Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Welcome to Katy Trail State Park, one of more than 80 parks and historic sites managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Whether you are a beginning or ending your journey, Clinton is the western terminus of the park. From this point, the Katy Trail stretches 238 miles east across the midsection of Missouri, connecting more than 30 communities and cities.

The Katy Trail follows the now-historic corridor of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (MKT), constructed between 1870 and 1893. The MKT contributed greatly to the economy of mid-Missouri by encouraging development of several towns along its route, such Pilot Grove, Mokane and McKittrick. The railroad became the lifeblood of many communities by importing manufactured goods from around the world, and exporting local commodities such as corn, hay, livestock, coal, shoes, and pottery. Railroads provided quick and convenient transportation and even delivered the mail.

Today, trail users can rediscover the railroad heyday as they travel over truss and trestle bridges and past restored depots, making the grade into towns and villages where trains were once anticipated. Yet there is much more to experience beyond the culture of railroads. Osage Indians, Lewis and Clark, and the Boones traveled portions of this same corridor, while steamboats plied the nearby Missouri River. Travelers will also encounter remnant prairies, bottomland forests, towering bluffs and rich agricultural lands. This and much more lies between Clinton and Machens.

Generally, Katy Trail Park is 100 feet wide and is dissected by a 10-foot-wide trail, surfaced with crushed limestone called "pug". Private land borders most of the park. There are 26 official trailheads and three additional parking areas. The park is open during daylight hours to non-motorized forms of recreation.

[Far Left Photo: Visitors rediscover the railroad heyday along the Katy Trail at Boonville's restored train depot.]
Department of Natural Resources file photo.
[2nd From Left Photo: A Katy Trail volunteer helps a bicycle rider.]
Department of Natural Resources file photo.
[2nd From Right Photo: Train depots were often the center of community activities, such as in 1917 when citizens of Calhoun came to say farewell to the minister.]
Photo courtesy of John Brecht.
[Far Right Photo: The Katy Trail follows the now-historic corridor of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (MKT), constructed between 1870 and 1893. Above crews construct a bridge over Moniteau Creek near the Rocheport tunnel.]
Used by permission, State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia.

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