Rock Island Trail Forum

I am going on a 4 day bike riding trip with 2 of my cousins and one of my friends. I was just wondering what neat and cool places there are to see aroiund these areas. Are 5 places that we are stopping are, Cinton, boonville, north jefferson,marthasville, and St Charles. It is going to be fun if anybody can give me advice to pass on to my freinds and relatives. It would be helpful, thanks



Daniel

There's nothing in North Jefferson, so you'll have to get across the river to Jeff City. There is the capitol and you can spend time both inside and out. There is a museum in the capitol that is worth seeing. Also check out Lohman's Landing, which is just east of the capitol and contains a museum and historic buildings. There are several good places to eat downtown as well.

Here's a list of points of interest along the Katy Trail. They're not all in the towns you mentioned, but you will be passing them along the way, so you may find some of them to be worth looking out for. Don't count on spotting the "pierced rock" this time of year though - too many leaves on the trees.

Lady of Sorrows Shrine is just off the trail a few miles and is worth the trip up the hill. I am

not Catholic, so some of it I don't understand. But, it is way interesting...and a bit bizzare. It

was built in the late 1800s/early 1900s and is just interesting. There is a big sign just west

of Rhineland. There is a grotto and an interesting stations of the cross that is huge slabs in

the ground (think Stonehenge). It is just interesting and bizarre and a nice calm, quiet,

peaceful place to visit. Here is a link to a website that has pics and more info:

www.historicshrine.org/ShrineOurLadySorrows.htm

Oh, and don't miss the mid-Missouri version of Stonehenge just west of Cooper's

Landing...on the north side of the trail. Trust me, you will know it when you see it! : )

I've noticed the trail is not totally correct on google earth. It would be very nice if someone took the time to make a downloadable file with the trail and attraction reference points. Has this been done yet?

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

My husband and I are trying to figure out a route for a 3 day trip. Neither of us have ever ridden the KATY, so we need help! We are planning on riding the first week of September and we were hoping to do around 50-70 for 2 days and then a nice easy 20-30 for the third. We want to experience the wineries and stay in either hotels or B&B's along the way. Does anyone have any route suggestions. Also curious to hear what people think is the best sections of the trail.



Thanks in advance for your help and hopefully we will be out enjoying the trail soon. Oh yeah, what is the weather like out there during the first of Sept?

Hi, You might look at doing, Day 1 Boonville to Jefferson City 49 miles, Day 2 Jefferson City to Hermann 45 Miles, Day 3 Hermann to Washington 25 miles. You will see alot of the Katy and IMHO the best part. The West to East is slightly down hill, the cities are beautiful with lots of B&B's. For Amtrak acesss you might just want to do Jefferson City to Hermann to Washington, and spend the 3rd day local biking.



Early September can be as hot as Mid-August but with a breeze, shade and water. Good luck. You might want to get a guide book, and do a few 50+ rides in your own area before doing the Katy.

I second GMD's suggestion on the routes. When you get to Hermann, plan on spending at least couple of days there. This wonderful little berg has 7 or 8 wineries and a couple of breweries, a host of restaurants and some beautiful scenery (not to mention gobs of shops). The architecture of the area is superb. There are also a bunch of B&B's there, but for the money, Birks Gausthaus is my recommendation.



One note of caution...Hermann is not directly on the trail. You have to cross a long narrow bridge over the Missouri River to get there, and that can be tricky with traffic. Some of the B&B's offer shuttle by truck or van to and from the trail head though. Call ahead.

Hi, I've been riding the Katy Trail (Eastern section) for about 2 months with my husband and son on the weekends. I'd like to ride some sections alone during the week. How safe is it for a woman to ride alone? It seems fine, but I thought that I would ask, and get feedback from all of you. Thanks.

I've ridden all sections of the trail along with many rides on the western section alone. I've never had any problems or felt threatened by anyone. My only problem was a VERY angry BIG dog that came running out of the woods at me between Clinton and Windsor. It chased me for about 1/4 mile but I was able to outrun it. I now carry pepper spray just in case we meet again (and I think my husband feels better knowing I have it handy when I ride alone).

