Katy Trail (Connections to/from St. Louis/KCMO)

[Ty0604]

Considering doing the Katy Trail this summer. I’d probably fly into KCMO and out of St. Louis.

Has anyone biked from KCMO to the western terminus in Clinton and/or from the eastern terminus in Machens to St. Louis? Would like some suggestions on routes!

Searched this forum and the Katy Trail forums with no luck.

Happy Touring!

[John Nettles]

If I were doing what you are doing, I would fly into MCI and take the trail from Kansas City to St. Louis.  Then hop on Amtrak in St. Louis to return to KC and ride back to MCI.  Amtrak has roll-on service between the two cities.  Additionally, you will be going slightly downhill overall.  Plus STL is a bit more of an exciting destination than KC.  If it is easier to fly into STL, then you can do the reverse.  Or maybe the departure time of one direction of Amtrak is better than the other.  Of course, it may be cheaper to get a rental car on one or both of the legs to/from home or even drive your car to one end and take the train to the other.

Anyway, I have some draft routes (researched but not ridden) and I can send you the GPX files. 

The KC portion has too many turns to give a summary here other than to say from the end of the Rock Island Trail to downtown KC, MO then up to MCI.  From Machens, the route I have takes county roads to Afton via Clark Bridge and then the bike paths into St. Louis to the Arch.  From there, you are on your own for the ~1.5 miles to the Amtrak station.

If you want the files, send me a private message.

Also, you should be aware that the Katy Trail can be very humid in the summertime.  It is not an especially pleasant ride when the temp and humidity are the same.   

Tailwinds, John

[Ty0604]

If I were doing what you are doing, I would fly into MCI and take the trail from Kansas City to St. Louis.  Then hop on Amtrak in St. Louis to return to KC and ride back to MCI.  Amtrak has roll-on service between the two cities.  Additionally, you will be going slightly downhill overall.  Plus STL is a bit more of an exciting destination than KC.  If it is easier to fly into STL, then you can do the reverse.  Or maybe the departure time of one direction of Amtrak is better than the other.  Of course, it may be cheaper to get a rental car on one or both of the legs to/from home or even drive your car to one end and take the train to the other.

Anyway, I have some draft routes (researched but not ridden) and I can send you the GPX files. 

The KC portion has too many turns to give a summary here other than to say from the end of the Rock Island Trail to downtown KC, MO then up to MCI.  From Machens, the route I have takes county roads to Afton via Clark Bridge and then the bike paths into St. Louis to the Arch.  From there, you are on your own for the ~1.5 miles to the Amtrak station.

If you want the files, send me a private message.

Also, you should be aware that the Katy Trail can be very humid in the summertime.  It is not an especially pleasant ride when the temp and humidity are the same.   

Tailwinds, John

Thanks John. I actually was just editing my post to reflect me going from KCMO to St. Louis instead of what I’d originally stated.

I don’t drive so renting a car isn’t an option. I’ve never had my license and live a completely car free life. Can’t remember the last time I was in one.

I’m very much aware of the humidity. It doesn’t bother me much though. I’m working from home currently and this summer is my best chance to get some rides done before I settle back down.

If that’s the same path as Route 66 takes then I believe part of it to Gateway is closed. I’ll have to look at the addenda again.

Will send you a message for those files!

Edit: I’d fly into KCMO and take Amtrak home from St. Louis. It’s about the same price but I can roll my bike onto Amtrak in St. Louis for $30. Beats packing it up and shipping it home IMO.

[aggie]

I rode from Clinton to St Louis a couple of years ago.  I didn't go all the way to Machens as I didn't like the look of hwy 67/367 to get into St Louis.  I finished the trail in St Charles and used the ACA map (Great Rivers South - St Louis Spur) to ride into St. Louis.  It does take you within a block or two of Amtrak in St Louis.

[Ty0604]

I rode from Clinton to St Louis a couple of years ago.  I didn't go all the way to Machens as I didn't like the look of hwy 67/367 to get into St Louis.  I finished the trail in St Charles and used the ACA map (Great Rivers South - St Louis Spur) to ride into St. Louis.  It does take you within a block or two of Amtrak in St Louis.

Thanks for the input. I did order the 11th edition of Bicycling the Katy Trail, which just came out, and was told there’s some ideas in there as well. Should come in the mail next week I hope.

[Gypsea]

I rode east to west last year.  Keep in mind, if it rains much, the trail surface turns to this cement like stuff that will stick to your drive train.  Bring a brush in case you can't find water. Also, highly recommend staying at the hostel in Tebbets.  For almost-real time updates, check out the webstie, bikekatytrail.com.  Lots of great information including resources and downloadable charts. 

[mrriffraff]

Just jumping on this thread.

Am I right in thinking the Katy Trail surface is that granite chipping kind, not tarmac?

I rode east to west last year.  Keep in mind, if it rains much, the trail surface turns to this cement like stuff that will stick to your drive train.  Bring a brush in case you can't find water. Also, highly recommend staying at the hostel in Tebbets.  For almost-real time updates, check out the webstie, bikekatytrail.com.  Lots of great information including resources and downloadable charts.

[Gypsea]

You will get some tarmac closer to towns but surface is mostly finely crushed rock, dirt, some mud, and white powdery stuff that could be crushed granite.

[HikeBikeCook]

Has anyone done the KATY on a credit card tour? Planning on going with my wife and she prefers camping by Marriott or B&B's.

[Gypsea]

Good resource is bikekatytrail.org. many businesses may be closed, since COVID.

Have fun!