Rock Island Trail Forum

I'll be driving to Warrensburg from Colorado and meeting some friends at the Amtrak station. Does anyone know of a hotel nearby where we can stay with bikes AND I can leave my car while we ride for 4 days?

I don’t know if this helps, Mel, but some years back I took a train trip and left my car in the Warrensburg Amtrak station parking lot for three days and it was there safe and sound when I got back. Also, Katy-Rock Junction in Windsor, MO offers free and secure long-term parking to all of their tent-camping and cabin guests.

Thanks, Charlie!

My wife and I were looking at the weather next week and it looks like it should be great for a bike ride. We've been wanting to go ride the Katy Trail, so we thought we might as well go for it. Problem is, this means we're kind of rushing on the planning stage of the trip.

We're pretty much just going to wing it. We'll carry all our camping gear and a fair amount of food, but we'll probably try to find hotels/B&B/Etc on the way. I think we'll probably go at a somewhat slower pace, just ride 40ish miles/day. Current thoughts are Clinton-Sedalia-Booneville/New Franklin-Jeff City?-Hermann-Defiance-Machens

I'm currently studying the planning map as much as I can, but I wanted to ask if anyone has any current info for the trail that may not be on the planning map? Any specific areas to avoid? Safety concerns? Etc?

I should clarify, by "next week" I meant starting tomorrow.

As you come into Marthasville and right under HWY 47, the Red Caboose will be on your left side if you're heading east. Good place to stop to eat, visit with the owner, and a safe place to pitch your tent and relax. Has food and charging station. We highly recommend it. There are also other restaurants close by.

CycleInnHermann.
I am offering a great place for cyclist to stay on their trip through Herman. All of our rooms are ground level. For the next month or so will be offering discounts when you call please ask we take Venmo. Phone me direct pay at time of reservation and enjoy your ride. I am most reasonable in Herman.
573-486-2000 direct line to the owner; RICH LAUER

I am planning on staying at the Bunkhouse on 31 Aug, but recently read a post it may be closed. Anyone try to stay there recently and can confirm either way?

I'll be doing the Katy next month with two others. Does anyone have any comments about camping at the Noren Access Campground? Good, bad, safe, keep on riding, etc?
Thanks

Jc Parks and Rec has closed the Noren Access campsites until further notice citing too many police calls to the area.
https://abc17news.com/news/top-stories/2024/08/15/jefferson-city-temporarily-bans-camping-at-noren-river-access/

Well that is disappointing. I have removed it from the Jeff City listings and camping listings for now.

Thanks Jim for passing along the info!

The Park's & Rec people went out of their way not to use the word "homeless" when talking about the folks "camping " there. ??

The Turner Katy Trail Shelter/Hostel in Tebbetts is less than 12 miles away from this Jefferson City location so I always recommended that location for "indoor" camping. Plus, you can always call for "Happy Trails Katy-ring Service in Tebbetts" which is awesome food and super convenient. Dinner options in this area can be limited unless you bike into Jefferson City.

I'm going to be doing a solo ride from the KC Amtrak down the Rock Island Trail to Windsor, then Katy to Machens. I've seen a couple routes on Ride with GPS that cross over the Mississippi on 67 then follow the MCT Trail and St. Louis Riverfront Trail, crossing at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Has anyone done this recently? I'm concerned about possible homeless encampments, illegal immmigrants, gangs of thugs, random drug addicts, etc. Especially as you get close to downtown and the Arch. What's worrisome is that there aren't any recent YouTube videos on such a ride. I would really like to ride along the Mississippi and approach downtown St. Louis from the waterfront, but safety is a real concern. Fallback is the route from the Page/364 bridge that this site recommends. Appreciate any help! Thanks, Mark

The St. Louis Riverfront Trail runs along the levee and floodwall in a very industrial area. There are not many people who can access the trail or the levee easily so there are not many vagrants around. Of course, you always need to be aware of your surroundings, but overall the paved Riverfront Trail is great and you seem to be flying on it after days of being on the Katy Trail crushed rock. The Chain of Rocks bridge over the Mississippi is well worth the trip and the park grounds have just been fully renovated on the St. Louis side of the bridge.

