Find the top rated fishing trails in Missouri, whether you're looking for an easy short fishing trail or a long fishing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a fishing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The map on this site is out of date. The trail now extends west through Knob Noster State Park all the way to the park entrance. That being said, the new stretch is overall not any better than the part within the Warrensburg city limits. There is a very hilly, curvy stretch in the state park that is chat and mud that frequently has ruts washed in it. There's also a section that is on a rough gravel road. We ride this trail frequently because there aren't many alternatives but honestly, this trail is poorly maintained.
This trail is in walking distance of my house so I have taken my bikes on it many times. Trail runs next to Line Creek most of the time. Scenic and a peaceful ride. Most of the time the path is wide enough for two way traffic.
We rode from KC Sport Complex to Windsor as the first leg of our Katy Trail ride at the end of April. The 14 mile stretch from the stadium to the end of the first segment in Lee's Summit is the most groomed. You should absolutely stop at Crane Brewing about 4 miles south of the stadium for the first beer of the ride. If you have the ability to be shuttled across the break from Lee's Summit to Pleasant Hill (or just north to Pleasant Hill Lake), do so, otherwise you are riding on busy streets with little or no shoulder. The small portion of the MOPAC trail is very well groomed. The Medford trailhead is great with water, shade, and a toilet. Definitely stop at the store in Chilhowee. Trailhead in Leeton had water, shade, and toilet (though the toilet had been vandalized with a lot of graffiti).
The biggest issue of the ride was the trail condition. Rain from the previous week had flooded portions of the trail south of Medford. The material being used to replace the washout is very, very soft. Couple that with some rain the previous day and the last half of the trail was like riding through peanut butter. We were making about 2/3 the distance per hour we anticipated and the constant churn to keep moving was exhausting.
Overall it was a good ride, but the conditions did put a damper on things for a while and could definitely turn a fun family ride into a slog.
10/2020. I parked at the Lee's Summit Amtrak station and started on the Rock Island trail. It's an easy grade, mostly straight, crushed limestone trail and you can see miles ahead which I find less than entertaining. Camping at the Roundhouse in Rockwood was my highlight and the scenery changed to rocky walls lining the trail. Pretty area. The west half has frequent water and toilets, then the water just stops. The tiny towns don't advertise at the trail heads so there's a lot to be missed unless you do a lot of planning. There are sections without cell service, so finding food, detours, and camping/lodging can be tricky. Town signs indicate camping is available ....somewhere.... with no further directions.
We visited the Gateway Arch and brought out our bikes hoping to ride this trail, especially after reading the reviews. We came down to the water’s edge from the Arch’s park area and first tried to ride north. We were having a great time seeing the historic Mississippi River and nearby bridges. But then suddenly it all just stopped as there is a construction wall that can’t be bypassed after about a mile or so. Okay, we head back past the Arch park heading south. Well, that ends heading into unknown streets in St. Louis. Total open trail near the Arch is less than 3 miles. Should have and highly recommend to check the trail open sections before riding. Otherwise it’s a beautiful trail. We just wish we could have ridden more of it.
First, it amazes me how well communities care for the trails. We are so lucky to have access to so many nice trails in western MO and eastern KS. Rode about 19 miles today starting at the Porter Memorial Playground off Little Blue and Jackson Drive. We went south first and didn't get far before we found the trail closed to construction, then went north to find a crew removing a downed tree (great work and thanks!) then got as far as the bridge just south of Bundschu Road to find the bridge closed. Really would like to ride the entire trail some day, but this was farther than we got the first time. Trail was in excellent condition.
I rode the Ruby Jack trail in mid April 2025 on a weekday. I saw one jogger and one cyclist. This is a solid well packed crushed stone trail that you could ride any tire on. I was able to hammer most of the way. The interruption of railroad tracks that you have to carry your bike over was pretty odd. I rode from the east end to just past Carl Junction in the west until the trail got more rugged. I rate this marvelous trail 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
This is my favorite, hands down! My 11 yr old Grandson and I rode this today and continued to Glencoe. Fantastic trail and gorgeous scenery the entire ride! Loved it!
This fabulous trail has it all including beautiful views, crushed gravel and paved sections, several places to stop with benches and "outhouses", hills, and a great lunch spot for after the ride (Crane Brewing Company). My husband and I love this trail for biking on the weekends so much that we drive across town to ride it!
Love riding the Katy, can't wait to do it again.
Would be great if it wasn't for the dogs and their owners. I carry an air horn on the bike, they didn't like that at all.
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