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Group on Katy Trail
KATY Trail in Spring
Katy trail bike tour
KATY Trail Bike Tour Tunnel with biker riding through
KATY Trail Bike Tour Fall leaves

4.8/5 (8 reviews)

7-Day Missouri Katy Trail Bike Tour - Explore Scenic Landscapes

Scenic, car-free and flat, the Katy Trail is a popular cycling destination. Cycle in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark and along the Missouri River, with its beautiful waters and towering bluffs. Plus, spin through farms and small towns filled with charm.

Start - End: St. Louis - St. Louis

Total trip: 7 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 3,899/pp including taxes and fees

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Trip Inquiry - 7-Day Missouri Katy Trail Bike Tour - Explore Scenic Landscapes

Group on Katy Trail
KATY Trail in Spring
Katy trail bike tour
KATY Trail Bike Tour Tunnel with biker riding through
KATY Trail Bike Tour Fall leaves
Group on Katy Trail
KATY Trail in Spring
Katy trail bike tour
KATY Trail Bike Tour Tunnel with biker riding through
KATY Trail Bike Tour Fall leaves
KATY Trail Bike Tour Missouri River
KATY Trail Bike Tour Meriwether Lewis statue
KATY Trail Bike Tour Lewis and Clark campsite
KATY Trail Bike Tour Missouri river at Jefferson city
KATY Trail Bike Tour Capital building at Jefferson city
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Trip Inquiry - 7-Day Missouri Katy Trail Bike Tour - Explore Scenic Landscapes

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Ride Missouri’s Katy Trail on a 7-day bike tour featuring river views, historic towns, vineyards, and gentle rail-trail cycling through the scenic heart of the state.

The Katy Trail stretches for 237 miles across the most picturesque landscapes for a bike tour in Missouri. Built on the former railroad corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, the Katy Trail is the longest of the rails-to-trails routes. The trail derives its name from the MKT, which was widely known as the “KATY,” from its “K-T” stock exchange symbols.


Scenic, car-free and flat, the Katy Trail is a popular cycling destination. Most of the trail meanders along the Missouri River, with its beautiful flowing waters and towering bluffs. The remainder of the trail traverses through agricultural fields and small Americana towns.


Designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic trail, the Katy Trail offers history buffs a window into the rich history of the explorers, which you can enjoy as you cycle along the trail. Wine lovers will appreciate that the trail passes through Missouri wine country. Others will appreciate that nothing compares to the simple pleasure of pedaling a bicycle along an idyllic trail.


Surfaces for this tour: 100% Packed Crushed Limestone Gravel.

Trip Highlights

Day by day on tour

Check out the map below for the picturesque route you'll take on this tour.

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Please ensure you've made preparations for breakfast prior to meeting. Bring your luggage and be ride-ready. After brief introductions, we will pile our luggage and bikes into the trailer and hop in the van. We will shuttle to the Clinton trailhead, at the far west end of the Katy Trail, where we will hold an Orientation Meeting, get fitted on our bikes, and begin our ride. After passing through the small towns of Calhoun, Windsor and Green Ridge, we will end the day in Sedalia. Once known as the “Sodom and Gomorrah of the nineteenth century,” Sedalia has a rich history from the railroad (make sure to see the Katy Sedalia Depot) and Civil War eras. We will stay the night at a hotel that catered to many famous guests, including Harry Truman, Bette Davis and Clint Eastwood. Welcome dinner is together.
Accommodation: Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 38.6 miles (62.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet (305 meters) ascent, 869 feet (265 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier 

Though today’s scenery rolls through agricultural lands, we will continue along the relatively flat trailbed of the old MKT line. We will have a picnic lunch en route before ending the day with a subtle downhill roll into Boonville, at the edge of the Missouri River. Boonville derived its name from the sons of Daniel Boone, who established a salt business here in the early 1800s. The area is fondly called Boone’s Lick in honor of the nearby salt licks. We’ll have dinner tonight in Boonville.
Accommodation: Hotel Frederick, Boonville
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 36.9 miles (59.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,059 feet (323 meters) ascent, 1,313 feet (400 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

We will begin the morning crossing the mighty Missouri River. For the remainder of the trip, we will parallel the north edge of the river, following the route of Lewis & Clark. Before reaching Rocheport, we will pass through a scenic tunnel. In town, enjoy lunch at the unique Meriwether Cafe or the Rocheport General Store before continuing on your way. In the latter part of the ride, we will divert off the Katy Trail and head towards Columbia, home of the University of Missouri, where we will spend the night. Tonight’s dinner will be in Columbia.
Accommodation: The Broadway Columbia DoubleTree Hotel, Columbia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 32.4 miles (52.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 805 feet (245 meters) ascent, 680 feet (207 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

We will begin the morning by backtracking to The Katy Trail. After rejoining the trail, we will ride along the tree-lined path, through the Eagle Bluff Conservation Area. Keep your ears and eyes open for birds unique to this part of the Midwest. Near the end of the ride, we will cross a bridge over the Missouri River to get to Jefferson City. The capitol of Missouri, the city has a lot to offer. After visiting the Governor’s Mansion or the State Capitol, treat yourself to an ice cream from Central Dairy — said to be one of the best ice cream parlors in the Midwest. Or take a two-hour history or ghost tour through the Missouri State Penitentiary, once known as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.” Tonight, you will be on your own to enjoy the fine dining options in Jefferson City.
Accommodation: Courtyard Jefferson City, Jefferson City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 39 miles (62.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 949 feet (289 meters) ascent, 1,170 feet (357 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier 

