48 miles of hiking, biking, or stroller running awaits at Rock Island!

If you are looking for a place to hike or bike in Missouri, you aren’t going to do much better than Katy Trail State Park, which is the longest developed rail-trail in the country. All told the Katy Trail stretches for an impressive 240 miles!

If you’re in west-central Missouri, you simply must visit the 48 mile Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians can hop on the trail at Pleasant Hill and ride all the way to Windsor, where the Rock Island Spur connects with the Katy Trail. While additional trailheads are also available at Leeton, Chilhowee, and Medford, we like Pleasant Hill the most.

While hikers may not be able to make it as far, cyclists will have the opportunity to travel through prairies, farmlands and woodlands on their journey. The trail surface is a well compacted, crushed limestone that most bikes should be able to navigate. The trail surface can be more problematic after a rain, when the surface becomes soft though so it’s best to do your family bike trip after a stretch of dry weather!

Hikers and Bikers who decide to start their journey at Pleasant Hill will also be able to take advantage of wandering through the adorable downtown area that is home to shops, artisans and eateries. The town also hosts farmer’s markets and other events. If you do opt to start your journey in Pleasant Hill, you can park at the town’s restored train depot on Broadway Street. (You can utilize the protected bicycle lane that goes out of the Train Depot Parking Lot and runs along Broadway and Oak to make it to the trailhead. Follow the markings you and you can’t miss it!)

Whether you’re looking for an easy family hiking trail or a longer option for a family bike trip, the Rock Island Spur is the perfect option!