I did a similar ride, however I opted to ride across the entire state of Missouri, starting at State Line Road in Westwood, KS. You could easily do similar if you wanted. After Machens I rode towards St Charles airport then north to the Mississippi, crossing the river using the Grafton Ferry. It’s a seasonal route, google them for season and hours, bring cash. Once in Grafton, Illinois I rode to Alton on the Great River Trail then down to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to cross back to Missouri. Check out MCT trails dot org to learn about the Illinois side trails. Also since you'll be in Alton regardless I suggest eating at Brown Bag Bistro. On the St Louis Riverfront Trail I observed a few sketchy people but they did not obstruct or bother me in any way…..it probably helps that a bicycle is moving and harder to panhandle from. When you are in the last mile to the Arch you may have to modify your route (or not) if the floodgate is closed across the trail…I had to backtrack one block then move one block uphill to continue south towards the Arch…it’s fairly simple to figure that out since you’re following the river on the left and traveling south to the Arch. I will include my entire route via a Strava link. I use the free Strava and it works for most of what I’m interested in it for.
https://strava.app.link/ASffEnri5Lb

Appreciate everyone who has responded, thank you! It's good to get current feedback and I'm feeling a bit better about the ride. I do have one question on the route across Clark Bridge on 67. I've got it figured out how to use Dwiggins, Felte and Saale to minimize time on 94. But my question is how to approach the bridge after getting into West Alton, without just taking 67. One guy took the West Alton Trail to St. Charles St. but that was coming from the Illinois side. I guess I could walk my bike along the shoulder for 1/2 mile. Another guy crossed 67 and took Richard Drive, Brunstein Lane and cut across what looked to be a dirt road (could be private property?) to get to Red School Rd, Wise Rd to Riverland Way and the bike ramp to get onto the bridge. Has anyone gone over Clark Bridge in this direction and what's the best/safest way. Thanks again! Mark

last october i rode from machens to stl useing the mo route thru north saint louis a lot of traffic and that north part of saint louis is a bad area i ride in traffic a lot so not that big of a deal for me. once i got on that greenway trail by the river i saw one lady walking by herself so that part made it worth the ride next time ill will do the alden ill route less stressfull.

Mark ... you are correct that there isn't a great way to go from St. Charles Street north to the West Alton Trail. Most people ride their bike on the shoulder the wrong way along this short section of southbound 67 Highway. I have seen some people walk their bikes along this stretch too. I am pretty sure that the West Alton Trail doesn't quite reach Machens Club Drive (if you look at Google Maps this can be confusing), so I think that you need to get to the gravel parking lot which is just under a mile north of St. Charles Street...from there to the bridge the West Alton Trail is in great condition.

Mark from Lee's Summit, thanks for the great info! It's nice to know people are actually doing what I was thinking of doing - walking my bike up the wrong side of 67, or even ride on the shoulder a bit if no cars. I did check out the terminus of West Alton Trail a bit more and yes, I may need to go a bit further than Machens Club Drive, but people have done it, so there is a way - as opposed to carrying my bike through thick underbrush! I've also got some feedback on Ride with GPS that taking 67 to the bridge isn't bad, the shoulder is reasonably wide. I will be riding on a Sunday morning so if the traffic is light that would probably be my first option, fallback would then be to walk my bike the wrong way to the trail. And yes, once I get to the river on the trail I would have to cross underneath 67 on Riverlands Way to go back to the bike on ramp. Thanks again, this is extremely helpful! Mark

My name is Brandon and I walked from Ft Worth, Texas to Illinois and passed along the Katy trail heading from KC to St Louis about a month ago. Along the way I met a cyclist who stopped and took a short video interview on his bike cam between Pilot Grove and Booneville. I was tired and sweaty resting by a trail crossing and didn't think to ask about social media or contact info, but I wanted to check out his content! Its not much to go on but I was wondering if anyone had seen his video's around?

YouTube and crazyguyonabike.com are the only two places that I view Katy Trail posts. A search within those platforms may help you locate what you're looking for.

You might try doing a search for “Katy Trail Videos” and maybe include the date to narrow the list down.

I think that this place should be considered closed until further notice. It's a shame, because it was such a nice stop, run by the best people. There was a rainstorm and a flash flood that resulted in a couple of feet of water flowing through the store. I'm sure that they will rebuild, but for now, they are not operating. Check their Facebook page for more info.

Thank you for the heads-up Bill. This is sad news.

I pulled this listing off of the Treloar page, and out of the Trip Planner, until I hear that they are back up and running.

What type of surface is the trail?

I would call it chat. Not gravel, but not rock either. It can be very dusty when we have dry conditions, and can be "mucky" when wet.

FYI, there is a water fountain and men’s/women’s bathroom with running water (during spring and summer) at the Leeton Trailhead.

where is the trail head in Leeton?

Thanks

Can you drive to the Leeton Trailhead and park?
If not where can you park in Leeton?

Thank you

Google Maps is a good tool to use to see the lay of the land.

