Check out the town and local websites for activities, food and lodging. One option is to treat yourself to a stay at a Bed and Breakfast.
The Bed and Breakfast Inns of Missouri have several to choose from when you bicycle Katy Trail Missouri …
Day 1 – Clinton to Sedalia – 36 miles
Start your bicycle ride in Clinton, with an area along the nine-mile section between Clinton and Calhoun, where bicyclists are likely to see and hear birds associated with open areas such as bobwhite, killdeer, mourning doves and meadowlarks.
Between Calhoun and Sedalia, horses are permitted on a stretch of trail between Calhoun and the Missouri State Fairgrounds Katy Trail parking area in Sedalia.
In Sedalia, the Katy Trail travels along city streets from the depot to Boonville Street. You should follow the marked ‘road route’. Sedalia is also host to the Missouri State Fair.
Day 2 – Sedalia to Rocheport – 48 miles
Between Sedalia and Boonville the trail is more rolling, with woods to river bottoms along the way. As you get closer to the Ozark hills.
On to Boonville, with towering bluffs on one side and the Missouri River on the other. Then to New Franklin, considered the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail.
Then on to Rocheport.
Rock drawings were left by native Americans were mentioned in the journals of Lewis and Clark as they traveled up the Missouri River. A rare surviving pictograph can be seen above Lewis and Clark Cave on the trail near Rochport. Trail users today can pass through the old 243-foot-long stone-arched tunnel used by the old MKT Railroad. While in Rocheport, Les Bourgeois Winery is a must see. The wine, food and view from the top, makes for a perfect setting.
Day 3 – Rocheport to Jefferson City – 37 miles
Optional -The MKT Trail is a 8.9 mile spur trail that runs from the Katy Trail just west of McBaine to downtown Columbia.
Onward to the state capital… Jefferson City, the state capitol.
You will cross a bridge over the Missouri River ( approx 2 miles ).
Besides the obvious history, there also museums, fine restaurants and quaint boutiques.
Day 4 – Jefferson City to Hermann – 44 miles The trail runs through McKittrick, just north of Hermann, known for its German heritage and its vineyards and wineries. Besides vineyards and wineries, Hermann has several restaurants, shops and bed and breakfasts. There is the Hwy 19 Bridge that has a dedicated bike lane to get you safely across the river.
Day 5 – Hermann to Augusta – 35 miles
Continuing, the trail passes through many rural and farming communities supported by the rich bottomland soil. The bluffs along this part of the trail are made from limestone and sandstone. There are many birds and wildflowers on this portion of the trail.
Marthasville is near the site of an old French trading post where Daniel Boone lived the last years of his life. There’s a grave site one mile east of Marthasville, a short distance off the trail. If you are lucky, you may hear the local church’s’ musical bell-chimes playing hymns up on the bluff.
About 7 miles west of Augusta you will want to make a stop in Dutzow at the Dutzow Deli for a great sandwich before heading on to Augusta.
Augusta Missouri is in the heart of an area known as “Missouri’s Rhineland” because of the Germans who came to this part of the state in the mid 1800s. The town has 2 wineries, a microbrewery, antique and specialty shops, restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Day 6 – Augusta to St. Charles – 28 miles
Leaving Augusta, on your adventure to the east, you’ll find Klondike Park. Originally a quarry to mine white quartz sandstone for the production of glass, the park has a small lake for catch and release fishing in the middle of white sands with bluffs surrounding the park. There are picnic areas, playgrounds and camping in the park.
Seven miles east of Augusta is Defiance. This will be the last place to stop for food, water and bicycle needs until reaching St. Charles. ‘Kickstand’ Bike Rental can take care of your bicycle needs. The Defiance Roadhouse and Terry and Kathy’s can take care of your bicyclist needs.
Charles Missouri was originally a French Settlement dating back to the mid 1700s, the town became the state’s first capital before it was moved to Jefferson City. Here you’ll find several shops and restaurants of all kinds in keeping with the rich history of the town. This is where Lewis and Clark got provisions for their adventure west…
I never cease to be amazed at the constantly changing landscape from day to day along the Katy. Early spring rides reveal the white bluff faces as they contrast with the recently tilled black soils of the bottoms land. Newborn calves of the local ranches stare at you with curiosity as their wary mothers stand by making sure you’re just passing through. Soon after the farmers plant the soybeans, corn, and grain, the earth turns a light pale green as the sprouts urge their way up. Every day is a new scene as all the living things begin to grow and shape the land. As the corn begins to tassel in mid-summer, a new color begins to appear and add another layer of drama, a pale gold that beckons the morning sun to light it up.
Birds of all sorts use the tassels as a landing place, seeming to enjoy just hanging out, swaying in the breeze, whistling their favorite song.
I often stop at a wooden bridge and watch them perform for me. As late summer approaches, the corn turns to a rich golden-tan, losing most of it’s green of summer, but this again, catches the light of the sun in the late afternoon and appears to be set ablaze. In a few weeks, once harvest is complete and the soil is turned, the remnants of the once-living things that kept me company are returned to earth creating a tan and black landscape that always stops me in my tracks. I savor the moment. I know winter is coming, and my bike will be put away, waiting for that early spring day when I can get back out riding this great gift.
Then on to Rocheport.
Marthasville is near the site of an old French trading post where Daniel Boone lived the last years of his life. There’s a grave site one mile east of Marthasville, a short distance off the trail. If you are lucky, you may hear the local church’s’ musical bell-chimes playing hymns up on the bluff.
things begin to grow and shape the land. As the corn begins to tassel in mid-summer, a new color begins to appear and add another layer of drama, a pale gold that beckons the morning sun to light it up.
