Missouri’s Katy Trail is a bucket-list destination for cyclists, stretching over 240 miles from Clinton to Machens. While guided tours offer structured experiences, they can be expensive and restrict your schedule. A self-guided bike trip gives you the freedom to ride at your own pace, plan your stops, and plan your budget—all while still enjoying the beauty of the trail.

At Mile Marker 100.8, The Mercantile on the Katy Trail in McKittrick (Hermann) is the perfect starting point, overnight stay, or halfway stop for riders taking on the trail—whether you’re tackling the full route or enjoying a scenic weekend trip. Here’s how to plan your own budget-friendly Katy Trail adventure! 🚲

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🚴 Why The Mercantile is the Best Katy Trail Lodging for Cyclists

When planning a self-guided Katy Trail trip, the right lodging can make or break your experience. The Mercantile on the Katy Trail is literally on the trail, meaning no detours, no backtracking—just easy, seamless access. Here’s why we’re the best choice for Katy Trail cyclists:

✅ Direct Trail Access – Roll in and out without leaving the trail.

✅ Cyclist-Friendly Suites – Enjoy laundry machines, drying racks, fast WiFi, and smart TVs in every suite.

✅ Bike Amenities – Wash your bike, store it securely inside your suite or our barn, and start the next day fresh.

✅ Relax & Recharge – Our patio and fire pit offer the perfect way to unwind after a long ride.

✅ Stock Up Before You Ride – Need trail snacks or cash? Loutre Market & the Marathon Gas Station (both nearby) offer essentials and ATM access.

✅ Easy Access to Hermann – A local shuttle service takes you into Hermann for wineries, restaurants, and shopping. 🍷

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🚲 Budget-Friendly Itinerary: Cycling the Katy Trail Without a Tour

If you want to ride the full west-to-east route, McKittrick is a perfect halfway overnight stay. Here’s a 5-day itinerary, with daily distances of 35-50 miles—the recommended pace for most cyclists.

🚴 Day 1: Clinton to Sedalia (~36 miles)

📍 Start: Clinton Trailhead (Mile Marker 264.6)

Ride through rolling farmland and quiet countryside.
Overnight Stay: Sedalia offers hotels and cyclist-friendly B&Bs.

🚴 Day 2: Sedalia to Rocheport (~48 miles)

📍 Start: Sedalia → Rocheport (Mile Marker 178.3)

Experience Missouri River bluffs & tunnels—scenic views on the trail.
Overnight Stay: Stay at Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest in Rocheport.

🚴 Day 3: Rocheport to McKittrick (~47 miles)

📍 Start: Rocheport → McKittrick (Mile Marker 100.8)

Ride through small historic towns and Missouri River landscapes.
Overnight Stay: The Mercantile on the Katy Trail 🏡🚲
- Do laundry, wash your bike, and relax with a fire pit evening.
- Stock up at Loutre Market before hitting the trail again.
- Explore Hermann (via shuttle) for local food and wine.

🚴 Day 4: McKittrick to Augusta (~34 miles)

📍 Start: McKittrick → Augusta (Mile Marker 66.3)

Ride past vineyards, historic landmarks, and small towns.
Overnight Stay: Augusta offers B&Bs, inns, and wine-country stays.

🚴 Day 5: Augusta to St. Charles (~27 miles)

📍 Start: Augusta → St. Charles (Mile Marker 39.5)

Ride through scenic Missouri wine country into historic St. Charles.
Celebrate your ride with local dining & accommodations. 🎉

🚲 Weekend Option: McKittrick Loop & Hermann Escape

If you don’t want to ride the entire trail, but still want an adventure, try this loop-based weekend trip. This lets you ride west one day, east the next, and explore Hermann along the way.

🚴 Day 1: McKittrick to Rocheport (~45 miles round-trip)

Ride west along bluffs and tunnels toward Rocheport.
Turn around and stay at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail. 🏡

🚴 Day 2: McKittrick to Augusta (~50 miles round-trip)

Ride east toward Augusta, stopping for wineries & small-town exploring.
Return to The Mercantile for a comfortable night.

🍷 Day 3: Explore Hermann

Bike or shuttle into Hermann for wineries, distilleries, and historic sites.
Enjoy a relaxing final night at The Mercantile before heading home.

🏡 Where to Stay on Your Katy Trail Bike Trip

Your overnight accommodations can make or break your trip. Here’s a quick recommended stay plan:

📍 Clinton → Sedalia (~36 miles) → Stay in Sedalia

📍 Sedalia → Rocheport (~48 miles) → Stay at Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest

📍 Rocheport → McKittrick (~47 miles) → Stay at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail 🚲

📍 McKittrick → Augusta (~34 miles) → Stay in Augusta

📍 Augusta → St. Charles (~27 miles) → Stay in St. Charles

🚴 Plan Your Self-Guided Katy Trail Adventure!

A self-guided Katy Trail tour lets you ride on your terms and experience the trail your way. You can follow your itinerary and stay in comfortable cyclist-friendly lodging like The Mercantile on the Katy Trail.

✅ Direct Trail Access 🚲

✅ Bike Storage & Cleaning 🏡

✅ Laundry & Comfort 👕

✅ Food, Drinks, & Local Fun 🍷

📍 Ready to start your adventure? Book your stay today!👉 Reserve at The Mercantile on the Katy Trail

Self-Guided Katy Trail Cycling: Budget-Friendly Trip Itineraries & Tips