Clinton to St. Charles.
Ride the full 225-mile length of America’s longest continuous rail to trail bike path: the Katy Trail.
5 Nights/4 Days Cycling – 234 total miles from Inn to Inn
A per-person NO BAGS Discount of $130 is available on STEP 3 – the PAYMENT purchase step.
(If you are part of a group, please indicate in notes)
NOTE: This tour can be customized for most any request within limits and or what is available.
Katy Trail: with more miles per day, this makes our most popular bike tour (end to end) running the full 225-mile length of America’s longest continuous rail to trail bike path, two days shorter. Day 1 shuttle provided from St. Charles at the east end of the trail to Clinton at the west end. Ride back to St. Charles over the week. Enjoy small villages of rural Missouri, wildlife, winery towns, the capital city and the mighty Missouri River as you ride eastbound over the week returning to St. Charles – the site of the original Missouri state capital, on this Missouri bike trail. Parking in Clinton and shuttling back at end of tour is available.
Katy Trail: the longest recreational rail to trail development.
Runs largely along the northern bank of the Missouri River, in the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.
5 Nights/4 Days Cycling – 225 miles
Meet the shuttle van at St. Charles, MO near the eastern end of the Katy Trail (mile marker “MM” 39.5) On day 7 this will be your tour end (MM 26.9 to MM39.5 is nice and ridable, but no accommodations available). Overnight parking is available for our cyclists. E-bike rental is six blocks away and located right on the trail for easy access back to meet the shuttle. 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 available, please take some light clothes. Rare as it is, situations may arise of late afternoon luggage arrivals. 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 lodging host are very accommodating but many 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 the historic town of Pilot Grove with beautiful sights along the way.
Lodging: B&B in Pilot Grove
Leaving Pilot Grove, you cycle past Rocheport and beneath towering limestone bluffs among the highest on the trail. 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. 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 wine tasting rooms and restaurants.
Lodging: B&B at Hermann or Optional B&B stay in Rhineland right on the trail (shortens daily mileage by 6 miles)
This is your final day of cycling. Leave the B&B in Hermann and ride east on the Katy Trail to St. Charles (MM 39.5) where you may have left your car or rented a bicycle. When reaching Defiance (MM 59.1) please stop in the Katy Bike Shop, our shuttle crew’s headquarters. If interested, grab some souvenirs and a bite to eat before cycling through Weldon Springs Conversation Area, where we touch the river once more. Your evening lodging will be right on the trail. Restaurants and shops are plentiful in this downtown area particularly along Main Street a block from the Katy Trail. Visit Missouri’s first capitol, the historic town of St Charles. Another popular town for a multi-day stay.
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.