I am planning to make a round trip of the Katy trail in early September 2025. I am looking for fellow riders that would like to make a group outing of it. I will be going regardless of interest just thought it would be more fun with others and a good way to meet new friends.
As of June 25 2025 I am six weeks out of a right side FHP and am starting to get back into shape for the North Shore Century in Chicago this coming September. That will give me time to prep for the Katy Trail. I plan on making this an 6 to 8 day trip stopping to camp at different campsites up and back allowing for sight seeing throughout the trip.
Anyone interested please feel free to contact me at elements2elegance@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest and good wishes to all.

Where are you from and what's your start date?

Sorry, I meant to ask where you are starting from?

I'm looking at doing the trip one way in September. I understand your doing a round trip but I would be interested in joining you. I just had a total right hip replacement in July.

Is there electric available to charge a battery for an e bike?

Did the Katy 4 years ago and other than hotels I don’t believe I noticed any electrical receptacles at camp sites.

Last Oct '23, my wife and I rode the Katy. We had electric at every campsite we stayed at: Katy Rock Junction in Windsor, Mo State Fairgrounds in Sedalia (I'd skip this place and they'll charge you $12 to plug in.), Pilot Grove City Park set up camp by 1 of the 2 pavilions multiple outlets available. Also you are supposed to inform the local PD if you'll be camping overnight, Cooper's landing (bring an extension cord the outlets are for the Travel Trailers but I've plugged in twice. If you happen to stay at the Marthasville Comm Baseball park, they have functioning outlets as well.

The Katy Roundhouse campground in Franklin has electricity also.

The Turner Shelter in Tebbetts has an outside outlet next to the soda machine.

Biking from end to end. We arrived in Boonville last night just hoping for a decent bed, good shower and maybe a place to park bikes. What we found upon arrival... OMG.

Katy Retreat in Boonville. If you ever stay in Boonville and don't stay there you have missed in my opinion the best Airbnb available. We arrive and find cookies and candy waiting. Temperature a cool 72. A fully stocked bike garage located in the garage was the bomb. They even had a bike lift! Every tool you could imagine, too.

We spent the evening chilling on the beautiful back patio. Just amazing ambiance. Dinner we ordered some supplies from Walmart and grilled out back. Burgers and beer felt real good.

But I'm not joking. Check this place out. It's dirt cheap, has enough room to sleep 10+ without worry, and just what is provided will amaze you. It did all of us.

I am thinking abount my third biking from Sedalia to St.Charles and have a couple of questions.
1. Is it OK or too hot to bike in the week of August 20. The last time I biked someone said the biking Katy Trail is popular in spring and fall. Is it too hot in late August?
2. What is the best place to camp overnight in Hartsburg? Other than the AirBnB camp which is a good place to camp?

Thanks.

The odds are that it will be in the 90s in late August. Even so, the trail has a lot of shade, so it's not too bad. I went one time when it got up to 104 degrees and the only really bad stretch I remember was the last stretch to St. Charles, where there was not much shade. If there is no rain for a long time, it can get very dusty.

I don't know anything about camping in Hartsburg.

Check the weather. You can see it for 13 days out. Sometimes it's hot. Sometimes it's not.

Hello! Can you leave your car overnight as this parking place. I'd like to leave it there for 4 nights Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 while we ride the Katy Trail all the way one way. If I can do this, is there a cost? Also, would it be safe leaving it there? Are there cameras in the parking lot? Thanks for any help!

Not very safe at all to leave your car there for 4 days. Maybe take the Amtrak to kc or Lee summit then ride back. Lee summit would be a better place to park if you are going to drive. Maybe see if the Lee Summit Amtrak station has long term parking?

On second thought…..you should just drive to Pleasant Hill and start there. Anything north of there you will have to contend with “the Greenwood gap”. Where the Rock Island trail disappears for 7 miles. You would be taking city streets, otherwise. Pleasant Hill is likely much safer than anything north of there.

The long term parking in Downtown Lee's Summit by the Amtrak station is located at 204 SW Market Street. I always let the police know when I leave a car for several days so they can keep an eye out, but that area of Downtown Lee's Summit is very safe. The Rock Island Trail is not far from Downtown Lee's Summit and there are several good low traffic routes that utilize sidewalk trails or bike lanes for most of the distance to the Rock Island Trail. As was previously mentioned, there are also multiple options for getting across the 8 mile Greenwood Gap to where the long distance Rock Island Trail picks up in Pleasant Hill.

Thanks, Monkey & Mark!

Jerry is a great host. Kind and considerate. We had a lovely room with a very comfortable bed. Great shower. Jerry welcomed us with a cold drink, entertained us with local tales and his very interesting and varied career. He helped us out with laundry, cooked us a delicious breakfast, took us to the medical centre for a case of poison ivy, and then to get medicine. When we discovered a flat tyre as we were leaving he immediately helped us. A great host - don’t miss Jerry’s place on your Katy Trail adventure. (Helen and Max Mason from New Zealand - we have spent the last 2 months cycling 1,870 miles before our son’s wedding in Arkansas.- happy trails!)

