North Jefferson to Boonville
- + We plan on biking from Jefferson to Boonville tomorrow. Are there any closures or detours along the way?
Discussion started 03/26/2019 07:15 PM by Audrey - 3 replies (last reply by Allen at 03/27/2019 10:18 AM)Audrey from Ohio on 03/26/2019 07:15 PM
We plan on biking from Jefferson to Boonville tomorrow. Are there any closures or detours along the way?
Anonymous on 03/26/2019 09:44 PM
The Missouri DNR state parks info about the Katy will list any detours or closures. Give that a go.
John Hutchins from Pacific on 03/27/2019 05:34 AM
There are some closures. Read about them here
https://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010
Allen from Shawnee on 03/27/2019 10:18 AM
https://mostateparks.com/advisory/80026/flooding-and-closure-advisory-–-katy-trail-state-park.
Above is a link to MO. DNR website looks like,there may be some flooding east of Rocheport and near Easley
Camping near Clifton City
- + I will be walking the trail. Is there any camping options near Clifton City?
Discussion started 03/27/2019 06:10 AM by Olive - 1 reply (last reply by Allen at 03/27/2019 10:15 AM)Olive from Sparta, IL on 03/27/2019 06:10 AM
I will be walking the trail. Is there any camping options near Clifton City?
Allen from Shawnee on 03/27/2019 10:15 AM
No camping near here I am aware of just at Pilot Grove city park and Sedalia.
Amtrack
- + I want to bike the entire trail this summer. I've biked the GAP and C&O here in MD and PA we took the Amtrak. I can take Amtrak to St Louis then how do you get back. Is there Amtrak service at the e...
Discussion started 03/26/2019 10:52 AM by Chris - 2 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor at 03/26/2019 03:22 PM)Chris from Frederick MD on 03/26/2019 10:52 AM
I want to bike the entire trail this summer. I've biked the GAP and C&O here in MD and PA we took the Amtrak. I can take Amtrak to St Louis then how do you get back. Is there Amtrak service at the end?
Anonymous on 03/26/2019 01:06 PM
The last stop on the Katy is in Sedalia. Or Lee's Summit if you choose to ride on past the end of the Rock Island Trail.
You could just terminate in Sedalia, or ride to Clinton and then ride or shuttle back to Sedalia to hop the train.
Shuttle info/Amtrak link, etc. on the home page.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/26/2019 03:22 PM
At the West end there is Amtrak at Lee's Summit or Warrensburg. I'm at Windsor and happy to help you get to one of those if that helps 660-351-0905
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Amtrack
https://bikerockisland.com/talk.aspx?tid=9543&tonly=1
The Touring Cyclist Shuttle in St Charles
- + Hi,
I am planning a bike trip to do the entire Katy Trail in September. There will be one, potentially 2 vehicles, 4-6 people. We are looking for someone who can move our vehicles to our destination...
Discussion started 03/25/2019 11:59 AM by JAY KRAEMER - 1 reply (last reply by Russell Williams at 03/25/2019 11:39 PM)JAY KRAEMER from MADISON, WI on 03/25/2019 11:59 AM
Hi,
I am planning a bike trip to do the entire Katy Trail in September. There will be one, potentially 2 vehicles, 4-6 people. We are looking for someone who can move our vehicles to our destinations as we make the trip. We plan on riding roughly 60 miles per day. Is there a service available that will move our vehicle(s) for us? Or is it best to take a shuttle back to the starting point to pick up our vehicles. You can email me at jayLkraemer@gmail.com with the answer if that is preferred.
Thanks,
Jay
Russell Williams from Colorado Springs on 03/25/2019 11:39 PM
Hey, I would like to read the answer so make it public! Helpful to all of us.
Connection to Rock Island?
- + Wondering if you know when the connection to the Rock Island line will be complete to Raytown? We are anxious to get on the Katy/Rock Island from our neck of the woods!
Discussion started 03/25/2019 09:31 AM by Christine - 1 reply (last reply by KatyFan at 03/25/2019 08:32 PM)Christine from Independence on 03/25/2019 09:31 AM
Wondering if you know when the connection to the Rock Island line will be complete to Raytown? We are anxious to get on the Katy/Rock Island from our neck of the woods!
