The Katy Trail State Park in Missouri is the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, stretching 240 miles across the state from the eastern terminus at St. Charles — near St. Louis — to the western terminus at Clinton, southwest of Kansas City. The trail follows the route of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT, or 'Katy') Railroad along the Missouri River valley for much of its length, running through some of the most scenic agricultural and river-bluff landscape in the Midwest. The surface is crushed limestone gravel, averaging 8–10 feet wide, and is well-maintained throughout the four-season cycling year. The most celebrated section runs from St. Charles to Boonville, where the trail hugs the Missouri River below towering limestone bluffs and passes through the historic towns of Defiance, Augusta, Treloar, Marthasville, and Rocheport. The Rocheport area is widely considered the trail's most scenic stretch — the tunnel through a limestone bluff at Rocheport is a landmark moment on any east-to-west ride. The trail passes through or near several wine country towns in Missouri's Hermann AVA, including Hermann itself, where German-heritage wineries operate along the bluffs above the river. Day rides of 20–60 miles are possible from nearly any trailhead town; multi-day self-supported touring with overnight stops at bed-and-breakfasts is a popular format. Bicycle rental is available in St. Charles, Rocheport, and several other trail towns. The trail is flat to gently rolling across most of its length, making it accessible to cyclists of all fitness levels. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, with moderate temperatures and reduced humidity. The trail is open year-round, but crushed limestone can become muddy after heavy rain.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open daily year-round; some trailhead facilities close in winter
- Best time
- April–May and September–October for ideal cycling weather and foliage
Location
Trailhead: 1000 Kingsgate Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301
38.7870, -90.4956 View on map
Highlights
- Cycle through the Rocheport tunnel, a limestone bluff passage that is one of Missouri's most photographed trail landmarks
- Ride through Missouri wine country past the German-heritage town of Hermann and its Missouri River bluff vineyards
- Follow the Missouri River valley below dramatic 200-foot limestone bluffs on the trail's most scenic eastern segment
- Access 240 miles of flat to gently rolling rail-trail from dozens of small-town trailheads across Missouri
- Stop at Augusta and Defiance, two historic river towns with cafés and winery tasting rooms directly on or adjacent to the trail
Tips for visiting
- Bike rentals are available at St. Charles (east terminus) and Rocheport — book ahead for weekends in April, May, and October
- The Rocheport-to-Hermann segment (25 miles) is the most scenic single day-ride section on the entire trail
- Crushed limestone becomes soft and slow after heavy rain — check conditions by calling Rocheport's trail access points before a post-storm ride
- Multi-day touring is best planned around trail-town B&Bs; many are within walking distance of trailheads in Rocheport, Hermann, and Boonville
- The trail is exposed to wind along the river valley — a westerly headwind on eastbound rides can add significant effort; plan direction accordingly
- Missouri River flooding occasionally closes low-lying segments near the river — check mostateparks.com for current closure notices before visiting
When to visit
April through May and September through October offer the best cycling conditions — moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and the most attractive river-valley scenery. Fall foliage along the Missouri River bluffs peaks in mid-October. Summer riding is possible but heat and humidity along the unshaded river sections can be intense between 10am and 4pm.
Accessibility
The crushed limestone surface is firm when dry and generally accessible to hand cycles and recumbent bikes. Standard wheelchairs may find the gravel surface challenging; fat-tire wheelchairs or adaptive cycling equipment would be the most practical option. Trail towns with paved trailhead plazas provide the most accessible starting points. Many trailhead parking areas have accessible facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Do cyclists need to ride the full 240 miles?
No. The trail can be accessed from dozens of trailhead towns, and day rides of 10–60 miles are the most common format. Point-to-point rides with a vehicle shuttle are popular, as are out-and-back rides from a single town. Multi-day tours are for those who want the full crossing experience.
What kind of bicycle is best for the Katy Trail?
A hybrid or gravel bike with tires at least 1.5 inches wide is ideal for the crushed limestone surface. Road bikes with narrow tires can be used but are less comfortable in softer sections. Mountain bikes work well. Bike rentals at trail-town outfitters provide appropriate equipment.
Is the Katy Trail suitable for children and casual cyclists?
Yes. The trail is almost completely flat with no significant elevation gain across most of its length, making it one of the most accessible long trails in the US for families and recreational cyclists. Shorter sections between trail towns can be tailored to any fitness level.