The hardest part of a Katy Trail day is sometimes the part before you get on the bike: where to leave the car, and how to get back to it. Around Rocheport the answers are simple once you know the trailheads. Here’s the lay of the land.
The Rocheport trailhead
Rocheport’s trailhead is at the foot of First Street, at mile marker 178.3. Missouri State Parks lists parking, restrooms and water there, and it’s steps from the tunnel, Meriwether Cafe & Bike Shop and the town’s shops. On a nice weekend in spring or fall it can get busy. If it’s full, please don’t park on residents’ lawns or block driveways on the narrow streets. Try one of the trailheads below and ride in; it’s a short, flat ride to town from either direction.
The next trailheads out
East, the McBaine trailhead at mile 169.5 is about nine miles away, near the Big Bur Oak. West, the New Franklin trailhead is at mile 188.2, and it lists parking, restrooms and water in season. Beyond it, Boonville has two trailheads, one at the restored depot and one on the north bank of the river, both with parking, according to the trail’s own Boonville page. Boonville Tourism says you can leave a car near its depot for up to several days.
Remember the seasons: Missouri State Parks shuts off trailhead water and closes restrooms from November through March, with portable toilets in their place.
Overnight and long-term parking
Leaving a car at a trailhead for a multi-day ride? Missouri State Parks asks you to call the Katy Trail park office at 573-449-7402 about extended parking, and the general information page says the same. Don’t just leave it and hope. The trail itself is open sunrise to sunset.
Shuttles
The simplest trick is two cars: leave one at the far end, drive back and ride toward it. Without a second car, you’ll want a shuttle. Missouri State Parks keeps a trail services list of shuttle operators. As of this writing it includes America Bicycle Journeys in Fulton, Bike Stop Cafe, Crossroads Bike Tours and KATY Bike Rental & Shuttle, all based around St. Charles, and Katy Trail Tours & Shuttle in Clinton. The park is clear that the list is a courtesy, not an endorsement. Most of these operators serve the whole trail, not just our stretch, so book well ahead, ask exactly where they’ll meet you, and confirm prices and bike racks when you call. Prices and schedules change; check before you go.
Riding alone and hoping to split a van? The Katy Trail guide site runs a share-a-ride board where riders look for others headed the same way.
Three easy one-way days
McBaine to Rocheport, nine miles, finishes with the bluffs and the tunnel and lunch in town. Rocheport to Boonville, 13.5 miles, ends at the depot and the old Katy Bridge; our Rocheport to Boonville guide has the details. Or ride the whole round trip and skip the logistics entirely. On a flat trail, going out and back is less of a chore than it sounds.
Before you drive out
Check Missouri State Parks’ trail conditions page for closures, which happen after floods and during repairs. Lock the car and keep valuables out of sight, and tell someone where you parked and where you’re riding.
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