Missouri's Katy trail is a well maintained fine gravel trail, well compacted in most places, so you could use a road bike, but slightly wider tires would be better. We're in our 60's and like to ride up to 25 miles/day, with a lunch break before returning to the car. We've found three such rides in mid MO with simple dining options within a few blocks of the trail. Before taking these trips, call ahead to verify that restaurants are open when you plan to bike. 1) park the car at Boonville trailhead, (where there is a nice museum) and ride to Pilot Grove, one way distance about 11.5 miles, where there is a small cafe (Katarina's) a few blocks Sw of trailhead, open typically until about 2PM. The ride is mostly a gentle grade uphill from Boonville, where you leave the MO River valley and enter the great plains; this is the steepest section of the Katy trail. It is a mostly shaded route, with nice forest canopy. 2) For a weekend trip, park the car in downtown Jefferson City near the river bridge. Bike across the river on the safe bike lane, down the spiral ramp and bike across the river valley to the North Jefferson trailhead, then head west to Claysville Store, a block off the trail, where you can get a nice family style meal or sandwiches. Open typically weekends only with limited hours, best to call ahead for reservation. One way distance about 12.5 miles. This section of trail has lots of open farmland with some canopy cover. 3) Park car at McBaine trailhead just off Highway K, about 14 miles SW of Columbia, head west. This segment passes through some of the best scenery the Katy has to offer in Missouri. After about 1.5 miles, at a highway crossing look west into the farmland, see the largest bur oak tree in MO. Go visit it, its a monster! Within a few miles you will be under some deep forest canopy, then pass under high bluffs right next to the trail, then enjoy a good stretch along the Missouri river with benches where you can stop and watch the river. Lunch at Meriwethers cafe in Rocheport right on the trail. Before returning to the car, ride around Rocheport, a cute town with B&B's, go an additional half mile west on the trail thru the only tunnel on the Katy Trail. Total distance is about 19 miles round trip. If you're a long distance rider, in 2020 there are a few problems on Missouri's Katy Trail- there's a bridge washed out a few miles west of Rocheport with a somewhat-marked detour on a highway, and east of Jefferson City there is a big rockslide blocking the trail- the trail is officially closed there but you can walk a bike through a path around it. Recumbants or trailers may be more difficult to get through. Check with the Missouri State Park website or bike stores in Jefferson City or Washington MO for more details.

Just rode this trail from end to end. The trail is mostly well maintained, with just a few rough spots (some cracks and tree roots in places). There are a few simple road crossings, with little to no car traffic at the crossings. When you get to the eastern end, use caution, because there is a nice downgrade just before the last 200 feet or so, which is uphill. Problem is, near the bottom of the downgrade, the trail is covered in very loose sand mixed with gravel. Recipe for disaster if you hit it too fast. Probably best to just turn around and skip the last quarter mile or so. There is some nice rolling hills and one steep but short climb heading eastward. Nothing difficult at all. While this is by no means a destination trail, it is a decent way to kill an hour if you’re anywhere nearby. The trail was mostly deserted for the entire length today, but that may be different when college is in session. The trail is easy to get to from anywhere in Warrensburg.

We rode entire trail, trail info Windsor,Leeton has flush toilets. Medford has nice pit toilet. Chilhowee and pleasant hill has port a potty’s Windsor , Leeton and Medford has water at trailheads. Windsor lots of food choices. Leeton a cafe. Chilhowee was supposed to have a little store but we didn’t stop so can’t confirm Good level trail, except for some wash outs and some cracks trail was food. A little vegetation creeping up. Medford to pleasant hill there is no support or supplier so be prepared. On the up side you are out with no traffic Hope this helps you plan¿¿¿¿

Beautiful views, flat, and great quality trail made from crushed limestone. Works great with our hybrid bikes. My favorite stretch is from Defiance to Hermann. Some great places to stop along the way. It connects with the MKT in Columbia and you can ride all the way into town if you’re over on that side. Beautiful top notch trail.

I did some research bout trails in Missouri and came across Katy trail I wanted to see where it starts so today I rode from st Charles to Machens bout 20 miles if you count mileage back to my car it was a nice ride I'm interested in completing the trail one day soon

They are doing this trail right! The current Northern end, which goes through Lee's Summit, is brand new, and very well done suburban trail. The main segment, which goes from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, is well done, and well maintained. We have seen the State on this checking for downed trees, washouts, etc. after storms.

Cannot wait for it to be fully linked to KC!

St.Charles West. Just a few detours, trail excellent. If you tent camp at Missouri Fairgrounds Sedalia, be careful of your belongings. Choose any electric site and honestly with the factory across street southeast corner away from vagrants living in tents and away from showerhouse better. Always lock your bikes too.

Do to flooding the beginning of the trail is not in good shape. If you pick up the trail in St. Charles it is great from there.

Pleasant Hill to 1 hour and back. Nice trail with normal overhead canopy debris here and there. Very smooth concrete bridges. Some short washed out sections repaired with larger loose gravel not yet compacted. Very monotonous compared to some other rail trails , but good for conversation. Averaged 13-17mph. The highlight of the day trip was the Wyoming Street Wine Stop after the ride.