!

People have posted some great replies to this question. The only suggestion I can add, is to be sure you make your lodging reservations in advance. The B&Bs/hotels/campgrounds tend to fill up on summer weekends.

Around the popular trailheads you will have some people, but it won't be crowded. I ride

the trail with my friend from California and he is always amazed at how unpopulated it is.

I often hear, "Where are all the people? If this was California it would be bike to bike

traffic." Have fun on the Katy.

Hi. I'm planning on hiking the Katy Trail from end to end, but I've heard that camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds. Problem is, many of the designated campgrounds are spaced 30+ miles apart - too far for an average hiker to make in a day.



Does anyone have experience hiking through and spot camping? I'd love to follow the rules and only camp at campgrounds, but it seems that they are placed with bikers in mind, not hikers. Thoughts?

anyone know if the 2005 ride sponsored by dnr has reached its 300 person limit?

Don't know. I mailed my registration a couple of weeks ago, but have not heard anything yet. I don't think it would be full yet though. If I get a confirmation and a rider #, I'll post it here.

I received an email confirmation today. I'm rider #230.

thanks a lot, seems like I should be OK.

I'm part of a group planning a bike trip along the Lewis and Clark trail across to O

regon...Just noticed this group is starting the same day the 4 of us are starting. Yikes!

Will we be able to find a place to camp? Where does the DNR place all of these folks. W

ill we be welcome to mingle in? Chris

Can someone give me the telephone number for Polly's Perch?

660-834-6012 - she's open 9AM-2 PM for light lunch and morning sweet rolls daily except Sunday (thanks to "Winky Chesnutt" for this info)

We're planning to fly from California to St. Louis in June so we can ride the whole trail. Can anyone recommend the best way for us to get from St. Louis to St. Charles with our bikes, and then after the ride, get from Clinton back to St. Louis to fly home?

Huge thanks for any suggestions--

Marty and Joe

A shuttle service will get you where you need to go. These services operate like taxis for the trail, shuttling you and your bikes and gear from one point on the trail to another point on the trail (or beyond). Here is a list of shuttle services.


I know that at least the two services based in St Charles (TC Tours & Katy Trail Shuttle) will take you between the airport and the St Charles trailhead, for somewhere in the neighborhood of $30. They generally charge by the vanload, so it’s the same price for one passenger as for two.



Any of the shuttles will take you from Clinton to St Charles. I don’t know what they all charge, but you might expect about $250-350. Again, this is per van so it’s not so bad if you can split it with other riders.



Another option for your return trip is to take the Amtrak train back to your starting point. Amtrak stops at Sedalia, which is on the trail but 35 miles from Clinton, so you’ll have to back-track 35 miles from trail’s end to get to the station. The train does not stop in St Charles, but it does stop in Kirkwood, which is in St Louis County. Either of the two St Charles-based shuttles mentioned above will take you from the Kirkwood train station to Lambert St Louis airport, again for something like $30. Here is a web page with more details on the Amtrak option. Amtrak is a popular option with many trail users.

Another option involving Amtrak, is going to the Saint Louis station instead of Kirkwood, then hop onto Metrolink, ($1.50) to the airport (bike free on Metrolink need to go to the back, or front of each car)

Just wondering if all trailheads lead to the katy trail? My sister lives in Columbia and I noticed a traihead north of 70 near her house--so just wondering if I can eventially make it to the trail from there. Is there a map that shows all trailheads to the Katytrail?

All Katy Trail trailheads are right on the trail - can't miss it. Use this link for a list of all Katy Trail trailheads, actually all trail parking lots, which are mainly trailheads.



The only trail in Columbia that connects to the Katy Trail, to my knowledge, is the MKT Fitness Trail, which is about 9 miles long. This regional map shows how the two trails connect. Sorry, I don't have a more detailed map at this time.

Polly's Perch -tearoom and has 2 bedrooms and bath for overnights. Paulines a great cook and the place is sooo clean-just accross from the trailhead in Pilot Grove-opened April 1

Am planning the ride in ONE WEEK, plan 3 to 3.5 days to do it. Any tips, suggestions for overnights (hotels or B&Bs), miles per day would be much appreciated. The simpler, the better. Thanks

Took Amtrak to Sedalia from stl and rode back. We did the trail in approx. 3.5 days. There is a nice campground in New Franklin that we stayed at the first night. We stayed at the Tebbetts Shelter the second night and the third we stayed at a bed and breakfast. Wow was it nice to stay in the bed in breakfast the third night after all that bicycling.

Oh yeah the Bed and Breakfast was actually in Peers and it is only $100 for the night. Really a pretty good deal for a nice bed, breakfast and hot tub.

Amtrak from St. Louis to Sedalia let's bikes on for about $10, and you don't have to disassemble them. It arrives in Sedalia in the evening. Then stay at the Sedalia House B&B that night, they cater to cyclists. They will pick you up at the station, and their rooms are charming and reasonable. They are approximately three miles from two trailheads, so you can either ride to one or they will shuttle you there. Next, depending on how far you like to ride you can stop at the Rivercene B&B in Booneville or the KATY Trail Bed & Bikefest just off the trail in Rocheport (which is owned by the Dufur's, author of the KATY Trail guidebook). It's a good way to start the trip.

My girlfriend and I took an out and back from St. Charles to Defiance. The first 8 miles were great then the sky spilt! The farther we went the worse it got. When we pulled into Defiance, the first shop we saw was KATY bike rentals. Todd(I think that was his name) took us in and saved us with knowing grins and HOT coffee. (thanks again) He even let my girl use a trash bag for a rain jacket. He could have made a killing on them that day. Even with the weather it was a great ride. Remember to stop in if you find your self in Defiance.

