Rock Island Trail Forum

Hey, does anyone have a sense for how busy the camping is at Klondike on a fair weather summer weekend? I'm thinking of camping there an accessing the trail from there, but wondering if I can just show up on a Friday evening and get a good site, and how crowded the campground is. Thanks!

Pretty busy. I highly suggest that you make a reservation.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/stcharlescountyparkrec/Reserve_Options

I a new t the trail and wanting to ride the fill length. Which is a better trail ride The Katy Trail or Rock Island Trail?

Right now the Katy as the Rock Island is a work in progress with only about 50 miles open. If you are from St. Louis, the Katy is also much closer.

The Katy is over 230 miles and the RIT is a little under 50. They are pretty similar as far as the trail itself goes. The Katy has been around longer and goes through more populated areas from time to time, so there is more to see and do. The RIT is less developed and only goes through a few small towns / villages. Food, water, lodging, etc are more available on the Katy, in general. Just depends on where you want to ride. The experience isn't much different when you're on the bike on either, but your options for off bike activities are higher on the Katy.

You can do both. The RIT intersects the Katy at Windsor.

We would like to ride the RIT from Pleasant Hill to where it meets the KT, ride to Clinton and camp there the first night. Then ride the KT to St. Charles, camping along the way. We can probably average 50-60 miles a day if the weather isn’t rainy or otherwise inclement. We’re planning to do this in late September or October. Here are some questions:
Is there long-term parking (7-10 days) near the Pleasant Hill trailhead?
Is there a shuttle that goes from St. Charles to Pleasant Hill?

Any other suggestions about this plan are welcome!

I've had some problems with dogs running loose on the trail south of Pleasant Hill. Is there anything that can be done about this? The dogs belong to people who live along the trail, but they are not secured on their property. There are 2 locations I've had problems. One is the junkyard on E. Route P, past Paris Road on the right but before Staley Mound (Rock Island spur parking at S. Roush Rd). The owner has multiple large dogs that will charge you in the parking lot or on the trail.

The other location is if you turn left from E. Route P onto Paris Rd, then go left on the trail, it is down the trail and on the right (per Google earth is at corner of 203rd and Sherwood). There is a house with about 5 dogs and a large goat/ yak. They appear to do some type of construction work as there are many materials on the property. The goat/ yak is kept on a chain but the dogs are not.

These dogs are limiting my ability to use the trail for recreation, and my family and I are trying to avoid these locations due to risk of harm, and at a minimum nuisance of the loose animals. The trail signs clearly state all dogs must be kept on a leash on the trail. My dog is on a leash, but theirs are not. If there is someone else I should contact about these concerns, please let me know. I spoke with a cyclist on the trail today who has had similar experiences at these locations. I understand the dog owners live along the trail but the trail is public property and they are keeping people from enjoying the trails.

I'm sorry to hear about this - it's a shame when the trail gets ruined for everybody because of the actions of one thoughtless person.

I suggest a couple things:

1. Contact local law enforcement. This is a public safety issue and it may be only a matter of time until someone gets bitten. I understand that "country dogs" are usually allowed to run free, but the trail is a public park and if local law enforcement won't help, then they show a willingness to let some kid get mauled by the dogs.

2. Contact Missouri State Parks Department [ https://mostateparks.com/page/59521/contact-us ] - the trail is in their jurisdiction and they might have ways of dealing with these situations.

Also I would recommend carrying pepper spray when using the trail.

Good luck.

A few other things to consider:

1. Leave your dog at home so there is no temptation for combative dog interaction. Yes you have the right to bring your dog with you on the trail. We all have rights, but it's not always prudent to exercise them.

2. Do not run from them. Dogs love to chase and will act on another's instinct to run. As a dog owner though, you know that.

3. Be aware at those problematic locations that you mentioned. Knowing how to use pepper spray or an air horn is to your advantage.

4. Document all incidents and report them to both the local law enforcement and the Missouri State Parks Department as Ray suggested.

All good comments... I understand and share your frustration as a person who uses the trail and always leashes her dog. You might also contact the local town board and advise them of the situation... they will want your business so may approach local dog owners as we do here in Hartsburg.

Yes, the dogs shouldn't be on the trail but it's rural Missouri and that's the way it is. I used to yell at them or try to out run them. Stimulating but pretty stressful and I did take a nasty spill, about 20 years ago, because I was paying more attention to the dog than I was to the road ahead. That hurt!

Last year, I did a lot of cycling in rural West Virginia. I don't think anyone has leashes there. Everyone has a dog, or two, running free. The state motto is "Wild and Wonderful," after all. The dogs like to bark at and sometimes chase cyclists. That's what they get paid to do.

It dawned on me that, instead of yelling, I began talking to them like I would have spoken to my own dog. "Hey good dog." "That's a good dog." They might still bark but 90% of them seem to relax a bit. Carry some milk bones and throw a treat to them.

There will be a small percentage of mean spirited dogs, for which these tactics will not work. For those, get off the bike and put it between you and the dog.

