Rock Island Trail Forum

The annual Catholic fall pilgrimage to Starkenburg will be using the Katy Trail October 3rd. 4th and 5th. What this means to those biking the Katy is you can expect to come up on large groups of people walking on the trail that most likely will not know how to react to you calling things out like " on your left". Approach the groups slowly and be prepared to stop. They are between JC and Tebbetts today. They will be between Tebbetts and Portland tomorrow and then between Portland and Rhineland Saturday where they will leave the trail.

We encountered this youth group at Dutzow this past Wednesday. Very large group and very friendly. They're using ropes to hang onto in individual file,so they're strong out. Please give them space

If you're staying at the Turner Shelter this Friday (10/4) the Tebbetts community is having their monthly supper. Here's a link.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/158607764225367/permalink/8487933687959358/

That link goes to a private group that most of us don’t qualify to join. Perhaps you could cut and paste or just type the details.

Let me try to help a brother out, try this link:

https://tebbettsorg.wordpress.com/food/

Sorry about that. Found out today that they have changed it to private.
Thankfully I have a tech-savvy brother.

Looking to catch the Amtrak from Alton IL to Lees summit and ride back. Are there any good places to park for 5 or 6 days near Machens or The Amtrak Station in Alton?

Machens is not accessible by vehicle because the state of Missouri does not have any land or roadway beyond the Machens trailhead. The closest trailhead with parking is Black Walnut which has a handful of spaces. Regarding Machens: the roadway to the trailhead from 94 Highway is blocked, preventing vehicle access, but cyclists can easily go around. This was done by the neighboring property owner who is not trail friendly. Unfortunately his name is Machens. He has probably had issues with illegal parking, trash, etc in addition to whatever biases he holds. I have personally looked at the public records of county maps available online and it appears there is a right of way allowing you access and some cyclists do this without issues. I did this the one time when I passed through on my cross Missouri ride. I’ve followed this topic for a little over three years now. Some opinions may differ than mine, some tend to be doom and gloom, some claim they got flat tires from this short access. I encourage you to use google maps including satellite view to review this route and consider that Machens road is a public road that has been blocked. Machens road ends at the railroad crossing which is only 0.1 mile from the trailhead. If you decide you don’t want to deal with this local issue you can easily continue on via local roadways to the Black Walnut trailhead which is in the same direction you’d be riding anyway. Food for thought: cyclists are generally welcome along the entire trail. This particular neighbor is a long time resident, property owner, tax payer and voter. I suspect that since the Machens trailhead is so lightly traveled that the local/county government hasn’t felt the need to take any action against one of their own residents/tax payers. Enjoy your trip!

Stayed here 9/28/24. $12 a night. Security came around to pick up our cash payment and give us proof of payment to put on our tent. We just set up at a regular site, but he could see we weren't using hookups. The women's bathroom/shower house is in fair condition and the water was hot. The men's bathrooms have no doors on the toilet stalls, and is one large shower room with no partitions or privacy. If you like your privacy, this might not be the best option. The factory across the street was LOUD but kind of like white noise after a while. The city noises (cars, sirens, etc) may be more of an issue for some.

We stayed at Farrington Park 9/27/24. Paid online and were sent codes for the restrooms/showers. We arrived around 8:00 pm, set up camp in the dark, and then our codes didn't work. I was just about to panic, however, I called the number listed online and a very sweet woman answered. She informed us that the codes had to be changed recently, and she provided the new codes. She was so friendly and sweet. So call the number if you have any issues with the codes.

I heard there is a small dry camping spot below the bridge going into Jefferson city. Does anyone know if this is true?

There is but it's currently closed to overnight camping.

Stayed here on day two (9/24/2024) of an out and back from KC. It is an inexpensive place to sleep. For that it does the job well. The bed was firm and clean. I was taking the Amtrack back in the morning, so I took an easy morning and didn't have any real issues.
The lady who checked me in provided me a ground floor room that I could roll my bike to. The continental breakfast starts at 5:30 I think, which would have been nice if I'd been wanting to get an early start.

Walmart's right across the street if you wanted to get some food stuffs. Getting to Amtrak was a pretty simple route from the hotel.

Wanted to put a positive comment out here for the Boonslick Guest House in New Franklin. I stayed there the evening of 9/23/24. It does indeed exist, and it is very easy to get to from the trailhead. The map on bikekatytrail is accurate. The host was very welcoming.

