Learn About Katy Trail in St. Charles MO
The Katy Trail in St. Charles MO is a park in the state of Missouri and has the Katy Trail, U.S. ‘s longest known recreational rail trail. Open year-round, it stretches 240 miles (390 km) along the Missouri River bank, Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad’s right-of-way. It serves cyclists, joggers, and hikers and its hard, flat surface is made of crushed limestone (“limestone pug”). The nickname “Katy” is derived from the pronunciation of “KT”, a short version of the abbreviated name of the MKT (Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad).
History
The National Trails System Act (1968) enabled the conversion of the right-of-way to a trail. In 1982, the MKT trail was opened by the city of Columbia as one of the initial rails-to-trails pilot projects in the U.S. In October 1896, floodwater overflowing from the popular Missouri River destroyed the track along the MKT’s route that stretched from Sedalia to Machens in Missouri, and the route has since been washed out and repaired several times, although this time, railroad officials opted not to restore the tracks to service. In this regard, trains were effectively re-routed and this led to the abandonment of the right-of-way. Consequently, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, with the help of Edward “Ted” Jones and Pat Jones’s donation, acquired the right-of-way and in 1990, the first phase of the trail opened in Rocheport. The following year, the Union Pacific Railroad offered 53 km (33 miles) of right-of-way from Sedalia to Clinton. Initially, the trail was scheduled for completion in 1994 but the previous year’s Great Flood damaged 121 km (75 miles) of the initial 203 km (126 miles) of the trail. In 1996, the finished trail from Saint Charles to Sedalia was opened while the segment from Sedalia to Clinton officially opened in 1999. Two years later, an expansion of the trail saw it being expanded to include the corridor from Saint Charles to Machens. Visit this page for more info on the St. Charles City Hall.
Katy Trailheads
There are three Katy trailheads you should be aware of: Marthasville, Rocheport, and Sedalia. Marthasville trail is closer to St. Charles and passes through one of the longest-serving towns in the state of Missouri. Its famous passers-through include the Lewis & Clark expedition and Daniel Boone. Once you’re through with the pedaling, you can treat yourself to some delicious foodstuffs at Philly’s Pizza, praised for its genuine Italian. You can then continue your trip to one of St. Charles’s lush vineyards and even spend some time at a nearby B&B.
The Rocheport trailhead is on the Missouri River banks. Despite having a small population, the village has a wide range of attractions to offer, including art galleries, B&Bs, and antique shops. Family-owned Abigail’s restaurant offers some enticing cuisines and the Rocheport General Store hosts live music mostly on Fridays and Saturdays. You can then pass through a historic arched tunnel as you leave town.
Sedalia is another place to visit, as Katy’s rich rail-to-trails history is more apparent here, where the path passes near the restored Katy Depot of 1896. Currently, the station is home to exhibit galleries, including a kid-friendly room, a display on the St. Charles railroad history, and a gift shop. You might want to take Amtrak with your bike as you head to Sedalia before pedaling east on the trail. Just ensure you know how to return to your vehicle if you left it parked at the Kirkwood station.
Therefore, the Katy Trail in St. Charles MO offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those who love pedaling. It provides a unique opportunity to see various landscapes that the state of Missouri has to offer.
Lawn and landscaping services for St Charles found on this page.
Driving directions from our office to Katy Trail in St. Charles MO
Take Bluestone Dr to MO-94 W/S 1st Capitol Dr in Saint Charles
Head southwest on Scherer Pkwy toward Ford Ln
Turn left onto Bluestone Dr
Turn right onto Pralle Ln
Continue on MO-364 W/MO-94 W to Boone Township
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto MO-94 W/S 1st Capitol Dr
Use the left 2 lanes to merge onto MO-364 W/MO-94 W via the ramp to Weldon Spring
Take exit 8 A for MO-94 W toward Weldon Spring
Continue onto MO-94 W and drive to Research Park Dr
Turn left onto Missouri Research Park Dr/Research Park Dr/Weldon Dr
Turn left onto Research Park Dr