You can use the bike as a shield and as a defensive tool. Lift up on the handlebars, so the back wheel is on the ground and the front is raised off the ground. You can use the front wheel to bop the dog in the nose a few times. Most of them will back up a bit after that. They may still snarl and bark but they become less likely to attack. Start walking away slowly, keeping the bike between the two of you. When you get some distance between you and the dog, get back on and pedal away. Usually the owner comes out and calls the dog off before you have to resort to this kind of stuff, but it doesn't hurt to have a few good strategies in your head.

stayed here in November of 2017 and did not know what to expect. we had a group of 6 adults, 6 kids, 4 tents. the only spot available for our group was the north side which is surrounded by RV's that obstructed any view of the river. it was almost like we were invading someones personal space as it seemed we were in "their" backyard. the only other camping spot is on the south end which appears to have a better view of the river and is a little more secluded but again all these campsites are very close to one another. the live music and view of the river from the deck was the best part about coopers landing. you can tell very quickly that this place is more of a long term RV site and not the most friendly to weekend campers. there is a bathroom and shower inside the store but personal toiletries of the long term guests were everywhere so again you feel like you are in someone else's house. the port o potty was very clean. the location to the trail can't be beat (5 steps) and the 9 mile bike ride to the station house in Huntsdale was a perfect stop for lunch and a beer before returning to camp. their is a very strict no noise policy at 10pm. not even quiet conversation outside of your tent by the fire was acceptable. we were yelled at from one of the long term residents. the only reason you would come here is because there is no other campgrounds close by.

Thinking about doing the RIT with my 6 year old on a tag along bike behind me, entering in Pleasant Hill and riding to Windosr to camp for one night and then riding back to P-hill the next day. My buddy will be with us and he has a 5 year old on a tag along as well. This will be our first overnight adventure/ride of this nature, is the trail fit to have kids in tow or will the surface and hills make this a challenge that will take away from the fun of the ride? Also the camping situation in Windsor, I have read that it is not anything special but it serves the purpose, any thoughts on the Farrington Park campground? One more question, is there a route connecting P-Hill to Clinton or would we have to ride to Windsor first and then back track to Clinton? Suggestions of any type are welcome!!

Thanks

Camped here Friday night, but didn't see the sign at the trailhead about needing to notify police until I passed back through going eastbound 2 days later. Thankfully no one came up to my tent in the middle of the night.

This was a really quiet and peaceful spot, other than a woman yelling for her cat around midnight. Also the bathrooms looked like they hadn't been cleaned in over a year (possibly longer considering the other comments). The water spigot outside the bathrooms had a padlock on it, but the water from the bathroom faucet was fine.

Were the pool showers open for the season yet? Thanks!

I camped in the Pilot Grove city park 5/9. I was glad to have the place to camp. But the bathrooms were disgusting. I'm not too particular and will put up wit a lot, but both toilets in both bathrooms were stopped up and close to overflowing with human waste. The smell was unbelievable. My assumption is that the sewer line from the bathrooms is clogged. The water was on, but after seeing the bathrooms I didn't want to go back in. Not that long a trip to the trail head to fill water bottles. I wouldn't discourage anyone from camping there as long as they understood the park bathrooms should be avoided. Mihjt be better this summer if the pool is open.

I'm going to be camping there with my two children the first week in August. Does anyone have any updates on the camping situation / rest rooms? I will make sure to notify the police department in advance. Thanks in advance for any advice!

We will be camping there this weekend, I will try to let you know how the experience was. We normally go this time of year because the pool is open and you can take a shower. Casey's and a Bar/Grill are all within walking distance. Casey's has a breakfast pizza that is really good. The bathrooms have always been gross. The pool is worth it...

Can anyone tell me if there is very much tree coverage on the trail? Planning to ride Pleasant Hill to Windsor this September.

That section of the trail is very well shaded. Other parts of the trail the answer would be "it depends".

Google maps is a good resource to view the lay of the land.

Hi, that's the entire Rock Island portion of the Katy and in talking to the wife we think it's at least 75% shaded. We rode it about 10 days ago and it was in really excellent shape end to end.

The majority of the trail is at least partially shaded, and much of it is heavily shaded. A few sections with no shade, but for relatively short distances. Especially in September, I don't see this being an issue for you.

Planning on riding in Mid- September. We would like to ride the train as far west as possible. That looks like Sedalia. Is there any other form of transportation available like Uber, or a taxi service that would accommodate 2 people and bikes from there to the trailhead in Clinton? Thank you for any suggestions.

Consider taking amtrak to Lee's Summit then starting in Pleasant Hill on the RIT and joining the KT in Windsor.

Just finished the riding this segment. Make sure you have plenty of water, some pretty long stretches without.

A new bridge is under construction now, hopefully with a bike lane. We had to time it right and sprinted across together. We had to take the whole lane. Hwy 47 has a shoulder to ride on.

Go here to see the bridge being built. https://app.oxblue.com/open/modot/cams

Go here to see renderings of completed bridge. Includes 10' protected bikeway similar to the bridge at Herman. http://www.modot.org/stlouis/major_projects/images/PedestrianTrail.jpg

http://www.modot.org/stlouis/major_projects/Route47BridgeoverMissouriRiver.htm.%20

Yes, the new bridge will have a bike lane. Completion is December 2018 weather permitting.

