Rock Island Trail Forum

This site says Daniel Boone monument is .4 mile from KATY trail, but the Dufur guidebook says it is more than 1.2 miles from trail??

I like maps, so I opened Google Maps and looked at your issue. Both answers are correct. If you left the trail at the Marthasville trailhead then rode east through the community it would be a little over one mile to reach the site. The other option involves leaving the Katy where it intersects with Boone Monument Road which is east of Marthasville. Once you turn off the trail it’s a short 0.4 mile ride to reach the entrance to the monument site. Use your Google Maps skills to review the satellite images AND street view. I noticed that the monument is located slightly west of the man entrance/parking lot…..there are gates to that area which are probably only open during business hours. It appears that you can visit the actual monument anytime because there is a set of stairs leading directly from the road to the monument. My suggestion is if you are riding eastbound on the Katy you exit at Marthasville then ride through town. If you are a westbound Katy rider exit at Boone Monument Road to reach the site….once you’re done continue riding west into Marthasville where you’d get back on the Katy. It appears to be a light traffic area. Note that if you want to minimize any hills or climbs you may want to stick to entering or leaving from Boone Monument Road, not Marthasville.

I just finished up a 6 1/2 day solo ride from the KC Amtrak Station to the SL Amtrak Station. Did the entire Rock Island and entire Katy trails and crafted my own routes from the KC station to Truman Sports Complex and from Machens to the SL station crossing over the Mississippi at Alton and then back to the MO side at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. I posted pics and narrative on X/Twitter (you don't need an account) @christensen_mr. If you have questions email me at christensen_mr@live.com. I had an absolute blast, met tons of fun people, had great food, etc. and stayed at some nice B&Bs.

Can the boy ride his electric Moto Cross bike on the Kati trail

https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information#uses

"All motorized vehicles other than official or emergency vehicles are prohibited. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) are allowed. Also allowed are electrically powered mobility devices for people with disabilities, such as Segways and electric golf carts."

If in doubt still: 800-334-6946
But I think it's pretty clear.

They’re the nicest. Would stay here again and again.

The dormitory was a phenomenal place to stay. Great location, clean and comfortable accommodations, and friendly hosts.

We rode the Katy Trail in August 2023 and camped at the Community Club Park. Restarurants very close by and a gas station. Had an amazing breakfast at The Rowdy Rooster. The camping was so easy. We just called when we arrived and they came and opened up the bathrooms/showers for us for the night. Would definetly camp here again.

The phone numbers provided are hit and miss. The easiest way to do this is call ahead to let them know your planning to stay. Go to the large square pavilion between the baseball diamonds and behind the concession building. If you wait long enough someone will come by to collect the meager $5 fee and then open the bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers, which I didn't use. There is a great water spigot on the front corner of the concession building. I used the small pavilion and hung a hammock. This sight is very hammock friendly

No water. Fountain has been torn apart. New Kickstand bike shop has some beverages and snacks.

Traveled Machens to Dutzow. Was very pleased to see ware. 2 bathrooms one good sibk with working water. Sept 15, 2024

Are there charging stations along the Katy Trail for E-bikes?

Ridden the entire trail twice this year. I don't recall seeing charging offered anywhere. Maybe there is a receptacle somewhere that could be used, but I saw nothing exclusively for e-bikes or mentioning that. I would guess there is juice at some of the trailheads, but I don't know how accessible it is to riders. If you really, really need to know, call DNR.

Yes. Tons of e bikes on the trail. You can charge at the bed and breakfasts. I imagine also at all the hotels. I don’t have one yet but I see a lot of them. You’ll be fine.

This is such a great resource!
We are driving to Clinton after BAM finishes and riding to St. Charles, catching a shuttle back to Clinton. Our plan is to camp the KATY and hotel when we get to St. Charles. Will there be services or stops that will have shut down after BAM? Are there any trailheads or camping spots that will not have water or be available at the end of the season?

