Katy Trail

The Katy Trail follows the corridor of the former MKT railroad through central Missouri and alongside the Missouri River. This route was also used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their historic trip to map the West in the 1800s. The Katy Trail forms part of the American Discovery Trail, a series of roads and recreational trails that run coast-to-coast across America’s mid-tier.

Start your bike tour in Rocheport for a shorter adventure focused on the Corps of Discovery Expedition route. For a longer trip, start in Clinton and enjoy more time in Missouri cattle and farm country before joining the historic route.

*We allow summer bookings on the Katy Trail but we advise riders that you can experience periods of excessive heat (100+ degrees) and little shade between mid-June to early September, which may not be appropriate for all riders.

The Katy Trail is a crushed gravel rail-trail which has some rolling elevation at the western end between Clinton and Boonville, then flattens out once it reaches the floodplains of the Missouri River around Rocheport.

The Katy Trail is one of the first long-distance rail-trails in the U.S. and is well-maintained by the state parks office. Aside from being a popular destination for cyclists, the Katy Trail is also used by hikers and horseback riders who enjoy the off-road nature of the route. The trail crosses diverse habitats and conservation areas, with excellent birdwatching opportunities and plenty of wildlife, plus more than 25 scenic trailheads and four lovingly restored railroad depots.

Our self-guided itineraries are designed to provide riders with a comfortable pace to enjoy the trail, while ensuring quality overnight stays in towns which offer access to restaurants and bike services. Extra nights in Hermann and St Charles can be added to any itinerary to allow for more time to discover the history and wineries of the area.