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St. Charles to Machens - Katy Trail - 1 member in 3 triplogs has rated this an average 2 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
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Aug 26 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
St. Charles to Machens - Katy TrailNortheast, MO
St. Charles to Machens - Katy Trail
Northeast, MO
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2024
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking6.16 Miles 86 AEG
Hiking6.16 Miles   2 Hrs   8 Mns   2.89 mph
86 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Early morning hike on the Katy. Got to the Black Walnut TH around 5:30. Still dark out, but the limestone path was easy to follow in the darkness. Went from mile marker 30 to 27. Trail was pretty much what I’d seen on the previous stretch: a tree lined path surrounded by farmlands. No Missouri River. At mile 27 the trails ends at Machens. This is an odd ending (or beginning) for such a long trail. There is no access to it, so you need to hike in. Machens is line by trees, has a bathroom and an info board. As I was nearing Machens a train was approaching where this old rail line use to run. Kind of neat. Not much to this segment of the trail, but it was nice to get it done. If you happen to make it to Machens be sure to ring the bell. I didn’t see anyone on the trail today. Just me, the toads and the cobwebs. 8-[
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Aug 24 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
St. Charles to Machens - Katy TrailNortheast, MO
St. Charles to Machens - Katy Trail
Northeast, MO
Hiking avatar Aug 24 2024
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking8.10 Miles 130 AEG
Hiking8.10 Miles   2 Hrs   19 Mns   3.50 mph
130 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Belated post. I did several days of hiking on the Katy Trail while in Missouri. This was my second day of hiking the Katy Trail. I wanted to pick up from where I left off, so I drove out to Black Walnut TH. This TH is only about 15 minutes past the St. Charles TH and provides another starting point for the Katy Trail. The TH has an info board and parking for about 6 cars. Got to the TH around 5:30am.

Headed south from the Black Walnut TH. Still dark out. Not that you need much light for this trail. Very flat and straight. Also, the trail is composed of crushed limestone, which is chalky white, so it kind of stood out in the darkness. I was surprised by how the trail was lined by trees. When I had turned around the day before it looked like the trail was heading into open farmlands. And it was, but what I didn’t realize was that the trail was lined by trees more times than not. This provided for a shady hike and kept the boredom of just seeing farmlands from being a problem. In fact, the openings and farm views were actually observations destinations. :y: Wahoo! Not really, but they did offer variety from the tree lined path. Started at mile marker 30 and hiked out to marker 34 and turned around. No sign of the Missouri River. There were three road crossings along the way, but almost no activity on them. The one noteworthy site along the way was the Black Walnut Cemetery around mile marker 31. This cemetery had some history and was kind of cool to check out.

Weather was great, in the 60’s. Encountered 3 bikers and 1 trail runner. Saw quite a few toads on the trail and two deer. Sticky, spider webs were common annoyance. I constantly seemed to be trying to “de-web” myself. (The trail was very wide - 10 feet or more, you wouldn’t think that would be a problem).
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Aug 23 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
St. Charles to Machens - Katy TrailNortheast, MO
St. Charles to Machens - Katy Trail
Northeast, MO
Hiking avatar Aug 23 2024
mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387
Hiking6.95 Miles 130 AEG
Hiking6.95 Miles   2 Hrs   12 Mns   3.16 mph
130 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Belated post. Hiked this trail over several days. Got started from St. Charles (DuSable Park) around 6am and headed north towards Machens. The trail doesn’t bring a lot, but it’s a nice way to get some miles and get out of the city. Heading north, (just before mile marker 37), the trail is very straight and flat. There is a decent stretch of forest that borders the trail on the east side. Provided shade from the morning sun and blocked most of the views of the Missouri River. There were a couple of spurs that provided nice views of the river. The west side of the trail provided more diversity in views ranging from the backside of small businesses and the beginning of farmland. There was a pleasant stretch between markers 35 and 34 that was completely enclosed in forest. During this segment I also encountered the lowest point in the Katy Trail. The change in elevation is so minor that it wouldn’t have been noticeable without the sign. Turned around at mile marker 34 after exiting the forest. I was surprised to discover that at some point while in the forest, I had lost the Missouri River. The trail was now completely surrounded by farmland.

Trail was very crowded. Encountered 7 bikers, 2 hikers and 38 runners (most of them were Lindenwood cross country runners). Saw about 6 deer.
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average hiking speed 2.89 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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