Rock Island Trail Forum

I am a beginning cyclist and live in Arnold MO and would like to know The closest way to get to Katy Trail from St. Louis. Its a little late in the year dont know if Ill make it till next summer, also im interested in doing maybe a 30 mile ride or a 50 what are the distance markers like. I would appreciate any advice.

Here's a web page with parking suggestions and how to get to the trail from the St Louis area.



Mile marker signs appear every mile, just like on a highway. Check out this page for mileage between towns - there's also a column that tells you what mile marker each town is located it.



Too late in the year? October is a great time! Temperatures are nice, and the trees are finally starting to turn colors. It's the best time to be out on the trail.



You'll love the Katy Trail - come on out and have some fun.

big jon, me and my wifey ride the trail occasionally. we either go to the historic district of st. charles which is off the fifth st exit of I-70 just across the blanchette bridge and ride west bound from there, or we take high 40 up to highway 94, go south on 94, and go to defiance and ride from there. i personally think it is prettier from defiance west then from st. charles west. these would be the 2 closests i think. this would be a fantastic time of yr to ride. cooler weather, and the colors have to fantastic. happy ridin, frank

Thanks go out to MODOT for smoothing out the gravel road from Hwy 94 down to the trailhead. Now cars can go up on the correct side of the road.

My husband and I stayed here over the summer and I was very impressed. The room was very cozy(homelike). The Breakfast was the best yet but better than all was the place. The store has pretty much anything you could need from Deli sandwichs, ice cream,lunch specials, soda and pizza. Theres something for everyone and after a long trail ride it's so nice to come into the store and get something cold to drink and some food and not have to go to a bar. Her (Barb's) prices are very reasonable food and room and she is a very knowledgable women. She can carry on a conversation very well. She told my husband and I how the store has been around since 1800's and has been through many many floods and i think that is a reason it is so special. If your ever in the area and need a place to stay i reccommend Peers Store for the caring people, reasonablr prices and you won't leave without learning something new.

My husband and I stayed here over the summer and I was very impressed. The room was very cozy(homelike). The Breakfast was the best yet but better than all was the place. The store has pretty much anything you could need from Deli sandwichs, ice cream,lunch specials, soda and pizza. Theres something for everyone and after a long trail ride it's so nice to come into the store and get something cold to drink and some food and not have to go to a bar. Her (Barb's) prices are very reasonable food and room and she is a very knowledgable women. She can carry on a conversation very well. She told my husband and I how the store has been around since 1800's and has been through many many floods and i think that is a reason it is so special. If your ever in the area and need a place to stay i reccommend Peers Store for the caring people, reasonablr prices and you won't leave without learning something new.

Very glad to see your comment. We are to stay over on Oct. 18th. My phone conversation for the reservation, was very comfortable which led me to believe that even though age may be on the facilities, that yet it would be comfortable.

Very glad to see your comment. We are to stay over on Oct. 18th. My phone conversation for the reservation, was very comfortable which led me to believe that even though age may be on the facilities, that yet it would be comfortable.

We enjoyed cycling the trail between Coopers Landing at Easley and Hartsburg on Friday

when some booths were just being set up for the Pumpkin Festival. We returned by car

the next day because after 2 days on the trail we were leaving the area. Reminds me of

Branson, MO when it was basically a one-street town - the traffic congestion is almost

impossible during the event. Glad we got there early. We enjoyed the festival on

Saturday, made a few purchases, ate some good food. One very bad experience

however.... We always think to be careful of our possessions in the big city and forget to

do so in small towns. Bad thinking! Our small digital camera & case was stolen from its

attachment on Lee's belt under his jacket - so we lost our camera and all of our photos of

our trail ride during the previous two days. No photos of the pumpkin festival to share

either.

We enjoyed cycling the trail between Coopers Landing at Easley and Hartsburg on Friday

when some booths were just being set up for the Pumpkin Festival. We returned by car

the next day because after 2 days on the trail we were leaving the area. Reminds me of

Branson, MO when it was basically a one-street town - the traffic congestion is almost

impossible during the event. Glad we got there early. We enjoyed the festival on

Saturday, made a few purchases, ate some good food. One very bad experience

however.... We always think to be careful of our possessions in the big city and forget to

do so in small towns. Bad thinking! Our small digital camera & case was stolen from its

attachment on Lee's belt under his jacket - so we lost our camera and all of our photos of

our trail ride during the previous two days. No photos of the pumpkin festival to share

either.

I take it back! We thought our camera had been stolen, but we learned today that it

instead got caught on the hayrack on which we rode from the parking area. A Hartsburg

area resident found it stuck to the hayrack, reported it and will send it to us. Not only did

we have a good time at the Pumpkin Festival, but we know the residents are honest. I

would, however, recommend riding there by bicycle and make arrangements to pick up

your pumpkins by car on another day.

I take it back! We thought our camera had been stolen, but we learned today that it

instead got caught on the hayrack on which we rode from the parking area. A Hartsburg

area resident found it stuck to the hayrack, reported it and will send it to us. Not only did

we have a good time at the Pumpkin Festival, but we know the residents are honest. I

would, however, recommend riding there by bicycle and make arrangements to pick up

your pumpkins by car on another day.

You can't ride an juggle pumkins? Come on now!



It is nice to know there are honest people around. It did seem a bit far fetched to think that instead of loosing the camera.... it was stolen from its attachment while hooked on a belt under a jacket. Again.....come on now!

You can't ride an juggle pumkins? Come on now!



It is nice to know there are honest people around. It did seem a bit far fetched to think that instead of loosing the camera.... it was stolen from its attachment while hooked on a belt under a jacket. Again.....come on now!

We went to the pumpkin festival hoping to enjoy some good pumpkin pie, bread, fudge etc & were disappointed that we couldn't find any! What kind of a pumpikn festival doesn't have pumpkin pie???!!!!!!!

We went to the pumpkin festival hoping to enjoy some good pumpkin pie, bread, fudge etc & were disappointed that we couldn't find any! What kind of a pumpikn festival doesn't have pumpkin pie???!!!!!!!

Just wanted to alert everyone that we parked at the N. Jefferson trailhead near Jefferson City on Friday, October 7. We were riding about four hours and returned to find that about a 1/4 a tank of gas had been siphoned out of our vehicle. Might want to think about parking at the Hartsburg trailhead instead of the more open one at N. Jefferson.

There were also several cars broken into & purses, CDs etc stolen during that same timeframe. If you park there, you need to make sure you don't leave those things in plain sight. We've been parking there in the evenings for several years & haven't had any problems.

There are bathrooms there now!!

There are bathrooms there now!!

I was just there this past Saturday and used that restroom, but did not think to update the website listing - thanks for the reminder! The Treloar restroom is unisex. There is no running water, but it was nice and clean when we visited.

I was just there this past Saturday and used that restroom, but did not think to update the website listing - thanks for the reminder! The Treloar restroom is unisex. There is no running water, but it was nice and clean when we visited.

Great hotel right just off I-70 at exit 101. Great staff, nice clean rooms, nice pool. We liked the continental breakfast, and of course the Russell Stover's Candy outlet next door!

Great hotel right just off I-70 at exit 101. Great staff, nice clean rooms, nice pool. We liked the continental breakfast, and of course the Russell Stover's Candy outlet next door!

The access to the Katy makes it even better!

The access to the Katy makes it even better!

Clean, comfortable, delicious food, and very very very kind and accomodating hosts! This is an experience you won't want to miss!

Clean, comfortable, delicious food, and very very very kind and accomodating hosts! This is an experience you won't want to miss!

I had a nice visit today with Barb, the lady who runs Peers Store (at mile 80, between Treloar and Marthasville). She has lots of interesting stories about the store (which has been in her family for decades), the building (which was built in the late 1800s), the little building next door (which has been a school, a bar, a home, a feed store, and more...) and the town of Peers (which was underwater during the flood of '93, even though the river is over a mile away). Save some time to enjoy chatting with Barb at the Peers Store.

I had a nice visit today with Barb, the lady who runs Peers Store (at mile 80, between Treloar and Marthasville). She has lots of interesting stories about the store (which has been in her family for decades), the building (which was built in the late 1800s), the little building next door (which has been a school, a bar, a home, a feed store, and more...) and the town of Peers (which was underwater during the flood of '93, even though the river is over a mile away). Save some time to enjoy chatting with Barb at the Peers Store.

Do you allow children? We always bike with our 4 year old. We were thinking of taking a day and seeing how far we got, but need to be sure someplace would allow a child. We do allow him to sleep in the same room as we are when we are out places.

Do you allow children? We always bike with our 4 year old. We were thinking of taking a day and seeing how far we got, but need to be sure someplace would allow a child. We do allow him to sleep in the same room as we are when we are out places.

Never mind, I found my answer on the website. Looks like we'll have to hunt for a hotel/motel.

Thanks

Never mind, I found my answer on the website. Looks like we'll have to hunt for a hotel/motel.

Thanks

Is this the town where all the biker(Motorcyclist) come too? A friend gave me a name(Dutzelu and said it was on Highway 94 about 40 miles out from St. Louis, Mo.

That would be Defiance. They were in rare form (Tent Party and about 100 motorcycles) last night when I rode by.

This is not good for the KATY.

They were in Defiance not Dutzow.

The motorcycles are not a bad thing for Katy. The motorcycles have been traveling on Hwy 94 from St Charles to Hermann for almost 40 years. The tent party has been held for many years before the Katy Trail was established. It is usually a charity benefit, that ends up at Sharp's Corner in Hermann

Thanks for posting, Jeff. I agree with you. Do you know if there is a website that lists the dates of these events? It might be helpful for some folks when planning a bike ride. All users of the trail need to remember that the State Park property ends when we leave the trail and not everything in the towns revolves around the trail and its users. Hopefully, through this great website that Ray has created, we can exchange information on activities along the trail that may impact our visits. I have read similar posts about loud party's and such in Easley & Coopers Landing.

We stayed one night at the Augusta Wine Country Inn and found it to be among the worst places we have stayed. Ever! Our rooms were not made up or cleaned, many things didn't work and although the manager was pleasant and tried to help, the property is far from good. A good place to avoid.

I work at Ashleys Rose Restaurant and Inn in Augusta Missouri. If you have eaten there and think that the service was bad then you should be telling me.

But you probley did in the tip that you gave me. I have worked there for 10 years and have meet so pretty smelly people off of the trail. the only reason the you wold get bad service is if you are ignorant to me. If you thought that the service was bad then you have probley never been a server.

We ate at Ashley's last week and it was great. Good food and good service.

THE BEST!!! The camps were great and the food was awesome. The steaks are fresh cut the

day of your meal. Melt in your mouth goodness!

THE BEST!!! The camps were great and the food was awesome. The steaks are fresh cut the

day of your meal. Melt in your mouth goodness!

Super sweet tour and very interesting!

Skip it. Very unfriendly. It must be an outsider thing. We had washed up and didn't look like

cyclists at all but it was a chilly atmosphere.

Skip it. Very unfriendly. It must be an outsider thing. We had washed up and didn't look like

cyclists at all but it was a chilly atmosphere.

Very nice town and worth the visit. Bridge is narrow but vehicles seem to be used to cyclists.

Highly recommend it. The town is neat and the city park is a great place to camp.

The owner of Scenic is a wonderful man. It is no longer in Marthasville. In actuality it is a mile

or two east. They moved to a farm with the shop. They have the shop and areas for cyclists to

camp.

The owner of Scenic is a wonderful man. It is no longer in Marthasville. In actuality it is a mile

or two east. They moved to a farm with the shop. They have the shop and areas for cyclists to

camp.

Not the cleanest place. But a good stop over for $5

Not the cleanest place. But a good stop over for $5

This was absolutely one of the best places along the trail!!! The food, service and everything

else was GREAT!

This was absolutely one of the best places along the trail!!! The food, service and everything

else was GREAT!

Bella Garden Cafe at 524 S Main street has an outside cafe just off the Katy Trail directly across from the Old Train Depot and Red Caboose in Frontier Park in St. Charles. Look for the 6foot high white picket fence with entrance to the cafe.Dogs are also welcome here with complimentary water. As a server at the cafe and a Katy Trail biking commuter and enthusiast, I can extend a sincere welcome to all bikers and dog walkers. Our fare ranges from healthy green leaf salads and wraps to hearty Philly Cheesteaks and warm soups. Cyclists are welcome to bring their bikes to their outside table for security, or lock them up while exploring historic Main Street while waiting for that shuttle.

Does anybody know anything about Fern's B&B? Is it worth the stay or any info on this one? Thanks

We are staying in Rocheport and going on a day bike trip. Which way from Rocheport would you recommend for the most scenic ride and also where are some good places to stop for lunch/sightseeing. Any infomation on riding the Katy Trail in the Rocheport area and also places to go in the Rocheport and Boonville area would be greatly appreciated. We are arriving late afternoon and staying at the School House B & B and then bike riding the next day. Suggestions please?

my preference is rocheport east. there is more of the river to see and i enjoy it more that way than west. however not as many eatin places as west bound. check the katy roundhouse at franklin for supper, may need reservations. rocheport east, there is a snack shop at huntsdale called katfish katys, other wise nuthin till hartsburg. have fun.

I totally agree, eastbound is far and away the more scenic route.

There's a place to eat at McBaine, too. I forget what it's called--maybe Betty's, and I haven't eaten there. Also, consider riding into Columbia--tons of places to eat downtown, which is easy to reach from the spur trail.

The spur to Columbia is worth the ride also....maybe not so much on the southern end but more near town it is well worth the ride. I wouldn't discount it as part of my trip.



Enjoy!

If we start a one day trip from N. Jefferson City would it be better to go east or west for a 20 mile ride in each direction. What direction would be more scenic and what places would you stop at for lunch. My wife and I are going to able to ride just one day on the way through Missouri.

i have ridden from north jefferson going west. i personally like that way much better, however, i have not ridden from north jefferson going east. call ahead to doty's resturant in hartsburg bout what days she is open, and the cycle-depot also. otherwise the next place for food or snacks i think is katfish katys in huntsdale and the next is the trailside cafe in rocheport. traiside cafe is a great place to stop. there is a small resturant in claysville 3-4 miles east of hartsburg on the trail, but don't know the hours. have fun ridin the trail

For less than an hours worth of time, I'd drive from Jeff City to Rocheport and ride the trail there. Beings you are from Nebraska you'd probably pass through there on your way home anyway. At least stop by the trail on your way if you decide to ride elsewhere.



The tunnel in Rocheport is always a cool treat and there is plenty to see east of there. The limestone bluffs with the Fall trees can be very breathtaking. Indian Paintbrush lines the trail and there are also Persimon trees and Bittersweet that compliment the Fall color.



Lunch at the winery bistro on top of the bluff is required on this trip. The view is beautiful, the building itself unique, and the food is good to boot!



Enjoy the ride!

I just got back from riding from St. Charles to Jeff. City...There is NOTHING east of Jefferson City! Go West young man...GO WEST!

No question west is more scenic and more places to eat.

I agree with the advice to go West. One place that you might consider eating is at Cooper's Landing, just a little more than 20 miles from N. Jefferson--outstanding Thai food, plus some burgers, etc. I would call ahead for hours, though.

Weekend of Oct 15, I was going to park at the Sedalia Amtrak station, take the train to Jeff City and ride back to Sedalia. Is it a bad idea to leave a car overnight, Saturday at the Sedalia Amtrak station?



Any reccomendations for a shuttle service from Jeff City Amtrak to trailhead in N. Jefferson? I assume its not a good idea to bike to the trailhead. I'm ok riding in heavy urban traffic, just not into jumping freeway overpasses if that's required.

The police station is not far from the train station in Sedalia. I would recommend parking there in the lot just across from the police station. That location, to me, seemed to be more secure than the train station. From there, you just follow the signs to the trail head. It is not hard.



I do not know a good shuttle service off hand but have used one in past years. Look at the other postings to get some ideas.

I know this is probably a stupid question, but as an avid road rider I gotta ask. Will it be necessary to use a mountain bike on the Katy Trail? Somehow I can't imagine doing it with my skinny tires.



Discovered the KT yesterday with a google search. I'll buy a mtn. bike if necessary. The whole concept is great! Can't wait to check it out.

A mountain bike is not needed. But you may want to go with some wider tires on your road bike than what you usually use. I ride a hybrid with 700x380 and they work great. Rather than buy a new bike, rent one. I'd suggest a hybrid or comfort bike. Part of the enjoyment of the trail is being able to look around.

I've used all three type bikes on the KATY. The hybrid works the best. You can use a road bike if the weather cooperates, but if it rains the trail gets mushy and the narrow tires of a road bike then tend to sink in.

Brett Dufer's Katy Trail Guide Book states that one can camp for free at the Lion's Club Park in Mokane (after contacting Marshall Skelton at 573-676-5127). True, but don't consider this for any reason. This town does not go to sleep. During our stay September 30 - October 1, I was awake from 11:10 PM to 5:15 AM, trying to stay hidden in the shadows and fearing for our personal safety. We were kept awake by motorcycle racing on the town streets, yelling and loud talking, and squeeling tires. At 1:30 AM, someone decided to build a bonfire on a property adjacent to the park, and this fire was kept going until 4:30 AM by periodically throwing gasoline (or some other flamable liquid) on the fire. These people obviously don't have a lot to entertain themselves with, and I was afraid that if they saw 2 tents in the park, it would give them something to do: investigate and harass the campers (us). Fortunately, nobody saw us. When the crack of dawn came, we got the hell out of Dodge. My riding partner told me that one of the locals told him the night before that Mokane has no local law enforcement - they only have the county sheriff. Very obvious. Also, (not that this matters much) but the toilet buildings at the park looked about as good as a Chicago or New York City tenement.

Meyers Hilltop Farm is a slice of Heaven! If you find yourself in McKittrick, this is the place to stay! Eldon and Maggie are about the nicest, most thoughtful (and wicked sence of humors!)you'll find. The room was cozy and comfortable, clean and bright, and breakfast was unreal! I can't say enough about this wonderful B&B sitting up on top of the world. I miss them already!

Meyers Hilltop Farm is a slice of Heaven! If you find yourself in McKittrick, this is the place to stay! Eldon and Maggie are about the nicest, most thoughtful (and wicked sence of humors!)you'll find. The room was cozy and comfortable, clean and bright, and breakfast was unreal! I can't say enough about this wonderful B&B sitting up on top of the world. I miss them already!

If you go to Augusta...you have to stay at the Red Brick Inn...

It's sooooo wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Corinne was so great. They have done a fabulous job in renovating this beautiful historic home. You will enjoy everything about your stay there!

If you go to Augusta...you have to stay at the Red Brick Inn...

It's sooooo wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Corinne was so great. They have done a fabulous job in renovating this beautiful historic home. You will enjoy everything about your stay there!

me and my gf are in relatively good shape. We are trying to finish the entirety of the katy trail in different segments. Our first ride we did 30 miles is it possible to do 70 miles in one day if we take a lunch break in the middle or is that too strenuous?

A friend and I have done several 60+ mile rides on the Katy. This summer we even did an 80 mile ride with gear. All of those trips started in St. Charles rode out and back in one day. I would say that being in shape 70 miles a day should be no problem.

If you're in shape, take several shorter breaks and drink plenty of fluids 70 miles should not be a problem on the KATY.

Just back from the trail...my longest day (5 days total) was only 45 and if there had been more places along the way to stop and get food and water, a longer ride would have been a snap! This trail is FLAT...and i mean REALLY FLAT!!! I rode between 12-15mph the whole way. I was self supported too, so think light!...you'll move faster.

I rode from Pitman Hill Rd. to the 370 Bridge this evening. I thought the trail ended there. What is the status of the trail beyond that point? It looked rideable, just not as maintained, as far as I could see. Is it rideable for a significant distance?

While the trail looks like it could extend for miles more past the 370 bridge the fact is that it only goes for about maybe a mile to more further. A friend and I had headed down that way to see just how far over Labor Day weekend.

FYI: in case you didn't catch the article about Machens in the Post Dispatch, here's what's going on with efforts to extend the trail to Machens

We were here on the 19th. After arriving we 1st checked out the North campground. It was very nice with lots of trees & several RV's & were directed by some men with golf carts to the public campgrounds across the street. The public campground site has no trees and the shower/restroom is in horrible shape. Only the womens Handicap stall had a shower head...in the regular stall there was just a pipe sticking out. I'm ashamed of our State Fairgrounds.