KatyFan from Lees Summit on 03/25/2019 08:32 PM
Jackson County SHOULD be starting construction on that part of the spur this summer(2019). They have already completed 7.5 miles from Jefferson to Brickyard Road in Knobtown in Summer 2018. In 2019 they are scheduled to finish that stretch through Raytown to the stadiums. Fingers crossed that there are no delays!
Rock Island trail info on this site
- + I'm having a hard time using the Trip Planner function for the Rock Island Trail using this site. It keeps defaulting back to the Katy Trail when I click refresh Trip planner. Trying to find info from...
Discussion started 03/21/2019 09:36 PM by francesty - 4 replies (last reply by francesty at 03/25/2019 09:08 AM)francesty from Detroit on 03/21/2019 09:36 PM
I'm having a hard time using the Trip Planner function for the Rock Island Trail using this site. It keeps defaulting back to the Katy Trail when I click refresh Trip planner. Trying to find info from Windsor to Lee's Summit gives you all the Katy Trail info from Sedalia going east to St. Charles. Is this being worked on? Thanks
Ray (webmaster) on 03/21/2019 10:46 PM
Thank you for pointing that out. It's definitely not working right when any part of the Rock Island is included.
I will investigate the problem and get it fixed. Thanks again for the heads up.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/23/2019 09:46 AM
The Trip Planner is now working correctly. Having the intersecting trails presented some challenges, but it's all good now.
Side note: I had to take Lee's Summit out of the list of towns because it's not yet connected to the Rock Island Trail. You need to use roads to get from Lee's Summit to the Rock Island Trail, but the Trip Planner is totally trail-based, so you'll have to use Pleasant Hill ast the starting town.
Thanks again for letting me know about the earlier problem!
Happy trails!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/23/2019 11:37 AM
Thanks for always keeping this site so user friendly Ray!
francesty from Detroit on 03/25/2019 09:08 AM
Thanks so much, it makes it so easy to plan a rip!
Floods of 2019
- + We are planning a spring ride across the K. Trail. BUT can someone tell us about the situation with the snow melt and floods in the area? How will it mpact the Missouri River? Thanks so much.
Discussion started 03/22/2019 09:09 PM by Russell Williams - 1 reply (last reply by Hank at 03/23/2019 07:41 PM)Russell Williams from Colorado Springs on 03/22/2019 09:09 PM
We are planning a spring ride across the K. Trail. BUT can someone tell us about the situation with the snow melt and floods in the area? How will it mpact the Missouri River? Thanks so much.
Hank on 03/23/2019 07:41 PM
This will be your best source of info for the spring flooding: https://mostateparks.com/advisories?parks=53010
Unfortunately it does look like the Katy will be impacted by flooding this spring.
Book: Cycling the Katy Trail by Neil Hanson
- + I just finished it and it's a good read. The first part is the standard how to get from point A to point B on the Katy. The second part is more about the towns and B&Bs he said at and reflections of t...
Discussion started 01/19/2019 09:12 PM by Jerry Whittle - 5 replies (last reply by Annette Barnes at 03/23/2019 11:13 AM)Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 01/19/2019 09:12 PM
I just finished it and it's a good read. The first part is the standard how to get from point A to point B on the Katy. The second part is more about the towns and B&Bs he said at and reflections of things he observed on the Katy.
It mentions this web site often so he must have used it frequently.
Phil from SC on 03/20/2019 01:02 PM
How current is information? I was excited to get a katy trail book by another author but after reading half of it I discovered it was written 12 years ago.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 03/21/2019 12:08 PM
I was published in July 2018 so really current.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/21/2019 12:20 PM
FYI, I looked around Amazon and pulled together all the books I could find related to the Katy Trail, plus other related topics that might be of interest. You can see the books at
guide-books.aspx
If you click through and view the book info in Amazon, it will have publication date, edition number, etc - so you can see how current the book is, plus read reviews, etc.
Full disclosure: Amazon will pay me a commission if you buy stuff from them after clicking through links on the
guide-books.aspx web page.
