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Routes
United States
Missouri
St. Louis County
Chesterfield

Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge

Routes
United States
Missouri
St. Louis County
Chesterfield

Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge

Hard

3.1

(18)

96

riders

Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge

05:20

97.9km

250m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 29, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 351 m for 91 m

After 97.6 km for 91 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

2.17 km

Katy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Katy Trail extends from Greens Bottom Road to Missouri Research Trail. Here, you'll discover a shady, compact gravel road with views of the Missouri River.

Tip by

2

12.2 km

Hamburg Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Hamburg Trail connects the Katy Trail with the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. It's a vital 6-mile trail that connects to both the Mound and Lost Valley areas.

Tip by

3

15.2 km

Historic Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Here you will reach a historic iron bridge that spans over Femme Osage Creek just before entering Defiance. This is a particularly significant part of the Katy Trail, adding to its historical charm.

Tip by

4

22.2 km

Sunflower Silo

Highlight • Monument

A sight for sore eyes! Two local artists painted a mural on three abandoned 40-foot-tall silos that can be seen right off the trail. They capture the essence of Missouri's farmland and bright blue skies.

Tip by

5

27.1 km

Katy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Katy Trail from Matson to Augusta or vice versa offers mostly shaded paths, providing views of bluffs, wooden bridges, and glimpses of Klondike Park and the surrounding rural area along the way.

Tip by

6

49.0 km

Bums Cave

Highlight • Cave

Known locally as “Devil’s Boot Cave,” this natural overhang carved in sandstone resembles the shape of a boot and stretches roughly 25 feet deep and wide, near Marthasville. Once used …

Tip by

7

77.5 km

Matson

Highlight • Settlement

Matson is a small town situated right along the trail. Within the town, you can discover an antique shop and a sizable parking lot. This spot is popular for people …

Tip by

8

80.2 km

Defiance

Highlight • Settlement

Defiance is a small town situated along Highway 94 and the Katy Trail. Serving as a gateway to the Missouri wine country, whether you're beginning, ending, or simply taking a …

Tip by

B

97.9 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

80.2 km

11.7 km

5.03 km

939 m

179 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

50.6 km

42.9 km

2.29 km

1.51 km

712 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (200 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Thursday 11 June

34°C

22°C

77 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for one of the most popular routes for gravel biking in Missouri, the Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge delivers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This difficult 60.8-mile (97.9 km) gravel ride, with 823 feet (251 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for experienced cyclists seeking a long-distance journey through diverse landscapes and historical sites.

What to expect on Katy Trail – Katy Trail loop from Daniel Boone Bridge

This loop offers a journey through varied scenery, making it a standout among gravel biking trails. You'll ride along the Missouri River, often with impressive limestone bluffs rising beside you, and pass through dense forests, open farmlands, and wetlands. The Katy Trail's terrain and elevation are generally gentle, built on a former railroad corridor, but the sheer distance requires very good fitness. You'll encounter historic sites, including the Daniel Boone Home near Defiance, and numerous old trestle bridges, adding a rich historical layer to your ride. The surface is primarily packed crushed limestone, which is smooth but can become soft after rain or dusty when dry, so wider tires are recommended for comfort.

Planning your visit

Accessing the Katy Trail from the Daniel Boone Bridge is straightforward, thanks to a dedicated paved bike and pedestrian path that connects directly to the trail. Parking is available near the bridge, though it's always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, as this is a popular access point for gravel biking. The trail is well-maintained with plentiful trailheads and amenities along its length. While the Katy Trail is generally accessible year-round, spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather conditions for this long ride, avoiding the summer heat and humidity.

Trail details

  • Distance: 60.8 miles (97.9 km)
  • Elevation gain: 823 feet (251 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 5 hours and 20 minutes

Nearby routes

Moderate

26

Historic Bridge – Defiance loop from Weldon Spring Heights

02:03h

35.7km

130m

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