My girlfriend and I took an out and back from St. Charles to Defiance. The first 8 miles were great then the sky spilt! The farther we went the worse it got. When we pulled into Defiance, the first shop we saw was KATY bike rentals. Todd(I think that was his name) took us in and saved us with knowing grins and HOT coffee. (thanks again) He even let my girl use a trash bag for a rain jacket. He could have made a killing on them that day. Even with the weather it was a great ride. Remember to stop in if you find your self in Defiance.

I agree with your assessment of this wonderful store/rental spot. George was able to help me out when I called from Augusta in need of a trailer inner tube. When we arrived George had set aside the inner tube for us to ensure it wasn't sold in the interlude! He has a great smile, a helpful demeanor and sells Ted Drewes frozen custard! What more could a bike traveller ask for?

I agree with your assessment of this wonderful store/rental spot. George was able to help me out when I called from Augusta in need of a trailer inner tube. When we arrived George had set aside the inner tube for us to ensure it wasn't sold in the interlude! He has a great smile, a helpful demeanor and sells Ted Drewes frozen custard! What more could a bike traveller ask for?

George at the bike shop is a bonafide "Good Guy". Stop by and support him when you are going through Defiance.

George at the bike shop is a bonafide "Good Guy". Stop by and support him when you are going through Defiance.

We're coming from out of state to do the entire Katy trail, and would rather not worry about the camping after we get there. We are thinking of doing the DNR ride. Have any of you done it? Any positive or negative comments?

Hi Karen, I have done the DNR ride every year since 2001! I highly recommend it.



The Positive:

It is a medium sized ride, (300 riders) so you don't spend too much time waiting in line for meals, showers, bathrooms, etc. The shower truck is great! Having a warm shower every day to wash the limestone dust off of your legs is important. I've never had a problem finding a suitable place to pitch my tent. Having the meals (breakfast & dinner) included in the price of the ride is a big plus to me; I don't like being 'nickeled & dimed' all week for food, showers, etc.

(I don't mind helping the local high school booster clubs, but paying

a dollar for a small cup of watered down instant coffee is no way to start the day!)Another great thing about having the meals included is that you don't have to worry about where to eat (except lunch). Sag stops are provided about every 15 miles on the trail with cold water, powdered sport drink mix, and a limited selection of fruit (almost always bananas, sometimes other items).



The Negative:

Riding the trail with a group is not the same as riding it on your own; you miss out on some of the tranquility and peace of being out there by yourself. You will probably not see as much wildlife along the trail either. That is not to say that you are constantly riding among other cyclist, but they are usually not far ahead or behind you. Just like a line of cars going down a gravel road, a group of cyclist will stir up dust on the trail - this is only a problem on very still days with no wind. Sometimes the early sag stops will run out of fruit.



Hopefully other folks who have partipated in this ride in the past and/or are planning to this year will chime in here!

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. I think we would much rather do the trail on our own terms, but the challenge of finding suitable camping areas (and showers) each night keeps us coming back to the organized ride option.

I had been this festival 4 years ago, and went to again this year to taste a variety of sausages and enjoy the spring weather. However, this time was pretty disappointing. Only 5 sausage producers attended in the festival, (there were some more in downtown, but too tired to be there) and we were on the long long line to taste some samples, but turned out that all visitors interrupted in the middle of the line. It was cold, not many events to see, not much food to eat. I am wondering what the $5 entrance fee is for.

I will never go to the festival again, and save my day.

I had been this festival 4 years ago, and went to again this year to taste a variety of sausages and enjoy the spring weather. However, this time was pretty disappointing. Only 5 sausage producers attended in the festival, (there were some more in downtown, but too tired to be there) and we were on the long long line to taste some samples, but turned out that all visitors interrupted in the middle of the line. It was cold, not many events to see, not much food to eat. I am wondering what the $5 entrance fee is for.

I will never go to the festival again, and save my day.

thank you for the above comment, I feel much better. had planned on attending but could not find the date, will never look again...

thank you for the above comment, I feel much better. had planned on attending but could not find the date, will never look again...

I found a nice quiet B&B in Pilot Grove. It was clean and the breakfast very good. A great place!

How many hours do you think it would take to get from Columbia (McBaine) to Hermann. Trip must be done in one day. Not greatly experienced bicycler, but not out of shape.

I can tell you how long it would take ME, but since we don't all ride the same speed and take the same breaks, only you can answer that question for YOU. Assuming a starting point of McBaine (not downtown Columbia), you are looking at about 70 miles. Assuming good weather conditions, I would plan on 10 hours for ME; 7 hours of riding + 3 hours for rest stops, lunch, etc.



If you have not already done so, I would recommend that you ride some shorter distances on the trail to determine your average speed and stamina. If that is not an option, I would recommend that you have someone with a support vehicle that you can call on if needed. Good luck & Have fun!

Great Place! I highly recommend to families and cyclists. Tawnee cooks a wonderful, simple and satisfying breakfast and the rooms are cozy and comfortable! The outdoor hot tub is a must to sore muscles. A++!

Great Place! I highly recommend to families and cyclists. Tawnee cooks a wonderful, simple and satisfying breakfast and the rooms are cozy and comfortable! The outdoor hot tub is a must to sore muscles. A++!

Hartsburg Cycle Depot is now open year round and is a great place. They now have on staff a custom frame builder and certified mechanic. Plus, it is still a great place to stop and have a hot chocolate or smoothie or ice cream bar! The new owners, Pam and Mark, now operate as a full serve bike shop where you can get the spare tube you need for the trail or a full tune-up on your bike or, heck, just have them build you a new custom bike!! They are also stocking Cycle Genius recumbents which are fabulous recumbents at a really good price. It is a great place and I highly recommend dropping by.