Hiking and Biking In Missouri

June 24, 2011

An interesting trail for hiking or biking is the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail is a state park which originates in St. Charles, MO and ends in Clinton, MO. The trail follows the Missouri River for most of its route. It is made of fine crushed limestone, which makes for easy biking or hiking. Also, it is flat and only 225 miles long. The Katy was built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or "Katy") Railroad. 

For individuals from the Kansas City area who might like to try a part of the trail, you could drive to Booneville, pick up the trail there, and hike or bike to Rocheport. It is 13.5 miles to Rocheport (27 miles round trip), and you can overnight or return to Booneville the same day. Returning the same day depends on how fast a walker or biker you are and how much sightseeing you want to do along the way and while in Rocheport. Rocheport began in 1825 as an important crossing on the Boone's Lick road trade route. It thrived as a river and ferry port, and became a key shipping point between St. Louis and St. Joseph. Rocheport now features shops, galleries, cafes, a museum, live entertainment, and several bed-and-breakfasts. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. The Katy Trail parallels the river route taken by the Lewis and Clark expedition, which in 1804 stopped in the area of Rocheport and the Big Moniteau Bluffs. Clark's field notes mention "Several Courious Paintings and Carveings (sic) in the projecting rock of Limestone." Hikers can still see the remaining pictograph above the Lewis and Clark Cave. 

Mid-Continent has many books on hiking and biking in Missouri. So, get started and plan a weekend for you and your family by checking out one of our books, i.e., Hiking Missouri by Kevin M Lohraff.

Alice T.
Buckner Branch