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Katy Trail Parking Suggestions and Directions
From the EastWe are often asked where St Louis-area cyclists should park their cars for trail access. The answer, of course, is that it depends on what part of the trail you like best. If you want to ride along river bluffs, you'll have to head out past Rhineland, but if you are happy with wooded areas and light suburbs, any of the St Charles or other eastern parking areas will be fine. But, if you just want to get to the Katy Trail quickly and easily from east of the Missouri River, here are your best options (click on the links for directions and additional info):
The Page Avenue/364 Bridge lot is just 6 miles from the 270/Page intersection. It's a large lot accomodating 100 cars, but it could fill up on busy days due to its ease of access. There's a 1/4 mile ramp from the parking lot down to the trail - the only hill you'll ride all day! If you park here, you'll be at mile 42.8, which is just over three miles from trail's end in St Charles.
Another option: you could park at Creve Coeur Park and ride the 3.6 mile Katy Trail - Creve Coeur Connector to the Katy Trail. It's a pleasant ride with a nice view as you cross over the Missouri River.
The St Charles Trailhead is another popular parking spot, especially for cyclists coming from North St Louis County. It has 150-200 parking spots, and it's right next to the Lewis & Clark Boathouse parking lot, offering several hundred slots. Unless there is a major event going on in St Charles, you're almost certain to get a parking spot here with no problem.
When the other lots are full, you might want to try the Greens Bottom Trailhead. It's harder to find than the other parking lots (but you'll find good directions if you click the link), so fewer people go there to park. There is a longer drive involved: if you're coming out highway 40, it's 18 miles from Chesterfield Mall to the trailhead. Or, if you're taking Page/364, it's 12 miles from the Page/270 intersection. Greens Bottom trailhead is at mile 45.7, which is about six miles from the trail's eastern end.
Another option for those coming out highway 40 is the Weldon Spring Trailhead, at mile 56 on the trail (16 miles from trail's end). But be aware that the turn-off from highway 94 is not well marked. See the link for details. The section between Greens Bottom and Weldon Spring offers nice views of the river and lots of shade.
Going beyond Weldon Spring, you can simply follow highway 94 south and find a new town and another trailhead every few miles. Driving south on 94, you'll pass through Defiance (mile 59), Matson (mile 60.6), Augusta (mile 66), and Dutzow (mile 74), all of which have trailheads with parking.
From the West
We are also often asked where Kansas City-area cyclists should park their cars for trail access, not to mention visitors coming up from Oklahoma, Texas, or beyond. Again, the answer depends on what part of the trail you like best. Clinton or Sedalia will get you to the western section of the trail with its peaceful farmland, while Boonville or Rocheport will put you on the Missouri River.
Clinton is at the western end of the trail, and only about 75 miles from KC. Click the link for directions.
Sedalia is also fairly accessible, at a distance of 90 miles from KC. Click the link for directions.
KC area cyclists who want to see the river will have to go just a bit farther. Boonville is about 100 miles east of Kansas City. But if you're coming here to see the Missouri River, you'll only see it briefly, as you bike across it. The trail doesn't link up with the river again until Rocheport, some 13 miles east by trail.
If you just want to ride along the river, Rocheport is about 115 miles from Kansas City. Head south/east on the trail from Rocheport, and you'll have the river by your side (though you might want to start with a quick ride west of Rocheport to go through the famous Rocheport tunnel).
Side note: a few years from now, Kansas City area residents may have the Katy Trail come to them!
Useful/Related Resources
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All parking along the Katy Trail (Plan a Ride feature)
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Side trails to/from the Katy Trail.
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How to get by bike from the Kirkwood Amtrak station to the Katy Trail.
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How to get by bike from the Katy Trail to downtown St Louis.
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Missouri Bike Federation's Statewide Bike Route Map
- Partner: For all your bollard needs like Round Post collapsible bollard visit Traffic Guard.
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