News about the condition of the Katy Trail.
- + Katy Trail personnel - PLEASE POST THE CONDITION OF THE TRAIL AND THE EXACT LOCAIONS OF TRAIL CLOSURES!!! We just rode 150 fun miles on the trail, and the businesses were lamenting the lack of busine...
Discussion started 08/05/2019 09:39 PM by Sam and Janice - 8 replies (last reply by Sam and Janice at 08/18/2019 04:36 PM)Sam and Janice from Southwest Oklahoma on 08/05/2019 09:39 PM
Katy Trail personnel - PLEASE POST THE CONDITION OF THE TRAIL AND THE EXACT LOCAIONS OF TRAIL CLOSURES!!! We just rode 150 fun miles on the trail, and the businesses were lamenting the lack of business and the reduced number of riders on the trail. After reading the comments in the forum, we headed for Missouri really unaware of the exact location of trail closures. The parts of the trail we rode were in great shape, and we were able to work around the trail closures; however, from comments of business owners, it is obvious many people are canceling their trips based on the lack of information. The trail is in great shape!!! Thank you!! AND....PLEASE POST THE EXACT LOCATIONS OF TRAILS CLOSURES.
Brian L. from Austin,Texas on 08/06/2019 07:29 AM
Please don’t freak out. First of all, this website is not run by “Katy Trail personnel“ but by the (amazing) volunteer webmaster with contributions from forum participants. Second, right on the homepage of this website, there is a big notice explaining how to learn about trail closures, including a link to the Official Missouri State Park website page that has the specific mile markers where temporary closures occur. There is also a “Rider-reported trail conditions on the Katy Trail“ page here that provides additional input from trail riders. Give all that a look-see, and maybe contribute your own observations, too.
Anonymous on 08/06/2019 10:48 AM
Do business owners post relevant information about the trail near them to make sure those that have booked with them have accurate information? Rhetorical question to a degree....I've seen first hand info here from Katy business owners.
Maybe people cancel because of the trip in it's entirety and not just because of a specific location.
How is it obvious to them that people are cancelling based on lack of information? Maybe people have cancelled because of information they've gotten here and on the DNR site.
Personally, I have not ridden the Katy yet this year. That decision has been based on information and not the lack of.
johnnyjewel from COLUMBIA MO, on 08/10/2019 10:28 AM
"the Official Missouri State Park website page that has the specific mile markers where temporary closures occur"
Right. Checking today, August 10, I see that the last update was June 27, 2019. Two weeks is long enough to wait for another update. I am planning to ride the trail in late September, and I would like to see more regular updates.
Anonymous on 08/10/2019 02:21 PM
And who better to make an updated trail report than some who lives so close as someone from Columbia?
Kathy M from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/12/2019 02:40 PM
Sam & Janice - if you could possibly say which towns were the start and end of your 150 miles of good riding, that would be really helpful.
Gamagrass from Columbia on 08/15/2019 07:29 PM
Ya this forum has a crowd sourced trail conditions section organized by location or MM. This is our best hope for more specific information. The State Park sites does post some relevant information but they must not have the staff or inclination or whatever to keep up on specific conditions.
Thanks to the webmaster here for fairly recently adding the trail conditions section to this forum
Ray P from Chicago area on 08/17/2019 05:07 PM
We just rode from Augusta to Portland over a three day period. We did it in day trips so there were a few sections we missed (Dutzow to Treloar were missed). No flooding and trail in good condition.
Sam and Janice from Southwest Oklahoma on 08/18/2019 04:36 PM
Kathy from Pittsburgh...From McKittrick we rode 17 miles west. The trail was closed (we did not contact anyone to see if there was an easy detour because we were riding out and back and not concerned about getting through). We just rode back to McKittrick and east until we had 50 miles round trip for that day. The next day we rode east of McKittrick 25 miles and back for 50 miles that day. There WAS a short detour...no problem, and most of it was on an asphalt road with no traffic. The trail was great! We then travelled to Sedalia and rode 25 miles west to Calhoun and back for another 50 mile day...again, the trail was great! We were riding bikes with 700 X 28 tires.
The Lonely Trail
- + Where are all you people? We have been riding the trail for three days now and have ridden about 65 miles. We rode near St Charles on Monday, Augusta to Dutzow on Tuesday, and McKittrick to Portland ...
