State Parks and National Parks

Katy Trail State Park

Katy Trail State Park is one of the longest rails-to-trails projects under development in the United States. When completed, the wide path will stretch 238 miles from Clinton to Machens, following the Missouri River.

To date, there are nearly 225 miles of trails from St. Charles to Clinton developed for bicycling and walking. About 25 miles are open for equestrian use.

The trail passes through a string of small Missouri towns, where overnight facilities, campgrounds and food are available. Most trail heads have water, restrooms and parking.

Towering limestone and dolomite bluffs border the trail from Jefferson City to Franklin, with spectacular scenery southward from Rocheport. Explorers Lewis and Clark mentioned this area in their journals.

Wildflowers are abundant along the trail, as are birds. The Missouri River is a major flyway for migrating birds and sightings of bald eagles are common during winter.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Jim Denny, courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Photo by Nick Decker, courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.