Rock Island Trail Forum

Any help in finding a shuttle for the trail?? Thanks

Sure, try this

We just used David Lawson, listed as Katy Trail Shuttle Service. He was punctual and pleasant. He met us in Clinton and drove us back to St. Charles in his Suburban in about three and a half hours. His price was $250; the next best price was Doug Rendelman's for $300. I talked to David Creason but I found his telephone manners to be such that I did not think I wanted to work with him.

We used B & L Shuttle in Sedalia. They were great--extremely flexible and helpful and very reasonable. You can "google" them and they'll come up. I think they're also on the Katy website.

Some folks we met on the trail recommended using Amtrak. They can take you to Sedalia from St Louis and charge $10 for your bike. You could then call B&L Shuttle to take you to Clinton, or just start from Sedalia. This train option sounded like a great idea to us.

Hi, I would like to take our children on a short ride along the Katy Trail for our first ride to try out the experience. I was thinking staying overnight and then riding back the same route the next day. I thought Weldon Springs to Augusta; would anyone have some better suggestions? The children bike to school regularly and the youngest travels in my bike trailer. Thanks.

For a first time out I would stick to a shorter day trip rather than an overnighter with kids the first time. Be sure to take lots of water, gatorade or something similar as there is none on the trail. Snacks, sandwiches would be good, too. Remember kids tire out sooner than adults, usually. I've seen more than one group get on the trail, not figuring out how much energy they may not have for their return trip to the car. Know your limits and the kids. I don't know the kids' ages, but I do think starting off on an overnighter is way too much.

I would stick to a day trip rather than an overnighter the first time. I don't know the ages of your children, but I"ve seen plenty of groups get onto the trail and not figure out how much energy they needed for the return trip. There is no way to know if this trip would be too much-as in soreness-with needing to ride again the next day. I'd take plenty of liquids, snacks, sandwiches, etc. Then pace your trip so that everyone is not too exhausted to bike back to the car. AFter biking a few times to check everyone's endurance, perhaps then see if the kids are up for the overnight stay.

We have been doing 2-3 night trips with our kids since they were 4 1/2 and 6, and they have been fantastic. The first two years they were on trail-a-bikes, then there was a year that they shared one trail-a-bike and one bike, and last year (ages 7 1/2 and 9), they were on their own bikes. Our longest day was about 30 miles, and that is too long to do very often. A couple of suggestions: the kids really like the train, if you can work that in, for example we have ridden to Jeff City, then taken the train to Sedalia, and then ridden home. It is a challenge getting across the bridge at Jeff City, though. We used the taxi service there, and they do have bike racks. Some of the more kid-friendly places we have stayed include Rendelman House (he let the kids stay in a funny little attic cubby, which they loved!)' The Globe in Hartsburg; The Little House in Marthasville(?), because you have it to yourself; and Cruce's Cabooses, which is off the trail a bit, but a great adventure for the kids; and the Doll's House in Rhineland.

We only have experience with the trail from Clinton to Sedalia and that is probably the farthest from you, but we did Windsor to Clinton and back one day and Windsor to Sedalia and back another. The camping is good at Farrington Park in Windsor. No showers, but portable John and regular facilities for bathroom near the lake. It is a pretty scene. We saw a striped bass jump out of the water. Three herons flying about. Bats at night. There are large trees near the camping area. It was our first experience camping together. I think you could do a one day from either Clinton or Sedalia to Windsor, camp there, head back the next day. We are late 40s and we did the Katy 78 miles in two days.

There is also a Hardee's located at 715 E. Broadway in sedalia just a couple of blocks from the katy depot.

There is also a Hardee's located at 715 E. Broadway in sedalia just a couple of blocks from the katy depot.

Our next goal on the Katy is to ride from Pilot Grove to Sedalia one day, then from Pilot Grove to New Franklin the next. So... what's the camping like in the City Park in Pilot Grove?

I was just curious as to whether or not the fact that riding on that loose rock and dust would cause any problems in a bike. such as if any dust got in the wheel bearings etc.?

My biggest concern after riding any unpaved trail that is dusty is the chain. Keep an eye on it and the cassette and after a ride of several miles, clean and relube the chain and deraileurs before riding again.

