Katy Trail: Columbia Tour #16

Meet the shuttle van at St. Charles, MO near the eastern end of the Katy Trail (last night’s lodging location) On day 7 this will be your tour end (MM 26.9 to MM 39.5 is ridable and nice, but not developed with any accommodations). Overnight parking is available for our cyclists. E-bike rental is six blocks away and right on the trail for easy access back to shuttle point. The St. Charles trailhead is a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from Lambert St. Louis International Airport. NOTE to our friends driving from west of Missouri — Save a drive to St. Charles/St. Louis — you can optionally park at the west end of the trail at Clinton and shuttle back from St. Charles on the last morning.

The shuttle provides door-to-door service for you and bikes directly to your Clinton lodging (3.5 – 4 hours)

Lodging: Modern Small Hotel at Clinton

Today is your first cycling day. Leave luggage with your host. We will transfer it for you to this evening’s destination and each day on your tour. IF able, please take some light clothes along. Rare as it is, situations may arise of late afternoon luggage arrival. Or take advantage of our no bags discount. Note: B&B check-ins are usually 3:30/4:00pm. If arriving sooner, please call ahead. Our lodgings are very accommodating but many of our host do their fresh food shopping in the afternoons. 
Ride from your hotel to the trailhead (MM 264.6). This is the western end of the Katy Trail. Today’s destination is Sedalia, home of the Missouri State Fair (each August) and a place where legendary musician Scott Joplin worked and lived. Your lodging is 6 blocks from the Sedalia trailhead.

Lodging: Small Historic Hotel at Sedalia

We shortened our original leg of our most popular tour to prepare for your visit to Columbia on the next day. You leave Sedalia and cycle 36 miles to the beautiful Boonville atop the bluffs. The ride to and out of town will provide you with great views of the Missouri River.

Lodging unique hotel in Boonville

As you cycle along the bluffs, you will take the Hindman Junction (MM 169.9) and MKT Trail into Columbia. If you reach the McBaine TH, you cycled a little too far. Enjoy the vibrant city of Columbia, full of shops and dining, and home to University of Missouri. Ask about adding an extra night to get a full day of exploring the many places! We email a map for direct route to your lodging for the night. There are maps available at many locations (TH’s) along the route into Columbia.

Lodging hotel in Columbia

Ride the quick leg back to Hindman Junction, but this time continue to the state capital, Jefferson City. The Missouri River can be seen frequently during the day. Your destination is N. Jefferson trailhead (MM 143.2) across the river from Jefferson City. Cross the Missouri on the new safe BIKE BRIDGE. If you arrive in time we suggest you take a tour of our beautiful state Capitol. Of interest are the murals by Thomas Hart Benton in the House Lounge.

Lodging: Hotel at Jefferson City 

Start your day with a return across the BIKE bridge to the N. Jefferson trailhead. Ride east to McKittrick (across the river from your evening lodging at Hermann). We can shorten today’s distance 13 miles upon request. You may also shorten this day with an overnight in Rhineland. The Rhineland option is a cycling day of 40 miles. This option consists of a very nice B&B overnight right on the trail. Our great host will shuttle their guest into Hermann for the evening if they request. Shuttle drive into Hermann is approx. 10 minutes. At McKittrick (MM 100.8) cross the Missouri River Bridge with its protected bike path into Hermann for your evening lodging. This bridge is bicycle safe and friendly. The winery town of Herman has much to offer including antique shops and several wineries tasting rooms and restaurants.

Lodging: B&B at Hermann or Optional B&B stay in Rhineland – on the trail (shortens daily mileage by 6 miles)

Today’s destination is Augusta, (MM 66.3) another small winery village. Augusta is on the same side of the river as the Katy Trail so you can ride right up to your evening lodging. There are a few wine tasting rooms in town (Note: in town wineries close at 5:00pm) and although a limited choice of dinning, you will receive dinning information that will have you satisfyingly covered.

Lodging: B&B at Augusta

As you cycle your final leg, please stop and visit our recommended bike shop for souvenirs, and our shuttle crew’s headquarters, located in Defiance just 8 miles from Augusta TH. You may have some extra time to visit the Danial Boone Home National Historic Site or take in a short winery tour. Please indicate if interested. Your lodging for the night is right on the trail. 

Lodging: Hotel at St Charles
Excellent B&B lodging, and great hotels, will leave you relaxed and ready to cycle each day. With an experienced support crew, there are no worries of break downs or weather related setbacks, we will assist with comfort and efficiency. Whether cycling with standard rail-trail bike, trikes, recumbent or fat tire E- bike, we shuttle all shapes and sizes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great cycling vacation while Independent Tourist does all the work.