Rebecca from Ames on 03/21/2019 05:03 PM
I have Neil's book. The data are from their trip in 2016. With all the floods going down the Missouri from Iowa and Nebraska, hoping there are no washouts. There is a festival the week following our journey, so I hope the stores, cafes,etc. will be open. I plan to call a week or two in advance, since we prefer to eat from the establishments along the route, rather than take our own. Any information is appreciated. Thanks.
Annette Barnes from Clinton on 03/23/2019 11:13 AM
I have the book Pilgrim Ways signed by Neil Hanson which was published in 2016. He came and stayed with us in October 2013 and we are mentioned in the book. I don't know if we are mentioned in his new book. I own the www.HayslerHouse.com in Clinton. However, a friend ran into him in Washington, DC in 2018 and he mentioned to her that he had stayed with us and enjoyed his stay.
CURRENT CONDITION OF THE TRAIL 03/19
- + I have a trip planned for early June along the Katy Trail. I understand that there may have been some damage due to the terrible storms and flooding MO just experienced. Does anyone know if the trail ...
Discussion started 03/22/2019 10:21 AM by Tracy K. - 1 reply (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 03/22/2019 03:02 PM)Tracy K. from Allentown on 03/22/2019 10:21 AM
I have a trip planned for early June along the Katy Trail. I understand that there may have been some damage due to the terrible storms and flooding MO just experienced. Does anyone know if the trail was impacted? If so, what degree of damage is there and your thoughts on whether it will be usable by June?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 03/22/2019 03:02 PM
There is some flooding now plus some storm damage. However the Missouri Parks employees do an outstanding job of fixing the trail. Short of some more flooding or severe storms closer to June, I bet you will be OK. I sure hope so as I'll be riding from Clinton to St. Charles in mid-June.
If the trail is soggy, your best defense are the fattest tires your bike can handle and maybe some fenders.
Weather and conditions
- + How is the condition of the trail, and weather for biking in early April? Can hotels be booked last minute that time of year?
Discussion started 03/16/2019 06:49 AM by EAE - 4 replies (last reply by Rex McCall at 03/20/2019 11:34 AM)EAE from Wyoming on 03/16/2019 06:49 AM
How is the condition of the trail, and weather for biking in early April? Can hotels be booked last minute that time of year?
Rex McCall from Springfield,MO on 03/16/2019 10:56 AM
The temperature is not bad, especially towards the end of the month. The average high on April 1 is in the lower 60s, but by the last week of the month, it is in the lower 70s. The biggest problem will be rain, since it is one of our wettest months. That can lead to wash-outs along the trail and, occasionally, flooding. The Park is pretty good about repairing the trail in the warmer months.
As for hotels, it all depends on the town and day of the week. The ones in the St. Charles Historic District and in Hermann tend to fill up on the weekends, quickly. Still, you should be able to find one in St. Charles, although it might be a mile or two from the trail. I've not been to Hermann in April, but my guess is it probably doesn't get too busy until after school lets out in May. Sunday through Thursday is usually not a problem for any town. I think you will have no trouble getting a room in Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville, Jeff City, or Washington.
Phil from SC on 03/20/2019 07:41 AM
Does anyone know if any parts of the trail have been affected by the recent flooding?
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/20/2019 09:08 AM
I believe this is kept up to date
https://mostateparks.com/page/57948/trail-conditions
Rex McCall from Springfield,MO on 03/20/2019 11:34 AM
This is from the state park web site (mostateparks.com):
Katy Trail State Park is temporarily closed at the following locations due to flooding:
-- The trail will be closed due to anticipated flooding at 2:30 p.m. on Fri., Mar. 22 west of the Rocheport tunnel (approximately MM 178.6). Trail users should follow the detour that will be posted. (effective Mar. 22)
-- MM 34 - 35, east of St. Charles. (effective Mar. 20)
In addition, Easley River Road/Smith Hatchery Road near MM 162 is under water. While the road is under water, the trail between Route N (MM 162.5) and Little Bonne Femme Creek bridge (MM 163.6) will be opened to local vehicular traffic in this area so users need to exercise caution and expect to encounter vehicles on the trail.