Discussion started 08/14/2019 09:17 PM by Ray P - 5 replies (last reply by BikerBoy at 08/17/2019 08:03 PM)Ray P from Chicago area on 08/14/2019 09:17 PM
Where are all you people? We have been riding the trail for three days now and have ridden about 65 miles. We rode near St Charles on Monday, Augusta to Dutzow on Tuesday, and McKittrick to Portland today August 14. We have not run into a single rider. The only people we ran into today were workmen cutting tree branches that left big branches on the ground thus blocking trail. We had to ride on 94 for about three miles near Bluffton. No shoulder and very dangerous. Back to my original point. I thought this trail was a biking Haven
but have not seen anyone.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/15/2019 08:20 AM
Ray P, it is biking heaven, but the flooding has chased away a lot of riders or at the very least postponed them. I do end-to-end rides of the Katy each year, but I hate riding on roads -- it's just not pleasant to me. So I am riding trails up north this year and giving the Katy a chance to recover. I feel bad for the business owners along the trail (I usually spend $1,500 a year on the Katy). But I will be back next year. In the meantime, I am spending even more while riding the trails up north, and those businesses need the $$ as much as anyone, so I don't feel bad about my "disloyalty" this year. I encourage everyone to contribute to the Katy clean-up fund/effort so that hopefully the trail will be bustling late this fall or next spring.
Ray P from Chicago area on 08/16/2019 11:01 PM
Just curious to know what you mean by "trails up north". Where are these trails? I am always interested in good trails to ride and if there are others I am interested.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 08/17/2019 04:51 PM
There is an app called “TrailLink” put out by the RailsToTrails Federation that will give you all the trails you could ever want up north and a lot more. :-)
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 08/17/2019 07:42 PM
Correction: that should be the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/17/2019 08:03 PM
I am currently riding the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail out of Grand Rapids (93 miles), then will do the Pere Marquette (36 miles) and some others. About 240 miles in total. I enjoy doing lots of different trails, but the Katy is by far my favorite vacation.
Day ride, Hermann
- + Is everything good for a day ride at Mckittrick? Didn't see any closures.
Discussion started 08/03/2019 10:36 AM by K - 2 replies (last reply by Ray P at 08/17/2019 05:12 PM)K on 08/03/2019 10:36 AM
Is everything good for a day ride at Mckittrick? Didn't see any closures.
Scooter on 08/05/2019 04:27 PM
I rode west to mile marker 109 on Saturday and there were not any closures. Not sure if you rode east.
Ray P from Chicago area on 08/17/2019 05:12 PM
We rode from McKittrick to Portland and back on Aug 14 and the McKittrick to mile 90 on 15th. Good conditions.
Windsor place to stay
- + My family was very impressed with Katy-Rock Junction (660-525-2032), a place with camping and sleeping cabins in Windsor. It was literally right off the trail. The bathrooms and showers are new and ai...
Discussion started 08/16/2019 01:58 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Indiana on 08/16/2019 01:58 PM
My family was very impressed with Katy-Rock Junction (660-525-2032), a place with camping and sleeping cabins in Windsor. It was literally right off the trail. The bathrooms and showers are new and air conditioned, and the whole place is well kept. The owner went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. He also let us keep our bikes in a locked shed on the property. Highly recommended!
Horse back riding
- + Is it allowed to ride the Katy trail on horseback?
Discussion started 02/01/2012 01:40 PM by Barb - 8 replies (last reply by Horse at 08/16/2019 11:37 AM)Barb from Morrisville MO on 02/01/2012 01:40 PM
Is it allowed to ride the Katy trail on horseback?
Paulie from Knoxville on 02/01/2012 04:43 PM
Barb, Horses are only allowed between Calhoun and the Sedalia fairgrounds.
Paulie
Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator on 02/02/2012 12:24 PM
In October of 2011, Missouri State Parks extended the equestrian section on the Katy Trail to Clinton, so horseback riders can now ride on the trail from the Fairgrounds in Sedalia to the trail's end in Clinton. Equestrian parking in Clinton is located at the Henry County Fairgrounds across Price Lane from the Clinton Trailhead. For more information about the trail, visit www.katytrailstatepark.com and click on "General Information."
-- Dawn Fredrickson, Katy Trail Coordinator
Anonymous on 02/02/2012 02:26 PM
Now thats funny!
We all know to come here for the most information Dawn!
Ray (webmaster) on 02/02/2012 11:25 PM
Thanks Anon, but you know you can always go to the DNR's website if you want to get info straight from the horse's mouth.
(sorry, could not pass up that pun, given the subject of this thread)
Thanks Dawn, I always appreciate your information!
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/07/2012 08:39 PM
Well anonymous, I consider Katy Trail bikers lucky to have Ray to host this site and Dawn to monitor it and set things straight when misinformation is posted.
Paulie from Knoxville on 02/08/2012 02:27 PM
Gary, If you are refering to my post, I'm only relaying info.(which has now been changed) I received off FAQ page on this site.
Paulie
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 02/08/2012 10:14 PM
Paulie, my comment was directed at the post of "Anonymous" which appeared to be an attempt to slam the DNR website.
Horse from Lees Summit on 08/16/2019 11:37 AM
Such BS! When will this society be friendly for everyone? I'm more afraid of dogs than I am a horse. Not everyone is a bike or dog fan. zzzzzzzzzzz. regulation regulation.
