MKT Trail and Katy Trail

The MKT Trail (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) runs southwest from downtown Columbia for about 5 km before joining the Katy Trail, which follows the Missouri River valley for 240 miles across the state. Together they represent one of the best rail-trail systems in the United States — flat, scenic, and well-maintained.

The Columbia section of the MKT is an easy ride or walk, passing through woodland and creek bottomland before reaching the Katy Trail junction. From there, cyclists can follow the river east through the pretty river town of Hartsburg or west toward Jefferson City. The trail surface is compacted gravel, suitable for hybrid or gravel bikes. Bikes can be rented in Columbia from several shops near the campus, or at outfitters along the Katy Trail.

things to do sight
A story
The Katy Trail follows the route of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad along the Missouri River valley for 240 miles — the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the United States. The MKT Trail connects it to downtown Columbia. On the Katy Trail itself, you can cycle between small river towns that feel unchanged since the railroad stopped running, past limestone bluffs and through bottomland forest.