For information on potential flood impacts to the trail, please visit the Potential Flood Locations page.
shuttle service?
- + We plan to ride east to west at this point, and might take amtrak to st. louis area but how do we get to st. charles then to begin our ride? can we ride our bikes there safely or are there any shuttle...
Discussion started 03/20/2019 07:51 AM by Phil - 0 repliesPhil from SC on 03/20/2019 07:51 AM
We plan to ride east to west at this point, and might take amtrak to st. louis area but how do we get to st. charles then to begin our ride? can we ride our bikes there safely or are there any shuttle services?
Tyler's Market in Pilot Grove
- + This business has been closed for several,years.
Discussion started 03/20/2019 07:19 AM by Allen - 0 repliesAllen from Shawnee on 03/20/2019 07:19 AM
This business has been closed for several,years.
Tebbetts Trailhead
- + Can I leave a car at the Tebbets, Missouri Trailhead for a couple of days? Is it safe? Is there any place to lock up bikes overnight at the hostel?
Discussion started 03/18/2019 08:59 PM by Nita - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/19/2019 09:04 AM)Nita from Austin on 03/18/2019 08:59 PM
Can I leave a car at the Tebbets, Missouri Trailhead for a couple of days? Is it safe? Is there any place to lock up bikes overnight at the hostel?
Allen from Shaenee, Ks on 03/19/2019 05:54 AM
I have left my car at the Tebbits trailhead overnight without any problem. There is an indoor bike storage room at the Hostel that is locked and secure no problem here either.
This is a small town with very few residents or problems.
Have a good trip
Allen
Anonymous on 03/19/2019 09:04 AM
We too have left our vehicle at the Tebbetts trailhead without incident and would again without worrying about it.
Marthasville to Treloar
- + I took my first ride on the Katy yesterday on the stretch mentioned in the subject line. The condition of the trail was very rough from what I guess to be tractor traffic. My assumption is they drov...
Discussion started 03/17/2019 08:26 PM by Matt - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/19/2019 09:02 AM)Matt from Wentzville on 03/17/2019 08:26 PM
I took my first ride on the Katy yesterday on the stretch mentioned in the subject line. The condition of the trail was very rough from what I guess to be tractor traffic. My assumption is they drove on it when the trail was wet. It was like riding on a washboard for most of the trip. Does anyone know if there is maintenance done to the trail to repair things like that? Thanks!
Anonymous on 03/19/2019 09:02 AM
Yes the DNR maintains the trail.
Eber Haus Inn in Hartsburg
- + The Eber Haus was one of the best experiences we had doing the entire Katy Trail. Sarah and Carl were wonderful and so entertaining. The food was Amazing!! The accommodations were great. We needed a...
Discussion started 11/03/2017 03:00 PM by Maureen - 4 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 03/18/2019 05:21 PM)Maureen from Arizona on 11/03/2017 03:00 PM
The Eber Haus was one of the best experiences we had doing the entire Katy Trail. Sarah and Carl were wonderful and so entertaining. The food was Amazing!! The accommodations were great. We needed a night like this to recover from a long wet couple of days. Perfect! Thank you so much Sarah and Carl!
Sarah from Hartsburg on 11/06/2017 01:51 PM
You all were our pleasure to serve! Best! Sarah n Carl
John R Hibbing from Lincoln, NE on 03/18/2019 01:36 PM
Hello--
We were hoping to book two rooms on June 7. Do you have any available? We have heard good things about your establishment. My email is jhibbing@unl.edu. Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
John Hibbing
Anonymous on 03/18/2019 01:59 PM
They may find you here....and maybe not.
It maybe best to contact directly to make your lodging reservations instead of the shotgun approach on an open forum.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/18/2019 05:21 PM
I'm sorry to say that Eber Haus will be closing on May 10. We'll be sad to see them go.
There are other lodging options in Hartsburg and other nearby towns. As mentioned above, you'll have better results if you contact the inns directly.
