The Katy Trail is a 240-mile rail-to-trail conversion that follows the Missouri River valley from St. Charles in the east to Clinton in the west, passing right through Jefferson City. It is the longest developed rail trail in the United States, and the stretch through the Missouri River valley is among the most scenic — limestone bluffs rise directly from the river on one side, cottonwood bottoms and cornfields on the other.
Jefferson City makes a natural midpoint stop on a longer trail ride, but the trail is equally good for a day's cycling with no grand ambitions. The trailhead near the river connects easily to the downtown area, and the Capitol City Brewing Company is a short ride from the trail. Bikes can be rented in Jefferson City if you didn't bring your own.