The Katy Trail is the gold standard of American rail trails — 240 miles of packed crushed limestone built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor, running alongside the Missouri River through the heart of the state. It’s flat, shaded by cottonwoods and river bluffs, and completely car-free. No technical skill required. It’s the perfect first big bike trip.
The trail runs from Clinton in the west through Jefferson City (the state capital), into the historic wine country around Hermann, and ends at St. Charles near St. Louis. Small towns and river bluffs line the route throughout — towns like Rocheport, with its limestone cliffs, B&Bs, and wine caves, are highlights you won’t find on any other route in the Midwest. Wineries, bike-friendly motels, and small breweries appear every 20-30 miles.
A comfortable pace is 3-4 days from west to east, or 5-7 for those who want to stop and linger. Rent bikes in St. Charles or Clinton, do it one-way, and arrange a shuttle back. Spring and fall are peak season — the trail is beautiful in autumn color and spring wildflowers. Summer heat and humidity are real; start early. The Katy Trail is a Midwest institution, and deservedly so.