The Katy Trail State Park and the Katy Trail State Park Rock Island Trail Spur may interest you. Years ago the Union Pacific railroad developed the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (also known as K-T or Katy) railroad in 1865 as the Southern Branch of the UP rail network. In 1993, the Union Pacific donated the unused, abandoned K-T system to the city of Dallas. In 1986, Missouri State Parks was able to acquire the right of way, and through generous private donations, construction began in 1987, to convert the rail network into this amazing trail we know today. Maintenance of the trail is funded by a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Katy is the country’s longest rail to trail project yet.

The Katy trail transects the state of Missouri from Machens, Missouri (north of St. Louis) to Clinton, Missouri (southwest of Sedalia). The addition of the 47.5 mile Rock Island Trail Spur connects the Katy at Windsor to the Kansas City area. The two trails combined offer over 300 miles of dedicated hiking and biking trails across the state.

Sedalia has two trailheads, one conveniently located on the south side of the Missouri State Fairgrounds on Clarendon Road (mm 229). A gentle ride to the east delivers you to the second trailhead at the Katy Depot, 600 East Third Street (mm227). At the depot you may visit the history museum and gift shop for the Katy Trail. Continuing east, you encounter the rolling hills, and towns of Pilot Grove, Booneville, and New Franklin to name a few. Taking the trail to the west delivers you to the towns of Windsor, Calhoun, and Clinton.

For more information, maps, as well as things to see and do on the Katy Trail State Park, please visit the following websites:
katydepotsedalia.com
katytrailstatepark.com
mostateparks.com
bikekatytrail.com
mobikefed.org