We will begin the morning crossing the Missouri River to return to The Katy Trail. Today we will begin riding through Missouri’s wine country. German immigrants settled in this area in the 1800s, bringing their wine-making traditions to the fertile soil and grape-friendly land. We will end the day crossing the Missouri once again — this time to Hermann, which has a strong German influence as well as many wineries, distilleries and breweries.
Accommodation: Captain Wohlt Inn or Hermann Crown Suites, Hermann
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 47.4 miles (76.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,293 feet (394 meters) ascent, 1,290 feet (393 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Today we will ride through even more wine territory. Enjoy lunch in Marthasville or Dutzow at a winery or at one of the local restaurants. We will end the day’s ride in Augusta. Though the town is tiny, it has a major presence in the Missouri Rhineland. Treat yourself to a post-ride beverage at the Augusta Brewhouse or to a post-ride massage at the Halycon Spa. Tonight we will enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine at The Silly Goose.
Accommodation: Old Dutch Hotel or Best Western Plus Washington Hotel, Washington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 36.7 miles (59.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,018 feet (310 meters) ascent, 1,082 feet (330 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Our final day of riding will get more urban as the miles progress. Our destination is St. Charles. Settled by French-speaking Canadians in its early days, St. Charles was deemed to be “the last civilized stop” by Lewis & Clark on their expedition. Enjoy this final destination on your journey along The Katy Trail. Consider having lunch at the popular Trailhead Brewing Company before visiting the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum or the Foundry Art Centre. We will end our ride at a riverside park in St. Charles. Or opt to ride an additional 10 miles beyond downtown to the true end of the Katy Trail at Machens. After lunch, we will shuttle back to our starting point, where we will say our goodbyes.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 43.2 miles (69.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 740 feet (226 meters) ascent, 795 feet (242 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Inns

Hotel Bothwell on our KATY Trail bike tour

Hotel Bothwell

The Hotel Bothwell is located in historic Sedalia, Missouri, near the Katy Trail. The hotel has been the destination of choice for travelers.

Hotel Frederick on our KATY Trail bike tour

Hotel Frederick

Historic boutique hotel in Boonville, Missouri with convenient Katy Trail access, bike rentals, and dining at Revival Restaurant and Lounge.

Captain Wohlt Inn on our KATY Trail bike tour

Captain Wohlt Inn

Famous historic home of Captain Wohlt. Pleasant bed and breakfast. Best place to stay in Hermann Missouri.

Broadway Columbia hotel on our KATY Trail bike tour

The Broadway Columbia - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Right on Broadway in downtown Columbia. This hotel is surrounded by the District's restaurants and bars and blocks from the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and Stephens College. Relax and enjoy city views from the eighth-floor rooftop bar. Every stay starts with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie.

Dutch Tavern & Hotel

Old Dutch Hotel & Tavern

Step inside the Old Dutch Hotel & Tavern and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into Washington's warmest welcome. You’re right in the heart of downtown, with cozy rooms, hearty tavern fare, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.

Courtyard Jefferson City

Courtyard Jefferson City

You feel right at home at the Courtyard Jefferson City, where a bright, modern lobby gives you space to relax or reconnect. Enjoy breakfast or an evening bite at The Bistro, take a refreshing dip, or unwind in your comfy room. It's a welcoming base for your time in Missouri’s capital.

Best Western Plus Washington Hotel on our KATY Trail bike tour

Best Western Plus Washington Hotel

Relax at a comfortable and welcoming stop just minutes from historic downtown Washington. Settle into cozy rooms with modern amenities, enjoy friendly service, and unwind at your own pace. In the morning, fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading back to the trail, refreshed and ready for another day of riding.

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FAQs

From where the trip starts to what to pack, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about this tour.

On the first morning of the tour please meet at the Hilton St. Louis Airport at 6:30am, please ensure you've made preparations for breakfast prior to this meeting time. Please bring your luggage and be ready to ride. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in St. Louis, though you must make your own way to the meeting point at the pre-designated time.

Your tour ends with a drop-off back at the Hilton St. Louis Airport at 2pm.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in St. Louis at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from St. Louis Airport after 6pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

If you plan to drive to the tour’s pick-up location, please ensure you arrange parking for the duration of your tour. If the pick-up point is a hotel, we recommend contacting them directly to inquire about parking availability. Keep in mind some hotels do not permit non-guests to park on-site, so you may need to find alternative parking options.

You’ll be fully supported throughout the tour with two experienced tour leaders — one riding alongside the group and another following in a support vehicle. The support van travels with you on all riding days, stocked with snacks and tools, and ready to help with repairs or provide a lift whenever needed.

Your tour leaders are there for more than just the cycling. They’re happy to assist with logistics, help arrange transport, and share local insights and recommendations to help you make the most of each stop along the way.

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What's included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

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