I've ridden it a few times, both directions. It's flat. Scenery is pleasant, if not especially exciting.
Despite the gentle terrain, it can be challenging due to the crushed limestone surface. If it has rained and the surface is even a little soggy, it will require a surprising amount of extra effort to keep your wheels rolling. One very hot summer weekend I did the entire (wet) trail in two days on a road bike with 23 mm tires, and by the end of the second day I was completely wiped out. And I was in very good shape that summer.
So, it can be done on a skinny-tired bike, but wider tires are probably better. I've also ridden the trail in March (see my journal here), and not only are none of the "depots" open that early (bathrooms closed and drinking water turned off), but there are long sections where many businesses are probably not open yet either.
Funnily enough, I was just telling my wife the other day that I thought I'd do the Katy Trail again sometime, and her response was to laugh and remind me that both times I've ridden it, I've gotten sick and bonked while (over) doing it.
The trail is definitely worth doing, though... at least once ;)
My favorite place to stay on the trail is the Globe Hotel B&B in Hartsburg. The couple that own and operate the place are very nice and accommodating.
Good Luck!
Hello Kelly, My wife and I rode the Katy Trail, from west to east, a couple of years ago. We started in Clinton and rode about 62 miles the first day, staying that night at Katy Junction B&B. The second day, we rode about 50 miles, staying that night at Globe Hotel B&B. The third day, we rode about 53 miles, staying that night at McKittrick Farmers Mercantile (Joey's Birdhouse). The last day we rode a little over 60 miles and stopped in St. Charles, where we had left our vehicle. I rode a narrow tire rode bike and my wife rode a Hybrid. We were lucky and did not have any issues with weather, therefore, my rode bike did just fine.
thank you joe! Good to see you made it in4 days. I am hoping to do it in 4 but plan on packing gear so who knows. If it takes 5 that’s ok too. Did you take the train to Sedalia or you had 2 vehicles?
We took the train from St Louis to Sedalia and then we hired a guy to drive us to Clinton. We stayed at the Parkfield Inn in Clinton and rode out from there. I believe it was only a couple of miles to the beginning of the trail from the Hotel. The only gear that we took was clothes, toiletries, snacks and water, since we were not camping. We did it over Memorial Day Weekend. The nice thing is that there is a town/stop about every 10 to 15 miles.
planning to ride the Katy trail this spring or summer. Probably solo ride . Just looking for some tips or some of your experiences. I have a book about it and it appears to be very informative . Will be doing a little camping along the way .🚴♀️
5 years ago