Katy Trail State Park is the longest rails-to-trails conversion in the U.S. This 240-mile trail runs from Clinton in the west to Machens in the east, stretching from Henry County to St. Charles County. The entire trail is open for hiking, running, walking and bicycling. Horseback riding is permitted for 34.7 miles between Clinton and the Sedalia Fairgrounds and for another 15.3 miles between Tebbetts and Portland.
Heading east from Clinton, the trail traverses rolling hills and idyllic farmland until it reaches the Missouri River at Boonville. After crossing the river from Boonville into New Franklin, the trail is mostly flat and never strays far from the river. Charming small towns with restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, motels, stores and campgrounds dot the entire length of the trail. Wineries are common from Hermann (accessible via a bridge on Highway 19) to Defiance. Park wildlife includes deer, snakes, turtles, turkey vultures and indigo buntings.
Restrictions:
Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited.
Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles are allowed, as are electrically powered mobility devices for people with disabilities. Permitted mobility devices include wheelchairs and scooters. The maximum permitted speed for these vehicles and devices is 20 miles per hour.
Hunting and firearms are prohibited in the park.
See the official website for a complete list of regulations.
Main Trailheads, West to East:
*Clinton *Calhoun *Windsor *Green Ridge *Sedalia — Fairgrounds *Sedalia — Katy Depot *Clifton City *Pilot Grove *Boonville *New Franklin *Rocheport *McBaine *Hartsburg *North Jefferson City *Tebbetts *Mokane *Portland *McKittrick *Treloar *Marthasville *Dutzow *Augusta *Matson *Weldon Spring *Greens Bottom *St. Charles *Machens (no road access or parking)
(The map on this listing shows the location of only the North Jefferson City trailhead.)
In Windsor, Katy Trail State Park connects to Rock Island Trail State Park. The developed section of the Rock Island Trail extends northwest 47.5 miles to Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