I arrived late Monday evening after riding from KC on a rainy/cloudy day, so my review may be of a very tired rider :)

The home is comfortable, the kitchen had a decent array of options for a light breakfast and had the makings for grilled cheese sandwiches in the fridge. There is a 2-bike rack on the back porch to provide covered storage. The queen bed was comfortable, and the neighborhood was quiet. I would have no issues with staying here again.


Two thumbs-up!

Thanks so much for the well researched answer, will help us make our decision about visiting.

Thanks; and a hardy welcome to the solo riders that have been staying at my inn
Cycle Inn Hermann has been promoting the $100 solo bike rider discount.
I thought more would be interested, but we’re going to continue anyway and hope that you take advantage of the generous room, rate. I want the best experience for the solo rider that we can have. The best part of the season is ahead of us all the way into November. Sometimes stop in register call or book online. Have a couple of beers and snacks on us when you get here look forward to having more riders participate. Will do our best to make your ride comfortable. Rich Lauer owner thanks guys and girls and.

How safe would my car be to leave it at the Trail head in Clinton for several days?

Many park at the Clinton Community Center across the street. You can call them for info

I never park at the trailhead in Clinton but have left my vehicle at the Rec Center (just down the street from the trailhead) for several days with no issues. Just go inside and let them know.

If it's the older lady at the Comm Ctr, be ready for a very UN-warm welcome. She told me I could leave my car at the far end of the parking lot for 2, not more than 3, days. After that they'd have it towed.
She was just down right nasty...

The year before, I took my car keys in, they put them in a baggie with my name on it and held them for the car transport by Bike Stop Cafe.
She vehemently denied that the Comm Ctr EVER did that.
Well OK, I didn't make that up.

Can you drive to the sunflower silos

Indeed you can!
Last Oct when my wife and I road the KT she road up to them and had take a pic. They are MUCH bigger than pictures show! But they are beautiful. Enjoy!

What is the mile marker for the sunflower silos?

About a mile west of Matson trailhead, at mile 61.6

https://bikekatytrail.com/sunflower-silos.aspx

Very cool sight, enjoy!

Sunflower Silos are really cool. Thanks to Sunflower Hill Farm for commissioning the work. Yes you can drive to them just take 94 past Defiance. While your there have coffee or lunch at Sunflower Hill Farm. Just Google it for directions.

Our group of 8 stayed at the Park and it was great. Called the phone number posted and they came right away to give us access, pay the fee, and even provided us with a cold beverage. Very clean at the pavilion with water and electricity and the staff person is very friendly. We are having such a great time biking the trail!

Has anyone ever ridden from the end of the Katy Trail at Machens to the Alton, IL Amtrak station? If so, were the roads safe? Thanks!

I'm thinking of riding the Katy trail with some friends in early October. I'm wondering about the bike I'll be riding. Given the surface of the trail, is tire width an issue? I've got a road bike with 30's for tires. Is that enough?

I've always ridden a hybrid bike with 700x36 tires. If it rains or you have wet conditions during your trip, a road bike tire would probably not be wide enough.

I've done the Katy end-to-end 5 times on 700x32 tires. They were adequate. I've also done it on 650b x 47 tires and that was a little overkill.

I agree with Rick from KC that wider would be better. Of course there will be a few people who say that 700x25s are good enough, but that's only when dry and near places where the trail is hard packed such as Columbia and St. Charles.

I've ridden it end-to-end, east-to-west, west-to-east numerous times on 700X38's. For the most part, Machens to Boonville is not to rough. Boonville to Clinton can be a little dicey in many areas. I wouldn't want to do it with less than 38s. A little wider would be okay but not a lot wider.

If you're coming through Tebbetts this weekend the Tebbetts Fall Picnic will have food Friday evening and Saturday all day.

I’ve ridden a lot of rail trails in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana some of which sound quite the same as the Katy, e.g. the GAP Trail. A friend and myself have decided to travel to Missouri and ride/camp the Katy Trail early next month. So, the question is, what might be the major difference(s) between the Katy and other rail trails? Anything, unusual we should bring with us, prepare for or gear that would be uniquely necessary on the Katy?

Thanks in advance.

Oktoberfest is big along the Katy Trail all next month. If you camp, then you will not really have to worry about sold out lodging, but you do have to worry about both shuttle companies and the Amtrak bike tickets getting sold out (if you plan on using either of those services). Water and food/services are all available throughout the month of October and sometimes businesses even have longer hours due to both Oktoberfest and fall visitors coming to see the leaves turn colors. The crushed limestone surface should be in great condition. Early summer flooding hit a few areas hard, but those sections have all been repaired and the recent dry weather has the surface in really good condition.

