Rock Island Trail Forum

We spent 2 nights at Lindenhof B&B and found everything superb. Debbie and Bill were great hosts, friendly, helpful and going out of their way to help us enjoy Augusta. Breakfasts both days were outstanding. Now we need to find another reason to be in the area. We enjoyed the hot tub and the outside fireplace.

THis place is fantastic! The owners are very nice and helpful. We felt like we were visiting family! The home is comfortable and not too fussy. The hot tub was comfortable (it was actually cool on a 102 degree day!) The food is amazing. Highly recommended! This was the nicest place we stayed on the trail. It was also the most expensive, but a great place to spend our last night on the trail.

My wife and I stayed here one night in mid-October. It was the last in a series of stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, McKittrick, and Augusta. As a "living" space, it was the best. A really inviting interior. We asked hostess, Debbie, about the building, and it was amazing how they had the foresight to see the potential growth from what started out as a rather small, simple building to what is now very attractive, useful, and spacious. The outside work only serves to compliment what has been done inside. Plus, the dining area, seems to make Debbie's wonderful breakfasts that much more delicious. True, it was easily the priciest lodging of the trip, but we credit that to Augusta being a prime getaway location for St. Louis, driving up the price for all lodging in town. Too bad Augusta doesn't have more to offer in evening dining spots of equal quality.

Here's a nice write-up/review of the Claysville Store.

My wife and I, ages 67 and 73, made our first independent bike trip, Sedalia to Dutzow and return by Amtrak last week. We rode 185 miles at an average speed of 10 mph. We learned:



1, The trail is very good; we should have extended our daily travel, which was from 25 to 45 miles. 2, B&Bs were excellent, but some have a 4 PM access time, precluding getting to a location early and showering so you can enjoy the town. Inquire when making a reservation. 3, Many services other than lodging are frequently closed; plan to stay in larger towns and take lunch stuff with you. On my next trip, my stops, beginning in Sedalia, will be Booneville, Columbia (via a 9-mile extension at McBain), Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington, all towns where you will find restaurants open. 4, The bridges are OK except for Washington, where heavy traffic on a 4-mile approach with minimal shoulders, a very narrow bridge and a 30 mph head wind discouraged my wife from even agreeing to try it; our B&B host picked us up

Congratulations on your trip. Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the post and your perspectives. I enjoyed reading them.

Thanks for your info--particularly the mileage recommendations, very helpful for planning my own trip!

I am planning a one day ride. If I was to start in Rocheport should I ride east and return,

or west, if I am looking for the most striking landscape? Thanks

Ride a short distance west until you reach the old railroad tunnel (a must see when in the Rocheport area), then turn around and go east for the views of the river and trees.

Go east young man, east for the best scenery !!!

I agree with Gary, diffently ride west the short distance to the tunnel then turn around and ride east for the the best landscape. I don't know how far you want to ride, but a nice day trip is to ride from Rocheport to Hartsburg. It's aprox 28 miles to Hartsburg. We usually ride down in the morning, eat lunch at the winery or Dotties, then ride back in the afternoon. It's an easy ride and the the river on on side and the bluffs on the other make for a fantastic view. Check the days you are going to ride and make sure places are open because most of the places are closed the first part of the week. Have a great ride!!

I agree with the suggestions to go east. In fact, I got to do it last Friday. Rode Rocheport to Hartsburg and return. Pumpkin pie at Doty's in Hartsburg was wonderful!



As far as going west to see the tunnel - it's cool. A very nice feature. It's right there in Rocheport - just a few blocks from the trailhead and the Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop. It's worth seeing, but beyond the tunnel the scenery is much less exciting as you head west in my opinion.



Enjoy the ride!

we camped in hermann but we saw this campground and checked it out, we did not know it had electric and water but had we of known we would have camped here for sure. it's a very nice secluded area. The owners are very nice and trusting.

we camped in hermann but we saw this campground and checked it out, we did not know it had electric and water but had we of known we would have camped here for sure. it's a very nice secluded area. The owners are very nice and trusting.

Maggie and Eldon know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations. Plus a finch and hummindbird show that is a don't miss.

Maggie and Eldon know how to do a B&B right. Convenient shuttle service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding breakfast and comfortable accomodations. Plus a finch and hummindbird show that is a don't miss.

The hosts here are very friendly, they took us into Hermann so we could have dinner and afterwards gave us a tour of the town. Their house is lovely and very peaceful. A great breakfast feast! It is a climb getting up the driveway.

