The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The route
The longest continuous rail trail in the United States runs about 240 miles across Missouri on the old Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad, much of it beside the Missouri River under limestone bluffs, through the wine country around Augusta and Hermann and trail towns like Rocheport and Boonville, then across open farmland to Clinton. The surface is crushed limestone and the grades are gentle; this follows Missouri State Parks' own five-day Katy Trail Ride, westward from St. Charles.
Stages
A suggested split into 5 days of about 45 mi (73 km). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 St. Charles to Hermann 62 mi · 62 mi from the start
- Day 2 Hermann to Jefferson City 43 mi · 105 mi from the start
- Day 3 Jefferson City to Boonville 48 mi · 153 mi from the start
- Day 4 Boonville to Sedalia 36 mi · 190 mi from the start
- Day 5 Sedalia to Clinton 37 mi · 227 mi from the start
Start and finish
Start: near St. Charles, Saint Charles County. 38.78119, -90.48016
Finish: near Clinton, Henry County. 38.38115, -93.76333
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- St. Charles, Saint Charles County · The start Booking.com → Expedia →
- Hermann, Montgomery County · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Jefferson City, Cole County · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Boonville, Cooper County · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Sedalia, Pettis County · After day 4 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Clinton, Henry County · The finish Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Roads and paths change, and surfaces vary with the weather. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, ride to what you find, and give way to walkers and horses.