Clinton to Greens Bottom Rd in St. Charles
- + I'd like to find anyone, preferably a small group, who are planning to ride the trail west to east including the second weekend of October.
Discussion started 08/16/2019 11:05 AM by Biker - 0 repliesBiker from STL on 08/16/2019 11:05 AM
I'd like to find anyone, preferably a small group, who are planning to ride the trail west to east including the second weekend of October.
Want to ride KT
- + Would love to know the best starting point for a great relaxing ride? We just want to have a great experience and see some sites.
Discussion started 08/05/2019 10:03 AM by Jon - 7 replies (last reply by Gamagrass at 08/15/2019 07:36 PM)Jon from St. Louis on 08/05/2019 10:03 AM
Would love to know the best starting point for a great relaxing ride? We just want to have a great experience and see some sites.
Jon from St. Louis on 08/05/2019 10:28 AM
Looking for 12 mile or 24 mile round
Anonymous on 08/05/2019 03:56 PM
The Trip Planner is probably your best bet.
What makes for a relaxing ride is knowing it's not too hot, I have plenty of water, something to snack on, the bike is in great shape with no known issues, knowing that I have the ability to make trailside repairs and have the equipment with me to do so, the trail is smooth with few obstacles, other riders are friendly, the birds are singing, and so on and so on. Those are the things that add up to a great experience for me. It may be different for you??
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 08/06/2019 10:27 AM
As you are from St. Louis, I recommend starting in either Augusta or Defiance and riding east. St. Charles riding west is OK but the first few miles aren't all that scenic.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/06/2019 11:06 AM
I think I'd drive to Defiance, and then head west. Have a little lunch out there somewhere, and head back east. Then have a lil' snack in Defiance, and head home.
Tyann (Bank Haus and Katy Haus) from Marthasville on 08/06/2019 12:53 PM
One of our favorite rides is starting in Marthasville and going west. You get to go through a tunnel, see Peers Store, cross several types of bridges, and once you hit 10 miles west, you are riding next to the Missouri River. When you get back from your ride, have pizza at Philly's Pizza.
WMDC from St Louis on 08/11/2019 06:54 PM
Yep, I agree starting at Marthasville (mm 78) and heading west is pretty, quiet and with far fewer people than the portions of the KATY closer to St Charles. At Mckittrick (mm 101) you can easily head over the bridge to Hermann or stop at the little grocery store on Hwy 19 just off of the KATY. An out and back from Marthasville to McKittrick is about 50 miles and easily doable in a one day outing.
Gamagrass from Columbia on 08/15/2019 07:36 PM
Depending on where you are, Rocheport to Cooper's Landing is all open and nice right now. That is approximately 14 miles one way. Scott Blvd. In Columbia to Rocheport is 12 one way and really nice
Condition on KATY
- + I'm Planning a ride on the KATY from Booneville to Jeff City in September. I wanted to know if there is any updated information on the conditions of the trail for that particular section.
Discussion started 08/15/2019 01:28 PM by KMD - 1 reply (last reply by Gamagrass at 08/15/2019 07:18 PM)KMD from Kansas City on 08/15/2019 01:28 PM
I'm Planning a ride on the KATY from Booneville to Jeff City in September. I wanted to know if there is any updated information on the conditions of the trail for that particular section.
Gamagrass from Columbia on 08/15/2019 07:18 PM
See the "trail condition by users" section of this forum
Columbia to Jefferson City
- + Thinking about coming up this weekend and riding from Columbia to Jeff City. Is that possible right now? I looked on State Park website and according to it, I don't think its doable. But I don't know ...
Discussion started 08/15/2019 03:07 PM by Dave - 2 replies (last reply by Gamagrass at 08/15/2019 07:16 PM)Dave from Springfield on 08/15/2019 03:07 PM
Thinking about coming up this weekend and riding from Columbia to Jeff City. Is that possible right now? I looked on State Park website and according to it, I don't think its doable. But I don't know how often that is updated. Curious if anyone has tried it. Thanks for the info
Gamagrass from Columbia on 08/15/2019 07:14 PM
On the "conditions by trail users" section of this forum, someone posted officially closed between Cooper's and Harrisburg. Some have ridden through but rough. No information since 8/10 posted
Gamagrass from Columbia on 08/15/2019 07:16 PM
Hartsburg!
E bikes
- + I have a Pedego Trail E bike. Is that allowed
Discussion started 08/09/2019 07:41 PM by Jay - 2 replies (last reply by DBinKC at 08/15/2019 02:30 PM)Jay from Topeka on 08/09/2019 07:41 PM
I have a Pedego Trail E bike. Is that allowed
Someone from Somewhere on 08/09/2019 09:53 PM
Yes electric powered bicycles are allowed on the Katy Trail. As long as it is also pedal powered!?? On this same site you will find the list of permitted uses, including equestrian on certain sections.
