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This is a rails-to-trails biking/running trail.


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Map Key

248.4

Miles

399.8

KM

100%

Runnable

950' 290 m

High

437' 133 m

Low

2,542' 775 m

Up

2,887' 880 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Katy Trail is the longest rails-to-trails project in the US and was converted from the prior MKT (Missouri - Kansas - Texas) Railroad. Notably, it passes through rolling farmland, forests, and tallgrass prairies.

The Katy Trail begins southeast of Kansas City in Clinton and runs nearly 240 miles to Machens, Missouri which is just east of St. Charles. No two sections of the trail are the same and the natural beauty surrounding the trail changes with the seasons. Food, lodging, and camping are all convenient to access from the trail for multi-day trips. Primarily, this trail is used by cyclists, but it is also used by thru-hikers.

In most places, trailheads and rest stops conveniently sit off to the side of the trail with water and facilities. Occasionally, the trail follows along portions of the highway, however, the bulk follows the Missouri River, farmland, and forest. The trail is covered with a crushed stone, giving the feel of a hard dirt road. Being a prior railway, the trail is mostly flat and well marked along the way.

Additional trail information including up to date conditions, amenities, and trailhead guides can be found at here. Be sure to check before venturing out, especially if the Missouri River is running high!

Shared By:

Missouri Hiker with improvements by Zac Nixon and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 10 votes

#1

in Clinton

#6828

Overall
  4.5 from 10 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Clinton

#183

in Missouri

#6,828

Overall
21 Views Last Month
2,989 Since Dec 12, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

70%
0%
30%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

a fence along the highest elevation of the trail
Apr 19, 2019 near Gray Su…, MO
Perche Creek Bridge - Katy Trail - Columbia, MO
Jul 27, 2018 near Columbia, MO
beautiful view of the river
Apr 20, 2019 near Gray Su…, MO
Katy Trail in Boonville, Missouri
Feb 18, 2020 near Boonville, MO
Absolutely beautiful snow covered hike
Jan 12, 2020 near Weldon…, MO
cool rock/tree formation
Apr 20, 2019 near Gray Su…, MO

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