Rock Island Trail Forum

We have biked the trail near Rocheport but were looking to do another part tomorrow. How is the trail east and west from Sedalia?

If you are asking about the trail condition, I don't know. If you are asking about where to ride, I would suggest going south. If you are driving there is an access lot by the trail southwest of the fairgrounds. The road runs down the west side of the fair grounds. This avoids having to ride through town. However, if you are arriving by train, then the ride through town is fine. Just a little hard to find from the station.
'The trail south is usually in good condition. A good mix of shade and open. Green Ridge is 10 miles and offers a Casey's and did offer a cafe last year. Windsor is 20 miles and has several restaurants. The better one closes at 1:20 or 2, but there is a Dairy Queen and several other choices. Riding south will give you a tailwind home.
North is very remote, with nothing until you get to Pilot Grove. Also, there is a detour to get to the trail proper. Much of that section is very remote so if you have problems you are on you own. South you are near roads and farm houses in case you have major problems. If you go to Windsor you will ride through virgin prairie and cross the high point of the trail.

My advice would be to ride a section east of Rocheport unless you want to do the Pilot Grove to Booneville piece.

Sedalia to Boonville is a pleasant scenic ride through the countryside with very little trail traffic. Boonville has lots of great places to eat, shop, and stay. Riding East out of Rocheport provides a riverfront ride along the cliffs. There's a winery and a few trailside restaurants out that way. Enjoy!

rode from Sedalia to Windsor over Memorial Day weekend. Trail was good. rode from Sedalia to Clifton city about two weeks before that and the trail was good. the Spur up to Pheasant Hill was a lot rougher but those rough spots were marked with orange cones and could be rode through.

I'm wondering how long does it take to do the whole thing. Is it all mountain terrain or is it road riding? What's the average miles per day an average biker makes? Should I use a road or mountain bike?

Thanks,

Jed

I take it easy doing about 50 miles a day average. Some people do it much faster. Often the deciding factor is where are you going to spend the night.

If the choice is between a skinny tire road bike and a fat tire MTB, I'd use the MTB with slick tires. I usually use 700x32 tires on a hybird or touring bike.

The surface is about 95% crushed limestone. Between Clinton and Boonville it's a little hilly but nothing more than a 4% climb. From Boonville to St. Charles it's very flat.

I've done extended trips on the Katy averaging 80 miles a day, and I've done the state-sponsored katy trail ride where you average 45-50 miles a day.

50 miles a day is much more enjoyable.

Here's a link to the elevation changes on the trail: https://bikekatytrail.com/elevation.aspx

I think the map exaggerates the changes a little. The trail is extremely flat, with only the slightest of hills west of Boonville.

I agree with the previous poster on tires. I use 2" semi-slick tires on my MTB and that seems to work on the varying surfaces you'll encounter on the trail.

The surface is crushed limestone, but very packed. It's actually smoother than a road that has recently been oil-and-chipped. However, you are pedaling the entire time (hardly any coasting) and therefore you want to be comfortable. Personally, I use a Giant hybrid bike with a standard seat (saddle) and 700x38C Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. And I have thorn-resistant tubes. I HATE getting flats! Padded bike shorts make a big difference because the Katy is more about endurance than speed. I agree with the others that slower is more enjoyable on the Katy.

Agree with above comments. We are all different and have a different pace. Maybe beings you are in KC, do a trial run for a day and see how many miles you are comfortable with before taking out on doing the whole thing.

We ride much similar to BikerBoy, but have also ridden a road tandem with 700 28's on it with no issue. Ride what you have on that test distance run and see what you think.

My only word of caution is that if you’re riding west to east the section between Clifton City and Pilot Grove has a verrrrrrry long continuous uphill grade. For experienced riders this won’t present a problem. The first time we did an end-to-end ride we started out from Clinton taking turns racing each other. By the time we hit that section at the end of a 60 mile day it certainly felt like we were biking up a mountain.

On Instagram there are a bunch of pictures of people on a cliff tagged Clifton City, Missouri.

