Rock Island Trail Forum

Ray, do you have a site for the OTET?

Hey Bill, I have a site for the Little Miami Trail, which runs from Cincinnati to Springfield:

https://trailhub.com/little-miami-scenic-trail.aspx

So that covers about 1/4 of the route. I've thought about expanding to the whole OTET, but haven't had a chance. In the meantime, this is the best resource I know of, for the full Cincy-to-Cleveland route:

https://www.ohiotoerietrail.org/

Well, while we're on the topic of other trails that Ray the Webmaster has websites for, Ray, could you just list the sites you support? I know you cover the Katy Trail/Rock Island Rail (Missouri), Great Allegheny Trail (Gap), C & O from Pittsburgh to DC, Erie Canal Trail, and now thanks to Bill's question the Little Miami Trail in Ohio. Do you cover other trails? Thanks.

Cathy, glad you asked! Below is a list, in roughly west to east order. Some of these trails are big and well known, some are much shorter and less known, but they're all just waiting for you to explore.

All the websites follow the same design pattern with the interactive map, trip planner, timeline, etc - although some of the smaller or newer ones do not have a forum, since they have less traffic.

And the list is always growing.... Before the end of the year, the D&R Towpath (east/central New Jersey - New Brunswick area - 77 miles) will be on the TrailHub website, where you can also find the full list below: https://trailhub.com/

Beyond that, I'd like to eventually add Coeur d'Alene, Ohio to Erie, and whatever other good suggestions/ideas may come along.


South Dakota - Mickelson Trail

Nebraska - Cowboy Trail

Texas - Northeast Texas Trail (from outside of Dallas to almost Texarkana)

Minnesota - Paul Bunyan Trail

Missouri - Frisco Highline Trail (southwestern MO)

Missouri - Katy and Rock Island Trails

Wisconsin - Elroy-Sparta Trail

Illinois - Hennepin Canal (from near the I&M Canal to quad cities/Iowa state line)

Illinois - I&M Canal (from outside Chicago to near the Hennepin Canal)

Illinois - Great River Road (Alton to Grafton, north of St Louis)

Mississippi/Alabama/Tennessee - Natchez Trace (from southern MS to Nashville TN)

Alabama/Georgia - Chief Ladiga (AL) and Silver Comet (GA) Trails

Michigan - Border to Border Trail (Ann Arbor area)

Ohio - Little Miami Scenic Trail

Virginia - Virginia Creeper Trail

Pennsylvania - Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)

Maryland/DC - C&O Canal Towpath

New York - Erie Canal

New York - Empire State Trail

Connecticut - Farmington Canal Trail (New Haven to Massachusetts - south/north)

Connecticut - Air Line Trail (outside Hartford to Massachusetts - west/east)

IMO one would be amiss to travel to ride the Coeur d'Alene without also riding the Route of the Hiawatha. It was one of the most beautiful and interesting bike rides that we've ever done.

Thanks for the info, Ray! Many of those were new to me. Time to add them to the checklist. :)

What a find! We instantly felt like family! Great couple of folks who are kind and generous. Helped us drive into town and gave us food for the journey. We would come back in a heartbeat.

What a wonderful spot to stay after a long trek from Boonville! Very easy to find and most welcoming with snacks, cold drinks, and a washer and dryer with soap provided. It seems they thought of everything!

Stopped here for a late breakfast and everything was great. Delicious food, large portions, plenty of hot coffee and fast service!

Grabbed a fantastic cheesesteak and a couple of Logboat IPAs while listening to some great live music last Saturday

Deon's is not fancy, BUT what it does have is ice cold beer on tap, delicious food and a friendly staff. It was a great place to stop for lunch.

This B&B is literally right on the trail! My room was quiet and clean with a comfortable bed. Rocheport is a very picturesque town, but there are not a lot of dining options, so the frozen pizza for sale in the freezer was a lifesaver (and delicious!)

Great, old school diner! They're open early and a short walk from the Katy-Rock Junction campsite. The food and coffee were great and I had a blast talking to the waitress.

Stayed at The Cycle Inn in Hermann this week. After a long day (84 miles), it was great to relax with a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed. My room was quiet, clean and spacious. If you need a place to stay in Hermann, this is it!

I am interested in riding the trail from KC to Machens in the fall 2024 and then returning via train from St. Louis to KC with my bike but when I search for train tickets the Amtrak system all trains state that bicycle transport is sold out. Is this system accurate? Is there a possible way to still get the bike on the train (purchase a seat, for example)?

Thanks.

Did you try a weekday? Just for your info….. it is easier to ride Amtrak first, then ride back to kc. That way you aren’t in a race to catch a train on time. If there is something that causes you to be delayed you will have to hurry to make the train.

