The Katy Trail State Park is one of Missouri’s crown jewels. It blends nature and exercise with small town charm. This scenic trail follows the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) railroad line and offers over 240 miles of peaceful pedaling through farmland, river bluffs and historic towns. It has become one of our family’s favorite pastimes, and we try to make time to enjoy the trail at least once a season.
Guide to the Katy Trail State Park
Best Katy Trail Access Points from Kansas City
If you’re coming from the KC area and want to maximize your biking time (not your car time), you’ve got some great starting points within a two hour drive.
Boonville, Missouri. Right around the two-hour mark, this charming river town has a beautiful bridge crossing, a historic downtown and plenty of food and fun waiting for you post ride. If you start or end here, check out the Katy Bridge, Isle of Capri Park. Every Memorial Day weekend, the Pedaler’s Jamboree takes place. It is a rolling music festival from Columbia to Boonville that finishes with big band performances at Kemper Park.
Clinton, Missouri. About 1.5 hours from Kansas City, Clinton marks the western trailhead of the Katy Trail. The parking is easy, the trail is wide, and you’ll find bathrooms, picnic areas and family-friendly restaurants nearby.
Rocheport, Missouri. About halfway between Boonville and Columbia, Rocheport is a tiny gem with art galleries, a tunnel carved into a bluff (a favorite photo op), trail side restaurant and a riverside winery for the grownups. This charming town and stop is the most popular trailhead along the route for good reason! For Mizzou fans, the MKT Trail connects Columbia to the Katy Trail. Our family has stayed in a hotel in Downtown Columbia, and biked through to Rocheport for a fun weekend getaway!
Sedalia, Missouri. A little under two hours away, Sedalia is another great starting spot with amenities galore, including places to rent bikes if you need them.
These points make it easy to do an out and back day ride. All have ample parking and family-friendly places to pick up lunch or dinner.
Why Families Love the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is perfect for families because it’s flat, scenic and safe. Without exerting much energy, bike riders of all ages can enjoy miles along the mostly shaded path. Car traffic is not allowed on the trail and the crossing of roads are few and far between. The crushed limestone surface is smooth enough for bikes, strollers and tag-along trailers. There are plenty of trailheads with restrooms, benches and picnic areas, so you can stop whenever little legs need a break.
Plus, the trail passes through adorable small towns that make it easy to grab a snack, refill your water or reward everyone with an ice cream cone.
Tips for First Timers
If it’s your first time biking the Katy Trail as a family, here’s how to make the day smooth and fun:
Plan your mileage. For families with young kids, 5 to 10 miles roundtrip is plenty! Start and end close to a place for a treat! Track your progress via your phone or Apple watch to know when to turn around.
Start early. Missouri weather is always unpredictable. Morning rides are cooler, less crowded and more conducive with nap time for smaller children.
Pack snacks or a picnic lunch and water. There are stretches without shops or vending machines. For this reason, one adult in our family always pulls a trailer whether there’s a kid in it or not! If a trailer is not possible, a backpack or sling is also great.
First aid kit. Because with kids, accidents always happen.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Shade is lovely, but bugs love the trail too.
Check your tires. The trail is mostly packed gravel, but all trailheads provide access to air for low tires.
Bring a fanny pack. It is the best way to hold your keys, phone and wallet without the chance of losing it along the trail. Don’t forget cash, as some of the small town stops are delightfully still old school and only accept cash.
Use your bell. Say “On your left” when passing and ring your bell so walkers, bikers and other patrons can all stay safe.
Helmets always. Make sure everyone in your party has their noggin protected.
Things to Look Out For
While the Katy Trail is beginner friendly, it helps to keep a few things in mind:
- Watch for loose gravel. Slow down on curves or after rain.
- Be mindful of wildlife. Turtles and snakes like to sun themselves on the path. Deer can often be spotted earlier in the morning, or later in the evenings.
- Check the weather. Some parts can get muddy or slick after heavy rain.
- Cell service can be spotty. Download a trail map or take a picture of one at the trailhead.
The Katy Trail isn’t just a place to bike, it’s a place to slow down, breathe fresh air and enjoy time together away from screens and schedules. Every mile of the Katy Trail offers something new to discover.
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