Welcome to The Mercantile on the Katy Trail, your go-to destination for cyclists, hikers, and adventurers exploring Missouri's iconic Katy Trail. Whether you’re planning a multi-day bike ride, a quick day trip, or just curious about this scenic route, we’ve gathered key insights from the Katy Trail FAQ to help you hit the trail fully prepared.
How Hilly is the Katy Trail?
Wondering if the Katy Trail is challenging? The trail is known for being one of the flattest trails in the country. Built on former railroad tracks, it closely follows the Missouri River, especially east of Boonville. This makes for an exceptionally smooth ride. However, you’ll find some gradual slopes between Boonville and Clinton and a short steep incline at the Boonville bridge. If you’re looking for a relaxing, easy-going ride, the Katy Trail is your best bet.
Where Does the Katy Trail Start and End?
The trail spans 237 miles from Clinton, MO, in western Missouri, to Machens, MO, near St. Charles. While Machens is the official eastern endpoint, many cyclists start or end in St. Charles instead, as it’s more accessible by car.
From The Mercantile in McKittrick, you can hop on the trail and head to nearby Hermann for wine country adventures or continue your ride along the river. Book your stay at katytrailmercantile.com to make the most of your trip!
Best Times to Ride the Katy Trail
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours, but the best times to ride are in May, September, and October. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild weather, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. Be mindful of Missouri’s summer heat in July and August and the possibility of rain showers in late spring. Morning rides are cooler and offer more wildlife sightings, but watch out for spider webs if you’re the first rider of the day!
Trail Surface and Bike Recommendations
The Katy Trail’s surface is crushed limestone, which packs hard and provides a comfortable surface for most bikes. Mountain bikes, hybrids, and comfort bikes are ideal, but road bikes with tires 25mm or wider also work well. Be prepared for some dust and bring along a bike cleaning kit for multi-day rides. Don’t forget spare inner tubes, a repair kit, and a pump—the trail has some thorny plants that can cause flats!
Wildlife and Safety Tips
The Katy Trail is very safe, with minimal crime and little need to lock your bike. The main safety concerns are crossing busy highways, particularly Highway 94 on the eastern end. As for wildlife, keep your distance from Missouri’s venomous snakes, like copperheads and timber rattlers. While sightings are rare, it’s always good to stay alert.
E-Bikes and Horseback Riding
Good news for e-bike enthusiasts: electric bikes are allowed on the Katy Trail, as long as they have a maximum speed of 20 mph. Horseback riding is also permitted on two sections: Clinton to Sedalia Fairgrounds and Tebbetts to Portland. Be courteous to horseback riders by slowing down and giving them the right of way.
Parking and Trail Maps
If you’re driving to the trail, there are plenty of parking options near trailheads. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers free trail maps (Visit the official site), which you can request by calling 660-882-8196 or 800-334-6946. For a more durable map with town services and mileage listings, check out BikeKatyTrail.com (Visit BikeKatyTrail).
What to Pack for Your Ride
Here’s a quick packing list for a day trip on the Katy Trail:
Plenty of water (Shop Hydration Packs on Amazon)
Helmet (Shop Helmets on Amazon)
Sunscreen (Shop Sunscreen on Amazon)
Maps or printouts
Cell phone
Bike repair tools (Shop Bike Tool Kits on Amazon)
Spare inner tubes or patch kit (Shop on Amazon)
Pump or compressed air (Shop Bike Pumps on Amazon)
Insect repellant (Shop Insect Repellant on Amazon)
Tissues/toilet paper
Cash and credit cards
Camera
For multi-day trips, you’ll need more gear, including panniers or a trailer. The Katy Trail Forum has excellent discussions on what to pack for longer rides.
Side Trips to Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington
Explore more about Jefferson City, Discover Hermann’s hidden gems, and Plan a visit to Washington, MO for a complete experience beyond the trail.
Looking for a detour? Jefferson City, Hermann, and Washington are all accessible via bridges with dedicated bike/pedestrian lanes. From McKittrick, it’s just a short ride across the Missouri River to Hermann’s historic downtown (Learn more at VisitHermann.com), where you can explore wineries, breweries, and shops—including The Mercantile on the Katy Trail!
Lodging, Camping, and Bike Rentals
Planning to stay overnight? There are B&Bs, hotels, and campgrounds along the trail. While impromptu camping isn’t allowed, several parks and private campgrounds offer camping options. If you need a bike, there are rental shops in many trail towns, and some B&Bs even provide bikes for guests.
Stop by The Mercantile on the Katy Trail!
Looking for more cycling tips and local insights? Check out our Mercantile Blog to stay updated on all things Katy Trail.
We love meeting Katy Trail adventurers! Whether you’re stopping by for a refreshing drink, picking up a bike repair kit, or just need a cozy place to rest, The Mercantile on the Katy Trail is here to help.
Our honor system refrigerator and little stand in the red barn offer snacks, beverages, and some essentials. These items are available 24/7, so you can grab what you need at any time during your adventure.
We also have a bike wash station and a charging station for electric bikes to keep you and your ride in top shape. Whether you need to clean off the trail dust or recharge for the next leg of your journey, we've got you covered.
If you’re in need of immediate respite, you can book directly online at katytrailmercantile.com. Our housekeeping team works diligently to keep all rooms ready for immediate arrival after turnover. If you arrive early and we have availability, we’ll do our best to accommodate you quickly.
Our front lobby store operates as a pop-up shop during the season when one of the owners is present. Stop by for local goods, souvenirs, and trail essentials—and maybe even a story or two from the road!
No matter where your adventure takes you on the Katy Trail, we hope you’ll find a welcoming spot at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail. Come for the ride, stay for the experience, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy trails! We’ll see you out there on Missouri’s favorite cycling route.
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