TA to the Katy Trail from KS

[Dreux]

Thinking of going off the TA and doing the Katy Trail, which is the best route from KS route 96? Going west to east.

[aggie]

I followed the TA through Newton, KS and deviated shortly after leaving Newton.  I turned south on NW Butler Rd (good road low traffic) and connected with Hwy 196 east (Very good road with shoulder and low to moderate traffic).  Follow 196 until you pass over the 254 and I-35.  The road becomes W. Towanda Ave in the city of Eldorado (very good camping options)  At the 4 way stop head north on SW Boyer Rd and then go east when you Hwy 54.  Follow Hwy 54 (it connects again with the TA in Rosalia and then diverges again) until you get to Iola, KS.  In Iola take the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail (great trail and state park $3.50 per day to use) to Ottawa, KS.  Then get on the Flint Hills Nature Trail (another rail trail) to Osawatomie, KS.  Just north of Osawatomie get in 279 east which becomes W 343rd St.  South at Block Road.  Follow the paved road south until you get to W 359th St.  Follow that east to Drexel, MO.  There you connect to Hwy 18.  Follow that east until you get to Clinton, MO and the beginning of the Katy Trail.

[vertiganr]

I left the TA and picked up K-4 north of Alexander, KS, and went straight across via Louisburg picking up the Katy Trail in Windsor, MO.

[Dreux]

Thanks so much for the advice. This has helped 2 sets of folks on the TA. I've shared your advice.

Dreux