The hosts here are very friendly, they took us into Hermann so we could have dinner and afterwards gave us a tour of the town. Their house is lovely and very peaceful. A great breakfast feast! It is a climb getting up the driveway.

With other stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, and Augusta, this was my wife's and my favorite stop along the Katy Trail. The place has the professionalism of many good B&Bs, but a visit with Eldon and Maggie is more like visiting your favorite aunt and uncle. They couldn't be more welcoming or accommodating. Maggie's breakfasts are great, and Eldon would probably, literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. They both have a great sense of humor, too, in the great tradition of Burns & Allen or Abbott & Costello. The place rests at the top of a hill with a serene view from the front porch, making the somewhat challenging ride up Maggie's Lane worth the effort. We'd have no hesitation going back.

With other stops in Rocheport, Jefferson City, and Augusta, this was my wife's and my favorite stop along the Katy Trail. The place has the professionalism of many good B&Bs, but a visit with Eldon and Maggie is more like visiting your favorite aunt and uncle. They couldn't be more welcoming or accommodating. Maggie's breakfasts are great, and Eldon would probably, literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. They both have a great sense of humor, too, in the great tradition of Burns & Allen or Abbott & Costello. The place rests at the top of a hill with a serene view from the front porch, making the somewhat challenging ride up Maggie's Lane worth the effort. We'd have no hesitation going back.

Make sure you get to Pilot Grove before 3pm, most places to eat are closed. We were planing to eat at Beckys Burgers and Cones but ended up having to eat at the bar and grill.

Make sure you get to Pilot Grove before 3pm, most places to eat are closed. We were planing to eat at Beckys Burgers and Cones but ended up having to eat at the bar and grill.

I was hoping to eat there at lunch the other day but found them closed not sure if they are still open on a regular schedule.

I was hoping to eat there at lunch the other day but found them closed not sure if they are still open on a regular schedule.

We were there around noon on a Wednesday and the place was packed with what appeared to me mostly local folks. If they were closed for lunch, it must have been there one day off during the week -- Monday?

We were there around noon on a Wednesday and the place was packed with what appeared to me mostly local folks. If they were closed for lunch, it must have been there one day off during the week -- Monday?

If you are looking for good food at a reasonible price go to El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant on Market Street. It is easy to find, not far from the bridge on the main road. It's open Sunday nights too. If you like Mexican food, it is very good.

We're from the southwest and were pleased to find a Mexican restaurant this good in Hermann! patronize them.

We ate there just before the dedication ceremony of the new Hermann Bridge. At least two other trail riders had recommended it. We can see how someone might like the meals, but how can I say this tactfully? We didn't realize how good our Mexican restaurants in Seattle were. Of course, we have an ample Mexican-American population in Washington State, who know the difference between canned refried beans and real ones. I can say the service was fine, and the prices reasonable.

Cliff Manor is a great place for a Katy Trail cyclist. Our Riverview Suite included complimentary snacks and cold drinks and a very, very comfortable bed. Hospitality and service are first rate and not

intrusive.



We took advantage of the Deluxe Katy Trail package, including a cyclist's "goody bag" in the room (including some Aleve) and a sack lunch as we rode away.



Thom doesn't seem to be a cyclist himself but he has certainly done his homework about what a cyclist wants and needs. Bikes are well cared for and the frozen water bottles keep you thinking fondly of his hospitality far down the trail.



Breakfast was good enough to ask Thom where he got his sausage and what was the recipe for the wonderful "sauce" on the pancakes. We also had Thom prepare dinner for us at the B&B, so after our long day of riding we just walked down the steps to a fine dinner and then back up the stairs to bed. Perfect. Thom cares a lot about food.



By the way, we came over the bridge with no particular difficulty. From the North Jefferson trailhead take the spur off to the right until you get to the parking lot. Ahead of you is a overpass as you look toward the Capitol. Head off to your right a bit then back over the overpass to the "wrong" side of the busy highway, then head down the offramp and onto the bridge. The bike lane is six feet wide but you are riding against the traffic. An experienced road cyclist should have no problems but Thom is very happy to ferry people to and from the trailhead. On the other side of the bridge keep left at the first street then turn left and head back up the short hill. Cliff Manor is the large white house just ahead on your right.



We were looking for a base for future Katy Trail rides, in both directions, and are happy to have found this place. The Amtrak station is just a few blocks away. We've already discussed the logistics of bookending a multi-day ride with two stays at Cliff Manor.

