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St. Charles, MO: Off the Katy Trail
Explore Missouri's legendary Katy Trail and a series of neighboring trail systems on this low-key, 14-mile ride along the Missouri River.
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| Author: | Bicycling Magazine |
| Activity: | Mountain Biking |
| State: | Missouri (MO) |
| Distance: | 13.98 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
Pedal past the banks of the mighty Missouri River on several trail systems—the Katy Trail, Eco Park trails and Louis H. Bangert Wildlife Area—on this 14-mile loop outside of downtown St. Charles. This ride begins in the lot behind Momentum Cycles on Main Street, just minutes from the Katy Trail.
Head north on the Katy Trail to access Eco Park near mile 1.2. While the Katy Trail consists of hard-packed dirt and gravel, the Eco Park trails are comprised of a looser variety of sand and crushed rock. Either way, you'll need a mountain bike or hybrid to adequately navigate these trails. While exploring the Eco Park network, you'll cruise by several access points to the wide, steady-flowing Missouri en route to the ride's northern turnaround point. (Though presently unconnected, this point will eventually link to the Machens section of the Katy Trail.)
After turning around, follow the Katy Trail south—past the ride's start point—to the Louis H. Bangert Wildlife Area. This 160-acre island features 3 miles of cycling trails, but can be inaccessible when the river floods after heavy rain. Tack additional miles onto your ride by continuing south to the Page Avenue Expressway and following the bridge's bike lane across the river to the Creve Coeur Park. Otherwise, return to Momentum Cycles by retracing your route on the Katy Trail toward St. Charles.
-Mapped by John Pokorny
TO TRAILHEAD: This ride starts at Momentum Cycles. From I-70, take exit 229B and merge onto S. 5th St. After 1 mile, turn right on Jefferson St., then turn right at Main St. Momentum Cycles is on the left.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
St. Charlies, Missouri: Off the Katy Trail
| Distance: 13.98 mi | Points: 326 |
Points of Interest
Momentum Cycles
Location: 38.781232, -90.481666Leave your car in the lot behind Momentum Cycles on Main Street. Then head east one block on Jefferson Street to reach the Katy Trail.
Katy Trail
Location: 38.780756, -90.480357Turn left and head north on the Katy Trail.
Wetlands
Location: 38.795012, -90.472442Due to the Katy Trail's proximity to the shores of the Missouri River, much of the terrain you ride through will be swampy wetlands. © John Pokorny
Bridge
Location: 38.795052, -90.472460© John Pokorny
Trail View
Location: 38.800629, -90.468378The trail here meanders through humid woodlands next to the Missouri River. With barely any elevation change or obstacles on the trail, you can turn on cruise control while meandering through the woods. © John Pokorny
Eco Park
Location: 38.801996, -90.468442Access the Eco Park trail network off the Katy Trail by heading east toward the river. © John Pokorny
Missouri River
Location: 38.802941, -90.465771Creep to the very banks of the mighty Missouri River while pedaling through the Eco Park trail system near mile 2.8. © John Pokorny
Trail Ends
Location: 38.808154, -90.463325The undeveloped section of the Katy Trail begins here. This trail will eventually connect to the Katy Trail section between North St. Charles and Machens. Currently, this is the ride's turnaround point. © John Pokorny
South
Location: 38.780873, -90.480298Upon reaching the turn-off for Jefferson Street, continue heading south to access the Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area and Creve Coeur Park across the river.
South Riverside Drive Tunnel
Location: 38.766946, -90.489256Cross under I-70 using the South Riverside Drive Tunnel. © John Pokorny
Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area
Location: 38.762119, -90.493076The Louis H. Banger Memorial Wildlife Area is a 160-acre preserve on a small island dipping into the Missouri River (the area offers 3 miles of hiking and cycling trails). During periods of heavy rain, the river separating the island and mainland rises dramatically and makes the island's trails impassable. © John Pokorny
Remnants of Flood
Location: 38.761918, -90.492829Still inundated from a 2008 flooding, the trails were too muddy to ride when this route was mapped. © John Pokorny
Page Avenue Extension
Location: 38.738574, -90.522822Access Creve Coeur Park by riding the Page Overpass across the Missouri River. To forgo the trails in the park across the river, turn around here and retrace the Katy Trail back to Momentum Cycles. © John Pokorny
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