Mark:

Thanks for this info. Our logistics are all in place so we shouldn’t run into any issues on those fronts. The train service is a little different than on the Capital Limited that I often use to and from Washington, DC. The surface sounds just like the GAP Trail which is very good although I am a little concerned about how soft or sloppy it can get with rain but that’s just part of the adventure. The celebration of Octoberfest suggests a festive atmosphere amid travellers and shop owners which I look forward to.

We’re looking forward to crossing this trip off of our bucket list of bike rides.

Hi Rivnuts, I live in southwestern PA now, but lived in Jefferson City, Missouri for 30 years and biked the Katy trail for 12 years. Now I ride the GAP trail. I still follow this forum, as well as the bikecando.com website and forum.

You'll love the Katy Trail. The surface is basically like the GAP. I can't think of any unique gear you need. Have plenty of water. Even though it will be early October, it can be warm. The trailheads are about 10 miles apart and most of them will still have the water on in early October. Pay attention to the weather a week or so out. Sometimes the remnants of hurricanes can end up over Missouri. So do bring rain gear. Be sure and check out Cooper's Landing, it's a neat place, used to have "Boat Henge." It would be a good place to camp, they sometimes have live music. All the little towns are nice places. Portland has a bar and grill right on the trail with great hamburgers. I think Mokane also used to have a bar and grill close to the trail, again great hamburgers.

Herman and Washington are interesting river towns. As another poster pointed out, if you're there during Oktober Fest there will be hoardes of people. So be sure and have your reservations locked in. Also if the University of Missouri has a home game some places along the trail might be snatched up by football fans.

It sounds like your dates are locked in. But if not you might consider a day in Jefferson City. I see your posts on the bikecando.com website and you seem to be interested in history. You might enjoy doing a tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary. Google MSP to see what tours they offer and to make a reservation (required). You would also enjoy touring the Missouri State Capitol. Again google to find information on the tours and to make a reseration. The art in the capitol is amazing. I think you'd enjoy the Thomas Hart Benton Mural. If you are on a tour the guide will go into detail about the back story about the mural.

There are hotels in Jefferson City. I don't think they have camping. There was camping on the north side of the river, but I believe the park department recently closed that area, perhaps due to crime. Like everywhere, Jefferson City is seeing increased homelessness, and with that comes crime, due to bad actors.

There are Air B&Bs, one that I am aware of: The East High Street Retreat, which is on the eastside. You'd be close to at least 3 great restaurants on the 900 block of High St., or around the corner on Ash St. There's also a fantastic bar, The Mission, that has open mic nights every Wednes. My husband and I lived around the corner for a couple of years and The Mission was our favorite place.

I suspect your plans are made, but wanted to let you know about these options in Jefferson City. You will love the Katy Trail. Also, on the west end of the trail it now connects to the Rock Island Trail, which goes from Windsor to Pleasant Hill. Hopefully more of the Rock Island Trail will be completed in the next several years.

And if you do make it to Jefferson City, be sure to check out Central Dairy. The ice cream servings are huge. The city is about 2 miles from the trail, on a spur that is safe. The ride over the bridge on the pedestrian bike path is amazing.

Jefferson City does not have the biking infrastructure like Pittsburgh. But I think there's a couple of guys who work for the city who are working to change that. The city streets are pretty safe, as long as you avoid real busy thoroughfares. I would stay off of Missouri Blvd. But most of what you would be doing would be in the inner core, which is a little hilly here and there, but otherwise bikeable. If you bike in Pittsburgh you can handle the hills in Jefferson City.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions you have. I don't know anything about camping along the Katy Trail, but there are others on this forum who can give you good info on where to camp.

Cathy from Churchill:

Quoting an old adage, "Fancy seeing you here". I didn't expect a reply to my inquiry from a fellow GAP Trail Forum contributor. First of all, let me express my thanks for your timely reply providing very useful information about the Katy. I've made a number of notes on your recommended points of interests. Our mileage each day between overnight cities is fairly short allowing for some site seeing. You are correct about my interest in the history of the trails or routes I ride. I've been boning up on the Katy's history, geography and fauna to help in appreciating the trail even more since it is unlikely that I'll ever get back there although returning to add the Rock Island Trail in enticing. The addition of it being October Fest while we're there just adds to the lure of the trip.

In closing, we'll have to meet and share a coffee or ride on the GAP or elsewhere to chat about our riding experiences and recommendations.

