Katy Trail Missouri: Biking, History, Wildlife, Oh My!
Katy Trail: Longest Rail Trail in the Country
As the longest Rails to Trails project in the United States, the Katy Trail is much more than a simple pedestrian trail. Traveling 240 miles across Missouri (with construction of the deserted Rock Island rail line as a connecter to Kansas 
City suburbs already under way) this trail has blossomed into a biking destination. This hard packed, crushed limestone trail never sees a grade larger than 3% and is conducive to adventurers of all experience levels. The trail was made possible by an incredibly generous donation made by Edward Jones, and today is managed as a Missouri State Park.
The Katy Trail IS History: Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone
If there is a bit of a history buff somewhere in you, this trail will offer plenty of reasons to stop and relive a few events. Lewis & Clark began their venture into the Wild West on the east end of the trail and followed the Missouri River, as does the Katy, for most of its journey. Historical markers along the trail point out significant events that transpired during the “Corps of Discovery Expedition”, everything from replica boats , to carvings in rocks left behind by the “Corps”.
Another Wild West explorer named Daniel Boone settled, and spent his final days, along what is now the Katy Trail. Daniel Boone’s home that he built still stands not far from the Katy Trail, just west of Matson, MO (though, at that time, was still considered Upper Louisiana). Many historical markers reflect the events of Daniel Boone’s time spent in this area, up until his burial site which is also not far off the trail.
Years after the aforementioned, the Katy Train line prompted historical events, as well. It was an essential part of the West’s cattle boom, as well as a vein for the production of war materials for WW I, and WWII. A variety of historical legends come from the Katy Train line, including Sedalia’s Red Light District, that in 1877 prompted the St. Louis Post Dispatch to deem this town the Sodom and Gomorrah of the 19th century. Also the Pilot Grove’s WW II train fire that lasted two days and sent a barrage of bursting shell’s shrapnel half a mile away, prompting the Sedalia Democrat (newspaper) to ask spectators to return the unexploded shells they took home as souvenirs. This tragedy happened two days before the WWII was declared over and all this bad news was squashed by reports of victory in Europe, gladly, I am sure.
Katy Trail River Corridor Means Terrific Wildlife
While the Missouri River and Katy Trail provided the best form of transportation for many of America’s explorers, it was originally a generous life source for many other species. As rich as this trail is in history, it is richer in the simple critters. Rivers have fish, and fish bring birds. One can spy countless song birds, geese and ducks, woodpeckers, hawks, great blue herons, turkey, and the occasional bald eagle. Seasons bring an influx of certain migratory fowl, but year around, one can spot plenty of flying feathers. However, while riding along make sure to keep a sharp eye out for deer, opossum, beaver, mink, raccoon and other little furry fellas. The fertile lands that surround the Missouri River bottom provide the course for much of the Katy Trail, and is the life source of numerous furry friends, and a few variety of snakes, as well, (most all non-threatening), don’t worry.
The Katy Trail transcends time, it brings history alive, and it provides a cush medium to explore the natural environment that has lured the adventurous types for hundreds of years. If you are out for an active vacation, to learn of the exciting times of our nation’s exploration westward, or if you just like to view animals in their natural environment, the Katy Trail will thrill you. It is waiting, and it is very welcoming, just come and see.
This blog brought to you by James Oerding, writer, Wilderness Voyageurs bike guide and all around good guy.
The Katy Trail Offers Inn to Inn Bike Touring With No Cars – Does It Get Any Better?
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We are located along the Great Allegheny Passage, and offer more rail trail bike tours than any operator in the US.