I’m sure they don’t turn off the trail head water until mid November

From Katy Trail State Park:

Water is not available at all trailheads. Trailheads with modern restrooms and drinking water are winterized from Nov. 1 to April 1. The restrooms are closed and water turned off at these trailheads. Portable toilets are available during the winter.

If you're travelling West to East, there seems to be more water available on the first half of the ride than the second half.
Always have more than you think you'll need!

Can they actually pick you up with your bike and take you to St Charles? I don't see how.

Not all cabs are sedans. Some use vans. Some cabs I've seen in areas I've ridden have bike racks. I assume it depends on geographic and seasonal demand. My advice: Call 'em. Sometimes a local government knows the answer or can direct you. That's particularly true in small communities.

Call Bike Stop CAfe. They'll pick you up or they'll transport your vehicle to your end point. I've used them twice. Tony will take good care of you!

Can you cross HWY 135 on a bike to reach Dollar General from the Katy?

You can go south on Roe street, past Deon’s Bar and Grill, turn right on Fourth Street and that will take you down to Dollar General. You will cross State Hwy 135 on that route but it’s not like a super highway.

If you open google maps and use street view you’ll see it’s very simple. You could even shorten the side trip by exiting the trail at 2nd and Hall street since the trail crosses that intersection. Even if you rode down “State Hwy 135” it’s a 30 mph city street in town and there are sidewalks.

We are so glad we stayed at the Doll House! Ken and Melissa are such gracious hosts and the home is supremely comfortable. Delicious hot breakfast and very helpful suggestions. It was a special treat to be here.

Prefect location for our party of 8. Lots & lots of room, linens, towels, food, comfy beds, easy check-in and clean! Definitely stay again. Walked to Meriwether Cafe to rent bikes- super close to Katy Trail. Lovely town- super quiet and charming.

Hi, Ray. There's a new spot in Rocheport. See their page and my Facebook post, in case you want to put them on the map/listing in Rocheport.

Everyone else, there's a nice new little place in Rocheport. Sandwiches, charcuterie, cold drinks, single beers, live music.
Pleasant staff, reasonable prices.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555835357323
https://www.facebook.com/bill.rodgersjr/posts/pfbid037VKUwUNwVY7oL3jh3hy27eXzcq4pbwGKiLJ7VSK4ut32u73m8xnFvNM6hYRzS7D2l?__cft__[0]=AZX1f7isJwM3SanooaWI4d19Ay9_3Wmr1CSCVzVbdvpOpBTXXrs7VzkvZGbgf3o61aSFNhEQPHJA4i4FCpjf0CSfl-8lNMb3XqghfwYuMjNhfWUyTxsqoGAbHuyzdzS2Vxtt9nYh3O1UZj-_j10t87QKWBb9nwA8GQuPOOQ1d6WL-Q&__tn__=*F

Thank you Bill for the heads-up on The Rest Stop at Katy Jailhouse. Looks like a nice place, and bike rentals too!

I have added this to the Rocheport listings:
https://bikekatytrail.com/rocheport.aspx

Thanks again and happy trails!

Could you tell us the name of the place and where it is located please? Thanks.

Hi, Marna! It's called The Rest Stop at the Katy Jailhouse. Ray spotted it on the Rocheport map just right. 101 Central, Rocheport. It is right on the trail. You will see it when you roll in.

Thanks, Ray!

So in the beginning stages of a ride with the wife across MO on Katy and I am trying to figure out how to get from the trail end at Machens to the Amtrak station in Saint Louis. Do most people have a courrier pick them up or what kind of route to get there on a bike. I am trying to determine ho to get back into Saint Louis from across the river. Thanks

Are you trying to get to the Kirkwood Amtrak Station or the Downtown St. Louis station? The Downtown St. Louis route is actually easier and less on roads because you can take the paved levee trail along the Illinois state side to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, cross the Mississippi River back onto the Missouri side and take the Missouri paved trail all the way down to the Arch in Downtown St. Louis. There is a small roadway and shoulder section that you have to ride from Machens across the Missouri River into Alton where you pick up the Illinois trail system.