Cliff Manor is a great place for a Katy Trail cyclist. Our Riverview Suite included complimentary snacks and cold drinks and a very, very comfortable bed. Hospitality and service are first rate and not

intrusive.



We took advantage of the Deluxe Katy Trail package, including a cyclist's "goody bag" in the room (including some Aleve) and a sack lunch as we rode away.



Thom doesn't seem to be a cyclist himself but he has certainly done his homework about what a cyclist wants and needs. Bikes are well cared for and the frozen water bottles keep you thinking fondly of his hospitality far down the trail.



Breakfast was good enough to ask Thom where he got his sausage and what was the recipe for the wonderful "sauce" on the pancakes. We also had Thom prepare dinner for us at the B&B, so after our long day of riding we just walked down the steps to a fine dinner and then back up the stairs to bed. Perfect. Thom cares a lot about food.



By the way, we came over the bridge with no particular difficulty. From the North Jefferson trailhead take the spur off to the right until you get to the parking lot. Ahead of you is a overpass as you look toward the Capitol. Head off to your right a bit then back over the overpass to the "wrong" side of the busy highway, then head down the offramp and onto the bridge. The bike lane is six feet wide but you are riding against the traffic. An experienced road cyclist should have no problems but Thom is very happy to ferry people to and from the trailhead. On the other side of the bridge keep left at the first street then turn left and head back up the short hill. Cliff Manor is the large white house just ahead on your right.



We were looking for a base for future Katy Trail rides, in both directions, and are happy to have found this place. The Amtrak station is just a few blocks away. We've already discussed the logistics of bookending a multi-day ride with two stays at Cliff Manor.

We were at Cliff Manor a couple weeks ago, and would certainly second the positive comments about staying there. Thom definitely tries to anticipate and satisfy cyclist needs with "automatic" services like freezing your water bottles overnight. We passed up the option for dinner there for our one night's lodging, but (1) the restaurants near by weren't that good and Thom's breakfast was great, so we have to recommend taking the dinner option.

We were at Cliff Manor a couple weeks ago, and would certainly second the positive comments about staying there. Thom definitely tries to anticipate and satisfy cyclist needs with "automatic" services like freezing your water bottles overnight. We passed up the option for dinner there for our one night's lodging, but (1) the restaurants near by weren't that good and Thom's breakfast was great, so we have to recommend taking the dinner option.

Definetly the best looking tree in the state. This tree has seen many things throughout history. I can't believe it is over 300 years old! If you visit this Burr Oak you won't regret it and it's graceful image will stick in your mind for many months to follow. We should throw it a birthday party for its 350th birthday.

Definetly the best looking tree in the state. This tree has seen many things throughout history. I can't believe it is over 300 years old! If you visit this Burr Oak you won't regret it and it's graceful image will stick in your mind for many months to follow. We should throw it a birthday party for its 350th birthday.

I actually have a load of hi-res photos of this tree... It's amazing to look at, and be around. I spent many nights thinking under this tree when I was in college at MU. I am 30 now, and have framed pictures of this tree all throughout my house.



This Burr Oak used to have a 'sister' Oak just ~ 75 yards away from it, but it was struck by lightning, and was used for firewood, I believe. This 'sister' tree was only marginally smaller than the tree with the placard. Feel free to email me if you would like some more hi-res pics, or if you have comments or questions about "The Big Tree".

I actually have a load of hi-res photos of this tree... It's amazing to look at, and be around. I spent many nights thinking under this tree when I was in college at MU. I am 30 now, and have framed pictures of this tree all throughout my house.



This Burr Oak used to have a 'sister' Oak just ~ 75 yards away from it, but it was struck by lightning, and was used for firewood, I believe. This 'sister' tree was only marginally smaller than the tree with the placard. Feel free to email me if you would like some more hi-res pics, or if you have comments or questions about "The Big Tree".

I see no place to stall horses overnight. Ideally it would be close to the half way point of the ride between Calhoun and Sedalia. Or is there any in Calhoun or Sedalia?

Here's a link to a recent discission of overnight spots for horses along the Katy Trail. Looks like the only options are Cruces in Calhoun/Windsor, and a few different places in Sedalia. You can click the town names in the map at the top of the web page, to get phone numbers for the businesses in that town.



Good luck and have fun!

The Sedalia House Bed and Breakfast is a country B&B that offers overnight horse boarding. Please visit our website listed under Towns & Services, Sedalia.

