The nation’s longest rail trail begins in Cass County
Katy Trail, Rock Island Spur, beginning in Pleasant Hill, Mo., in Cass County
Hop aboard the Rock Island Spur of the Katy trail in Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Trail Katy Trail, Rock Island Spur
Overview
Pleasant Hill, Mo., in Cass County, is home to the westernmost trail head of the 287-mile long Katy Trail. It’s the longest recreational rail trail in the United States. The Katy begins here and terminates in St. Charles County (near St. Louis). More specifically, this 47-mile section is known as the Rock Island Spur. It ends in Windsor, Mo., but connects with the rest of the trail there. The viewing experience on this section is mostly pastoral farm country, with minimal elevation changes.Extras The trail head is adjacent to Pleasant Hill’s historic downtown district, which is worth visiting in and of itself. View photos and learn more.
Length The complete trail is 287 miles long.
Address and location The trailhead and parking is at the Cass County Fairgrounds, MO-58, Pleasant Hill, Mo., 64080. If you require street coordinates, the parking lot is at the intersection of 58 Highway and Walnut Street in Pleasant Hill. Although this address is the official trailhead and the only area parking for the trail, it is not the actual start of the path itself. To get there, you’ll need to follow the signs and then walk or bike about 0.4 miles down Highway 58 to enter the trail. Most of the route has no sidewalk. Keep this in mind if you are bringing children. If there are two drivers, one could drop others off at the beginning of the route and return to park the vehicle. The entire experience is clearly marked, but could be frustrating if it’s unexpected.
An alternative is to park at the Purvis Road trailhead, which is three miles southeast of the main trailhead. Location: 19917 S. Purvis Rd, Pleasant Hill, Mo. 64080.
Conditions The Katy Trail is an amazing gift to the people of Missouri. It’s surface is pea gravel and it’s well marked. There are very few elevation changes on the Rock Island Spur of the trail. Note that the trail quickly becomes a remote location without access to water or restrooms, so plan accordingly.
Kid friendly? Once you get past the trail head (read above), this is a quiet, wide open walk that is well suited to children, strollers and kids’ bikes.
How busy? Although it’s possible for the Katy Trail to be busy at its more popular destinations, it’s unusual in Cass County.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).
Bikes Non-motorized bicycles are permitted.