The trail is pretty dusty and after a rain can really eat up your chain and gears. Carry lube and don't be afraid to use it.

My Dad(70)& I finished our cycling trip yesterday. Sedalia - Hermann (about 150 miles, including side trips). What a great ride! Thanks to all of you who answered my questions, gave advice, etc. We camped the first 2 nights and got wet, motels the last 2 nights. The trail was in very good condition.

Highlights: MO State Fairgrounds for camping - $7.00 per tent. Not bad, had hot showers, plenty of trees for shade, but no tables.

Sedalia-Franklin: not sure why, but I was suprised by several long grades. Pretty scenery though. We had counted on eating b-fast & lunch in towns along the way, but found eateries to be scarce, possibly because I excel at getting us lost (don't ask). Camped @ Katy Roundhouse. Nice place, the owner even delivered ice! Roughly 7 gazillion chiggers, most of whom found me to be good eats.

Franklin-Jeff City: early start and had to ride 20 miles before finding breakfast @ Katfish Katy's (franks and cheese - please, please don't ask. I don't know why, just sounded good). Lunch in Hartsburg @ Dollies (or Dotties - I was pretty tired) where I had the 2nd best cheeseburger in the universe, then 12 miles to N. Jefferson City.

More to follow...

At North Jefferson, we faced a bit of a problem: how to get across the bridge..several locals at the trailhead (with pick-ups)said crossing the bridge was, well risky, but were disinclined to give us a lift. A note on the community board said the Best Value Inn offered a free shuttle.

We called and 20 minutes later were being transported to the hotel in Holt's Summit. 56 dollars got us the biggest room I've ever seen, great service, friendly staff and something called air-conditioning. The owner (never got his name - so sorry) refused a tip, just part of the service...offered to shuttle us back @ 7 a.m. Since we needed to leave earlier, he told of a route to the trailhead, part of which he keeps mowed for cyclists. I mean this guy was great!

The bridge at Hermann was a breeze (2:00 on a Monday) not much traffic, except for the Missouri DOT truck that tried to run me down!

All said and done, this was a fine trip.

Check out the plaque on the northeast part of the iron bridge at mile 93.5 - built in 1897.

Ok.

Any good ideas/experiences for lodging (no camping) in or around McKittrick? This will be the end of our first day riding E to W the third week in June. We will be traveling light, so will need a place to wash our clothes. Thanks. !!

Any good ideas/experiences for lodging (no camping) in or around McKittrick? This will be the end of our first day riding E to W the third week in June. We will be traveling light, so will need a place to wash our clothes. Thanks. !!

We enjoyed our stay at the Doll's House, 4 miles west in Rhineland, a couple of years ago. Nothing fancy, but comfortable, right on the trail, and a hearty breakfast. I don't know about the places in McKittrick, and of course there's always the option of getting shuttled across the river to a B&B in Hermann (some ride that bridge, but I wouldn't).

We enjoyed our stay at the Doll's House, 4 miles west in Rhineland, a couple of years ago. Nothing fancy, but comfortable, right on the trail, and a hearty breakfast. I don't know about the places in McKittrick, and of course there's always the option of getting shuttled across the river to a B&B in Hermann (some ride that bridge, but I wouldn't).

We stayed at Meyers Hilltop B&B in McKittrick 2 years ago and very much enjoyed it. There were animals on the property that our kids loved and the breakfast was outstanding.

We stayed at Meyers Hilltop B&B in McKittrick 2 years ago and very much enjoyed it. There were animals on the property that our kids loved and the breakfast was outstanding.

do you guys have tent rental at the campground..i dont really want to haul my tent around for thirty miles..so get back to me please! Kiss kiss....annie

do you guys have tent rental at the campground..i dont really want to haul my tent around for thirty miles..so get back to me please! Kiss kiss....annie

When is the best time to view the trees changing in the fall?

The peak for fall color varies for many reasons.....so the "best" time is sometimes difficult to determine. For the past two years, the second and third weeks in October have been very beautiful around Rocheport.



We rode the second weekend in Oct. last year and it could not have been a better time....also rode on Halloween day and most all of the leaves had fallen....still a very pretty ride tho.



The Missouri Department of Conservation tracks peak times throughout the state and is relatively accurate. Their web addy is: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/



See ya on the trail!

We just completed a fantastic 4 day ride-4 adults and 5 kids, ages 4-11. We stayed at two tried-and-true spots, which didn't disappoint, the Bothwell in Sedalia and the Globe in Hartsburg. Also had a really great stay in Boonville at The Officer's Club, which I can't recommend highly enough. They manage to be kid-friendly, while also elegant enough for any special occasion. It is close to the trail (uphill of course, but I think everything in Boonville is), and is a beautifully restored historic house that was once part of Kemper Military Academy. It was well-stocked with cold drinks, fresh cookies and other snacks, books, movies and board games-I almost wish we had gotten held up by the weather. Breakfast was hearty, tasty, and beautifully presented. Also of note in Boonville, there is a very good Italian restaurant called Napoli on Main Street, and we had the chance while there to peek into Boonville's newest B&B, an eclectic little spot called 4 Doors which is just off the patio of Napoli-definitely NOT for kids--it has lots of original artwork.

Out next stop was Rocheport, where we had pleasant, though far more modest accomodation at the Katy Trail Bed and Breakfast. We stayed in a room big enough to accomodate all 9 of us, so the price was VERY reasonable for our group. Also a very tasty breakfast.

One place I haven't seen mentioned on here before that is definitely worth knowing about (partly because you would never expect it) is the Thai Kitchen at Cooper's Landing: Fresh, fantastic Thai food cooked to order on the spot! Don't miss it.

We just completed a fantastic 4 day ride-4 adults and 5 kids, ages 4-11. We stayed at two tried-and-true spots, which didn't disappoint, the Bothwell in Sedalia and the Globe in Hartsburg. Also had a really great stay in Boonville at The Officer's Club, which I can't recommend highly enough. They manage to be kid-friendly, while also elegant enough for any special occasion. It is close to the trail (uphill of course, but I think everything in Boonville is), and is a beautifully restored historic house that was once part of Kemper Military Academy. It was well-stocked with cold drinks, fresh cookies and other snacks, books, movies and board games-I almost wish we had gotten held up by the weather. Breakfast was hearty, tasty, and beautifully presented. Also of note in Boonville, there is a very good Italian restaurant called Napoli on Main Street, and we had the chance while there to peek into Boonville's newest B&B, an eclectic little spot called 4 Doors which is just off the patio of Napoli-definitely NOT for kids--it has lots of original artwork.

Out next stop was Rocheport, where we had pleasant, though far more modest accomodation at the Katy Trail Bed and Breakfast. We stayed in a room big enough to accomodate all 9 of us, so the price was VERY reasonable for our group. Also a very tasty breakfast.

One place I haven't seen mentioned on here before that is definitely worth knowing about (partly because you would never expect it) is the Thai Kitchen at Cooper's Landing: Fresh, fantastic Thai food cooked to order on the spot! Don't miss it.

We just completed a fantastic 4 day ride-4 adults and 5 kids, ages 4-11. We stayed at two tried-and-true spots, which didn't disappoint, the Bothwell in Sedalia and the Globe in Hartsburg. Also had a really great stay in Boonville at The Officer's Club, which I can't recommend highly enough. They manage to be kid-friendly, while also elegant enough for any special occasion. It is close to the trail (uphill of course, but I think everything in Boonville is), and is a beautifully restored historic house that was once part of Kemper Military Academy. It was well-stocked with cold drinks, fresh cookies and other snacks, books, movies and board games-I almost wish we had gotten held up by the weather. Breakfast was hearty, tasty, and beautifully presented. Also of note in Boonville, there is a very good Italian restaurant called Napoli on Main Street, and we had the chance while there to peek into Boonville's newest B&B, an eclectic little spot called 4 Doors which is just off the patio of Napoli-definitely NOT for kids--it has lots of original artwork.

Out next stop was Rocheport, where we had pleasant, though far more modest accomodation at the Katy Trail Bed and Breakfast. We stayed in a room big enough to accomodate all 9 of us, so the price was VERY reasonable for our group. Also a very tasty breakfast.

One place I haven't seen mentioned on here before that is definitely worth knowing about (partly because you would never expect it) is the Thai Kitchen at Cooper's Landing: Fresh, fantastic Thai food cooked to order on the spot! Don't miss it.

Just finished a 2 1/2 day trip on the Katy trail - our first of many to come. Wow! What fun. We stayed two nights at the Riverscene B&B. Very nice folks. The first day we biked from the Riverscene (New Franklin - actually the outskirts of Booneville) to Rocheport. Beautiful weather and no problems on the trail. We had a late lunch at Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop (really super friendly folks and simple but good food) and a lovely dinner at the goreous Les Bourgeois Bistro - probably the prettiest view in all of MO. The Bistro folks fit us into their very busy restaurant and served us wonderful food, well presented. Also rode into New Franklin but absolutely nothing is open until the last week in May according to town folks.



The next day we drove to Rocheport and began our cycling trip. We stopped for an early lunch at Lucy's in McBaine. Not the friendliest folks in MO, in fact my guess is they don't care for cylists at all.



Leaving Lucy's we cycled less than two miles before one of our cyclists had a flat. We checked the entire tire and could find nothing wrong so we used our C02 kit to inflate, but the tube started leaking again immediately - our spare tube would not fit that bike. While two walked back to McBride, we rode ahead to inquire about a service station in the area. The folks at Lucy's were not helpful. We asked about a compressor (which they had since they were working with one in the back on renovation), they simply directed us to try the cement plant (where no one was available). We then asked if anyone would be willing to give one cyclist a ride back to Rocheport (we were willing to pay) - they looked at us like we were from another planet even though there were at least 15 people in Lucys. Next we tried the emergency trail numbers - the closest ride pickup was 1.5 hours away.



We finally sent two cyclists back to Rocheport where the people at Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop were very helpful, giving us directions to drive a vehic

As I've said in so many ways and times, you've got to be prepared. To ride on the KATY trail without a tube is an invitation for a long hike. That said, I'm sorry about your experience at Lucy's. I've never been there. My experience with people and businesses along the KATY trail is a mixed bag. Some have learned to capitalize on the trail while still leading a quiet, rural life (but some are rather showy). Others resent the trail and are rather gruff when they encounter KATY trail users.

We stopped in at Lucy's just to check out the menu, since there hasn't been anything at McBaine for a while, and they were very friendly and welcoming--offered to fill our water bottles without being asked, offered us a copy of the menu to take with us, etc. I would say they welcome bike riders. BTW, as we rode out on Monday there was no drinking fountain at McBaine. On Tuesday there was! It wasn't running yet, but installed. I understand that it is a donation fromt the City of Columbia, whose water treatment plant is right there.

This web site was a great help in preparing our trip. Turned out to be a terrific weekend, and the trail seemed in fine shape. My road bike with 700x28 tires handled it well. Looking back, I wish I had planned lunch stops in two towns in particular: Dutzow, where a bbq joint had set up a beer garden with a live band just steps from the trail -- and beckoned to cyclists to come over (I stupidly rode by, expecting something even better in Marthasville). And Rocheport, another town that really seems to embrace the trail and cyclists. Also, I highly recommend the Doll House Bed and Breakfast in Rhineland. Found a room there even when Hermann was fully booked, and it is literally on the trail. For road cyclists: riding the crushed limestone is definitely more work. Figure that after 50 miles on the Katy, you'll feel like you've ridden 75.

My wife and I recently spent two nights at the Doll House bed & breakfast in Rhineland. Highly recommended! Clean rooms, excellent food and GREAT people!

My wife and I recently spent two nights at the Doll House bed & breakfast in Rhineland. Highly recommended! Clean rooms, excellent food and GREAT people!

I couldn't agree more with your impression of the Doll House B & B. Amanda & Jeff are great people, the rooms are clean and the bathrooms large. The breakfast is delicious as is the food across the road at the diner/bar.

I couldn't agree more with your impression of the Doll House B & B. Amanda & Jeff are great people, the rooms are clean and the bathrooms large. The breakfast is delicious as is the food across the road at the diner/bar.

Thank you so much for your kind words!!!

I hope you come back sometime!

Amanda Schaefer

The Doll House B & B

Thank you so much for your kind words!!!