RIVNUTS! What's up!!

As others have noted, the trail surface is very similar. No surprises there.

My only words of wisdom would be
1- if there is an amenity that you want to use, check with them now to see if they are open, and then confirm with them the day before. These are some very small businesses.
2- Carry enough food to last 24 hours in case you get shut out in some places. This advice may apply to water as well, although it's easier to get.

The Katy towns are just way smaller than the GAP towns. Yough Twister is bigger than any restaurant on the trail, just about.

Lewis and Clark is big stuff around here, so brush up on them before you come.

Best of luck and maybe we will see you out there. If you want my cell number, let me know how to send it to you.

To Bill from Houston, er ah, Columbia:

As I said to Cathy from Churchill, “Fancy seeing you here”. And here I thought I had made it off the grid to Missouri! Apparently my ankle bracelet employs some form of artificial intelligence that knows and gives away my future travel plans. If WKR from Brunswick responds here as well, I’ll know it is some form of conspiracy! :-)

Thanks for the additional suggestions for my upcoming ride on the Katy. Sure don’t want to run out of food or water along the trail. I’m participating in the Big BAM tour leaving Clinton on 10/7 in route to St Charles with overnight stops in Sedalia, Boonville, Jefferson City, Herman and Augusta. Looks like I’d be passing near Columbia on Wednesday although it appears to be about 10 miles one way from the McBaine Trailhead

Speaking of the Yough Twister, it has been refurbished and reopened under the name, The Big Twist. In fact, I stopped there today for some ice cream.

I’d look forward to chatting or FaceTiming some evening about your move from Houston and other thoughts on the Katy. You can send me your number to rivnuts@yahoo.com.

Best wishes and keep the rubber side down.

This site says Daniel Boone monument is .4 mile from KATY trail, but the Dufur guidebook says it is more than 1.2 miles from trail??

I like maps, so I opened Google Maps and looked at your issue. Both answers are correct. If you left the trail at the Marthasville trailhead then rode east through the community it would be a little over one mile to reach the site. The other option involves leaving the Katy where it intersects with Boone Monument Road which is east of Marthasville. Once you turn off the trail it’s a short 0.4 mile ride to reach the entrance to the monument site. Use your Google Maps skills to review the satellite images AND street view. I noticed that the monument is located slightly west of the man entrance/parking lot…..there are gates to that area which are probably only open during business hours. It appears that you can visit the actual monument anytime because there is a set of stairs leading directly from the road to the monument. My suggestion is if you are riding eastbound on the Katy you exit at Marthasville then ride through town. If you are a westbound Katy rider exit at Boone Monument Road to reach the site….once you’re done continue riding west into Marthasville where you’d get back on the Katy. It appears to be a light traffic area. Note that if you want to minimize any hills or climbs you may want to stick to entering or leaving from Boone Monument Road, not Marthasville.

I just finished up a 6 1/2 day solo ride from the KC Amtrak Station to the SL Amtrak Station. Did the entire Rock Island and entire Katy trails and crafted my own routes from the KC station to Truman Sports Complex and from Machens to the SL station crossing over the Mississippi at Alton and then back to the MO side at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. I posted pics and narrative on X/Twitter (you don't need an account) @christensen_mr. If you have questions email me at christensen_mr@live.com. I had an absolute blast, met tons of fun people, had great food, etc. and stayed at some nice B&Bs.

Can the boy ride his electric Moto Cross bike on the Kati trail

https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information#uses

"All motorized vehicles other than official or emergency vehicles are prohibited. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) are allowed. Also allowed are electrically powered mobility devices for people with disabilities, such as Segways and electric golf carts."

If in doubt still: 800-334-6946
But I think it's pretty clear.

They’re the nicest. Would stay here again and again.

The dormitory was a phenomenal place to stay. Great location, clean and comfortable accommodations, and friendly hosts.

We rode the Katy Trail in August 2023 and camped at the Community Club Park. Restarurants very close by and a gas station. Had an amazing breakfast at The Rowdy Rooster. The camping was so easy. We just called when we arrived and they came and opened up the bathrooms/showers for us for the night. Would definetly camp here again.

The phone numbers provided are hit and miss. The easiest way to do this is call ahead to let them know your planning to stay. Go to the large square pavilion between the baseball diamonds and behind the concession building. If you wait long enough someone will come by to collect the meager $5 fee and then open the bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers, which I didn't use. There is a great water spigot on the front corner of the concession building. I used the small pavilion and hung a hammock. This sight is very hammock friendly

No water. Fountain has been torn apart. New Kickstand bike shop has some beverages and snacks.