Does anybody know how to access this from the Katy? Thanks

You can post a link if you like but I would be surprised to see someone sitting on a bluff along the trail at Clifton CIty. That section is a lot of roling farmland. Where you do find bluffs along the trail they are almost always on private property and, while there are those riders who think their desire to go wherever they want gives them the right to trespass, most property owners along the trail disagree.

Search Clifton City Cliff on Google Maps. It's just Northeast of actual Clifton City on the trail, and shows up as a pinned landmark on Google Maps.

Thinking ?? f biking from Columbia to hartsburg for breakfast at Dotty’s Cafe. I have verification that the Katy trail is fine from mcbaine to cooper’s Lansing but was wondering about Cooper’s to hartsburg. Has anyone rode there recently? I know in 2019 it was pretty washed out. Thanks!

We rode through there this week and that part of the trail is fine.

Is Dottie's open again? I know it closed and was replaced with a more upscale restaurant, which closed Dec 2019.

Yes, I believe they are back open for limited days/hours.

Check Facebook for updates! https://www.facebook.com/dottyscafe/

I rode from Coopers to Hartsburg this past weekend and it was more worked over than the weekend before due to storms. A bit rocky in areas and a few sandy spots but totally doable. It doesn't last that long. They are also working on the trail so by the time you go they might have it great again.

Dotty's was open until 1:30 but she had a sign on the door about being closed a couple weekends this month due to a surgery and nobody being available to open the cafe. You might want to call to make sure what the dates are.

Happy riding! :-)

Looking at doing a weekend ride from St. Charles MO to Augusta, out one day, back the next - not having ridden much of the Katy trail - is it paved or gravel or both, and do we need mountain bikes or hybrid bike tires or could we do it with road bikes and road bike tires?

I'd definitely recommend NOT riding on a road bike. I have a roadie with 25 mm tires and it would probably flat out every hour or so. There's also been weather of late so you'll dodge more little limbs, slightly mushy crushed limestone... I ended up purchasing a CX bike that I use for rails-trails, with 32 or 35 MM tires. The tires I use are not knobby, but are made for light gravel and are fast enough to not feel like a slog.

Look up Continental Speed Clinchers or something similar, they're your best bet for the Katy in my opinion.

Depends on what you call a road bike. Drop handlebars are far more comfortable for long distances than straight Mt. bars, and usually bikes with those are what people consider a road bike. I use touring bikes, which are road bike with certain extra features. Wide supple tires are key. My first touring bike has 32mm bulletproof Schwabe Marathons. I had no problem with those. My current bike has 38mm Compass Cycle Snoqualmie Pass tires. These I run at a much lower pressure than the Schwalbes. They are designed for this. The theory is a low pressure tire is less susceptible to punctures and gives a smoother and faster ride. The Compass site has extensive tests supporting these item. That said, the section of the trail you are planning to ride is well packed. You should be Ok a 25, 28 would be better and a 32 would be best if it will fit. Wider would be much better but most casual road bikes cannot use a tire wider than 32. Have fun.

If you already have a bike or bikes, ride the one that is most comfortable to you as long as the tires aren't too skinny. Don't worry about handlebars, etc. All of that is subjective.

If you have a choice of bikes you'd like to ride, go with the one with the cushier tires.

If you don't have a bike, and aren't sure what you want, rent a hybrid bike. Those are usually a nice compromise between mountain bikes and road bikes.

The trail is crushed limestone that is sometimes hard-packed and easy rolling. Sometimes, due to trail repairs, there is a thick layer of loose limestone that can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes the trail is broken and rutted from erosion.

If you aren't used to those conditions, just slow down and enjoy yourself.

PS - I've done two rides on the Katy this year. 42 miles and 33 miles. I used my mountain bike with 2" semi-slick tires. Worked well for me. In the past I've used a drop-handlebar bike, a touring bike with flat-handlebars, and recumbents for long single-day rides or multi-day rides. Just about anything with a reasonably wide-tire can work.

Nothing in town. Hostel is cool. A/c works

This is one of the finest B&Bs we’ve ever stayed at; the owners commitment to serving her guests is absolutely amazing and top botch; the breakfast meals provided were some of the best and healthiest food we’ve ever experienced at a B&B; Linderhof is a must-stay if you’re in the area and especially if you’re a cyclist.

Gotta love a real top botch operation!

Can anyone tell me of any major detours or areas to avoid from Rocheport to St. Charles. I am planning on riding 6/12-6/13. Thanks for any info.

Can anyone who has been on the trail between Dutzow and Augusta advise on the condition of the trail? There is a caution marker on the map saying there’s possible construction and/or heavy equipment at the trail just west of Augusta. I’d like to ride McKittrick to Augusta and back but if it’s bad for riding, would rather choose a different part of the trail.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

We just rode round-trip from St. Charles to Hermann. On the way back (06/04) we did encounter some trail-side maintenance in the area you mentioned. Although there was a couple trucks on the path, they were kind and always gave way to us. No problems whatsoever.

Thank you so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

We rode from Pilot Grove to McKittrick this week. The trail is great except for the detour west of Rocheport and west of Portland. I certainly don't advise taking the Rocheport detour unless you are an experienced road biker as there is no shoulder, long steep hills, a narrow bridge, and the truck traffic is very fast. Someone is likely to get killed on that detour. The Portland detour is pretty easy. Stayed at the Katy Roundhouse and River's Edge campground and both were great. It was sad that many of the businesses in the small towns have closed since we last rode this a few years ago. We had a hard time finding any place where we could get a cold drink and a snack.

Hi there,
was wondering about the trail near Rocheport, are there any other options for detour other than hwy 40?
We are looking at doing the whole trail going west at the end of the summer, but want to make sure we can do so as safely as possible. My husband is an experience road biker but neither of us are comfortable riding on 40

This is a must-stay B&B. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was AMAZING...the best breakfast ever. I may always remember and crave the hostess, Kathy's breakfast creations. We stayed there two nights--going and coming.

Maybe the only thing better than the best breakfast ever was the Hostess--Kathy. She is not only an amazing cook, but as a fellow cyclist, she went out of her way to make our stay was the best. She has a shed to lock up your bikes in, volunteered to wash our stinky biking clothes, and in the morning had our bikes ready to jump on. She is so fun to talk with and is the perfect hostess.

As an experienced traveler, I am not sure you can find a better B&B--at least not a better hostess. Would absolutely recommend the Linderhof.

Can't say enough great about Joey's Birdhouse! My daughter and I were biking from St. Charles to McKittrick on our first day's journey. Joey texted me to say the skies were ugly and wondering how we were. We were 10 miles out and stepped it up to beat the rain - which we didn't! Joey met us with a hose for our bikes and us as well as bike rags and WD-40! Our stuff was soaked so Joey put everything in the dryer. We had snacks for the night, a delicious garden fresh breakfast the next morning, and fruit to go for the trail. We appreciated everything so much - especially since there weren't many eating places open yet. Plan a stop in McKittrick no matter which way you are traveling!!

Thanks for choosing my place. Great to have guests coming in off of the trail again.

We stayed at Joey’s Bird House in 2018 with some friends from out of state, while riding the whole trail, and it was a FANTASTIC stay! We really enjoyed it and Joey is so very sweet and hospitable!

I LOVE Mt Pleasant. Well named

I LOVE Mt Pleasant. Well named

The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg will remain closed until May 2021.

Peers Store is OPEN on weekends from 12 pm to 4 pm through April to October.

This historic store was built for the arrival of the KATY Railroad in 1896. The Peers Store is a prime example of what conservation and preservation along the Katy Trail can accomplish.

From the live local music on the porch and stunning local art on display, to our butterfly pollinator plot across the street and the Katy Trail itself, the Peers Store (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places) continues to hold a special place in the history of the Missouri River valley and is truly a gem in the heart of the Missouri countryside. Weary travelers can find beverages and delicious snacks — something for everyone.

Located at 16011 Concord Hill Rd, Marthasville, MO 63357, Peers Store underwent a full refurbishing made possible by Connie and Dan Burkhardt. We are open with new art, a new music lineup with local musicians, and brand-new merchandise. Learn about the historic Peers Store by visiting our site here: https://www.magnificentmissouri.org/peers-store/

Morning.... rode from Augusta to hermann yesterday and was planning to continue today heading west.
Due to weather, not sure what to do next. Was hoping to make it to Jefferson City some time tonight and spend the night there.
It looks like it will clear out around 1pm...
Any suggestions and advice welcomed on what to do...
Anyone know how bad the trail gets after a heavy storm like last night?

If you’re on the trail by 1:00, you’ll have around 7 hours of daylight to do the 50 miles or so into Jefferson City. If you’re comfortable riding 8 mph that won’t be a problem. Another option would be to stay at the Turner Shelter in Tebbetts. That would knock 12 miles off the mileage. There was a youth group staying there when I was down there yesterday but they should be gone by this evening. Just be warned there are no dining options in Tebbetts. The trail may have some soft spots but it should be in decent shape.

Wondering condition of rock island trail. Hoping to ride it June 8/9. Please let me know if you’ve ridden it the last couple of weeks.

PS- wondering about conditions between pleasant hill and Windsor.

Is the trail open from Weldon Springs to Augusta? Wasn’t sure with all the rain.
Wanting to ride on Saturday

We rode Weldon Spring to Defiance yesterday and there were many people on the trail while we didn't go all the way to Augusta, I would think that it's open. I did read a Missouri River flooding information and the only place for flooding reported is east of St Charles, toward Machens.

My wife and I and a couple friends are planning a ride tomorrow May 30 early afternoon between Rocheport in Boonville. A couple of friends told me we should check into trail conditions based on all of the rain and flooding. Anyone have any details on trail conditions through that stretch currently?

You can check out river stages on the Missouri river at this site
https://water.weather.gov/ahps/region.php?state=mo
Right now it looks like it is mostly minor flooding and will be below flood stage by the end of the first week in June.

I plan to ride the katy trail and the rock island trail from St Charles to Lee's Summit in mid June. Can anyone tell me the condition of the trail after last year's flooding?

Hello?

There is a Trail Condition icon on the home page. You may want to try that Keith. Or perhaps scroll down through this Forum to see posts about the trail. You don't have to scroll too far to find posts about the condition of the trail.

Thank you

I am planning a Katy Trail tour this fall. I was going to stay in Augusta the last night before heading to St. Charles the last day. I am riding with 8 friends. I cannot find a hotel or B&B can accommodate the group. The cost of lodging in Augusta is high. I found accommodations in Washington, both B&B, and hotel. What are your thoughts about overnighting in Washington? Is Augusta the better option? Is the route from the Dutzow trailhead safe to cycle to Washington?

Riding from Dutzow to Washington depends on your group's comfort with riding on roads. Hwy 47 is fairly busy but there is a wide enough shoulder that you can stay out of the traffic lane and cars don't need to go around you. The bridge over the river to Washington is new and has a dedicated bike lane, although I don't know if the bike lane is open yet. If not the traffic lane has a nice 10' shoulder. I've ridden from Washington to Dutzow and would do it again without worry.

Happy to have you at The Bank Haus in Marthasville, right on the trail and next to Philly's Pizza. It's 4 bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 people. Perfect for the last night or first night on the trail for a group of people. I also have The Katy Haus next door that is 1 bedroom and sleeps up to 5 people. Both houses are handicapped accessible and dog friendly as well.

In Washington, less than a mile from the bridge, we have our River Haus that is 3 bedrooms and sleeps 10 people.

More info and direct booking at missourihaus.com.

