Outdoor News
What’s New with Katy Trail State Park – The 30th Anniversary, Flood Recovery and the New Trail Advisory Map
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his year marks a milestone year for Katy Trail State Park, the big 3-0! From its inception and throughout its 30-year history, Katy Trail State Park has provided recreation, and opportunities to explore natural and cultural resources for up to 400,000 annual visitors. The Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-trail in the United States and is in the national Railto-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame. Along its route, the trail hugs steep bluffs, wanders close to the Missouri River, cuts through thick forest and crosses gently rolling prairies and fields. The recreational corridor allows hikers and bicyclists to pass through many communities and explore a slice of rural Missouri history. Due to last year’s wet spring and summer, many areas of the trail were closed along the Missouri River from flooding and for trail recovery, requiring special attention from Missouri State Parks’ construction crews and maintenance staff.
Katy Trail State Park. (Photo: Courtesy of Missouri State Parks)
Numerous projects along the trail have already been completed through the winter months in preparation for the Katy’s on-season; however, continuous efforts are being made to improve surfacing, bridges and washed out areas. In addition to the team’s hard work, volunteers from local areas along the trail have provided tremendous assistance cleaning up trash and debris from the flooding. As you plan for your Katy Trail rides this year, be sure to check the current status of the trail using the online Katy Trail State Park Advisory Map at mostateparks.com. The map will help you know what to expect before you hit the trail, highlighting any advisories or closures due to flooding and repairs. Although the trail is open, rough areas can occur at any time due to weather variations. Travel with caution and view the map in advance so you can safely enjoy the views and wildlife, history and cultural and natural resources that the Katy Trail has to offer!
JULY - 2020
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