I hope you come back sometime!

Amanda Schaefer

The Doll House B & B

Agreed. Very much enjoyed it when I stopped there last September.

Agreed. Very much enjoyed it when I stopped there last September.

Memorial Day 2005 trip: Amanda fixed us breakfast an hour before her regular schedule when we told her we wanted to hit the trail early. And what a great breakfast! Truly a wonderful stay -- and right on the trail. Nice to stay in a place that is so clearly tied to the Katy experience. I was happy that we skipped Hermann lodging (which was full anyway) for Rhineland!

Memorial Day 2005 trip: Amanda fixed us breakfast an hour before her regular schedule when we told her we wanted to hit the trail early. And what a great breakfast! Truly a wonderful stay -- and right on the trail. Nice to stay in a place that is so clearly tied to the Katy experience. I was happy that we skipped Hermann lodging (which was full anyway) for Rhineland!

How is it that you chose certain lodge facilities and not others? I looked on my own to the independant towns and found lodging options not listed on your site.

Are your listings of facilities fee-based?

This website lists ALL the lodging, restaurant, etc. businesses that I'm aware of on or near the trail, and I attempt to validate the listings at least twice a year. It's an ongoing struggle, because businesses are always opening and closing, but I consider it very important for the listings to be complete.



PLEASE let me know if you find any errors or omissions, for the benefit of other trail users who might be using the website to plan their trips. Here's a page with details on how to contact me.



If you are a business owner near the Katy Trail and you think your business should be listed on the website, you may add your business using this link, or just send me an email with all the details (see "how to contact me" link above). There is no fee whatsoever to be listed here.



Again, by letting me know of any missing businesses, you're not just doing me a favor, you're doing a favor for the many other trail users who use this website. Thanks in advance for your help!

Correct me if I'm wrong Ray, but don't you pretty much run this website out of the goodness of your heart? If you count all the time you've put into this website and deduct expenses like phone calls, do you even make minimum wage from your sales?

Hehe - minimum wage would be nice, I'm not even up to a third-world sweatshop wage yet. :-) Seriously, yes I built and run the BikeKatyTrail website because I love the Katy Trail, and enjoy building websites. I build commercial websites for a living, and decided to combine my interests by building this site. The pay is horrible and the hours are long, but it's lots of fun!

Well, can I just say that I truly appreciate your website!! My family is planning a trip to the Katy Trail in Oct, and this website is a HUGE help! Thanks for all your efforts! *I'm SO excited!*

I think this is a great resource!



I've stayed there once before I lived locally and a couple times since. (It's a climb getting out of the river flood plain, rather do it in the morning) I leave magnets on the fridge, Please take one and leave a small donation for the hostel.

I think this is a great resource!



I've stayed there once before I lived locally and a couple times since. (It's a climb getting out of the river flood plain, rather do it in the morning) I leave magnets on the fridge, Please take one and leave a small donation for the hostel.

This was a nice place to stay. It was only $12 for the night and the owners were really nice. The campgrounds have firepits and lots of shade.

This was a nice place to stay. It was only $12 for the night and the owners were really nice. The campgrounds have firepits and lots of shade.

If you stay at the Roundhouse Friday or Saturday night, make sure you eat dinner with John (the owner). He and his wife have a moderately priced restaurant and serve up very fine food.

If you stay at the Roundhouse Friday or Saturday night, make sure you eat dinner with John (the owner). He and his wife have a moderately priced restaurant and serve up very fine food.

Are small motorised or Elect.bikes allowed?

Yes, within certain guidelines. According to the MO Department of Natural Resources: "Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 MPH) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed".

Talk to Chuck at Chuck Bike's in Booneville. He rents just what you're looking for.

Can anyone give some advice on the least expensive way to get to the Amtrak Station from St. Charles? The shuttle services would be nice, but I'm looking for something less expensive. I would guess we're not going to want to bike from St. Charles to Kirkwood after riding 225 miles either. Any comments / ideas would be most appreciated.

Which bike rental places would you recommend? We will probably have 4 people incl. an 8 year old child. I don't want to pay too much but would like good service. What are your recommendations?

BTW, we'll be coming from Saint Louis.