Cycling the Katy Trail

If you haven’t cycled a section of the Katy Trail, put it on your short list. The state park trail runs along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad with 26 trailheads between Clinton and Machens. At 240 miles, the crushed limestone trail is the longest of its kind in the United States. Cyclists on the Katy pedal by charming small towns, rural historic sites, Missouri River views, scenic vistas, quirky trail art and four restored historic railroad depots. Rolling near dozens of restaurants, wineries, craft breweries and lodging makes the Katy a flexible experience.

Plan Your Katy Adventure

Whether planning a single- or multi-day adventure, choose which towns to include and plot your route from there. (Tip: bikekatytrail.com is a helpful tool.) One trail section from Boonville to Rocheport (13.5 miles) makes a nice family day out with rail-themed amenities including the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center and the historic Katy Depot. Plan to spend time in Rocheport’s quaint shops and have a meal at Meriwether Café and Bike Shop.

Ride 25.6 miles between Rocheport and Hartsburg for scenic bluffs, Missouri River views and quirky stops like BoatHenge—six fiberglass boats standing vertically from the ground. Take a refreshing riverside break with friends at Cooper’s Landing or reward yourself in Hartsburg at The Hitching Post. The 35.5-mile trail section between McKittrick and Augusta—including a three-mile spur to Hermann—makes a full day out or a great weekend away. This is Missouri wine country—although you’ll find plenty of breweries too. River views, bluffs, Peers in Marthasville (a restored historic general store) and the Augusta Winery are a few fun stops along this popular section of the Katy.

Big BAM on the Katy

For a festive experience with other cyclists June 1–7, register for Big BAM on the Katy. The supported ride by Bike Across Missouri covers 226 miles that stretch between Clinton and St. Charles. Registration fees include SAG support, water, snacks, coffee, libations and more. Hang out with friends and other riders nightly while listening to live music. If you can’t do all six days, choose any three or join the fun on the last day (“Li’l Bam”). Fees range from $75 to $450; participants can also purchase pre- and post-ride shuttles between St. Charles and Clinton.

For overnights, book hotels along the way. Or arrange with BAM for tent service (additional fee), which includes luggage delivery to designated camping areas, e-bike charging stations and access to a shower truck with clean towels, shampoo and soap. Another option: Rent a PHAT Room—an air-conditioned space with up to four bunks in a trailer that travels to each site. SAG will monitor the road route and trailheads along the Katy between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Riders can call for help or catch a shuttle to nightly destinations if needed. Water filling stations will be at every trailhead. And while riders are responsible for their meals, BAM will share recommended restaurants and arrange food trucks or catering where options are limited.

Originally published 2018
Written by Jenna deJong

Boonville to Rocheport: 13.5 miles

Start: 2 hours 50 minutes north of Springfield
The historic Boonville is a good place to start for its rail-themed amenities near the trailhead, including Derailed Coffee Bar and Café and the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center. Try Hotel Frederick for an overnight. And more than a century old, the Katy Depot is the last with Spanish mission style architecture along the old railroad.

Before leaving Boonville, take a spur to the historic 408-foot Katy Lift-Span Bridge. Then, about four miles past New Franklin, watch for the 1921 abandoned Pearsons grain elevator. After riding through the Rocheport Tunnel, take a break in the restored 1800s river town full of quaint shops, dining and lodging options including the Meriwether Café and Bike Shop and the Blufftop, a trailside vineyard retreat.

Rocheport to Hartsburg: 24.7 miles

Start: 3 hours north of Springfield
Pedaling east from Rocheport along scenic bluffs and the Missouri River, take a short side trip to the historic McBaine Burr Oak—Missouri’s oldest tree. Cross the Perche Creek Bridge to the McBaine Trailhead where an optional spur takes you into Columbia. From here, watch for BoatHenge, a must-stop where six fiberglass boats are planted vertically into the ground. After crossing over the Little Bonne Femme Creek, take a break at the charming Cooper’s Landing for riverside refreshments. You might even catch some live music.

Winding along river and fields, end your trek in Hartsburg, known for its Pumpkin Festival the second weekend of October. Stop for a cold brew at historic local tavern The Hitching Post or pub grub and steaks at The Burg. If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Rocheport, cozy up at The Amber House Bed & Breakfast, a luxury bed-and-breakfast with charming accents. The abode is just a two-minute drive to the winery and most suitable for a romantic getaway, but it also welcomes children ages 14 and up. Conclude your trip at the in-house massage studio.  

McKittrick / Hermann to Augusta: 34.5 miles

Start: 3+ hours northeast of Springfield
Welcome to Missouri wine country! Between McKittrick and Augusta are plenty of wineries, breweries and historic spots. For lodging in Augusta, consider the HS Clay House or rent a cabin or campsite at Klondike Park. Or pick a place in Hermann. Known for its German settlers, Hermann isn’t on the Katy but is easily reached by a three-mile spur. The town features quaint cafes, shops and the Deutscheim State Historic Site with preserved 1800s structures.

Riding the trail east, views of the river and bluffs are spectacular between Gore and Bernheimer. In Marthasville, stop at Peers, a restored historic general store filled with memorabilia, gifts, treats, and occasionally, live music. Reaching Augusta, find plenty of spots to celebrate your ride including Good News Brewing Company and the Augusta Winery, serving thirsty riders just off the trail.