We were here on the 19th. After arriving we 1st checked out the North campground. It was very nice with lots of trees & several RV's & were directed by some men with golf carts to the public campgrounds across the street. The public campground site has no trees and the shower/restroom is in horrible shape. Only the womens Handicap stall had a shower head...in the regular stall there was just a pipe sticking out. I'm ashamed of our State Fairgrounds.

This is the ball park you see on the South side of the trail. We had to call the number listed to get the shower/restroom lights & hot water turned on. Only $5. We camped on the backside of the ballfield away from the flood lights. There is a shelter hse. Mosquitos are bad but they have been everywhere so far. Womens showers (2) need some work..1 stall no shower head..both cold water knob didn't work, not getting scalded was tricky. Nice cooled water fountain & hose in front.

This is the ball park you see on the South side of the trail. We had to call the number listed to get the shower/restroom lights & hot water turned on. Only $5. We camped on the backside of the ballfield away from the flood lights. There is a shelter hse. Mosquitos are bad but they have been everywhere so far. Womens showers (2) need some work..1 stall no shower head..both cold water knob didn't work, not getting scalded was tricky. Nice cooled water fountain & hose in front.

Had a wonderful Portabella Mushroom burger for lunch. Very good.

Had a wonderful Portabella Mushroom burger for lunch. Very good.

Stopped for some heavenly Blackberry cobbler & ice cream. Best I've ever had. They have great food, service is wonderful. Place is really spotless. You can tell Dotty loves her job. I stop here every time I do this section.

Stopped for some heavenly Blackberry cobbler & ice cream. Best I've ever had. They have great food, service is wonderful. Place is really spotless. You can tell Dotty loves her job. I stop here every time I do this section.

Twice this year I have stayed at the Ramada Inn 573-635-7171. They have a Katy Special & free shuttle service from/to trailhead, ask about free Breakfast buffet coupon (during week only). Restaurant is moderately priced, very good food. No guest laundry but they said there was one about 1-1/2 miles away. It did take us longer to get shuttled back to the trailhead this time because they were busier...but it was free.

Twice this year I have stayed at the Ramada Inn 573-635-7171. They have a Katy Special & free shuttle service from/to trailhead, ask about free Breakfast buffet coupon (during week only). Restaurant is moderately priced, very good food. No guest laundry but they said there was one about 1-1/2 miles away. It did take us longer to get shuttled back to the trailhead this time because they were busier...but it was free.

Its worth the 4mi? ride back from the Katy Round Hse if their restaurant is closed. Bike rack directly out front. Just be certain to have a headlamp or light for coming back. PS...crossing the bridge @ night you are blinded by headlights, so be careful.....

Its worth the 4mi? ride back from the Katy Round Hse if their restaurant is closed. Bike rack directly out front. Just be certain to have a headlamp or light for coming back. PS...crossing the bridge @ night you are blinded by headlights, so be careful.....

This is a great store with a little of everything. We arrived 2 minutes before closing and they stayed open long enought for us to buy some canned fruit, cheese & crackers. The nice lady even put the cheese in a ziplock for me. Saved us from eating at the bar in Marthasville.

This is a great store with a little of everything. We arrived 2 minutes before closing and they stayed open long enought for us to buy some canned fruit, cheese & crackers. The nice lady even put the cheese in a ziplock for me. Saved us from eating at the bar in Marthasville.

This was a great lunch stop. They grilled a bunch of vegies for me. Plus they had homemade pies barely cooled from the oven. These people are wonderful...Friendliest we met on the entire trail.

This was a great lunch stop. They grilled a bunch of vegies for me. Plus they had homemade pies barely cooled from the oven. These people are wonderful...Friendliest we met on the entire trail.

Polly's is a little piece of heaven. A very nice lady who runs a lovely bed and breakfast a stone's throw from the Katy Trail. She will make you a breakfast fit for a lumberjack.



Also, about a ten minute walk from her place is John El's BBQ, open on Friday and Saturday only. Definitely worth a visit as well.

Another place clost to the trail in Pilot Grove is "Becky's Burgers & Cones" Everything is homemade!!!