Cyclists, hikers, horseback riders, nature lovers and history buffs have been coming to Katy Trail State Park for more than 30 years to travel the longest developed rail-trail in the country.
Stretching 237 miles across the mid-section of Missouri, the Katy Trail is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (often called the MKT or Katy). The mostly level, crushed-limestone trail connects Machens, located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and Clinton, a stone’s throw from Truman Lake.
What You’ll See
Much of the Katy Trail runs alongside the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, and travels through forests and fields, beneath leafy canopies and past towering bluffs. Twenty-six trailheads and four fully restored historic depots – most with parking areas – offer easy access to the trail.
More than 20 small towns are located on or near the trail. You’ll find restaurants, breweries, wineries, museums, shops and overnight accommodations in many of the communities along the way.
You can explore the Katy Trail all year long – and many people do – but the best time to visit is spring, when the forests are filled with flowering trees, and autumn, when the hillsides are ablaze with fall color. The milder temperatures are perfect for cycling, hiking and horseback riding.
Katy Trail State Park Basics
Katy Trail State Park is open to bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians (in designated areas) from sunrise to sunset. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
If you plan to be out on the trail for several hours or longer, make sure you have a plan for drinking water, meals and snacks. Water and restrooms are available at some trailheads year-round. At other trailheads, the restrooms are closed, and water is shut off November through March. Check the Katy Trail State Park webpage for specific information.
Learn more about services along the trail here.
If you’ll be leaving your vehicle at a trailhead or parking lot overnight or for multiple days, contact the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402 and provide them with your vehicle details.
Trail conditions can vary, primarily due to washouts following heavy rain. Find the latest information about trail conditions here.
Katy Trail Map
You can view a map and detailed information about each section of the Katy Trail here.
Navigating the Trail
Biking
Whether you’re casually cycling with your family or friends or training for your next century ride, the trail’s nearly level surface and abundant rest areas make it perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. In addition to traditional bicycles, electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles with a maximum speed of 20 mph are allowed on the trail. (Motorized vehicles, including ATVs and ORVs, are not permitted.)
Bike shops at several points along the trail provide a place to air up your tires and handle other maintenance issues. Several shops also offer bike rentals.
Hiking
While the Katy Trail is best known for cycling, the pathway is also a perfect hiking destination – for a short trek or a multi-day adventure. The flat, crushed-stone trail provides an easy-to-navigate route for people of all ages and abilities. A majority of the trail is wheelchair accessible.
Horseback Riding
Two sections of the Katy Trail are open to horseback riders.
Horses are allowed on a 34.7-mile section from Clinton to the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia and on a 15.3-mile stretch between Tebbetts and Portland in central Missouri.
Equestrian trailer parking is located at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Clinton and the fairgrounds in Sedalia, as well as the trailheads in Calhoun, Windsor, Green Ridge and Mokane.
Rail and Trail
For a multimodal adventure, combine a ride on the Katy Trail with a trip on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner. Cycle to one of the Amtrak stations along the trail and ride the train back to your starting point. Or travel by train to your destination and bike back to where you began. Either way, it’s an unforgettable trip teeming with scenic views and trailside towns to explore. Be sure to make reservations to bring your bike aboard the train.
Connecting Trails
Several trails connect with the Katy Trail, providing even more opportunities to explore the Show-Me State.
Rock Island Trail State Park (Rock Island Spur)
A 47.5-mile trail connects to the Katy Trail in Windsor and runs to Pleasant Hill, a short drive from Kansas City. Formerly called the Rock Island Spur, the trail is now part of Missouri’s new Rock Island Trail State Park.
Spanning a section of the former corridor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, the route has four trailheads. The trail runs through prairie land, farm fields and dense forest and crosses several streams and rivers. It’s the only segment of the Rock Island Trail currently complete and open to the public.
MKT Nature and Fitness Trail
Travel from the Katy Trail into Columbia, Missouri’s quintessential college town, on the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail. The 8.9 mile route meets the Katy Trail at the McBaine Trailhead and connects to Columbia’s trail system, offering access to the downtown area.
Katy Trail Spur – Jefferson City
Pedal across the “wide Missouri” and into the heart of the capital city. The Katy Trail Spur runs from the North Jefferson Trailhead across the Missouri River Pedestrian/Bike Bridge and into Jefferson City. The pedestrian/bike bridge is attached to the Missouri River Bridge and provides expansive views of the river and the Missouri State Capitol.
Along the Trail
Explore Historic Sites
Historic St. Charles, located on the eastern edge of the trail, marks the beginning of Lewis and Clark’s expedition west. Visit Frontier Park along the Missouri River before heading to the restaurants and shops downtown.
Take a short detour off the trail outside the town of Defiance to visit The Historic Daniel Boone Home. The homestead depicts life in the early 1800s and helps bring the legacy of the famed frontiersman to life.
In Jefferson City, explore the Missouri State Capitol, located just south of the Katy Trail. Built in 1917, the capitol is filled with art, including one of Thomas Hart Benton’s most famous murals.
At the Katy Depot in Sedalia, explore the history of the MKT Railroad and how the Katy Trail came into existence. In August, the town plays host to the Missouri State Fair.
Eat, Drink and Stay
Dozens of restaurants, breweries and wineries are located near the trail or a short distance away making it easy to fuel up before heading out, take midday break or relax at the end of a ride or hike. Hotels, inns and campgrounds are available for overnight stays. Here are some suggestions:
Try the sandwiches, coffee and baked goods at the Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles. The shop also offers bike rentals and a shuttle service for trips of any length.
Start your day with pancakes or French toast at Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport. The trailside restaurant also serves soups, salads and sandwiches, including vegetarian options, with a focus on locally produced ingredients.
Pair a craft cocktail with steak, seafood or pasta at the No. 5 Bistro & Bar in Sedalia. The restaurant’s industrial vibe pays tribute to the building’s former life as a clothing manufacturing facility.
Find more Katy Trail food stops here.
The Katy Trail travels through the heart of historic Missouri wine country, home to the towns of Augusta, Defiance and Hermann. Sample Missouri wines made from local grapes before checking in to one of the area’s charming inns.
Other accommodations near the trail include the Mount Nebo Inn in Rocheport and the historic Hotel Frederick in Boonville.
If you prefer to camp, a number of public and privately owned campgrounds are located near the trail. Hermann City Parks RV & Tent Camping and Cooper’s Landing near Columbia are two places you can pitch a tent for the night. (Camping is not allowed along the trail itself.)