Thank you Mark from Lee’s Summit.for the route suggestion to the St. Louis Amtrak station.
I am planning to ride the Katy Trail to Machens in late September and want to ride Amtrak back to Lee’s Summit.
Do you have more detailed directions for the route or a map of the route that I can use?

Everett ... Here is a link to the Google Map bike route from Machens to the Downtown St. Louis Amtrak station: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=10pT0DWCIWs9I7xKTnzq3tfX99QKhqHw&usp=sharing ... You should be able to copy and paste this link to Google Maps.

Everett... The only thing that my Google Map route doesn't show is that you have the option to ride on St. Charles Street in West Alton in order to reach Route 67 quicker. Then you can ride the wrong way on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of Route 67 for less than a mile to the beginning of the West Alton Trail (or you can just walk your bike off of the shoulder). Or you can go ahead and follow the longer Google Map route exactly where you right northbound on the shoulder of Route 67.

Thank you, Matt C!

Thank you, Mark! I will use that route in early October.

Although most people seem to think October is the best time to ride. I’ve lived in Missouri all my life! I particularly feel that the sweet spot for cycling is usually about September 7 to October 17 or 18th by the time you get to the 23rd. It seems like every Oktoberfest, it could rain sometimes it’s cold and rainy so there’s about six or seven weeks in there that people aren’t using especially during the week that’s why we’re offering discounts at the Cycle Inn Hermann

Thanks for viewing Rich – owner 573-486-2000

Do you provide shuttle from the McKittrick trailhead to your Cycle Inn and back?

I've read here in the past about how long and unsafe the ride is into Hermann along the highway. Without a shuttle it appeared the only save place to stay was in McKittrick.

Are you sure you're not confusing the ride into Hermann with the ride into Washington? The ride into Hermann is safe and easy.

Nope...the ride to Hermann was what was deemed unsafe.

Having ridden into Hermann many times, I fully agree with Jim.

It's just under two miles, on wide paved shoulders - always felt very safe to me. Plus you get a cool view from the bike/ped section of the bridge over the Missouri River.

Hermann is a charming town and well worth the few miles side trip.

They were probably posts from before the new bridge was built. The old bridge was definitely scary to cross on a bike. Hell, it was scary to cross in a car!

I just completed the trail - Clinton to Machens. When I arrived in Machens my wife told me she couldn’t actually reach the trailhead because Machens Rd was closed off. Apparently someone has tied up a sign across the road blocking access. I’m not sure if there is another way in, but I ended up biking past the railway and up Machens Rd to her. This needs to be addressed - either a better way to the trailhead should be posted or that sign needs to come down.

Was it closed off at Hwy 94 or farther south? Looking at a Google Earth display isn't any help.

The farmer that owns the fields right there is probably blocking it off because people keep parking on his property....

i`ve ridden thru that barrier before from hiway 94 theres no place to park.last october the the owner saw me lift the rope so i get on on hw 94 didnt say any thing google was telling me to go that way didnt see the rope till the last min. on my way to stl

This is true you can't drive to the trailhead at Machens. There is no road in and no parking lot. The nearest road (that is not chained off) is Ell Rd. It is about a mile west of the Machens trailhead. Thank you for bringing this up. This is not addressed on any map or literature we have seen on the Katy.

the first time i rode from stl to the trail head had know idea what i was looking for was riding north on 94 found machens road took a left rode over some railroad tracks and found the trailhead there is a small mound of dirt about 3 foot high blocking the end of the trail. the restroom is about 20 feet away. and the bell everyone rings [probably irritates that farmer when he hears it]