DBinKC from Leawood KS on 08/15/2019 02:30 PM
I ride my ebike on the trail without any problems. It does require pedaling and I just use the battery boost when I get tired so I can spend more time riding this lovely trail. I don't ride fast because I think it is discourteous to other trail users.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
E bikes
https://bikerockisland.com/talk.aspx?tid=10021&tonly=1
Current State of the entire trail for end-to-end ride?
- + I am considering riding the trail from Clinton to Machens the last week of August. I actually had this trip planned for early June, but half of the trail was underwater at that time and I had to canc...
Discussion started 08/13/2019 04:27 PM by Kyle - 4 replies (last reply by Judy B at 08/15/2019 11:51 AM)Kyle from St. Louis on 08/13/2019 04:27 PM
I am considering riding the trail from Clinton to Machens the last week of August. I actually had this trip planned for early June, but half of the trail was underwater at that time and I had to cancel.
I'm actually still worried that large parts of the trail are impassable, and I don't see any updates on the MO State Parks website past mid-July.
I've read posts on this board referencing specific areas - but if anyone has information on the trail as a whole, I'd love to hear it. My goal is to ride the actual trail as much as I can, and not ride 10 miles on a highway here and there if I don't need to.
Also - does anyone have a good way to get from Sedalia to Clinton?
Thanks, everybody!
Ray (webmaster) on 08/13/2019 06:01 PM
Kyle, be sure to also check out the Current Conditions updates at https://bikekatytrail.com/trail-condition-report.aspx
Folks have been leaving some very helpful updates there. It takes a little work to read through them all, check the dates, compare locations, etc. But that's probably the most up-to-date info you can get without being out there on the trail yourself.
Happy trails and good luck!
biker dudette from Wentzville on 08/15/2019 05:45 AM
I am hoping to ride from Sedalia to Augusta in Oct. ad not sure we can do it. You're right, it's hard to know exactly how the trail is, some posts are old and all are for short distances. I think the big deterrent is Rocheport with the bridge down and a detour on the highway. The only way I know to get to Clinton is a shuttle, there should be some on the web site. We did it once, it was interesting to say the least.
Kyle from St. Louis on 08/15/2019 09:39 AM
From what I can gather, Rocheport seems to be one deterrent, but the detour seems relatively easy. I see a lot of posts about Easley to Hartsburg being pretty treacherous - but there is a road that parallels the trail for about half of that distance - so you might be able to hop off and on the trail depending on the conditions.
I also see reports that St. Charles to Machens is in terrible shape and "impassable". Which, if I'm riding from end to end and get 225 miles into the trip only to not be able to ride the last 12....talk about a massive let-down...
Judy B from St Charles on 08/15/2019 11:51 AM
I'm following this conversation. Planned to ride end to end "the end of September", but like you, wasn't sure it would be possible with bridge out and road in ill repair.
Globe Hotel Bed & Breakfast in Hartsburg
- + Several miles of the trail were washed out before we got into Hartsburg. The Globe B&B was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The host was very hospitable, even helped me carry my bags inside ...
Discussion started 08/14/2019 08:10 PM by Joe - 1 reply (last reply by biker dudette at 08/15/2019 05:46 AM)Joe from Saint Louis on 08/14/2019 08:10 PM
Several miles of the trail were washed out before we got into Hartsburg. The Globe B&B was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The host was very hospitable, even helped me carry my bags inside when she saw I was exhausted. The next day she made us bag lunches and snacks to take with us. Very comfortable place to stay with a great shower and wonderful host.
biker dudette from Wentzville on 08/15/2019 05:46 AM
Washed out like you had to walk your bikes?
One day ride
- + Wish to ride one day approx 30 miles. Want to be shuttled to location and ride back at leasure. What is best area to do this, and best shuttle service? Will be traveling thru in Sept.
Discussion started 08/12/2019 01:05 PM by Juanita - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 08/12/2019 01:52 PM)Juanita from Lancaster Pa on 08/12/2019 01:05 PM
Wish to ride one day approx 30 miles. Want to be shuttled to location and ride back at leasure. What is best area to do this, and best shuttle service? Will be traveling thru in Sept.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 08/12/2019 01:52 PM
There's got to be a way you could do this by train, which would be extra fun. But I don't know enough about the rail options to recommend anything....
App
- + Has the owner of the Web page considered making this an app? It would be more useful for those actually on the trail.
Discussion started 07/07/2018 11:22 AM by Janae - 1 reply (last reply by DR at 08/11/2019 11:06 PM)Janae from KCMO on 07/07/2018 11:22 AM
Has the owner of the Web page considered making this an app? It would be more useful for those actually on the trail.
DR from Peoria, Az on 08/11/2019 11:06 PM
Interested