Good luck and happy trails.
how to search this forum
- + I am having trouble searching this forum. When I click search and type in a question I get directed to a Google search with lots of choices but when I click on one of them it takes me back to the foru...
Discussion started 03/16/2019 10:53 PM by Mary Ann Rigas - 2 replies (last reply by Mary Ann Rigas at 03/17/2019 11:20 PM)Mary Ann Rigas from Coudersport PA on 03/16/2019 10:53 PM
I am having trouble searching this forum. When I click search and type in a question I get directed to a Google search with lots of choices but when I click on one of them it takes me back to the forum but just to the most recent post not the one I searched for. Thank you.
Ray (webmaster) on 03/17/2019 07:15 AM
Thank you for pointing that out! It's now fixed.
This was caused by a difference in the forum page web addresses, after recent upgrades to the website. Google still has lots of links in the old format; I made a change to automatically convert to the new format when you click a link.
Happy trails!
Mary Ann Rigas from Coudersport PA on 03/17/2019 11:20 PM
Thank you! It is working now.
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Hostel in Tebbetts
- + Is the turner hotel open yet,? I was hoping to use it around marc20
Discussion started 03/15/2019 11:13 AM by JMB - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 03/15/2019 04:30 PM)JMB from Ok on 03/15/2019 11:13 AM
Is the turner hotel open yet,? I was hoping to use it around marc20
JMB from Ok on 03/15/2019 12:41 PM
I meant hostel
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/15/2019 04:30 PM
The shelter is open. Probably be turning the heat up over the weekend.
Walking the Katy trail
- + I'm just curious. Do many people just walk the Katy Trail other that bike it? I noticed some of the distances between camp grounds could be a stretch for a person on foot. Also, Just how safe would it...
Discussion started 03/13/2019 02:23 PM by Sterling - 5 replies (last reply by Michael at 03/15/2019 04:08 PM)Sterling from Kansas City, Missouri on 03/13/2019 02:23 PM
I'm just curious. Do many people just walk the Katy Trail other that bike it? I noticed some of the distances between camp grounds could be a stretch for a person on foot. Also, Just how safe would it be to do it? Sorry I am a newbie at this stuff. Thanks!
Allen from Shawnee on 03/13/2019 03:20 PM
I met a man last fall that backpacked the whole trail, I think he said his longest day was a little over 20 miles. He was a writer who publishes in backpacking magazine sometimes. He was very impressed with the hike and wrote a few posts on this forum, all were very positive, I don’t remember his last name but his first name was Michael. I have spent many days on the trail over a period of 15 or so years and have never had an experience where I felt unsafe. I have thru biked the trail so many times I have lost count, always camping.
If you decide to do it, this website provides a wealth of information.
Have a good time,
Allen
Anonymous on 03/13/2019 03:23 PM
Lots of people use the Katy to walk instead of biking. It is very common to meet walkers on the trail especially near the trailheads. Some are thru walkers too. Check out Katy Trail Trip Reports on the Home page. There is a hiker icon next to those trip reports by hikers. The biggest issue I've seen with people walking are those who are in the middle of the trail oblivious that anyone else is around. Then it can be difficult with bikes on both sides or to gain there attention if they are listening to music without being able to hear what is around them. Yes, the Katy is safe in my opinion.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins, Windsor from Windsor on 03/13/2019 04:20 PM
I've had 2 different instances of gentlemen 70ish from out of state who stayed at the cabins and hiking entire trail. A group of ladies I shuttled some and had stay who over time hiked it in sections. Said they'll be back to hike new Rock Island. All really enjoyed the experience
Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 03/14/2019 10:35 AM
Many people walk the trail, especially in the off season. Locals who regularly walk their favorite sections have been a great source of advice on where to stay and eat, and have given me stories of the history of the trail. Just remember to call out "on your left" or something similar before you pass walkers (and their dogs) so you don't startle them. Yes, the Katy is very safe.
Michael from Camdenton, Mo on 03/15/2019 04:08 PM
I walked the entire trail from Clinton to Machens!... best 16 days I ever spent. I incourage anyone wanting to hike the entire trail to do it it’s safe and the people are amazing!!!????