Just rode the ~150 miles from Boonville to St. Charles on the trail as a woman alone and I must say it felt safer than the ~150 miles on the roads between KC Airport and Boonville. Which I am assured was safer than the ride between KC Airport and Clinton would have been! Don't worry, trust your instincts, carry pepper spray - it would be hard to pull out quick unless you engineer it right, but just knowing you have it keeps your confidence up. For dogs too, not that I met a scary one this trip, but it can happen.



Sharron

Thanks, I appreciate the advice! The pepper spray is a great idea, I will find some this week.

HALT is what I carry. It will clip onto your brake cable. I have been riding the trail by myself

for years and have never had any personal safety issues. I have had to spray a dog or two,

but I think the Trail is as safe as it gets (however safe that is!).

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I made it out on the trail today "solo", with mace and cell phone in tow. I had a wonderful time! I did an easy 25 miles, and I felt so relaxed after I finished! I will certainly do it again. Thanks again

Riding alone can be a wonderful experience. I like to ride with companions, but I truly

treasure those solo bike rides. It seems the bike gives my body something to do so that the

creative parts of my brain can soar. I have resolved many issues while out on my bike riding

by myself. enjoy!

Does anybody know anything about the yellow Mongoose pulled from the water and left at trailside 2 miles east of Hartsburg May 7? It was apparently still standing there two days later. Just curious...

An otter, perhaps? I'm native to Missouri and am not sure about a mongoose population. My guess is that it was a river otter. The conservation department has with success reintroduced them to the state.

Good guess...but, last I checked otters didn't have two spoked wheels and pedals and I was a

biology major! There was a bike left along the trail...as opposed to a fuzzy creature! But, a

river otter would have been less mysterious!

this gas station is really nice!!!

this gas station is really nice!!!

Sweet, Calhoun has a gas station... Something I always dreamed about when I was a kid growing up in Calhoun... Our Place just didn't cut it...

Sweet, Calhoun has a gas station... Something I always dreamed about when I was a kid growing up in Calhoun... Our Place just didn't cut it...

Thanks to all who advised me on biking from the airport down to Clinton. All six responses fell into the category of warnings(e.g. "rent a car...") I believe you, and have modified my plans. I'm heading pretty much due East from the airport and will join the official Trail in Boonville. If anyone knows any reason NOT to ride this route, let me know quick - I'm flying in on Tuesday! So much for visiting Californians spending money along the Trail between Clinton and Boonville!

Good move on your part. I would suggest that you begin your trip in Sedalia however. One of the best parts of the trail is from Sedalia to Booneville. You can also catch Amtrak back to Sedalia if you need to. The Hotel Bothwell is great as is Pro vela Bike shop across the street.

Well, thanks for the input, but I missed it before I left and didn't get to Sedalia after all. I am planning a second Katy trip this fall with a new friend from Kansas City, to cover the Clinton-Boonville stretch I missed. Probably we'll go out-and-back, Clinton to Hartsburg. Here I am, back in San Diego four days, should be at the gym and instead I am roaming this list! Help! I've been captured by the Katy Trail!

So very sorry Sharron! Once captured by the Katy Trail....there is no cure. Periodic rides on the Katy may help to ease the pain of absence....but there is no cure!