Think about renting a car one way instead.

I just checked the first Sunday in Oct. Bike slots sold out. The following Wednesday 3 of 4 bike slots available. Looks like weekends are busy.

I made an Amtrak reservation from Jefferson City to Sedalia and Amtrak said all bike spaces were full. I went to catch the train with my bike and I asked the conductor if there was enough room for my bike. The conductor said Sure! Bring it onboard.

I got a response from AmTrak message service and called them but they were not very helpful: no ability to search trains by bicycle transport availability, no suggestions for getting a bike on the train (additional payment etc.), and general lack of interest in aiding me with my request. It just seems weird that for a whole train only 3 spots are available for a bike. I would like the trail and the train would have more interest in creating a combined service.

Amtrak's unwillingness to even slightly cater to the bikers on Katy has caused me some distress (when planning trips) over many years. If anyone has an "in" with Amtrak, please let us know. Us bikers are self sufficient and can take care of getting our gear on and off, are usually pretty well behaved, and we would be a consistent source of passengers for them if they would open up a few more areas for bikes, and be more amenable to those of us trying to schedule. Instead of a fun and inexpensive way across the state, we have to book with a charter transport company to get to or from our starting point, and at quite a higher price.

The River Runner train is a glorified commuter train running back and forth from KC/StL. It does not have a dedicated baggage car, so essentially everyone travels “carry on.” To accommodate bicycles they removed about two rows of seats on one side of one car on the entire train. This means they have made room for a total of four bikes. If they would add a baggage car, or remove seats in every car more bikes could be transported, but seats bring in more money than bikes, so…..For those not familiar you do have to carry your bikes up a steep, narrow set of stairs into the train then make a hard turn to enter the passenger area. Panniers or bags are removed to accomplish this task. It’s awkward but the conductor will assist you and direct you to the correct car. Remember that conductor is EXTREMELY busy, so be prepared to get loaded promptly because the train is on a timetable and they have a lot of passengers to assist and get moving with only a short amount of time. Tip your conductor. Pro tip: I’ve heard if you didn’t get a reservation slot for your bike that conductors are very willing to help if you slip them a crisp $20 bill.

to Eric from KCMO - Thank you for those comments. My husband and I hotel our way across the state, so getting our bikes and gear into the train isn't too bad. But I can see that, for the campers - of which there are many - getting all the gear and the bikes up the steps into the train could be difficult especially due to the time crunch.
I've never had the nerve to hope that we might get our bikes on without a bike reservation - hoping for a bike friendly conductor. If I was younger and a little more adventurous I would sure give that a try!
The first time we rode the Katy trail was about 10 years ago. At that time Amtrak had a separate car, with no seats in it, for gear and bikes. Does anyone remember that?
Also, has anyone contacted customer service, or found some way to communicate with the powers that be, to let them know that many bikers would be using their service if the bike slots were more readily available?

I would think MO DNR/State Parks would work with Amtrak to ensure that transportation was available for bike riders along the Katy. That collaboration will become more important as the Rock Island is completed.

Just wanted to correct something, as my family noted my lapse of memory. Regarding previous statement "The first time we rode the Katy trail was about 10 years ago. At that time Amtrak had a separate car, with no seats in it, for gear and bikes. Does anyone remember that?"
That trip, where there was an extra car for bikes and gear was actually in 2007, more like 17 years ago. But does anyone else remember that?

If roll on bike spots on Amtrak are sold out... box your bike and check it as regular baggage. Ive done this a few times with no issues.You actually can purchase a bike box at most of the larger stations. You will have to remove pedals,handlebars and the seat.Just get there early.If you are taking train at the beginning of your trip pick up a used box from your local bike shop{ usually for free } and box it up at home. this service isnt available at all stations/trains ...so check with Amtrak first

I was told at the ticket window in St. Louis that it was the conductor' discretion whether to allow your bike if the regular spaces were sold out. I went to the platform, and the conductor couldn't have been nicer about it. He wedged my bike into a space in the vestibule, and said he had done this many times. Don't be afraid to ask.

Can I ride my class 3 e bike on the Katy trail?

Yes, as long as you don’t exceed 20mph on the trail. You should be able to set your level three to level one or level two and stay within the rules.

Is Rivers Edge Campground open? If not, is the a place the to pitch a tent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Two thumbs-up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you drive to the sunflower silos

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

What is the mile marker for the sunflower silos?

About a mile west of Matson trailhead, at mile 61.6

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

Very cool sight, enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks in advance.

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

Mark:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cathy from Churchill:

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

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

RIVNUTS! What's up!!

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

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

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

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

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

To Bill from Houston, er ah, Columbia:

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

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

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

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

Best wishes and keep the rubber side down.