I understand that horses are allowed on the Clinton to Sedalia portion of the trial. Are there any overnight accomodations along that part of the trail that accomodates riders with horses? Lodging, restaurants, etc.

NO...

I rent room's in my home, we live on the east side of Sedalia. The equestrian trail stops at the State Fair grounds, we are 2 miles past that. We can provide transportation for you and you horse to our home. We have barn and pasture land. Check out Maxine's rooms for rent. Fischers stable connects to the trail if you would rather stay on that end of town. They boards horses.

Cruce's Cabooses has a horse corral, and you get to spend the night in a real train car. They're listed on the Calhoun page.

The Sedalia House Bed and Breakfast is a country B&B that offers overnight horse boarding. Please visit our website listed under Towns & Services, Sedalia.

Trail Riders,



We would love to hear from you regarding why you ride the trail - or if you took your first ride recently, why you chose to do so. We would be very grateful if you would take a moment to fill a survey. Just copy and paste the link below into your browser. Thank you very much for your assistance!



http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qL9YrsoJ7Vh6eTB1JbGR9Q_3d_3d

Are you just curious? With an agency? Doing a master's thesis?

Are there any other camping options besides the Bobber in Boonvile?

Cross the Boonville Bridge and follow the trail to mm 188 and the Katy Roundhouse campground. You won't regret camping here. It has showers and is overall a nice, clean, friendly place to lay your head.

Yes the Katy Roundhouse is a very good choice, as it is right on the trail.It is at New Franklin. There is also a new campground behind McDonals on Int 70. Me and my 12 year old grandson rode the entire trail with state of MO organized ride in 2002. If you would like to look at some photos of Katy Trail ride: http://community.webshots.com/user/carlmyers

I plan on biking from St. Charles to Clinton over 5 days. Here's my questions:



1)Where can I leave my car for 5-6 days in St. Charles?

2)How do I get back from Clinton to St. Charles? (without biking)



Thanks!

call ----636-946-0619 ---- Lococo House ll ----- you can leave your car in our parking lot ---- and we can shuttle you back from Clinton ---- I will give you all the details

Park at the St. Charles trailhead, if city traffic doesnt bother you, ride your bike to Kirkwood and catch the $33 w/bike AMTRAK to Sedalia.(I'd leave out the Clinton to Sedalia unless you really want to ride the entire route.)Stay at motels and B & B's on your ride back to St. Charles. Plan for the unexpected(like flat tires, lack of water, rain, things closed on Mondays, ect.) Most of all, HAVE FUN !



Paulie

If you go with Paulie's suggestion, here's a web page that will help you get from St Charles to Kirkwood, and more info on riding Amtrak along the Katy Trail. Also, here's a full list of shuttle services that operate along the Katy Trail, including Lococo House's service mentioned above.



Have fun!

Be sure when you book your Amtrak return you do it for you and your bike. Especially on a weekend. I learned the hard way. "we have your reservation, but none for your bike,sorry we have seats but no space for your bike".

The Katy Trail is a Mo state park, and in the month of June they sponsor a ride that goes all the way. They haul your luggage and furnish you with some meal. They haul your bike back to where you started and bus the riders back. They take about 300 riders. I think they start at St. Charles, then the next year they start at Clinton. I did it with my 12 year old grandson about 6 years ago. It is a lot of fun. Check out some of my photos: http://community.webshots.com/user/carlmyers

Did anyone lose a pair of gloves and warmup-pants between Rhineland and Herman last Saturday? I have them if you did.

We both want to thank all the members of the Harvest Committee for all their hard work in planning the festival. We felt honored to be able to take part in the King and Queen Event.

We both want to thank all the members of the Harvest Committee for all their hard work in planning the festival. We felt honored to be able to take part in the King and Queen Event.

is the trail to machens open yet? if not, does anyone know when it will open? is there any food/water there. thanks.

I road the trail 2 weeks ago and it did not go more than 5 miles east of the St. Charles railhead. The trail turned from hardpack base to tall weeds.

The trail IS there, but not officially open. I walked it back in July. After a mile or two of the weeds, the trail that we all know and love resumes all the way to Black Walnut and on to Machens. There are no services available, at least when I was on it. The Machens trailhead is a little difficult to get to, but that part of the trail can be done.

They have restrooms but no water.

For what it's worth, The trail currently "ends" at mile 36.91 which is 0.68 miles Northeast of MO-370.