FYI....mid-October is usually prime for a fall ride, although the weather can be iffy. The Missouri Department of Conservation tracks peak fall color..... http://www.mdc.mo.gov/

Rides on the KATY are interchangeapble with stays at monasteries for sense of peace and well being. Mark of the Dalton Boys

I used to live in St. Charles, but moved to Savannah a year ago. I called 2 weeks before Christmas to ask tons of questions about the St. Charles Maryland Yards. The answers were Yes there is a DJ or band on weekends, Yes there are pool tables and darts, and Yes there is a dance floor. I coordinated 24 people to meet at the Maryland Yards in St. Charles on December 17th, 2005 and I was VERY disappointed! We were told that the tables we were sitting at was the dance floor!!!! We were also told that the DJ would be there at 10PM and he apparently never showed. There were 2 pool tables and 1 dart board and a sign that said "this section closed"!!!! The waitress billed all of us wrong AND added in her tip---per person!!!! I was shocked! I am a good tipper and she didn't get a dime over what she added. All I can say about the place is that the food was decent.......but how can you mess up nachos and toasted raviolis? Also, I ordered a frozen margarita.....it took the bartender 10 minutes to figure out how to use the ice machine! Don't know if he was new or what. Overall I was embarrassed and disappointed that I suggested this place to my friends and family. I drove 900 miles and had that one night to go out and Maryland Yards was NOT a good choice in my opinion.

I used to live in St. Charles, but moved to Savannah a year ago. I called 2 weeks before Christmas to ask tons of questions about the St. Charles Maryland Yards. The answers were Yes there is a DJ or band on weekends, Yes there are pool tables and darts, and Yes there is a dance floor. I coordinated 24 people to meet at the Maryland Yards in St. Charles on December 17th, 2005 and I was VERY disappointed! We were told that the tables we were sitting at was the dance floor!!!! We were also told that the DJ would be there at 10PM and he apparently never showed. There were 2 pool tables and 1 dart board and a sign that said "this section closed"!!!! The waitress billed all of us wrong AND added in her tip---per person!!!! I was shocked! I am a good tipper and she didn't get a dime over what she added. All I can say about the place is that the food was decent.......but how can you mess up nachos and toasted raviolis? Also, I ordered a frozen margarita.....it took the bartender 10 minutes to figure out how to use the ice machine! Don't know if he was new or what. Overall I was embarrassed and disappointed that I suggested this place to my friends and family. I drove 900 miles and had that one night to go out and Maryland Yards was NOT a good choice in my opinion.

I do live in st. charles. Maryland Yards is by far one of the best resaturants in st. charles. The staff there are extremely nice. I can tell you "no" they don't have bands on the week ends and never did. Separate checks for 24 people....If the server added a gratuity, that means you must have been a pain. The game room down stairs was probably closed for a private party, which they have alot of during christmas. go figure.... If you wanted a nightclub to dance in...go to a nightclub, not a restaurant. By they way, if you wanted GREAT food maybe you should have tried having dinner there also. It's always been wonderful and inexpense.

I do live in st. charles. Maryland Yards is by far one of the best resaturants in st. charles. The staff there are extremely nice. I can tell you "no" they don't have bands on the week ends and never did. Separate checks for 24 people....If the server added a gratuity, that means you must have been a pain. The game room down stairs was probably closed for a private party, which they have alot of during christmas. go figure.... If you wanted a nightclub to dance in...go to a nightclub, not a restaurant. By they way, if you wanted GREAT food maybe you should have tried having dinner there also. It's always been wonderful and inexpense.

I have had a horrible experience with Maryland Yards in St. Charles. I reserved the basement for a private party back in January for a party in April. I decided before I send out the invites that I would just confirm everything was set. Well I was informed by Mary at Maryland Yards that the entire month of April they would be closed for a remoldel. Come to find out they had double booked that night and just told me that. THEY ARE NOT CLOSED THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL. I have taken my party elsewhere. They have lost out on a lot of business because of this.

I have had a horrible experience with Maryland Yards in St. Charles. I reserved the basement for a private party back in January for a party in April. I decided before I send out the invites that I would just confirm everything was set. Well I was informed by Mary at Maryland Yards that the entire month of April they would be closed for a remoldel. Come to find out they had double booked that night and just told me that. THEY ARE NOT CLOSED THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL. I have taken my party elsewhere. They have lost out on a lot of business because of this.