Traveled Machens to Dutzow. Was very pleased to see ware. 2 bathrooms one good sibk with working water. Sept 15, 2024

Are there charging stations along the Katy Trail for E-bikes?

Ridden the entire trail twice this year. I don't recall seeing charging offered anywhere. Maybe there is a receptacle somewhere that could be used, but I saw nothing exclusively for e-bikes or mentioning that. I would guess there is juice at some of the trailheads, but I don't know how accessible it is to riders. If you really, really need to know, call DNR.

Yes. Tons of e bikes on the trail. You can charge at the bed and breakfasts. I imagine also at all the hotels. I don’t have one yet but I see a lot of them. You’ll be fine.

This is such a great resource!
We are driving to Clinton after BAM finishes and riding to St. Charles, catching a shuttle back to Clinton. Our plan is to camp the KATY and hotel when we get to St. Charles. Will there be services or stops that will have shut down after BAM? Are there any trailheads or camping spots that will not have water or be available at the end of the season?

I’m sure they don’t turn off the trail head water until mid November

From Katy Trail State Park:

Water is not available at all trailheads. Trailheads with modern restrooms and drinking water are winterized from Nov. 1 to April 1. The restrooms are closed and water turned off at these trailheads. Portable toilets are available during the winter.

If you're travelling West to East, there seems to be more water available on the first half of the ride than the second half.
Always have more than you think you'll need!

Can they actually pick you up with your bike and take you to St Charles? I don't see how.

Not all cabs are sedans. Some use vans. Some cabs I've seen in areas I've ridden have bike racks. I assume it depends on geographic and seasonal demand. My advice: Call 'em. Sometimes a local government knows the answer or can direct you. That's particularly true in small communities.

Call Bike Stop CAfe. They'll pick you up or they'll transport your vehicle to your end point. I've used them twice. Tony will take good care of you!

Can you cross HWY 135 on a bike to reach Dollar General from the Katy?

You can go south on Roe street, past Deon’s Bar and Grill, turn right on Fourth Street and that will take you down to Dollar General. You will cross State Hwy 135 on that route but it’s not like a super highway.

If you open google maps and use street view you’ll see it’s very simple. You could even shorten the side trip by exiting the trail at 2nd and Hall street since the trail crosses that intersection. Even if you rode down “State Hwy 135” it’s a 30 mph city street in town and there are sidewalks.

We are so glad we stayed at the Doll House! Ken and Melissa are such gracious hosts and the home is supremely comfortable. Delicious hot breakfast and very helpful suggestions. It was a special treat to be here.

Prefect location for our party of 8. Lots & lots of room, linens, towels, food, comfy beds, easy check-in and clean! Definitely stay again. Walked to Meriwether Cafe to rent bikes- super close to Katy Trail. Lovely town- super quiet and charming.

Hi, Ray. There's a new spot in Rocheport. See their page and my Facebook post, in case you want to put them on the map/listing in Rocheport.

Everyone else, there's a nice new little place in Rocheport. Sandwiches, charcuterie, cold drinks, single beers, live music.
Pleasant staff, reasonable prices.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555835357323
https://www.facebook.com/bill.rodgersjr/posts/pfbid037VKUwUNwVY7oL3jh3hy27eXzcq4pbwGKiLJ7VSK4ut32u73m8xnFvNM6hYRzS7D2l?__cft__[0]=AZX1f7isJwM3SanooaWI4d19Ay9_3Wmr1CSCVzVbdvpOpBTXXrs7VzkvZGbgf3o61aSFNhEQPHJA4i4FCpjf0CSfl-8lNMb3XqghfwYuMjNhfWUyTxsqoGAbHuyzdzS2Vxtt9nYh3O1UZj-_j10t87QKWBb9nwA8GQuPOOQ1d6WL-Q&__tn__=*F

Thank you Bill for the heads-up on The Rest Stop at Katy Jailhouse. Looks like a nice place, and bike rentals too!

I have added this to the Rocheport listings:
https://bikekatytrail.com/rocheport.aspx

Thanks again and happy trails!

Could you tell us the name of the place and where it is located please? Thanks.

Hi, Marna! It's called The Rest Stop at the Katy Jailhouse. Ray spotted it on the Rocheport map just right. 101 Central, Rocheport. It is right on the trail. You will see it when you roll in.

Thanks, Ray!