For those looking to spend more time riding, and less time planning, here are three sample itineraries tailored for the most common daily riding paces on the Katy Trail.
The Katy is one of the premier rail trail experiences in the United States, stretching 240 miles across the heart of Missouri. Whether you are looking for a leisurely week long roll or a high intensity weekend sprint, planning your stops is the key to a successful journey. The exact location of the stops below can be found using our maps.
While detailed plans are wonderful, remember to go with the flow on these types of journeys. The unplanned moments tend to be the most memorable so make the most of them as they come!
The “Explorer” Pace: 20 Miles Per Day (12 Days)
This itinerary is best for families, history buffs, and those who want to visit every winery and museum along the way. A 20 mile daily pace allows you to start your day late, take long lunch breaks, and truly soak in the Missouri River valley. Most riders can handle this daily mileage with minimal conditioning but certainly get some subsequent 20 plus mile rides in to understand how your body recovers so that you can pace yourself accordingly.
| Day | Start | End | Miles | Highlights |
| 1 | Machens | St. Charles | 12 | Historic Main Street dining |
| 2 | St. Charles | Defiance | 17 | Wine country begins; scenic bluffs |
| 3 | Defiance | Marthasville | 19 | Daniel Boone’s burial site nearby |
| 4 | Marthasville | McKittrick | 23 | Cross the bridge to Hermann for German fare |
| 5 | McKittrick | Portland | 21 | Quiet, wooded river sections |
| 6 | Portland | North Jefferson | 25 | Side trip to the State Capitol |
| 7 | N. Jefferson | Rocheport | 28 | The scenic “Manitou Bluffs” and tunnel |
| 8 | Rocheport | Boonville | 13 | Historic Katy bridge and casino |
| 9 | Boonville | Pilot Grove | 12 | Gradual uphill climb into farmland |
| 10 | Pilot Grove | Sedalia | 25 | The Katy Depot museum |
| 11 | Sedalia | Windsor | 21 | Highest point on the trail |
| 12 | Windsor | Clinton | 24 | Finish at the western terminus |
- Where to Stay: Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia for historic luxury or The Mercantile in Hermann (McKittrick) for a cyclist focused vibe. For additional lodging recommendations check out our lodging page.
- Where to Eat: Bike Stop Café in St. Charles for a healthy pre ride breakfast.
The “Standard” Pace: 30 Miles Per Day (8 Days)
This itinerary was made with recreational cyclists in mind who are looking for a balanced challenge with plenty of time for evening relaxation.
| Day | Start | End | Miles | Highlights |
| 1 | Machens | Augusta | 39 | Vineyard views and scenic overlooks |
| 2 | Augusta | McKittrick/Hermann | 27 | Dinner at a German brauhaus |
| 3 | McKittrick | Steedman/Portland | 30 | Dense canopy and river views |
| 4 | Portland | North Jefferson | 25 | Central Missouri landscapes |
| 5 | N. Jefferson | Rocheport | 28 | The famous Rocheport tunnel |
| 6 | Rocheport | Pilot Grove | 25 | Transition from river to prairie |
| 7 | Pilot Grove | Windsor | 38 | Open farmland and the Rock Island junction |
| 8 | Windsor | Clinton | 24 | Final roll into Clinton |
- Where to Stay: Katy Trail Carriage House in Rocheport is a classic stop for trail riders. For additional lodging recommendations check out our lodging page.
- Where to Eat: Maggies in Boonville for a hearty dinner before the climb to Pilot Grove.
The “Endurance” Pace: 50 Miles Per Day (5 Days)
This pace is no joke but not unbearable for serious cyclists and gravel grinders who want to see the whole state in a work week.
| Day | Start | End | Miles | Mid-Day Fuel Stop |
| 1 | Machens | McKittrick | 62 | Augusta (Mile 66) |
| 2 | McKittrick | North Jefferson | 43 | Portland (Mile 115) |
| 3 | N. Jefferson | Boonville | 38 | Rocheport (Mile 178) |
| 4 | Boonville | Sedalia/Windsor | 37-58 | Pilot Grove (Mile 203) |
| 5 | Windsor | Clinton | 24-45 | Finish Line Celebration |
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Where to Stay: Parkfield Inn in Clinton is perfect for resting up after a long final leg.
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Where to Eat: Abigail’s in Rocheport is widely considered the best meal on the trail. It is certainly a hot spot so a reservations highly recommended.
Pro Tips for Your Journey
Direction: Machens or Clinton?
Many riders prefer Clinton to Machens (West to East) because the prevailing winds usually blow from the west, giving you a tailwind. Additionally, the trail slightly descends as you follow the river toward the Mississippi. On the flip side, St Charles is often used as the place to start given its amenities and proximity to Lambert Airport in St. Louis.
Logistics & Shuttles
Since the trail is point-to-point, you’ll need a plan to get back to your car unless you plan to ride 240 miles back!
Shuttle Services: Companies like Katy Trail Tours or America Bicycle Journeys can transport you and your gear.
Amtrak: The Missouri River Runner train allows bikes (reservation required) and stops in Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington.
Best Time to Ride
Spring (Late April–May): Beautiful wildflowers, but check for trail closures due to river flooding. Check trail conditions leading up to your ride!
Fall (October): The peak season. The bluffs are covered in autumn colors, and the weather is crisp. Additionally, you will encounter less bugs!
Essential Gear
N0 one wants their journey cut short by inadequate supplies. Aside from the obvious high quality bike, be sure to mind the recommendations below.
Tires: The trail surface is crushed limestone. While road bikes can handle it, 32mm+ tires or gravel/hybrid bikes are much more comfortable. Be sure to pack spare tubes!
Water: Some trailheads have seasonal water fountains, but always carry two bottles. Between some towns (like Portland and Tebbetts), services are sparse.
Insect repellant: Missouri has no shortage of biting insects that can put a damper on your ride. Be sure to bring high quality insect repellant and re-apply regularly.
Cycling shorts: Grab multiple pairs for the journey as the ability to wash them may be limited!