I happen to know that maryland yards last night was apr 1... if you booked a private party as i did before they closed they required a deposit. Did you give them a deposit? If so, did you get it back? My party was great and we had a wonderful time. The food was served when they said it would be, and was also very good. It's a good thing you waited til the last minute to send out invitations, or it would have been real embarresing for you. I think before you call anyone a liar you should get your facts straight. It's hard to dbl book a party when they're closed. I bet they don't miss your kind of business at all.

I happen to know that maryland yards last night was apr 1... if you booked a private party as i did before they closed they required a deposit. Did you give them a deposit? If so, did you get it back? My party was great and we had a wonderful time. The food was served when they said it would be, and was also very good. It's a good thing you waited til the last minute to send out invitations, or it would have been real embarresing for you. I think before you call anyone a liar you should get your facts straight. It's hard to dbl book a party when they're closed. I bet they don't miss your kind of business at all.

I've read where the trail closes at sunset and was wondering if we can just pass out in sleeping bags on the side of the trail or not. i wouldn't really want to pay for rooms. that kind of takes the adventure out of it i guess. thanks for your comments

Unfortunately, the DNR website isn't specific, but I've heard more than once that the trail is closed from sunset to sunrise and you could be ticketed or arrested for being in the park at that time.



From:

http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/question.htm

Can I stop and camp anywhere along the trail?



There are no camping facilities in Katy Trail State Park. There is camping available at certain communities and at private campgrounds along the way.

I agree with Nails; check out this earlier thread for a discussion of trailside camping. There are quite a few places to camp along the trail, including some city parks where you won't have to pay a dime: Katy Trail campground list

No camping is allowed along the trail or at the trailheads because the Trail is a day use only

park. I agree with the previous posts to check out city parks and other places along the way

where camping is allowed.

Have respect for the land around the katy trail, most of it is private land the owners have lost or gracfully given. You might get away worth camping on the trail, but IMHO there are better options.

The State Park is only about 12 feet wide or so (it's the narrowest state park anywhere!). So,

if you pitch your tent along the side of the trail, chances are that you are not actually on the

park land, but are on land that is privately owned. The park property doesn't extend too

much farther than the edge of the trail. Think of it this way...there is a sidewalk in front of

your house and it is no problem for random strangers to walk on the sidewalk, but would you

want them to stop and camp on your lawn?

The "side of the trail" appears to be mostly bluffs, impenetrable vine-draped second-growth forest or muddy swampy ditch between trail and baby corn plants right now... At least from Boonville East. You don't really want to camp in THAT, do you? At least get off on a country road and take the usual chances with illegal bike-trip camping - gaining a few feet of elevation will keep you from sleeping in the water, and finding some bushes or trees to camp in will keep you invisible...

are there going to be a new casey's store in eminence mo this summer or not? I was told that there might be one coming there

are there going to be a new casey's store in eminence mo this summer or not? I was told that there might be one coming there

I am trying to plan a ride for a group of local girl scouts. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which part of the trail we should ride? Most of the girls are only 10 and have never been on the trail. 15 miles will probably be their max! I was wondering what part to ride with them that will have some views they will think are "cool" and possibly even a place for lunch. Any help? Thanks in advance.

Defiance to Augusta and back is around 14 miles. I'm not sure about lunch on either end. The 2 places in Defiance are probably not kid friendly. Augusta is a tough climb for kids up into the town.



We like to ride to Augusta and go to the little General Store for drinks and snacks.



You could always start at Klondike Park as well. Plenty of views there. You can go either way from there to Defiance or Augusta and beyond. Augusta is only 2 or 3 miles from Klondike I think. The path from the KATY up into Klondike is pretty steep but it is paved. There might be some pushing there. If you do Klondike, don't forget to peddle or walk up to the overlook at the top. The view is worth it.



My recommendation would be to picnic at Klondike and ride west toward Dutzow and stop in Augusta on the return trip for drinks and snacks.

