Find the top rated birding trails in Bellefontaine Neighbors, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
My family and I (husband and 3 kids; a 7 year old, a 4 year old, and a one year old who was on a seat attached to my husbands bike) rode a portion of this trail. We started at the access by the pond and rode to the end (about 2 miles). Along the way we saw an abundance of beautiful flowers and scenery. The trail is well marked, and has many options to go off and connect to other trails for a longer ride. The kids loved going through the tunnels. Though the paved trail was not completely flat, it was still a fairly easy ride. I recommend this trail for anyone who has kids with them or is looking for a nice and easy ride.
This is a long, nothing but sunshine trail. Access to more than one spot for water os needed. There are 1 or 2 spots with water fountains but they didnt work. Water at the Chain of Rocks bridge would be good. Otherwise, bring a couple of goodsize bottles and a camelback.
Had a break in the heat and rode over 70 miles on the Katy this week on different days. Hermann to Washington, Hartsburg to Boonville and Boonville to Pilot Grove. Hartsburg to Boonville may be some of the best scenery along the trail- high limestone cliffs, deep & dark forest canopies, some stretches right next to the Missouri river, and some open spaces. As always, this trail is well maintained, mowed, and the trailheads have great information and facilities. Note that you can connect with Amtrak at Washington (Dutzow trailhead on the Katy), Hermann, Jefferson City, and Sedalia, but they have a limit on bikes per train. The new bridge at Washington will be completed soon with a safe bike lane to get from the Dutzow trailhead to the train station. In the near future, Missouri could become a real "cyclist destination" by completion of the Rock Island trail from Windsor to Union. Union is only 7 highway miles from Washington. That would create a loop of over 450 miles and add some great scenic opportunities as the Rock Island route skirts the north edge of the Ozarks. Check out bikerockisland dot com for more information.
There is a MTB trail that begins at the top of the hill near the overlook. Not a great trail for a 1st time rider but good if you have been at it awhile. Goes from Blue to Black in some spots. There is also a nice 3 foot drop that can be done. Go only on dry days as this trail can get slick fast.
I have taken two morning bike rides on this trail and it is peaceful. I love hearing the birds sing!
Gman
Long parts in the middle of the trail are not paved. Be careful on a road bike
Please note: there is some free parking at the southern entrance to the trail. The first miles are through an old industrial park, and in the shadow of a tall, concrete levee. As one goes north, it becomes more scenic with more vegetation and views of the Mississippi.
We rode the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Spur from Pleasant Hill to Windsor and then from Clinton to Machens. The Katy is in excellent condition and we enjoyed the historical markers. We saw snakes, turtles, lizards, indigo buntings and cardinals, turkey, groundhog, rabbit, armadillo, and 1 deer. We camped in Farrington Park in Windsor, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin, and Steamboat Junction in Bluffton. All three had hot showers which was so awesome at the end of a long dusty ride. All three were nice but our favorite was Steamboat Junction.
The Katy doesnt have as many services close to the trail as we expected and in some cases the water pumps were disabled. The craft brewery in August was a pleasant treat. Ice cream was scarce. Several people said dont bother riding the last 12 miles from St Charles to Machens but it wasnt bad - maybe not quite as nice as other sections but we werent going to stop a few miles from the end.
Overall the scenery was midwestern woods and farm fields. You caught glimpses of the Missouri River from time to time. Tucked up under the bluffs you couldnt really appreciate them.
Very friendly people along the trail happy to give you advice and suggestions.
Good trail for riding, Quiet & Beautiful scenery. Great way to spend time for yourself or with family on nice Spring & Summer days. Very relaxing
We regularly ride this section of trail when we go to Edwardsville. The asphalt paving and new bridges done in 2016 made it even better. An added bonus; Glen Carbon public library just a quarter mile or so from the trail. If you go to Madison County trails be sure to ride this section
Rode the whole trail in 4 days in September 2017! Absolutely beautiful and such a great experience!
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