The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

The Katy Trail, Missouri 2025

October 11th to October 18th

Ride Director: Glenn Rudolph
Ride Co-Director: Barb Rudolph
Report by: Teresa Pennington

Our Katy Trail tour began and ended in the postcard-worthy town of St. Charles, Missouri—an utterly charming, walkable community that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Brick-lined streets, vintage storefronts, and historic landmarks set the stage for what would be a picturesque and memory-filled week on the trail. We kicked things off with a group dinner at The Main House, where fine dining met MidSouth hospitality in a beautiful setting.

For those unfamiliar, the Katy Trail is one of the longest developed rail-trails in the country, stretching over 240 miles across nearly the entire width of Missouri. Built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or “Katy”) Railroad, the crushed limestone path follows the route of Lewis and Clark along the Missouri River and winds through scenic farmland, wooded valleys, and dozens of historic small towns. It’s a cyclist’s dream for multi-day touring—flat, scenic, and rich with cultural and natural heritage.

The Katy Trail proved to be an exceptional route for a group cycling trip—well-maintained, car-free, and easy to follow. Completing nearly 280 miles of gravel riding and only around 1,000 feet of elevation gain over six days, this tour offered relaxed riding and ample opportunities to stop, explore, and soak in the sights. Highlights included soaring limestone cliffs, century-old railroad bridges, train tunnels, and a generous dose of vibrant fall foliage. We passed through multiple small towns daily, each offering its own personality and a chance to dive into Missouri history, snap photos, or grab a bite.

The trail itself honors its past as a key rail corridor with both preserved depots and creative “depot-style” interpretive stops along the way. These featured signage, exhibits, and historical context for each community. The Sedalia depot stood out as a highlight—now a visitor’s center and museum, it also offered official Katy Trail gear to commemorate the ride.

The trail often traced the path of the mighty Missouri River, and occasional views of shipping activity reminded us we were riding alongside a vital American waterway. One unique tradition of the trail? Physically ringing a bell at both the start and finish of the route—a small but satisfying ritual that left many of us with a joyful sense of accomplishment.

Our overnights along the way were nothing short of delightful. In Augusta, we were treated to actual home-cooked breakfasts at local B&Bs and a backyard BBQ dinner catered just for our group—a cozy, community-style evening.

Hermann, with its deep German heritage and reputation as a wine destination, was another standout. Our stay at the Hermann Crown Suites offered individually themed rooms in beautifully restored historic buildings. The town came alive in the evening with music, food, and plenty of spirits. Our group enjoyed tastings and tunes at Lionheart Whiskey Co., Tin Mill Brewery, and more, with live music stretching late into the night under the stars in the hotel’s sprawling courtyard. A lunch stop at the Wurst Haus proved equally memorable—award-winning bratwurst and deli delights made it a favorite.

Another notable stop for a few folks on our tour was the Mitchell Museum in Booneville, home to the world’s largest collection of Mitchell vehicles—an unexpected treat for history or car enthusiasts.

In total, the Katy Trail gave us everything we love about rail trail touring: low-stress mileage, rich cultural history, unique overnights, and plenty of chances to connect as a group. And thanks to the thoughtful logistics of our leaders and camaraderie of our BAC crew, every mile was filled with discovery and delight.