Ken, Thanks for the input, great idea about Klondike Park. Dara

Defiance is a good suggestion for starting point, because it's not far from your location (Foristell), and if any of your girls do not have bikes you can rent from the bike shop there. The one drawback to Defiance is that parking can be limited on weekends. The two bar/restaurants there cater to the Harley crowd, but I've never felt uncomfortable in either place. In fact I've gone to both the outdoor "patio" section of Terry & Kathy's, and the indoor restaurant part of Dave & Jacquie's, with my two small kids. It just depends on what you're comfortable with.



This is a great section of trail, but if your girls are looking for scenery and river views you might want to consider heading out west to Rocheport. It's a much farther drive (about 90 miles from Foristell as opposed to maybe 15 miles to Defiance), but higher on the "cool" scale. Rocheport has a railroad tunnel you can ride through on the west end of town, and the trail hugs the river heading east from there for some fantastic scenery. You'd probably go to Huntsdale, grab lunch at Katfish Katy's, and head back for a 13 mile round trip. Or McBaine for a 17 mile round trip. There's a really amazing burr oak tree just off the trail near McBaine. Katfish Katy's isn't really a restaurant - more like groceries & supplies. Also, there's a bar & grill in McBaine - Lucy's

Kansas City PBS did a great show on the Katy this evening. The show told the history, pros and cons of the trail, and all the great towns.



Anyone else catch it?



It will come on again!

http://www.kcpt.org/



Suposedly you can buy the tape. One hour show and well worth it.



It was produced for the show SCREENtime.

Yes, I saw it. I thought it was great. My Wife said it was made in 1999, so it was old but well worth watching, they need to make a 30 min, once a week series.

I saw the PBS show also. I really enjoyed it - in fact, it made me want to realize the dream I've had for quite sometime about biking the Katy Trail. I hear others talk about it, but I've never experienced it. I'm not much of an athlete, but I think I'd like to start getting in shape, and ride the entire trail by this time next year. It's a great goal to strive toward.

Hi all,

As next Friday is Ride-your-bike-to-work day I was hoping to ride in to the research park in St. Charles from the trailheat at the Page Ave. extension. All I'm trying to find out is the best way to get from the Katy to the research park, google earth makes it look like there might be a connector, but I don't recall seeing one. Any help would be appreciated with this,

Thanks

You might be able to jump off the trail and head to Woofrim Rd as shown in this picture:

http://www.terraserverusa.com/image.aspx?T=4&S=10&Z=15&X=3517&Y=21426&W=3

However, that's probably private property you'll cross and the road itself might be a private drive. Better to investigate it first.



There is a proposed link to the KATY along a creek that is just west of this photo. Go to:

http://www.um-mrp.org/home.html

Click on "Take a Virtual Tour" and then click on "Interactive Lot Map" in the new window.

The Green Ridge Bar and Grill is now open in greenridge. The hours are from 7am to 10pm they have a great breakfast and the biggest all meat tenderloin you will ever see. Burfs Green ridge grill is across the street from casey's on cooper street. friendly staff and great food.

That's great news. Anyone know their phone number?

I live in Kansas City and I would like to bike the entire trail this summer. Which direction would you recommend? I think I saw that West to East is more downhill. Is this true? Do most people usually go west to east?

I biked the trail from west to east in April. There's a small grade between Sedelia and Boonesville, but not enough that I would call it uphill. I was told the prevailing winds were usually from west to east, but the four days I was on the trail they were from all directions.

West to east for the following reasons:



1. The scenery and trail conditions tend to improve in that direction

2. Net downhill but overall that is not a huge factor on the trail

3. The highway is usually closer to the trail on the eastern portions which is reassuring on the latter stages of a long ride.

4. It seems preferable to have the sun behind you at the end of the day, rather than in your face during the latter part of a long hot day.

5. The wind seems to be a debatable subject and one can check all of the websites they wish but anyone who rides alot, flies R/C helicopters or has a flagpole within view of their office window has an opinion that the net wind vector tends to be at least partially out of the west more often than from the east. Perhaps this varies somewhat across the state?

6. There are more places to get toasted in St. Charles than Clinton after a long ride.