Katy Trail From St. Charles To Machens Is A 25-Mile Path In Missouri That Winds Alongside The Missouri River, Wildflowers, And Farmland
Beth Price-Williams
Author
One of the most well-known hiking trails in Missouri, the Katy Trail spans 240 miles, traveling along the former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. (The railroad was also known as Katy.) While hiking the entire trail is bucket list-worthy, most hikers prefer to complete the journey in sections. This 25-mile path, one of the best river hikes in Missouri, will take you from St. Charles to Machens, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Missouri River, colorful wildflowers, and rolling farmland.
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If you’ve been searching for the “best hikes near me,” add this one to your bucket list! Have you hiked St. Charles to Machens, one of the best river hikes in Missouri? What did you think? Do you have any tips for those who plan to hike it? Share your experience in the comments! Still looking for more fun hiking trails? Check out 18 of the best hiking trails in Missouri. For more of the best hiking trails in Missouri, check out AllTrails.
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Outdoor Activities In Missouri
What are some of the best things to do outside in Missouri?
Missouri is the place to be for outdoor activities any time of the year. However, if you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Missouri in spring, here are a few to help you get started.
- Stroll past fields of lavender at Long Row Lavender Farm in Wright City. The farm is open seasonally from March through late fall, which means you have plenty of time to visit.
- If you want to admire the wildflowers, visit Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit during the spring and summer. However, it’s a picture-perfect destination all year.
- For a fairy tale experience, visit the Japanese Mizumoto Garden in Springfield. Part of the larger Springfield Botanical Gardens, this enchanting garden features footbridges, a waterfall, and stepping stones.
- Come face-to-face with local wildlife, including elk, along the White Bison Trail at Lone Elk Park in St. Louis. This one’s not a dog-friendly trail, though.