The adjacent property owner has the last name MACHENS. He blocks the “roadway” leading to the trail and is apparently not a fan of the trail. The other adjacent property owner is the railroad which has a crossing on that roadway. Because of rail safety, railroads are ALWAYS a hurdle establishing rail trails that are adjacent or cross a working railway. I believe that some sort of “right of way” exists leading to the trailhead, but since there’s very limited state owned property that could be used for parking, combined with unwelcoming neighbors, combined with some people would struggle with parking correctly if they could access it….i don’t think this access will ever improve……..I say this after reading the comments here and other forums for the last four years or so. Parking is probably not going to happen here. Riders needing picked up will just need to meet up at 94 and Machens Road…..a very short distance considering the distance they’ve already traveled. Unfortunately the driver might need to walk in and meet you, and walk back, but the Black Walnut trailhead is nearby and very accessible, plus has parking. The Machens situation is one of those things where we say “it is what it is.” I choose to be grateful for the Katy that we have.

Been up there a couple times. Once this year. My advice: Park at Black Walnut and be done with it. Skip the consternation. The extra 3 miles back to BW from the Machens trailhead is about 16 minutes of good exercise.

Have ridden the trail a few times to Machens, I have gone on to Portage des Sioux via the Machens Road and SH 94. It's only a few miles more and there are a few places in Portage des Sioux where your ride can park. Example is the Our Lady of the Waters viewpoint right on the Mississippi River (Portage des Sioux is pretty small). You do have to navigate the berm just past the kiosk to get to Machens Road, which I believe was left when the terminus was finished, but it's not a problem. Have seen a few semi-trailers parked at the gravel pad just beyond the Machens kiosk/latrine, but it's not really a good place to park, as the active rail tracks are right there. Alternately, would just double back maybe a half mile to Ell Road and head to SH 94 that way. I suppose there might be some animosity among the locals, but these are public roads.

Machens IS NOT a "Trailhead"!! It is the "Terminus" or trail's end. The state does not own the land surrounding it. There is no parking. Best options are to double back to Black Walnut Trailhead or exit trail at first crossroad and take paved roads into Portage Des Sioux.

On the DNR website is only lists that there is a restroom at Machens and says that there is no vehicle access. Machens is not on the list of trailheads.

On this website, Machens is listed as a trailhead...perhaps misleading when other trailheads have parking and other amenities.

Stayed here May 9, 2024. Let's get one thing clear: There are no flush toilets or showers. There are about 8 port-a-potties and potable water is available, along with power outlets to charge devices or e-bike batteries. You can buy bottles or cans of beer and wine, and a few snacks and some sandwiches, but it is not a place to expect to restock your pantry or have a full dinner. That said, this place is pretty darned cool. We camped, and made reservations, since it was filling up fast for Mother's Day Weekend. We got lucky, as there was a band scheduled to play that Thursday night, along with a food truck. So we rolled in around 3 p.m. and set up and enjoyed the view of the river. The young woman who checked us in mentioned the concert and food truck, and warned us to eat early since the food truck always sold old. The band was Todd Day Wait, the food truck Stuffed Potatoes. So for $30 we got a riverfront campsite and three-hour concert, along with the opportunity to buy dinner and beverages. I say it was a great deal, as Todd Day Wait and his band, which plays western swing, was top shelf. He sounds like a young Willie Nelson, and I can see why more than 100 people showed up. I did pick up a tick, so beware of that. But overall, one of best nights on the trail.

Cooper's Landing has THE most scenic views of the river. It sits on a long riverbend. Sunsets are incredable. I met people from Columbia, MO and other locals that go there for a 'date night' and/or just to see the sunset.

I can’t find any mention of it on the forum but has anyone parked in Lee’s Summit for 4-5 days? Any safe place to park without your car disappearing? Thanks.

Long term parking for the Downtown Lee's Summit Amtrak station is located at 204 SW Market Street. It is a very safe area, but I always call the Lee's Summit Police station and give them my vehicle information so they know to look out for it over those specific days that it is being left in the long term parking lot.

Researching places to eat at on my upcoming tour. According to google, this place is permanently closed.