Crossing our fingers the bike lane on the WashMo bridge opens soon. The delay has been that the old bridge must be completely removed from the river, and the river level can’t be above 17 feet for the company to get their machinery in there to do the job. Last year the river levels were well over 17 feet the majority of the year. Hoping the clean up will wrap up quickly and the lane opened up.

We had a group of 8 stay at Acorn Ridge B&B several years ago. Very nice and a great breakfast. You can check and see if there are still available

I have ridden Dutzow to Washington on Hwy 47 several times now and each time I do it I like it less. It is OK and passable but it is not ideal and in my opinion borderline dangerous. I would never put teenagers or younger kids on it. Ever. I have written to MoDOT advising of the safety hazards and hope they improve this.

Does anyone know someone that could a couple from Hermann to Augusta on the morning of June 8

Is camping allowed in city park with proper social distancing?

I believe you could call Green Ridge City Hall and ask permission. I had folks tell me they called ahead last year and asked.

Did the city park have any spots for hammocks?

Hi. I've been playing with the daily mileage and how to break up the trip from Sedalia to St. Charles. Had it about figured out until I saw Mokane had no lodging (we don't want to camp). Looking for suggestions from those who did 4 day thru trips as to where you stayed each day and daily mileage. Need restaurants and either B&B or hotel/motel each night.

Also, looking for options when we reach St. Charles. Thought we would drive to Kirkwood (from our home), then take the Amtrak from Kirkwood to Sedalia to start our ride. Once we arrive back in St. Charles as we complete our ride, looks like the options are to cycle back to Kirkwood (looks to be about 20 miles). Does anyone know how the roads are between St. Charles and Kirkwood? Or, maybe a shuttle from St. Charles to Kirkwood Station? Would like suggestions from those who have done either.....thx!

Assuming Cyclers Roost in Treloar is open, you could do Sedalia to Rocheport the first day. Rocheport to Jefferson City the second day. Jefferson City to Treloar the third day and Treloar to St Charles on the fourth day.

Thanks Jim. That's exactly the daily stops I have planned so far. I'll check the Cycler's Roost suggestion as we get closer.

If we park our car in St. Charles, what is the best way, or can someone recommend a shuttle company (and approximate $) to take us and our bikes from St. Charles to the Kirkwood Amtrak station for the ride to Sedalia to begin our ride? Sounds like this would be the better option over parking at the Kirkwood station, and having to bike the extra 20+ miles to go from St. Charles to Amtrak once we complete the ride. I'm not sure how the roads are between the trail and Kirkwood? Any help or suggestions?

Below is a link to my preferred route from the Kirkwood train station to the Katy Trail (Page Ave/hwy 360 Bridge), which I've ridden several times. It's almost entirely suburban residential, and the busier streets have nice shoulders. A few miles are in Creve Coeur Park and its connecting trail.

Note that the section along Olive Rd actually uses a path/sidewalk just to the north of the road. This is the busiest street on the route, and I would avoid the street or shoulder there in favor of the sidewalk.

The route uses Clayton Road for about 1/2 mile, which does not have wide shoulders, and Mason Road for about 1/2 mile to cross hwy 64. These are the two places to exercise more caution, with smaller shoulders, but both are short and frequented by lots of cyclists.

The outer road along hwy 64 is actually one of my favorite parts: nice wide shoulders, light traffic, and a nice downhill where you can pick up some good speed.

This route connects with the Katy Trail at the Page Bridge, which is about 3 miles south of the main St Charles trailhead. The bridge offers some excellent river views along its protected bike/pedestrian portion.

And of course there are some hills, unlike what you'll experience on the Katy Trail - you can see the elevation profile in the link below.

There are a lot of turns in the residential section between Olive Rd and Ladue Rd, so have a good map and/or notes (or the following link!). Thanks to Trevor Scott for originally planning out this route.

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3121644013

However you do it, have fun and good luck!

Happy trails!

Thanks Jim and Ray. FYI....Cycler's Roost now permanently closed as well as the another recommended B&B in the general area I was given (sorry, I don't have the name offhand :()