I guessed this was the Hoffman family before I read the article.

https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/hospitality-tourism/florida-family-that-stumbled-upon-mackinac-island-hasnt-stopped-buying-pieces-of-it/

I have absolutely no problem with them acquiring property. Just hope they follow through with their Augusta plans without killing the charm of the area.

Where is the best place to start a ride in the Weldon Springs area?

At the Weldon Springs trailhead.

There's the Busch Greenway, Duckett Creek Trailhead which is near the Research Park and the water treatment plant.

Another would be the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center where nuclear waste is covered by a huge pile of rocks. However going down Hamburg Hill is not for the faint of heart even with a gravel or mountain bike.

The Defiance trailhead is a little further away, but then there's places to eat when you get done with your ride.

However as noted before, the Weldon Springs trailhead is probably the best.

I would add Defiance or a little farther west to Augusta. Defiance has more services available and is a neat little town to explore.

I had a GREAT time riding the Katy. great trail that is kept up and offers some great stops and scenery! (I'm 58 and did this as a solo trip)

I wanted to give my bullet points of where I stayed and what I did while Visiting Missouri to ride the Katy. I stayed in St. Charles and rode for two of the three days during my visit. (St. Charles to Dutzow)
- stayed two nights in St. Charles MO at the Comfort INN
this hotel is compatible with a Holiday Inn and I had no issues. they let me keep my bicycle in my room, which was great. I had read of complaints about the continental breakfast, but I cannot complain. It's a continental breakfast and that's exactly what you will get. I was fine with it. Cost - under $200 for the two nights.

Klondike Park - Augusta. I wanted to camp at the KT Caboose, but the gentleman who runs it was nowhere to be found. So through talking to a few people about a sign I passed along the Katy, I contacted Klondike Park. WHAT A GEM!. beautiful scenery and a nice path to ride on throughout the grounds. the showers were super clean and everything was well taken care of. cost $10 a night (tent). what a steal! I cannot say enough about the scenery at this park!
(I did lose my glasses somewhere around Grove #29- so if you see them - please contact me - lol - they are very expensive eye glasses/$1000)

FOOD: Bike Stop Cafe/St. Charles: I heard good reviews about this place, but it wasn't my cup of tea. food was ok, but just wasn't feeling it.

Burger Underground/St. Charles: typical burger place. kind of a wanna-be sports bar, but not compatible with what I'm used to in the suburbs of Chicago. Food was good/as expected.

Chicken N Pickle/St Charles: didn't know what this place was, but it's a pickleball facility with a huge eatery and a few bars. Offers indoor and outdoor seating. pickleball courts both inside and out. other backyard games as well. The food was good. I actually enjoyed the atmosphere.

Sunflower Hill Farms/Augusta: this is a must-go to! I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was very good.

The ARCH/St. Louis: it rained one day for the ENTIRE day! so I visited the ARCH. one and done with this. I almost pissed myself going up - LOL, but it was worth the drive to see it. $10 to park and I think $17 to go up.

Do you have to go across bridge in Boonville to stay on Katy trail

Yes, but it is a separated bike lane on the north side of the bridge.

Starting in Sadailia in the morning. Headed to NYC. Can't wait to meet all of you.

Thanks Bill! I think I confused mileage with mile marker on the map. I'll know where to look for it now. Appreciate the info!

Does anyone know how often the DNR updates conditions on the trail? I have looked at the site but cant find how often thy do that. I was hoping to ride the trail the first week of Aug but not sure now with all the closures.

We enjoyed our stay at the Dormitory at School House. The room was clean and welcoming. There were a variety of breakfast items and we appreciated the shed for storing our bikes. We were even able to do a load of laundry after riding on the muddy trail that day.

Does anyone have a latitude/longitude for this particular signal? The title says "Old Railroad Signal in Clifton City" but the mile marker 213.2 seems to put it near Green Ridge.

Rode past it the other day. It's between Clifton City and Pilot Grove but much closer to Clifton City. Probably about 3 miles or so east of Clifton City.

I saw a post on the Katy Trail facebook page from yesterday, Wedne., 7-16-24, that there was flash flooding on the eastern portion of the trail, around Marthasville. I'm not in Missouri so have no idea of the flooding situation but wanted to pass this on.

The advisories page on the DNR Katy Trail State Park website has a link to a map that shows several areas along that section of the trail that has been impacted by recent flooding. Some sections are closed while others indicated mud on the trail.