We can't wait for the new bridge and bike lane! It will make staying in the cute town of Washington SO much easier and less stressful! We will be eagerly awaiting it's completion!!

THANK YOU!!!

Carol

Any advice in getting to Washington Amtrak now?

Does anyone know the current progress of the new bridge? It says the new bridge will be completed in 2018 but the total project completed in 2019. The real question I have will the bike lane be open??

I'll just confirm that the bridge isn't done yet. I'd say it's at least a couple of months out from when I got a lift across.

They are currently expecting to have traffic on the bridge by December 2018. I haven't heard if the bike lane will be open at the same time. However the new bridge will have 10-ft shoulders so at minimum you could ride the shoulders until the bike lane is fully open.

I would bet that the bike/ped crossing will be ready by December 1st when the big bridge opening occurs. If you want to see how the bridge construction is progressing, then look at the MoDOT Washington Hwy. 47 webcam at: https://app.oxblue.com/open/modot/cams ...the Hwy. 47 bridge view is on the third row.

The bike lane will NOT be open December, 2018. The bike lane on the north side of the river will curl underneath the new bridge and access Route 47 on the east roadway shoulder. The old bridge will be demo'd in 2019 and this work will be completed before the bike lane is built. So the bike lane won't be open until sometime in summer 2019.

However the 10-foot shoulders on the bridge lanes themselves will be adequate for biking, beginning when the bridge is open to traffic Dec. 2018.

Hello, I was going to come down this weekend to ride the trail and was looking suggestions on where to start. I was going to ride about 25 miles out, take a break and then ride back. Should I start in St Charles or would it be better to start in say Weldon Springs. Thank you for your suggestions.

Definitely start in Weldon Springs and head east. There's really nothing between Weldon Springs and St. Charles (not even water), but more than you can see and do in one trip in Augusta, Dutzow, Defiance, and Marthasville areas.

Not much between St Chuck and Weldon Springs.

I'd start in Weldon Springs and ride west for how ever far you'd like and then return to Weldon Springs.

I would start at the MO Research Park, which is easy access off I-64. Head west from there, and you have views of bluffs and the river at times. Marthasville would be a nice turnaround point about 25 miles away.

I have to agree about starting somewhere like Weldon Springs and heading west. Defiance and Augusta both have nice places to stop for lunch. Not much after Augusta though.

Klondike Park is a nice side trip if you don't mind some steep hills. There's a couple of ways to get to it between Defiance and Augusta especially near the boat ramp.

Definitely start in Weldon Springs and go West. The small towns you will pass through have significantly more to offer, both in terms of scenic value and facilities, than the stretch of trail from St Charles. Starting in Weldon springs will also give you more view of the river. Have a great ride!

Thank you all so much for the suggestions!

I might suggest that you park at Chesterfield Valley Athletic complex, where you will access the Monarch Levee trail. Ride this a short distance west and cross the Missouri River on the protected bike lane. The bike path will take you to the Katy Trail at approximate mile 51. Then take the Katy west to Dutzow or Marthasville.

For the return trip, take the Katy Trail back to approximate mile 57, where you can pick up the Hamburg Trail. This amounts to a bit of a scenic detour from the Katy. Take the Hamburg to the Busch Greenway trail, Missouri Research Park trail, and then back to the Katy, where you will be very close to the Missouri River crossing at Chesterfield.

Happy trails!

Is parking at Cooper's Landing for riding on the Katy West, allowed or do the owners not allow that. Thanks

Good question. Why don't you call the owners and ask them and then let us all know.

Hwy 94 will be closed for bridge repair at Little Tavern creek starting July 16. Support vehicles will have to detour from Portland north on D to K east to P south to Rhineland or vice versa if headed west. There are no gravel roads except to Bluffton. The trail will not be affected, only the hwy use. It will add about 15 miles to their drive.

The start date has been postponed to July 23 due to some parts not arriving.

At this time they are only going to work on the Loutre River Bridge on 94 Just west of Hwy 19. Support vehicles will have to detour from Rhineland north on P to K east to Big Springs and then Hwy 19 south to McKittrick.

The absolute perfect place to stay. These quaint cabins are located at the junction of the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Spur, a perfect location. The cabins and grounds are perfectly maintained and exceptionally clean. Kim’s Cabins get a Five Star Rating??????????.

The absolute perfect place to stay. These quaint cabins are located at the junction of the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Spur, a perfect location. The cabins and grounds are perfectly maintained and exceptionally clean. Kim’s Cabins get a Five Star Rating??????????.

Thanks so much and wonderful to have you all visit Steve!

Thanks so much and wonderful to have you all visit Steve!

I live very close to the Prairie Lick 'Trail Head', and am/was surprised how often it is used. Glad to see the folks out there on the trail.
The Trail Head NEEDS a Trash Can though. And widening it might be a good idea too.
I hope the Parks Dept reads these comments....