M.K.T. Nature/Fitness Trail (Columbia to McBaine):
Missouri
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Description:
The MKT Trail was formerly a spurline of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT). Its abandonment occurred in 1978 at which time the City of Columbia applied for and received a National Rails-to-Trails conversion grant to develop the rail corridor into a pedestrian hiking and biking trail. The topography is uniform in grade as it slopes from Columbia, southwest to the Missouri River bottoms, where it intersects with the Missouri State Parks' - Katy Trail. The Katy Trail, which was the former MKT mainline, is now a Missouri State Park and represents one of the longest Rails-to-Trails conversion projects in the nation. It crosses Missouri from east to west and connects the St. Louis metropolitan area with the western portion of the state just east of Kansas City. The trail landscape is very representative of the natural streams and woodlands found in Central Missouri and offers a wide variety of flora, fauna, and wildlife experiences for trail users. One of the more unique features located near the intersection of the MKT and Katy Trails is the 4,100 acre Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.
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Parking & Trail Access:
No parking fees. Trail accesses are listed and shown on map on website.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
None.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Where to eat in Columbia
By Nathan Valentine on July 29, 2003
"If you are staying the evening in Columbia, be sure to check out the Flat Branch Brewing Co. and Eatery. It is on 5th Street, exactly five blocks east and a bit north of where the MKT drops you off (Providence and Stewart). While there you can check out the Katy Trail Pale Ale, although I would recommend the Brown Ale or Smithton Mild or one of the seasonal brews (mmm..pumpkin ale).

The food is also very good, although I am told they no longer offer Bangers & Mash like they did when I lived in Missouri . . . sigh."
Katy ride 2002
By esporoad on July 01, 2002
This trail is a spur off the MKT leading into the beautiful college town of Columbia. It is well used by joggers and walkers and of course bicyclists. It is mostly ridden under a beatiful canopy of trees. Plenty of restaurants in Columbia for a quick break.
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The Dogwood trees were adding color to the trail.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Columbia to McBain
Counties: Boone
Trail Length: 8.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel, Ballast
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016357

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