The Rock Island Trail

Reply to Early April conditions

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Reply to Early April conditions

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Dave b from Boca Raton, FL on 1/14/2025 11:10:11 AM:

Hi,

My wife and I are planning to ride from Clinton to St Charles in early April - with flexible start date April 5th to the 15th. Leaning on starting early to be home by Easter.

I have all the stops and BnBs planned and will make reservations in the next few days.

I saw some posts about weather, etc from 2019. We know it will likely be cold and maybe some rain - we did the GAP last year same timeframe and survived the cold and rain and had a very good trip.

Can someone give us an update/advice about the trail in early April, including weather, trail conditions, possible trail closures, floods, businesses/restaurants closed, and any other helpful info?

Thanks!!

Kc from Kc on 1/14/2025 1:07:48 PM:

April is probably the worst month to travel the trail. You will likely be fine if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, deep ruts can form and freeze. I would be prepared with 50 mm wide tires. The state does an excellent job of maintaining a smooth trail but I’m unable to tell you what month the work actually starts.
You can generally navigate anything you come across, except for a flood.

Jim from St. Thomas on 1/14/2025 7:27:06 PM:

If you rode the GAP in April you should be fine on the Katy. A lot of the businesses in the small towns close on Mondays so sometimes it can be hard to find a place to eat if you're picky. There is usually something like a Casey's convenience store or a bar where you can get pizza etc.

Anonymous on 1/15/2025 9:58:10 AM:

Agree with what Jim's post.

Weather info, trail conditions, closures (trail or business) is hard to predict in mid January for 3 months out. You can keep an eye on those as your ride date approaches both here and on Missouri DNR Katy Trail website. Trail conditions and closures are often posted in both places and on this forum. We tend to contact places we'd like to visit either on their website or by phone to ensure they are open and can accommodate us.

Missouri DNR does a great job of maintaining the trail. Keep in mind it is a chat covered trail across rural Missouri...a wilderness adventure if you will with small towns dotted along the path.

Happy Trails!

Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 1/16/2025 11:11:06 AM:

The GAP has a somewhat better surface than the Katy Trail. Between Boonville and Clinton there can be some large cracks usually in the middle of the trail. I recommend the largest tires that your bike can comfortably handle with tread or even knobbies. I also recommend fenders.

On the flip side, the Katy's surface is much, much better than the C&O!

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