Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
Missouri
St. Charles County
Defiance

Katy Trail

Hard

4.8

(2615)

16,102

runners

Katy Trail

02:56

24.3km

40m

Running

Jog the difficult 15.1-mile Katy Trail in Katy Trail State Park, gaining 133 feet in elevation through diverse natural scenery.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

88 m

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

2

483 m

Katy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This segment of the Katy Trail runs between Defiance and Matson, shadowing Highway 94 and featuring multiple wooden bridge crossings. This part of the trail offers partial shade and treats you to glimpses of bluffs and cornfields along the way.

Tip by

3

2.86 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

4

4.46 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

8.74 km

Katy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Katy Trail from Matson to Augusta 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

12.2 km

Augusta

Highlight • Settlement

Augusta is a historic town nestled among rolling hills on the Missouri River bluffs. Incorporated in 1855, it proudly holds the distinction of being America's first designated wine region, recognized …

Tip by

B

24.3 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.4 km

983 m

894 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

22.7 km

1.22 km

283 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

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

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Wednesday 6 May

17°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like for jogging on this section of the Katy Trail?

This section of the Katy Trail, like much of the Missouri Katy Trail State Park, features a primarily crushed limestone surface. It's mostly flat, being a converted railway, with only minimal grade long hills. While generally easy for jogging, the surface can pack hard and be dusty in dry conditions, or become sandy and squishy when wet.

Is this section of the Katy Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, this part of the Katy Trail is largely flat and generally considered easy for jogging, making it suitable for beginners. The main challenge for new joggers might be the distance of approximately 24 km, but the gentle terrain is very forgiving.

What can I see along the route from Defiance to Augusta?

This scenic route offers diverse natural beauty, including views of the Missouri River, expansive floodplains, and towering limestone bluffs. You'll pass through charming settlements like Defiance and Augusta, and can spot unique landmarks such as the Sunflower Silo near Matson.

Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, this route is part of several other notable trails. It fully covers sections of the ADT - Missouri - L - Seg 2, the Katy Trail, and the Katy Trail State Park. You'll also find it intersects with parts of the Lewis & Clark Trail.

What is the best time of year to jog the Katy Trail?

The Missouri Katy Trail offers diverse natural scenery that changes with the seasons. Spring and fall are often ideal, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot, but early mornings or evenings are pleasant. Winter jogging is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially icy or muddy conditions.

Are dogs allowed on the Katy Trail, and what are the rules?

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Katy Trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and local wildlife. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Katy Trail State Park?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access and use the Katy Trail State Park for activities like jogging. It is a public state park, freely accessible to all.

Where can I find parking and trailheads for this section?

For this segment, you can typically find parking at the trailheads in Defiance and Augusta. These towns are well-known access points for the Katy Trail and usually offer designated parking areas for trail users.

Are there cafes, pubs, or accommodation options near this jogging route?

Yes, the Katy Trail in Missouri is designed to be accessible, with food, lodging, and camping options conveniently located in towns along its route. Both Defiance and Augusta are charming towns that offer various amenities, including places to eat and stay, making them great spots to start, end, or take a break during your jog.

What kind of wildlife might I spot while jogging?

The diverse natural scenery along the Missouri River and through forests and prairies means you have a good chance of spotting various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other small mammals that inhabit the river corridor and surrounding natural areas.

Is this a loop trail or an out-and-back route?

This specific route from Defiance to Augusta is an out-and-back section of the much longer Katy Trail. You would jog from one town to the other and then return the same way, or arrange for a shuttle at one end.

Nearby routes

Moderate

129

Lakeview Loop Trail

00:54h

8.50km

20m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy